The copyright is the exclusive right to reproduce, or execute, a creative work or to allow a third party to do so. It includes the exclusive right of publishing, producing, reproducing, or to execute in public, translate, communicate to the public by means of telecommunication and, in certain cases, to rent a work.

To what can we apply copyright ?

The copyright applies to a work or a body of work, wether literary, dramatic, musical or artistic, including books and written work, musical creations, sculptures, paintings, photography, movies, theater, television programming, and computer programming. The copyright also applies to other objects such as sound recordings, live performances and communication signals.

What isn’t protected by a copyright ?

Themes, ideas, most titles, names, and other word combinations that have no actual, verifyable meanings, aren’t protected by copyright.

Who is the holder of the copyright ?

Generally, the holder, or owner, of the copyright is:

• The author of the work
• The employer, if the work is created within the context of a contracted agreement.
• The person that commands or orders a photography, a portrait, a sketch in exchange of paid compensation, unless there has been a statement written to that effect.
• A third party, if the rightholder has transferred his rights.

How can one obtain a copyright ?

The creator of a work automatically exists as soon as a work has been created.

Is it necessary to do something specific in order to protect our copyright ?

No. As you automatically obtain a copyright, the law protects you automatically. However, it is a good idea to register that copyright and to obtain a copyright registration.

What are the advantages of a copyright registration ?

The person that registers his copyright obtains a certificate attesting that he or she is the owner of the copyright. That person may then use that certificate in court to establish his ownership of said copyright, and from there on, the adverse party has to prove that you are not the actual owner of the copyright.

What is the lifespan of the copyright ?

Generally, the copyright remains valid in Canada during the entire life of the author, and a 50 year period after the original author passes away. The copyright generally expires on December 31st of the last year of civil protection.

Does the bureau of copyright protect me against copyright violation ?

No – It belongs to the owner of the right to defend his title, and to be respected and renowned as such.
(Source : Gouvernement du Québec)