Presented With a Music Contract? Ask Yourself These Five Questions

Being presented with a contract in the music industry, whether a big deal or small, can be both exciting and anxiety inducing. There are many different types of deals you might see throughout your career in the music business, such as management, recording, distribution, publishing, etc. These contracts can be long, complex, and filled with annoyingly dense legalese. However, when presented with a music contract, take a deep breath, and start by asking yourself the following 5 questions, which will help you assess the contract at the early stages (although not a replacement to having a music lawyer review in detail!).

July 7, 2022

Waivers and Assumption of Risk No Defence to Fatal Accidents...

The recent decision in Stevens v. Oyster Bed sheds light on the efficacy of waiver/assumption of risk forms in fatal accidents on Prince Edward Island.[1] Background In Stevens v. Oyster Bed, Mr. Stevens tragically passed away following a stock car race accident. An action was commenced under the Fatal Accidents Act (FAA) by the surviving […]

Alberta Court of Appeal Decision: Impact on Nova Scotia Energy...

Nova Scotia has geographic characteristics that make the province attractive for the production of green and renewable energy. The province has committed to drastically reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, and to obtaining 80% of its total electricity from renewable energy by 2030. These commitments necessitate prioritizing renewable energy and green energy projects in the province.

This Month in Family Law – May 2022

Our NS Family Law team provides summaries of recent cases which have appeared in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.

Amendments to Nova Scotia’s Marine Renewable Energy Act: Important Updates...

The changes are intended to bring greater clarity to the permitting process and to provide timeframes for approval and notification. Amendments include: greater clarity to language in the Act’s licensing system, clarifying the timelines and processes for incompleteness rejection, approval, and denial of demonstration permits and outlining the Act’s regulatory-making authority to improve administration.

Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Things Employers Should Know

On April 26, 2022, members of Cox & Palmer’s Regional Employment & Labour group presented a webinar titled “Hot Topics in Human Resources: Spring 2022” which included the subtopic of Gender Identity and Gender Expression. With Pride Month on the horizon, we wanted to continue the conversation and provide employers with  further insight on how […]

Employers May Terminate for a Single Incident of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is one of the most serious forms of workplace misconduct. While acts of sexual harassment can occur on a spectrum of severity, a single incident of sexual harassment can warrant termination. This is especially the case if the employee lacks remorse and responsibility. In Render v ThyssenKrupp Elevator (Canada) Limited, 2022 ONCA 310, […]

This Month in Nova Scotia Family Law – April 2022

Our NS Family Law team provides summaries of recent cases which have appeared in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.

May 4, 2022

No Restarting the Limitations Clock in Balsom v. Rideout: Settlement...

In Balsom v. Rideout, 2022 NLCA 20, Cox & Palmer was successful in the appeal of a lower court decision which denied an application to dismiss the action for being commenced outside the limitation period. There were two broad issues: (1) whether an insurance adjuster’s communications were protected by settlement privilege, and (2) if not, […]

April 29, 2022

Sound Recording Copyright Vs. Musical Work Copyright

Subject to granting an assignment of copyright/license to a music publisher or record label, the author of the musical work (i.e. songwriter) will generally be the owner of the musical work copyright, while the performer of the song on the record and/or producer will generally be the owner of the sound recording copyright (referred to as the “maker” under the Copyright Act).