Copyright is the exclusive right to copy a creative work or to allow someone else to do so. It includes the sole right to publish, produce or reproduce, to perform in public, to communicate a work to the public by telecommunication, to translate a work, and in some instances to rent the work.

You acquire copyright automatically when you create an original work. No additional steps or registrations are required. In Canada a notice of copyright is not necessary, but a notification according to the Universal Copyright Convention may be necessary to extend protection to some other countries.

The Copyright Act provides for an automatic copyright protection upon the publication of a work. However, there are several important advantages when you register a copyright with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

Although the author or the owner of a copyright may apply for registration, please be aware that copyright law is technical. A lawyer practicing in the area of copyrights can significantly simplify the application process for you, as well as provide legal advise regarding your particular situation.

Contact Mr. Sander Gelsing to learn more about Copyrights and to register yours.