HOCKEY THEME SONG CHANGES NETWORK In June 2008

HOCKEY THEME SONG CHANGES NETWORK
ALEXANDRA STEELE*
LEGER ROBIC RICHARD, LLP
LAWYERS, PATENT AND TRADE-MARK AGENTS
In June 2008, hockey fans protested loudly when the CBC, (“Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation”), affirmed that it would stop using the musical theme “Hockey Night in
Canada” which had preceded all hockey matches broadcast on the CBC since 1968.
According to reports, it appears that Ms. Dolores Claman, the author of the theme,
and the CBC were unable to agree on the terms of renewal of the licence agreement
which permitted the CBC to use the musical theme. The parties have also been
embroiled in litigation relating to the use of the theme and the payment of royalties
for several years.
Notwithstanding the fact that negotiations were still ongoing between the CBC and
Ms. Claman, private broadcaster CTV surprised both the CBC and hockey fans alike
by acquiring the rights to the “Hockey Night in Canada” musical theme. As a result
of this agreement, the theme will now be heard on the Réseau des sports (“RDS”),
Television Sports Network (“TSN”), as well as during the Vancouver Olympic Games
of 2010.
Certain media reported that CTV had acquired “perpetual rights” to the musical
theme. However, in Canada, a copyright has a term of the life of the author, plus fifty
(50) years, after which the rights fall into the public domain.
Clearly, the proper drafting of an agreement by specialists who are knowledgeable
about the legal consequences of contractual provisions is of utmost importance,
since the terms of an agreement can often be impacted or changed by the
existing laws and those applicable under the contract.
© CIPS, 2008.
With LEGER ROBIC RICHARD, LLP. a multidisciplinary firm of Lawyers, and Patent and Trademark Agents. Published in the Fall 2008 Newsletter of the firm (Vol. 12, No. 3). Publication 068.096.
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