Our Practice

Whatever your place in the industry, from an up-and-coming artist to established producer, from artistic creator to a curator of the arts, we have your interests covered. We're experienced in a wide array of issues under the Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law umbrella. 

Film, Television, Advertising: 

  Producer, co-producer and executive producer agreements

• Government funding and financing packages
• Financing/investment agreements, including equity
• Broadcaster licenses and pre-sales
• Production documents
• Performer and location release forms
• Waivers
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Pitch treatments
• Director agreements
• Writer agreements
• Depiction and copyright releases
• Option/purchase agreements
• Literary publishing agreements
• Tax credits
• Talent holding agreements and shopping deals
• Distribution agreements
• Sales agent agreements
• Cast/crew agreements (including Union)
• Treaty co-productions
• Union and non-Union
• Film permits
• General advertising review, including alcohol advertising
• Non-competition, non-circumvention and confidentiality agreements
• Co-production agreements
• Copyright and trademark registration searches in relation to proposed projects
• Errors and omissions
•  Location and transportation agreements

Music: 

• Session musician agreements
• Co-writing agreements
• Personal endorsement agreements
• 360 deals and joint ventures
• Synchronization and master use licenses
• Producer agreements
• Management agreements
• Publishing, co-publishing and publishing administration agreements
• Recording and licensing agreements
• Master use and master synchronization licenses
• Visa requirements for performing in the USA and Canada
• Advising on non-traditional sources of music delivery such as streaming services and digital downloads
• Counseling and representing music publishers, producers, recording artists and songwriters

Fashion and Apparel:

• Design piracy protection
• Infringement and counterfeiting  
• International IP protection
• Licensing deals
• Commercial agreements
• Distribution agreements

Visual Art: 

• Commercialization
• Consignment deals
• Acquisition of rights
• Moral rights in art
• Gallery agreements and commissions

The prospect of jail, heavy penalties, driving restrictions, or even a lifelong criminal record can be overwhelming. The stress can be unbearable, but rest assured, you’re in good hands. When facing criminal charges, one of the most important aspects is understanding your rights. If any of your Charter rights and other procedural rights have been infringed upon, you may have a much stronger case than you know.  

We have experience with Charter applications, bail hearings and review applications, pretrial motions, release variations, trial preparation, appeals, and more. Although we will negotiate with the Crown Attorney’s office for the best possible outcome, some cases must go to trial. In the event your case must go to trial, with detailed preparation, we will competently litigate your matter, leaving no piece of evidence unturned.  

Driving Offences:

• Drinking and driving
• Impaired driving (DUI or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Street racing
• Criminal negligence causing death or bodily harm
• Dangerous driving causing death or bodily harm
• Hit and run
• Dangerous driving
• Driving while unauthorized
• Driving with a blood alcohol level over .08
• Refusing to provide a breath sample
• Having care and control of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level over .08

Drug Charges:

• Possession
• Possession for the purposes of trafficking
• Trafficking
• Conspiracies
• Simple possession
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Trafficking
• Production
• Importation and exportation

Crimes of Violence:

• Domestic assaults
• Assault
• Assault with a weapon
• Assault causing bodily harm
• Aggravated assault
• Assault on a police officer / resist arrest
• Kidnapping
• Extortion
• Unlawful confinement
• Attempted murder
• Murder
• Threats to cause death or bodily harm

Property Offences:

• Theft under $5000
• Theft over $5000
• Mischief
• Break and enter

White Collar Crime:

• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Ponzi schemes
• Insider trading
• Embezzlement
• Breach of trust
• Bribery
• Extortion
• Forgery
• Counterfeit credit cards
• Identity theft
• Computer crimes
• Fraudulent telemarketing/email schemes
• Securities fraud
• Mortgage fraud

Computer Offences:

• Criminal harassment
• Identity theft
• Internet fraud schemes
• Internet luring
• Internet stalking

Firearms and Weapons Offences:

• Possession of a firearm
• Possession of a firearm with ammunition
• Improper storage of a firearm
• Possession of an unregistered or unlicensed firearm
• Improper storage of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Possession of a concealed weapon
• Possession of a restricted weapon

Other Charges:

• Perjury and obstruction of justice
• Breach of trust
• Organized crime offenses
• Civil forfeiture

While public health and safety is important, even more critical are our human rights, Charter rights, and civil liberties. Our rights are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and for employees of private businesses, the Employment Standards Act of Ontario. We utilize all the tools available to defend your rights, and the rights of others. Because so many are being adversely affected, we have created a Defence Fund to help those in need. Contribute to the Defence Fund to help fight for the rights of those on the front-line of this battle. 

• Vaccine mandate requirements
• Religious, creed, and health accommodations 
• Restaurant and small business fines and penalties
• Protection from discrimination and harassment in: 
  • Goods, services and facilities
  • Housing
  • Contracts
  • Employment
  • Unions, professional associations or other vocational associations 
• Youth and adult sport team vaccine requirements
• Employment termination due to vaccine requirements
• Protection of privacy 
• Health information privacy
• International human rights law 

Rather than going to a big expensive law firm, our practice handles a variety of smaller legal matters. Our limited scope representation allows for a la carte assistance on small matters. 

• Contract drafting and review
• Small claims matters
• Property line disputes
• Debt settlement
• Online defamation (The Dirty.com, Facebook, etc.)
• Child support payment enforcement
• Regulatory fines and tickets
• Etc.