C'est la Vie Estate Law Blog

What is Copyright? Copyright is a legal right protecting the expression of ideas in various forms, including literature, music, art, and performances. It is an intangible form of property that lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 50 years after death. But once a creator dies, who manages and benefits from their copyrights? Who Inherits Copyrights? If a copyright holder has a Will and specifies beneficiaries for their copyrights, those individuals inherit the rights. If copyrights are not mentioned, they fall into the estate's residue and are handled according to the Will. Without a Will, local intestacy laws determine who inherits the copyrights, which can lead to disputes and uncertainty. Case Study: Prince When Prince died in 2016 without a Will, his $156 million estate, including valuable copyrights, was subject to lengthy legal battles and was ultimately divided among his half-siblings under Minnesota intestacy laws. Prince's copyrights were left without clear instructio...

  Even if your affairs seem simple or you don’t own much, there are several important reasons to consider going to a lawyer to make your will: 1. Avoiding Mistakes: Making a will on your own can lead to errors or omissions that could render your will invalid or cause confusion. Lawyers ensure that your will complies with Ontario’s legal requirements, such as proper witnessing and signing, which reduces the risk of your will being challenged in court. 2. Customizing for Specific Needs: Even simple estates can have nuances. For example, you may want to leave personal items to specific people, designate guardians for minor children, or make provisions for charitable donations. A lawyer can help tailor the will to meet these wishes, ensuring clarity and precision. 3. Ensuring Proper Execution: Lawyers understand how to structure your will to avoid ambiguity or conflicts between beneficiaries. They can also ensure that your will is properly executed and meets the formalities required to...