Update on Proposed Class Action Application Involving SOCAN

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.