FAQ on Copyright

Before filing an application

  1. What is copyright?
  2. How do I obtain copyright in my work?
  3. Do I need to register my copyright in order be protected?
  4. What are the benefits of copyright registration?
  5. What is protected by copyright?
  6. Can non-residents apply for copyright registration in Canada?
  7. Who owns the copyright in works created during the course of employment?
  8. Can an application relate to more than one work?
  9. Do I need to register the latest version of my work?

Filing the application and other documents

  1. What is a licence?
  2. What is an assignment?
  3. How do I file an application for registration of a copyright?
  4. Who should be named as the author on the application for registration in the case of a work that has been created by several authors?
  5. When applying to register a copyright, do I need to submit a copy of my work?
  6. Can a change of name be recorded in the Register of Copyrights?
  7. Does the Copyright Office check to ensure that my claim of copyright is legitimate?

After filing the application

  1. Is the Copyright Office responsible for policing my copyright?
  2. What happens if there is an error on my certificate of registration ?
  3. Once I have registered, do I have to pay further fees to maintain the registration?
  4. When will my copyright registration be posted on the copyright database?

Other

  1. Does mailing myself a copy of my work count as an official registration?
  2. Do I need to mark my work with the copyright symbol?
  3. How long does copyrights last?
  4. Who owns the copyright in a work?
  5. Are original works contained on a website protected by Copyright?
  6. Are photocopy shops permitted to reproduce works protected by copyright?
  7. Can I play music in a public establishment without a licence?
  8. Can I show a movie in a public establishment?
  9. Can I reproduce government publications?
  10. Can I use words or paragraphs from a work without obtaining the author's permission?
  11. Can someone produce or reproduce a work protected by copyright without consent?
  12. Can the Copyright Office provide any legal advice?
  13. Can we show a movie for educational purposes?
  14. Does CIPO have a list of works in the public domain?
  15. Where can I find information related to exceptions such as fair dealing?
  16. What are performing rights' societies?
  17. What are royalties and tariffs?
  18. What are the responsibilities of the Copyright Board of Canada?
  19. What do the acronyms ISBN, ISMN, and ISSN mean?
  20. What happens if I cannot locate a copyright owner?
  21. What are collectives?

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