Terms of Service

Lyrics4Life | Songwriter Competition Last Updated: April 23, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Lyrics4Life website (lyrics4life.ca) and participating in any of our programs, competitions, or events, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

These Terms apply to all visitors, participants, panelists, volunteers, sponsors, and any other individuals who interact with Lyrics4Life in any capacity.

2. About Lyrics4Life

Lyrics4Life is a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering, celebrating, and elevating the art of songwriting and storytelling with the goal of supporting our community.  Our mission is to provide a fair, inclusive, and inspiring platform for songwriters of all backgrounds and experience levels to share their voice with the world.

3. Eligibility

To participate in Lyrics4Life competitions or programs, you must:

  • Be a human individual (no AI-generated submissions)
  • Be a Canadian Citizen.
  • Meet any age requirements specified for the relevant competition
  • Obtain parental or guardian consent if under the age of 18
  • Not be an employee, board member, panelist, or immediate family member of a Lyrics4Life staff member
  • Comply with all applicable local, provincial, and federal laws

4. Competition Rules & Submissions

Detailed contestant rules will be posted on the website closer to the contest entry period.  In the meantime, please refer to these general rules as a guideline.

Originality: All song submissions must be original works created by the entrant. Plagiarism, unauthorized sampling, or use of copyrighted material without proper licensing will result in immediate disqualification.

Authenticity: Submissions must be the genuine creative work of the entrant. AI-generated lyrics, melodies, or compositions are not permitted.

Disqualification: Lyrics4Life reserves the right to disqualify any entry that violates these Terms, contains offensive or harmful content, or is submitted in bad faith.

5. Intellectual Property & Licensing

You retain full ownership of your original song submissions. By submitting an entry, you grant Lyrics4Life a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to:

  • Feature your submission on our website, social media, and promotional materials
  • Play or perform excerpts of your work at Lyrics4Life events
  • Archive your submission for organizational records

This license does not transfer ownership and does not prevent you from publishing, licensing, or selling your work independently. We will always credit you as the original creator.

6. Code of Conduct

All participants, visitors, and community members are expected to:

  • Treat fellow artists, panelists, staff, and volunteers with respect and dignity
  • Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind
  • Avoid submitting content that is defamatory, obscene, threatening, or unlawful
  • Not attempt to manipulate voting, judging, or any competition outcome
  • Not impersonate another person or misrepresent their affiliation with Lyrics4Life
  • Lyrics4Life is an inclusive event that celebrates diversity in all its forms.  Everyone is welcome to participate in the contest.  

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disqualification, removal from the platform, and/or a ban from future participation.

7. Judging & Decisions

All judging decisions made by the audience in attendance the evening of the final Music Spotlight (February 25, 2027) and executed by Lyrics4Life's staff are final and binding.  We are committed to a fair and transparent evaluation process, but we are unable to enter into correspondence regarding individual scores or outcomes. Judges are selected for their expertise and are required to disclose any conflicts of interest.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

Lyrics4Life provides its website and services "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee that our website will be error-free, uninterrupted, or free of viruses or other harmful components. Use of our website is at your own risk.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Lyrics4Life and its directors, officers, volunteers, and partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our website or participation in our programs — including but not limited to loss of data, loss of revenue, or reputational harm.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Lyrics4Life, its board, staff, and volunteers from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your violation of these Terms, your submissions, or your conduct on our platform.

11. Privacy

Your use of our website is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review it at lyrics4life.ca/privacy-policy.

12. Modifications to Terms

Lyrics4Life reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact:

Lyrics4Life 📧 craig@lyrics4life.ca 🌐 lyrics4life.ca