A Guide to Copyrights (Page 6 of 10)
A Guide to Copyrights (PDF - 2.2 MB - 27 pages)
Previous | Table of Contents | Next
Getting Started
Category of work
This includes: literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works, or any combination of these. For example, songs may be registered as both literary for the lyrics and musical for the musical score. Children's books may be identified as literary for the story, and artistic for the illustrations.
Applications for registration in "other subject matter" must identify one of the following categories of works: performer's performance, sound recordings or communication signals.
For additional information on identifying the categories of work, please consult the instructions that accompany the application form.
Date of publication
In the case of published works, provide the date and place the work was first made available to the public, the date of first fixation for sound recordings, the date of performance or first fixation for performer's performances, or the date of broadcast in the case of communication signals.
Declaration
Also required for registration is a declaration indicating that the applicant is one of the following:
- the author of the work;
- the owner of the copyright in the work;
- an assignee of the copyright; or
- a person to whom an interest in the copyright has been granted by licence.
Fees
Registration fees must be paid at the time of filing; fees include the processing of your application and any amendments, as well as the registration certificate if the application is found acceptable.
Payment may be made by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express), deposit account, postal money order or cheque payable in Canadian dollars to the Receiver General for Canada. Do not add federal and provincial taxes.
Details about fees are available on the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca) or you may communicate with the Client Service Centre.
Note: Once you register your copyright, you do not have to pay any additional fees to maintain or renew it. If you register the copyright of an unpublished work, you do not have to register again after publication.
Submit your application
You are encouraged to send your completed application electronically (at a reduced fee) through the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/copyrights).
Or you may send your completed application by mail to the address below.
Corresponding with the Copyright Office
Business with the Copyright Office is normally done in writing. Address all correspondence to:
- Copyright Office
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office
- Industry Canada
- Place du Portage I
- 50 Victoria Street,
- Room C-114
- Gatineau QC K1A 0C9
- Fax: (819) 953-CIPO (2476)
More information about CIPO's office correspondence procedures is available on the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/copyrights).
If you are enquiring about the status of your pending application, provide the name of the owner(s) and the title of the work. If you have the application number, you should always make reference to it when communicating with the Copyright Office. If you hire an agent you should conduct all correspondence through that agent.
The Copyright Office will respond to all general enquiries, but cannot:
- advise you whether to file an application;
- tell you whether your copyright meets registration criteria prior to your filing an application;
- advise you about possible infringement of a copyright; or
- act in any way as an interpreter of copyright law, or as a counselor, other than in matters directly related to processing your application.
Electronic services
Our electronic service delivery allows you to:
- file a copyright application at a reduced fee;
- file a grant of interest;
- request a certificate of correction; and
- order copies.
In order to request these services online, simply visit the CIPO website (www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/copyrights), then fill out and send the appropriate form. The CIPO website also has copyright forms available for download that can be completed and sent by regular mail.