It includes the right to perform the work or any substantial part of it or, in the case of a lecture, to deliver it.

In the simplest terms, 'copyright' means 'the right to copy.' In general, copyright means the sole right to produce or reproduce a work or a substantial part of it in any form.

Its purpose is to protect copyright owners while promoting creativity and the orderly exchange of ideas. Simply put, the Act prohibits others from copying your work without your permission. This means that if you own the copyright to a poem, song or other original work, you have rights that are protected. Regardless of their merit or commercial value, Canadian law protects all original creative works, provided the conditions set out in the Copyright Act have been met. Some works may earn a lot of money in the marketplace, while others earn none at all. Protect your valuable creationsĪ poem, painting, musical score, performer's performance, computer program-all are valuable creations, although perhaps no one can measure their worth.

Copyright information-Beyond the basicsĪlthough this guide is not a complete text on law regarding copyright, we have designed it as an introduction to copyright and copyright registration.

Corresponding with the Copyright Office.

Preparing your application for registration.

If there are inconsistencies between this guide and the applicable legislation, the legislation must be followed. This electronic version of the guide is the official version.

How to copyright your work order