Copyright

What is Copyright?

Copyright is the exclusive right to copy or reproduce a creative work or to sell certain rights to the work. These rights apply to literary, artistic, dramatic, or musical works in a tangible form. Generally, facts, themes, ideas, most titles, names, catch-phrases and other short-word combinations are not protected under copyright.

For a writer, copyright is the exclusive right to the reproduction and use of any creative material. The copyright is originally held by the author, but these rights may be transferred to other parties by the copyright holder. Copyright law deals with the economic and moral rights that the author holds for their creative work. These laws do not cover ideas, facts, most titles, names, catch-phrases and other short-word combinations. In Canada copyright is held for the lifetime of the author/creator/owner, followed by another fifty years. After the fifty years have passed the work enters the public domain.

Copyright is automatically applied to a creative work, from the time of creation. It is generally owned by the creator of the work; however there are some exceptions which include:

  • If a writer is working for a company, the employer will at times own the copyright if the work was done in the course of employment;
  • If an artistic piece was done on commission, the person who commissioned the work will own the copyright; and
  • If the creator has transferred the rights to another party.

Copyright exists automatically; however, registration with the copyright office is a good idea to indicate notice of copyright on your works.

To find out more concerning Canadian copyright laws visit the Department of Justice Canada website, or contact a lawyer in your area for specific inquiries.

Copyright and permissions terms

Types of rights related to copyright

What is copyright infringement?

Registering your copyright

What is Access Copyright?

How to register with Access Copyright

What is Creative Commons?

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