Latest news with #SOCAN
CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Why SOCAN is suing a Quebec City music festival for copyright infringement
Social Sharing The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) is suing Quebec City's Festival d'Été de Québec (FEQ) music festival for copyright. In the lawsuit, which was first reported by The National Post, SOCAN says the festival infringed copyright by performing or authorizing the performance of musical works under its repertoire, without a license and without paying the royalties, in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The FEQ is among the biggest outdoor festivals in Canada. Every year, the 11-day event gathers a star-studded lineup of artists with some shows drawing 90,000 people each night in Quebec City. But this year, on its first day on July 3, FEQ was hit with a lawsuit from SOCAN, which represents over 200,000 Canadian music writers, composers and publishers. The FEQ argued that its charitable status means it doesn't have to pay the fees. But experts in copyright law say it's not a strong defence. What does SOCAN want? Music composers, authors and publishers hold copyrights over their works and have the right to license the use of their music to those who want to play or perform them. SOCAN grants licenses and collects royalties on their behalf. Instead of paying these artists the fees directly, those playing the music can cut the check to SOCAN, who will redistribute the funds. Any public venue playing music has to pay royalty and licensing fees to SOCAN, whether it's a restaurant, bar or festival. But, SOCAN says the FEQ has been avoiding paying their fees by claiming that their charity status exempts them from doing so. It's an argument they've been using for a while, said Alexandre Alonso, SOCAN's director of Quebec affairs. He didn't specify if the festival had been avoiding payment for more than three years, stating SOCAN couldn't comment on the FEQ's actions beyond what is in the statement of claim. What SOCAN is asking from the festival is "simple," Alonso said, adding that SOCAN doesn't accept the FEQ's argument. "They are paying everybody, the vendors, the technicians, the artists on stage, but they don't pay the license fees," he said. He said SOCAN is open to negotiating with the festival outside the courts. "If they want to come and have that conversation and find a solution for the payment, we are still open," he said. No specific amount of money is claimed in the lawsuit. Alonso says it should equal three per cent of the festival's revenue for paid events or three per cent of the artist performance fee for free events. It's information that the FEQ hasn't disclosed to SOCAN, he says, making it impossible to estimate the amount they could be owed. CBC News reached out to the FEQ about prior exchanges with SOCAN on this issue. In an emailed statement, they declined to comment. How common is this? SOCAN enforcing copyright laws is nothing new. The organization often does so for smaller venues, including restaurants and theatres, says Madeleine Lamothe-Samson, a lawyer specializing in copyright law. "What's new is that SOCAN is now suing some very well known festival," she said. Compared to those who run local restaurants, and who might be unaware of the intricacies of licensing and royalty fees, she says music festivals ought to know their obligations. In 2022, SOCAN successfully sued a local restaurant in Alberta for copyright infringement and was entitled to nearly $150,000. In 2019, it sued another restaurant for just under $25,000. What is the FEQ's claim? In a statement sent to Radio-Canada on Friday, the festival has denied any wrongdoing. It maintains it was well within its right as a registered charity. The festival, also known as the Festival d'Été International de Québec (FEIQ), has been a registered charity since 1974. By virtue of its mission and legal status, the festival claims it is exempt under the Copyright Act from the payment of royalties to authors, composers and publishers. Copyright lawyer, Madeleine Lamothe-Samson, says this claim has no merit. "It's irrelevant. You still pay your electricity bill if you're a charity, you've got to pay," she said. "They know they don't have any argument," said Ysolde Gendreau, professor of law at the Université de Montréal (UdeM) specializing in copyright law. She added that the festival is likely using a common tactic: "They probably say 'I won't bother [to pay] and eventually if they really mean something, they'll sue me,'" she said. What's next? Lamothe-Samson sees a straightforward resolution to this case, suspecting it will not proceed to trial and will instead be settled before the next edition of the festival. Gendreau agrees with this outcome, but also sees the lawsuit as a potential "warning" to other venues who aren't paying SOCAN. "If the user does not want to pay, then it cannot play the music," she said.
