Deadline to File Claim in Copyright Case Extended

TORONTO , Jan. 30 /CNW/ - A historic settlement has been reached between freelance writer Heather Robertson and several major Canadian media outlets in a class action lawsuit concerning e-rights for writers. Under the terms of the settlement, which was approved by the Superior Court of Ontario on August 12, 2009 , the defendants have agreed to pay $11 million .

Over 350 Canadian publications were cited in the case, including The Globe and Mail, Maclean's, Chatelaine, Canadian Geographic, Toronto Life and now defunct Saturday Night magazine. Freelance writers and artists who contributed to any of the specified media outlets may be eligible to claim settlement money. Staff writers are not eligible to participate in the settlement.

The deadline for filing a claim with Cole & Partners, the claims administrator, has been extended by Order of the Court to March 30, 2010 , at 5:00 p.m. , Toronto time. Class members must file a duly completed Claim Form with Cole & Partners by that date in order to participate in the claims process.

Further information concerning the Settlement can be obtained by contacting Class Counsel, Koskie Minsky LLP, or Cole & Partners, the Court appointed Claims Administrator.

Claim forms can be downloaded at www.kmlaw.ca/robertsonvthomson.

For further information: Koskie Minsky can be reached, toll-free, at 1-866-777-6323 or [email protected]; Cole & Partners can be reached at [phone], or [email protected]