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In September 2022, an application to authorize a class action lawsuit was filed against SOCAN by a SOCAN member based in Québec, despite extensive efforts to address their concerns.
On June 17, 2025, the Court heard a motion to amend the original application. The proposed amendments, as filed by the plaintiff, included adding a class representative, changing the cause of action and broadening the period covered by the original purported class action.
We acknowledge the court’s decision to approve the proposed amendments and are analyzing our options. While the outcome was not unexpected, we remain confident in our position and look forward to putting it to the Court when the application to authorize the class action is heard.
It is important to note that, at present, no class action has been authorized against SOCAN. Two SOCAN members have brought an application to authorize a class action, which must be authorized by the Court before moving forward as a class action.
We continue to await a hearing and eventual decision on the application to authorize a class action. We will not comment on the substance of the case while it is still before the courts.
We are disappointed that this matter persists. The application to authorize the class action against SOCAN had not progressed for two and a half years until the proposed amendments to the application were filed in February 2025.
For 100 years, we have proudly operated as a member-owned organization, dedicated to supporting music creators, publishers, and industry stakeholders in Québec and across Canada.
SOCAN’s royalty distribution processes are built, with SOCAN Board approval, to ensure fairness and equity for all members. As the music industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to review and refine these processes when necessary.
SOCAN’s actions are guided by our commitment to fairness, integrity, and transparency, and by always prioritizing the best interests of our over 200,000 members.
FAQ
I’ve seen/heard/read in the media about a proposed class action involving SOCAN. What is this about?
In September 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed against SOCAN by a SOCAN member based in Quebec, despite extensive efforts to address their concerns.
We are disappointed that this matter persists. The application to authorize the class action against SOCAN has not progressed for almost two and a half years.
In February 2025, amendments to the application to authorize a class action against SOCAN were proposed to add a class representative, change the cause of action, and broaden the period covered by the original purported class action. We took that opportunity to ensure our concerns were clearly heard and placed on the record, and we remain committed to a fair and transparent process as the matter progresses.
Did SOCAN do what the proposed class action alleges?
No. SOCAN is committed to supporting Quebec and Francophone creators, publishers, and other stakeholders in Québec and across Canada.
Our royalty distribution mechanisms are designed to ensure fairness and equity for all members, and as the industry evolves, we refine our royalty distribution rules when needed. We continually collaborate with our members and stakeholders to modernize our distribution rules, always considering our members’ best interests.
Our actions are guided by our commitment to fairness, integrity, and transparency, and by always prioritizing the best interests of our nearly 200,000 members.
We take these allegations very seriously and will not comment on the substance of the case as it is still before the courts.
Does SOCAN have distribution rules that disenfranchise or are unfair to Quebec and/or Francophone members?
No. Our royalty distribution mechanisms are designed to ensure fairness and equity for all members, and as the industry evolves, we refine our royalty distribution rules when needed. We continually collaborate with our members and stakeholders to modernize our distribution rules, always considering our members’ best interests.