Mark G. Quail
1 lawyer · City of Toronto
One of 2,345 law firms listed in Toronto, and one of 195 handling Intellectual Property.
About Mark G. Quail
Mark G. Quail operates a sole legal practice based in Toronto, restricted entirely to entertainment, media, and digital economy law, with a focus on music law and software and computer applications law. Quail was called to the Ontario Bar in 1990 and is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. The practice covers sound recordings, music publishing, digital music rights, club and concert performances, merchandising, sponsorship agreements, online privacy matters, and computer program development contracts.
Before law school, Quail worked as a band roadie and music journalist, reviewing records for The Georgia Straight, Discorder, Smash Magazine, and Network Magazine. The legal career since has alternated between private practice and in-house roles at music companies: litigation at Pacey, Deacon, Spears and Fedson, head of Business and Legal Affairs at EMI Music Publishing Canada, private practice at Paul Sanderson & Associates, and head of Business and Legal Affairs at TMP, The Music Publisher, then a division of Alliance Atlantis Communications. Quail also spent two years as president and head of A&R at Song Publishing Inc. and co-owned Distort Records and Dine Alone Records.
Quail co-authored two entertainment and technology law texts published by LexisNexis Canada, Entertainment Law in Canada and Canadian Forms and Precedents: Information Technology & Entertainment, and has published work in the Intellectual Property Journal (Canada).
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- Called to the Ontario Bar in 1990.
- Co-authored two entertainment and technology law texts published by LexisNexis Canada: Entertainment Law in Canada and Canadian Forms and Precedents: Information Technology & Entertainment.
- Published work in the Intellectual Property Journal (Canada).
- Co-owned Distort Records, an independent record label that reached platinum sales status in Canada.
- Co-founded Liine, a Berlin-based digital applications company.
In the community
- Lectured on music business matters at The Harris Institute and Trebas Institute in Toronto.
- Moderated panels at international music industry conferences including the Amsterdam Dance Event, International Music Summit Ibiza, and the Winter Music Conference in Miami.
- Appeared as a television cultural commentator on CBC Newsworld.
- Hosts The Music Law Podcast, aimed at giving musicians a better understanding of the business side of making music.
Who handles what
Frequently asked questions
- Does Mark Quail handle general legal matters like wills, family law, or real estate?
- No. The practice is restricted entirely to entertainment, media, and digital economy matters, particularly music law and software and computer applications law.
- Can Mark Quail help me negotiate or review a recording or music publishing contract?
- Yes. The practice covers sound recordings, music publishing, digital music rights, club and concert performances, merchandising, and sponsorship agreements.
- Does the firm work with technology and software companies, not just musicians?
- Yes. Alongside music law, the practice covers software and computer applications law, including online privacy and data collection matters and computer program development contracts.
- How long has Mark Quail practiced law?
- Quail was called to the Ontario Bar in 1990 and has practiced entertainment, media, and digital economy law since.
- Is there a podcast or other resource to learn about music law basics?
- Yes. Quail hosts The Music Law Podcast, which gives musicians a look at the business side of the music industry.
- How do I contact the firm?
- Mark Quail can be reached by phone at 416.704.7245 or by email at mark@markquail.com.
Where to find them
P.O. Box 195, Toronto PO C, Ontario, Canada, M6J 3M9 · 416-704-7245
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