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
THE CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION® REVEALS THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2025 CCMA AWARDS PRESENTED BY TD
CTV IS THE EXCLUSIVE HOME TO THE 2025 CCMA AWARDS PRESENTED BY TD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, AIRING LIVE AT 8 P.M. ET ON CTV, AND STREAMING ON AND THE CTV APP TORONTO, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Country Music Association ® (CCMA ®) is thrilled to reveal the official nominees for the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD. Hosted by comedian, actor, and cultural icon Tom Green, the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD will broadcast live on September 13 from Prospera Place, marking the show's first-ever stop in Kelowna. CTV is the exclusive home of Canada's biggest night in country music, on Saturday, September 13, airing live at 8 p.m. ET on CTV, and the CTV app and streams next day on Crave. Visit to confirm local broadcast times. Topping this year's nominations with six nods each are Josh Ross (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Video of the Year, Single of the Year, Musical Collaboration of the Year) and Cameron Whitcomb (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN, Single of the Year), while Brett Kissel (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Male Artist of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Video of the Year, Single of the Year) and Owen Riegling (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN, Single of the Year) each earn five. Celebrating four nominations is Jade Eagleson (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Musical Collaboration of the Year), with Madeline Merlo (Female Artist of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN, Musical Collaboration of the Year), Tyler Joe Miller (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Male Artist of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year), MacKenzie Porter (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Female Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year), The Reklaws (Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light, Group or Duo of the Year, Single of the Year presented by SOCAN), and Sacha (Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock, Female Artist of the Year, Video of the Year) boasting three apiece. New to the 2025 CCMA Awards program, the Francophone Artist of the Year award will be presented to a Francophone act (solo, duo, or group) that has demonstrated exceptional achievements within the current eligibility period. This year's nominees are Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire, and Salebarbes. Country music fans across Canada can help choose the winner for the Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock (Noeline Hoffman, Zach McPhee, Sacha, Tony Stevens, Cameron Whitcomb) and the Fans' Choice Award presented by Bud Light (Jade Eagleson, High Valley, Brett Kissel, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, Josh Ross, Dallas Smith, Cameron Whitcomb) by casting their vote at Country Music Week 2025 kicks off in Kelowna on Wednesday, September 10, offering fans the unique opportunity to celebrate the magic of country music and the genre's brightest homegrown stars, all culminating with the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD on September 13, featuring performances from Madeline Merlo and Tyler Joe Miller, Sacha and Restless Road, Dallas Smith and Alexandra Kay, Thelma & James, and Cameron Whitcomb, with more exciting announcements to come. Country Music Week 2025 is made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia, Creative BC, Tourism Kelowna, the City of Kelowna, and the 2025 Host Committee. With CTV as the exclusive broadcast partner for the 43rd annual CCMA Awards presented by TD, Bell Media will deliver extensive multi-platform coverage and content across broadcast, radio, digital, and social media properties, including iHeartRadio Canada's PURE COUNTRY. Click Here For 2025 CCMA Award Nominee Graphics and the Nom Day Toolkit Media Accreditation for Country Music Week 2025 and the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD is now open - apply HERE. About The Canadian Country Music Association ® (CCMA ®) Established in 1976, the CCMA ® is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate, and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community, and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. About CTV CTV is Canada's most-watched broadcaster and has been #1 for the past 24 years in a row. CTV provides unparalleled entertainment programming across two broadcast networks and streaming from and the CTV app; a powerful suite of specialty channels including CTV Comedy Channel, CTV Drama Channel, CTV Life Channel, CTV Sci-Fi Channel, CTV Wild Channel, CTV Nature Channel, and CTV Speed Channel; and digital channels CTV Throwback and CTV Movies. CTV also features a wide range of sports and information programming, including CTV News, Canada's highest-rated national and local newscasts. Bell Media's suite of specialty channels also includes USA Network, Oxygen True Crime, Much, and E!. CTV's parent company is Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in premium video, audio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media. About TD Bank Group The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank"). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by assets and serves over 27.9 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., and TD Wealth (U.S.); Wealth Management and Insurance, including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities and TD Cowen. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 18 million active online and mobile customers. TD had $2.1 trillion in assets on April 30, 2025. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. About Creative BC Creative BC is an independent non-profit society created and supported by the Province to sustain and help grow British Columbia's creative industries: motion picture, interactive and digital media, music and sound recording, and magazine and book publishing. The organization delivers a wide range of programs and services with a mandate to expand B.C.'s creative economy. These activities include: administration of the provincial government's motion picture tax credit programs; delivery of program funding and export marketing support for the sector; and provincial film commission services. Combined, these activities serve to attract inward investment and market B.C. as a partner and destination of choice for domestic and international content creation. The agency acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help B.C.'s creative sector reach its economic, social, environmental, and creative potential both at home and globally. About Tourism Kelowna Located on the traditional, unceded territory of the syilx Okanagan People, Tourism Kelowna is the Destination Marketing & Management Organization (DMO) for Kelowna and the Central Okanagan – one of Canada's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Kelowna is a city shaped by collaboration, creativity, and a deep connection to the land. Known for its natural beauty and entrepreneurial spirit, the region brings together cultural vibrancy, four-season outdoor adventure, and a thriving food, wine, and craft beverage scene - offering rich, immersive experiences that invite visitors to slow down, connect, and savour the essence of the Okanagan. As a community, we champion sustainability, diversity, and thoughtful growth, investing in a resilient tourism industry that contributes 2.4 billion in economic impact to support local business and enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Canada's largest outdoor festival hit with lawsuit over music licensing fees
