When does Canadian copyright law apply?

  • 000001081
In Canada, copyright applies as soon as something becomes fixed in a tangible format, such as a note, email, electronic or hard copy of something, .jpg, song, translation, draft, drawing, map, chart, or letter (in any format) even a cartoon on a napkin.

Some criteria apply:
  • There must be originality - the work cannot just be a copy of someone else’s original work. Skill and some personal judgment have to be involved in the creation of the new work.
  • The work has to be in a fixed format some material form with a more or less permanent endurance (extemporaneous lectures, speeches, jam sessions and drawings in sand just don’t cut it but graffiti does!)


Not protected:
Words, slogans, titles, facts, and news (News may be copyright protected if it is presented in a fixed form, such as in a post on a news outlet’s website.)
 
Ordering/Product InformationPublishing InformationPublishing & Workshop InformationCopyright Information