In the music industry, the clauses that attract the least attention can sometimes carry the greatest consequences. 

Gowling WLG's Susan Abramovitch, partner and leader of the Entertainment & Sports Law Group, associate Jodie Koniuch, and articling student Ryan Katz have co-authored a chapter in The International Music Business Navigator for Lawyers and Artists. The book marks the 40th landmark publication of the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers (IAEL), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 

The chapter, Clause & Effect: Boilerplate Clauses in the Modern Music Industry, examines how traditionally standard contractual provisions are evolving in response to technological advancements, shifting industry practices, and high-profile legal disputes. 

“For decades, the music business has focused on who owns the songs and recordings. Now we're also negotiating who controls an artist's identity when their voice and likeness can be replicated without them ever entering a studio,” said Susan. 

“As labels enter licensing arrangements with AI companies, we're confronting questions traditional recording agreements were never designed to answer. Who can authorize AI training or voice replication, and how are artists compensated? The answers often lie in contractual provisions once dismissed as boilerplate.” 

The publication brings together perspectives from entertainment lawyers around the world on the legal and commercial issues shaping the international music industry. 

Learn more about the IAEL's latest publication.

About Gowling WLG’s Entertainment and Sports Law Group

Gowling WLG's Entertainment and Sports Law Group advises creators, producers, labels, publishers, financiers, distributors and other industry stakeholders on some of the most high-profile and complex matters in the field. With a team that includes leading practitioners across music, film, television, sports, book publishing, AI, video games and immersive technologies, the group provides comprehensive legal support that balances business realities with strategic guidance. Learn more.