The shift to digital distribution has been a catalyst for disruption in the music industry's business models. From major record companies and independent labels to music publishers, concert venues and promoters, manufacturers, wholesalers, from e-commerce and "brick and mortar" retailers to digital distributors, artists, producers, managers and agents, the music business has scrambled to take advantage of new revenue streams and opportunities for cost reductions, while navigating an evolving worldwide competitive and legal landscape. Furthermore, music is integrated into other digital and traditional media products and services, including advertising, games and social networks, not to mention film and television.

Tastes and standards (both cultural and legal) are local—but e-commerce, web and mobile distribution are global. This means that every new business model and product must appeal to a worldwide fan base, while complying with a global web of legal requirements and dealing with competing societies around the world.

Dentons leverages our global footprint and deep sector expertise to help you mitigate risk and capitalize on evolving trends in the marketplace. We bring a unique, multidisciplinary and multijurisdictional focus to our music industry representations, reaching across multiple practice groups and around the globe to meet your needs in the areas of:

• Licensing and distribution (digital and physical)
• Brand creation, advertising and marketing, loyalty programs, contests and sweepstakes
• Online privacy and data security
• E-commerce
• Copyright, trademark and intellectual property
• Employment
• Financing
• Merchandising and sponsorships
• Mergers & acquisitions and joint ventures
• Live entertainment
• Litigation
• Regulatory counseling, government relations and competition
• Restructuring, bankruptcy and credit protection
• Tax

Insights

Top 10 IP and TMT CJEU judgments of 2023

March 19, 2024

EU: The past year witnessed several landmark CJEU judgments with direct implications for data protection, technology, media, and intellectual property. These rulings not only influence the interpretation of existing laws but also introduce fresh obligations for businesses. Dentons hereby draws your attention to what it considers to be the top 10 CJEU judgments that you should be aware of as a must.

Producing in Canada

November 21, 2023

Canada is recognized as a major player in film, television and interactive digital media production. The growth of Canada’s multibillion-dollar production industry is attributable to our high-standard facilities, competent workforce, physical and cultural proximity to the United States, as well as many favourable economic factors. These include lower location and production costs than in the US and Europe, a good exchange rate, and advantageous government tax incentives and funding policies.

Top 10 IP and TMT CJEU judgments of 2022

March 9, 2023

EU: Last year brought a number of interesting CJEU judgments that directly affect the fields of data protection, TMT and intellectual property. The decisions impact the application of current laws and give rise to new obligations for businesses. Dentons has compiled a list of the top 10 CJEU judgments that you need to know.

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