OTTAWA – As Avril Lavigne was about to take the stage at the Festival d'été de Québec (FEQ) last week, many other Canadian artists were no doubt wondering why the organizers of Canada's largest outdoor music festival had to go make things so complicated for them. The FEQ began on July 3 — just as it was being hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), National Post has learned. The not-for-profit group, which is responsible for granting licences and collecting royalties on licensed music in Canada, claims in the lawsuit filed in Federal Court that since at least July 2022 the festival's organizers 'have failed to obtain a license from SOCAN and have not paid any royalties or submitted any report forms to SOCAN.' The Festival International d'été de Québec Inc. and Bleufeu, another organizer, are named as the defendants. The festival is still ongoing and will conclude on Sunday. Many Canadian and international artists are there this year, including Rod Stewart and Shania Twain. It attracts over a million visitors each year, and receives public funding, while earning millions in revenue. SOCAN represents more than 200,000 Canadian songwriters, composers, and music publishers, as well as millions of rights holders through a network of over 100 collective societies in over 200 countries. One of them is the Montreal-based rock band Half Moon Run. Its members said they were thrilled to be the final act of the FEQ in 2022. In fact, they thought it was going to be 'the show of (their) lives.' While the show was a success, the aftermath may have been less thrilling: The group is one of 11 artists named in the SOCAN lawsuit as those allegedly impacted by the festival's non-payment. Other artists named include Walk Off the Earth, pianist Alexandra Streliski, Beyries, Tokyo Police Club, Les Trois Accords and Karkwa. 'The full extent of the Defendants' wrongful acts and infringements is not known by SOCAN but is within the knowledge of the Defendants. SOCAN will seek relief in respect of all such activities,' reads the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, despite SOCAN's notice, both organizations have 'persisted in organizing, producing and promoting the FEQ Festival, and have, by their actions, sanctioned, approved and countenanced the performances of SOCAN Musical Works' contrary to the Copyright Act. The FEQ festival organizers issued a statement Saturday afternoon, a day after the lawsuit was reported, saying they 'regret that SOCAN has chosen to file legal proceedings in the middle of the Festival.' 'This action raises questions about the timing and motivations. Furthermore, proceeding in English, in the context of a Quebec cultural event, seems inappropriate and disconnected from the reality of the environment,' reads the statement sent by Véronique Bouillé, a spokesperson for Bleufeu. In their statement, the organizers claim that under their mission and legal status, they are exempted from the payment of royalties payable to authors, composers and publishers under the Copyright Act. 'The FEQ considers this approach all the more regrettable as it has always shown active and constant support for artists and artisans, who remain at the heart of its raison d'être,' the statement said. In an email to the Post, SOCAN's legal advisor Julia Werneburg wrote that her organization is 'deeply concerned' with that justification. 'Although the Festival d'été de Québec is a registered charity, the performances it presents are virtually identical to those of its for-profit competitors, and Canadian law requires the payment of licensing fees for these performances,' she said. 'Failing to pay royalties to music creators and their publishers weakens the foundations of the music industry.' The FEQ is considered an institution in Quebec. Each year, it presents an impressive program of international artists on the famous Plains of Abraham, a historic space in Quebec City's Battlefields Park. On Friday, the federal government announced a total of $1.75 million in financial support to the organizers, including a non-repayable contribution of $1.2 million to 'engage in promotional activities internationally, to renew its brand image and to develop new products to enhance festivalgoers' experience' for this year and next year's editions. 'Our government is proud to support this artistic effervescence and to contribute to the success of an event that really brings people together,' said Heritage minister Steven Guilbeault in a statement announcing the funding. Ottawa also granted the FEQ $550,000 through Canadian Heritage's Canada Arts Presentation Fund for its program. Guilbeault's office declined to comment on the lawsuit as the matter is before the court. National Post atrepanier@ Finance minister directs cabinet colleagues to find billions in spending cuts How Carney's team full of Quebecers wants to govern Canada Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
CTV News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Festival d'été de Québec sued for copyright infringement
Festival-goers attend the Festival d'été de Québec on Friday, July 12, 2019, in Quebec City. (AP Photo provided by Amy Harris/Invision/AP/The Canadian Press) The Festival d'été de Québec (FEQ), which is coming to an end, is being sued by the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) for copyright infringement and failure to pay royalties for approximately three years, according to a report by the National Post. The lawsuit filed in Federal Court alleges that the festival organizers 'have not paid royalties or submitted reporting forms to SOCAN since July 2022,' the newspaper reported on Friday. The Festival international d'été de Québec Inc. and the BLEUFEU agency, which is behind the FEQ, are named as defendants in the case. SOCAN is responsible for licensing and collecting royalties on licensed music in Canada. It represents more than 200,000 Canadian authors, composers, and publishers, as well as millions of rights holders through a network of more than 100 collecting societies in over 200 countries. Among the 11 groups and artists named in the lawsuit are Les Trois Accords, Karkwa, Alexandra Streliski, and Montreal rock band Half Moon Run. 'SOCAN will seek redress for all of these activities,' according to court documents obtained by The National Post. In the lawsuit, SOCAN alleges that 'the organizers relied on their tax status as charities to exempt themselves from paying royalties to music creators and their publishers when their music is played at the festival venue,' the newspaper reports. 'Failure to pay royalties to music creators and their publishers undermines the foundations of the music industry and deprives them of the income they are legitimately entitled to for their work,' SOCAN said in a written statement on its website. FEQ organizers did not respond to the National Post's request for comment. The Festival d'été de Québec will conclude on Sunday after 10 days of programming. Singer Farruko, one of the most influential figures in Latin music and reggaeton, originally from Puerto Rico, will close the festivities on the Plains of Abraham on Sunday evening, starting at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday evening, pop and country music star Shania Twain will entertain the crowd. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 12, 2025.
