SOCAN’s James Leacock presents digital licensing overview on new platform

Story by Howard Druckman | Monday February 28th, 2022

SOCAN’s James Leacock has given an overview of digital licensing in a podcast presented on Canadian IP Voices, a new platform that discusses how copyright works in real life. Recorded in both French and English, Leacock, SOCAN’s Director, Domestic Royalty Collection, discusses the different ways music is used in business, and the value music brings to those businesses. Using real-life examples, he shares how responsible licensing fosters music creation by ensuring that music creators are fairly compensated for their work.

Canadian IP Voices discusses tips, tricks, and issues related to how trademarks, patents, copyrights, industrial designs, and trade secrets work in day-to-day reality. In line with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)’s mandate to promote intellectual property (IP) awareness and education, the podcast is dedicated to improving awareness, knowledge, and the effective use of intellectual property by Canadians. Those who tune in can listen to real problems – and real solutions – explained by a range of IP professionals and stakeholders from across Canada and abroad. The platform – hosted by Lisa Desjardins in English, and Maya Urbanowicz in French – posts new interviews and IP stories, with special guests, every two weeks.

You can listen to Leacock’s podcast, or any others in the series – including “How copyright works when we share things on social media,” “How to deal with pirate (fake) copies in the marketplace,” and “How to protect your videogames” – by clicking here, and the blog post here.

Notice of Intent to Withdraw Proposed Tariff

Story by SOCAN | Monday February 28th, 2022

Please be advised that SOCAN intends to make, in or after the week of April 4, 2022, an application under section 69 of the Copyright Act to withdraw the following proposed tariff:

  • Statement of Proposed Royalties to be Collected by SODRAC for Tariff 5 (Musical Works Embedded in Cinematographic Works for Theatrical Exhibition or Private Use) for the Years 2017 to 2019.

This constitutes a public notice under s. 69.1 of the Copyright Act.

Note: the majority of the assets of SODRAC were acquired by SOCAN in July 2018.

Apply now for $25,000 Top of the Country music competition

Story by Howard Druckman | Wednesday February 23rd, 2022

SOCAN members who make country music are invited to apply now for the $25,000 Top of the Country music competition, sponsored by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and SiriusXM, and supported by SOCAN and SOCAN Foundation.

A jury of experts will choose eight semi-finalists to record their own original tracks and in-studio videos. The second stage of the competition will see those videos shared online for a country-wide vote, where Canadian music fans can choose their favourite artist. After the voting period, three finalists will appear onstage at one of Canada’s most recognized and praised country music festivals. Finalists will also take part in exclusive mentorship sessions with some of the industry’s best.

The top three will also perform during Country Music Week 2022 in Calgary this September, at the Top of the Country Finale – airing across North America on SiriusXM – where one winner will be chosen by an industry panel and fan votes. For the winner, prizes will include $25,000, an appearance on the CCMA Awards broadcast, and attendance at a SOCAN song camp.

Interested country music creators can register here, until 11:59 p.m. ET on Mar. 4, 2022.