G. Boyd Aitken

Following a trial where the plaintiffs were awarded $328,396.82 for breach of contract, the parties made submissions on costs.

The plaintiffs sought costs of approximately $500,000, while the defendant sought costs from the date of its Rule 49 offer.

The court noted that the plaintiffs' costs were driven by multiple unmeritorious causes of action and that the defendant's offer triggered the costs consequences of Rule 49.10(2).

Balancing the plaintiffs' partial success against the defendant's offer and the plaintiffs' unreasonable litigation conduct, the court exercised its discretion to award no costs to either party.

The defendant brought a motion following a trial to seal certain exhibits to protect litigation privilege related to a separate class proceeding.

The plaintiffs opposed the motion.

The court noted that litigation privilege exists for the benefit of the plaintiff class in the separate proceeding, and therefore class counsel should have the opportunity to waive or defend it.

The motion was adjourned to be brought back with formal notice to class counsel.

The plaintiff, a former law student, conceived the idea of using a class proceeding to resolve the issue of unpaid royalties to unlocatable musicians.

She brought the idea to the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) at the University of Ottawa, which formed a consortium with class counsel.

The plaintiff and CIPPIC entered into an agreement guaranteeing her 5% of the counsel fees awarded.

The plaintiff later sued the university for $3.5 million, alleging breach of copyright, breach of fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment, arguing she was entitled to a larger share.

The court dismissed the tort and equitable claims, finding no breach of copyright or fiduciary duty, and upheld the written agreement as binding and reasonable.

The plaintiff was awarded $328,396.82, representing her agreed 5% share of the counsel fees.