Montreal Gazette
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
SOCAN sues Quebec City music festival over licensing fees
OTTAWA — As Avril Lavigne was about to take the stage at the Festival d'été de Québec (FEQ) last week, many other Canadian artists were no doubt wondering why the organizers of Canada's largest outdoor music festival had to go make things so complicated for them. The FEQ began on July 3 — just as it was being hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), National Post has learned. The not-for-profit group, which is responsible for granting licences and collecting royalties on licensed music in Canada, claims in the lawsuit filed in Federal Court that since at least July 2022 the festival's organizers 'have failed to obtain a license from SOCAN and have not paid any royalties or submitted any report forms to SOCAN.' The Festival International d'été de Québec Inc. and Bleufeu, another organizer, are named as the defendants. The festival is still ongoing and will conclude on Sunday. Many Canadian and international artists are there this year, including Rod Stewart and Shania Twain. It attracts over a million visitors each year, and receives public funding, while earning millions in revenue. SOCAN represents more than 200,000 Canadian songwriters, composers, and music publishers, as well as millions of rights holders through a network of over 100 collective societies in over 200 countries. One of them is the Montreal-based rock band Half Moon Run. Its members said they were thrilled to be the final act of the FEQ in 2022. In fact, they thought it was going to be 'the show of (their) lives.' While the show was a success, the aftermath may have been less thrilling: The group is one of 11 artists named in the SOCAN lawsuit as those allegedly impacted by the festival's nonpayment. Other artists named include Walk Off the Earth, pianist Alexandra Stréliski, Beyries, Tokyo Police Club, Les Trois Accords and Karkwa. 'The full extent of the defendants' wrongful acts and infringements is not known by SOCAN but is within the knowledge of the defendants. SOCAN will seek relief in respect of all such activities,' reads the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, despite SOCAN's notice, both organizations have 'persisted in organizing, producing and promoting the FEQ festival, and have, by their actions, sanctioned, approved and countenanced the performances of SOCAN musical works' contrary to the Copyright Act. The FEQ festival organizers did not respond to National Post's request for comment. The lawsuit alleges the organizers have relied on their tax status as charities to exempt them from paying royalties to music creators and their publishers when their music is performed at the FEQ. In an email to the Post, SOCAN's legal adviser Julia Werneburg wrote that her organization is 'deeply concerned' with that justification. 'Although the Festival d'été de Québec is a registered charity, the performances it presents are virtually identical to those of its for-profit competitors, and Canadian law requires the payment of licensing fees for these performances,' she said. 'Failing to pay royalties to music creators and their publishers weakens the foundations of the music industry.' The FEQ is considered an institution in Quebec. Each year, it presents an impressive program of international artists on the famous Plains of Abraham, a historic space in Quebec City's Battlefields Park. On Friday, the federal government announced a total of $1.75 million in financial support to the organizers, including a non-repayable contribution of $1.2 million to 'engage in promotional activities internationally, to renew its brand image and to develop new products to enhance festivalgoers' experience' for this year and next year's editions. 'Our government is proud to support this artistic effervescence and to contribute to the success of an event that really brings people together,' said Heritage minister Steven Guilbeault in a statement announcing the funding. Ottawa also granted the FEQ $550,000 through Canadian Heritage's Canada Arts Presentation Fund for its program. Guilbeault's office declined to comment on the lawsuit as the matter is before the court.
