What is an assignment?

An assignment occurs when a copyright owner transfers part or all of their rights to another party. The assignment may be for the whole term of the copyright or for a certain part of it.

To register an assignment, a copy of the original agreement or a photocopy of it, along with the prescribed fee per work affected by the assignment (named by title, or if available by registration number) must be filed with the Copyright Office. Requests may be submitted online using the form for the registration of assignments or grants of interest. For more information visit Filing a grant of Interest. Payments for online requests can be made using a credit card (Amex, Mastercard or Visa) or through a CIPO deposit account if one has been set up.

Requests may also be sent by fax to (819) 953-2476 with a credit card number and a signed authorization or by mail with a cheque or a money order payable to the Receiver General for Canada to the following address:

Copyright Office
Canadian Intellectual Property Office
Industry Canada
Place du Portage I
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau QC  K1A 0C9

When sending payments by mail or facsimile, please use the Fee Payment Form. The Office will retain a copy of the documentation and return the original documentation along with a certificate of registration.

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