Copyright Registration in Canada
A copyright protection arises when an original work has been created. Copyright registration in Canada is not compulsory to get protection. However, a copyright registration provides presumptions that may prove useful in a litigation case. The moral rights of the author are protected under the Copyright Act. These include the right to integrity of the work, right of attribution and right to be anonymous. These moral rights are not assignable and can be only waived by the author. To register a copyright in Canada, the applicant must file an application before the Canada Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). The applicant must keep in mind the following steps while filing a copyright application:
Application form
The application form for copyright registration in Canada can be found at online at the database of the Canada Intellectual Property Office. It can be also obtained from a CIPO Client Service Centre, or from the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Office, Canada.
Application details
1. Title and category of copyright: The applicant must provide a title of the work which should identify a single work. For instance, if the work of the author is published in a book, then a single application must be submitted for the whole work. In the next part of the application form, the applicant must choose a category of copyright that applies to the work submitted. Some examples of categories are literary, musical, artistic, dramatic, etc. 2. Publication: The author on the application must indicate whether the work has ever been published. If it has been published before the author must provide the date and place of such publication. 3. Owner and author details: The application form must include the name and address of the owner or owners of the copyright. The owner may be the author, buyer, or licensor of the work. 4. Payment of fees: After the application form is filled, it must be signed by the owner or someone who is authorized to sign for the owner. The application along with the non-refundable government fees must be submitted at the Copyright Office. The applications can be submitted online or through mail.
Registration of Copyright
Once the application is submitted and the registration fees paid, the Copyright Office reviews the application to make sure it has all the necessary details. If there are any changes to be made in the application, the office informs the applicant within 1 weeks from the date of filing. When the application is accepted, a registration certificate is sent to the applicant within 5 business days if the application was submitted online. It takes 7 business if the application was submitted by mail. Thereafter, no maintenance fees are required to maintain the copyright.