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THE MUSIC LAWYER

A Canadian music law blog by Toronto music lawyer Paul Banwatt

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Has Music Streaming Growth Slowed Down During the Pandemic?
Blog Posts

Has Music Streaming Growth Slowed Down During the Pandemic?

January 13, 2021January 14, 2021 Paul 1 min read

I noticed a few articles recently reporting that, contrary to expectations, music streaming growth slowed down or flattened in 2020. This was despite an increase […]

Toronto Music Venues with Merch for Sale
Blog Posts

Toronto Music Venues with Merch for Sale

January 6, 2021March 30, 2021 Paul 1 min read

Twenty-two Toronto music venues closed in 2020, and many more are at risk of closing. Many people aren’t in a position to help others right […]

Can You Get Sued for (allegedly) Ripping Off Your Own Music? John Fogerty did.
Blog Posts

Can You Get Sued for (allegedly) Ripping Off Your Own Music? John Fogerty did.

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 Paul 4 mins read

Here’s something that happens semi-frequently – my band is writing a song and it’s feeling good, catchy, but also somehow familiar. And then we realize […]

A COVID-19 Relief Bill Creates a New Court for U.S. Copyright Disputes
Blog Posts

A COVID-19 Relief Bill Creates a New Court for U.S. Copyright Disputes

December 23, 2020January 18, 2021 Paul 2 mins read

*UPDATE: On December 27, 2020, the CASE Act was signed into law, and a new U.S. small claims copyright court was born. You probably heard […]

Public Domain Day 2021 – More Music is Soon Free of Copyright in the USA… What about Canada?
Blog Posts

Public Domain Day 2021 – More Music is Soon Free of Copyright in the USA… What about Canada?

December 17, 2020December 18, 2020 Paul 4 mins read

Copyright terms (e.g. years of protection) for music differ in Canada and the United States. That’s an issue that’s being partially addressed in the Canada-United […]

City of Toronto Music Office 2020 Wrap Up
Blog Posts

City of Toronto Music Office 2020 Wrap Up

December 14, 2020January 18, 2021 Paul 12 mins read

I’m hoping that this blog can eventually help share the activities of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee (TMAC) and also the related work of the […]

Massey Hall is Re-opening with 3 New Music Venues
Blog Posts

Massey Hall is Re-opening with 3 New Music Venues

December 8, 2020December 8, 2020 Paul 1 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the closure of at least a dozen music venues in Toronto. That’s a devastating loss that the live music […]

Bob Dylan Sold His Copyright… What Does That Mean?
Blog Posts

Bob Dylan Sold His Copyright… What Does That Mean?

December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 Paul 3 mins read

Bob Dylan has apparently sold the copyright in his entire catalogue to Universal Music for an estimated $300m USD. But what does that mean, exactly?

City of Toronto Opportunities for Musicians
Blog Posts

City of Toronto Opportunities for Musicians

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020 Paul 1 min read

Toronto musicians hurting due to COVID-19 should take a look at some of the City’s available paid opportunities. Every bit helps. City Hall Live is […]

Re-record Restrictions and Live Streaming Shows
Blog Posts

Re-record Restrictions and Live Streaming Shows

December 2, 2020December 4, 2020 Paul 3 mins read

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many musicians have turned to live streaming shows. But if you are signed to a label, it’s important to pay attention […]

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