What is Copyright Law in Canada?

Copyright law in Canada protects original creative works while balancing creators’ rights with public access to knowledge and culture. Governed by the Copyright Act and shaped by Supreme Court decisions, Canada’s copyright framework has undergone significant modernization in recent years to address digital realities. This guide explains key aspects of copyright protection, enforcement, and recent legal developments affecting creators, businesses, and users across Canada.

1. Fundamentals of Canadian Copyright

What Copyright Protects

• Original literary, artistic, musical works

• Sound recordings, performances, communication signals

• Software code, architectural works, databases

Exclusions: Facts, ideas, short titles, names

Automatic Protection

• Arises upon creation of original work

• No registration required (but recommended)

• Lasts life of creator + 70 years (general rule)

2. Key Rights Under the Copyright Act

Exclusive Rights of Copyright Owners

1. Reproduction – Making copies

2. Distribution – Selling/renting copies

3. Public Performance – Live/recorded displays

4. Communication to Public – Digital transmissions

5. Moral Rights – Attribution/integrity protection

Limitations & Exceptions

• Fair Dealing (education, research, parody etc.)

• User-Generated Content (non-commercial remixes)

• Educational Institutions (limited copying)

• Libraries/Archives (preservation copies)

3. Copyright Registration Process

Why Register?

• Creates presumption of ownership

• Required for certain lawsuits

• Facilitates licensing

How to Register

1. Prepare application (work details, creator info)

2. Submit to Canadian Intellectual Property Office

3. Pay fee ($50-$65 per work)

4. Receive certificate (4-6 month processing)

Note: Registration valid for work’s full copyright term

4. Enforcement & Remedies

Common Infringement Cases

• Unauthorized music sampling

• Textbook photocopying beyond fair dealing

• Software piracy

• Unlicensed public performances

Legal Actions Available

5. Special Sectors & Rules

Music Industry

• SOCAN licenses public performances

• Re:Sound collects neighbouring rights royalties

• Mechanical licenses required for recordings

Publishing

• Access Copyright collective licensing

• Educational copying limits (10% rule)

• Out-of-print works new exceptions

Digital/Online Content

• Notice-and-notice system for ISPs

• Technological Protection Measures (anti-circumvention rules)

• Platform liability evolving case law

6. Recent Developments (2023-2024)

Legislative Changes

• Expanded photographer rights (deemed authorship)

• Text and data mining exceptions for AI research

• Extended copyright term (from life+50 to life+70 years)

Key Court Cases

• York University v. Access Copyright (Fair dealing scope)

• Bell v. Voltage Pictures (ISP disclosure rules)

• SOCAN v. ESA (Online game streaming rights)

7. Copyright Collective Societies in Canada

Major Collectives

• Access Copyright (writers/publishers)

• SOCAN (music performance)

• CMPA (music reproduction)

• Artisti (visual artists)

Collective Licensing

• Blanket licenses available

• Tariffs approved by Copyright Board

• Alternative to individual negotiations

8. International Considerations

Canada’s Treaty Obligations

• Berne Convention (automatic protection)

• WIPO Internet Treaties (digital protections)

• USMCA/CUSMA (increased enforcement)

Cross-Border Issues

• Differing national copyright terms

• Jurisdictional challenges online

• Border enforcement mechanisms

9. Protecting Your Copyright

Best Practices for Creators

• Use copyright notices (© + year + name)

• Maintain creation records (drafts, timestamps)

• Consider registration for valuable works

• Document licenses/permissions

• Monitor for potential infringements

For Businesses Using Content

• Conduct copyright audits

• Implement usage policies

• Train staff on fair dealing limits

• Secure proper licenses

Conclusion: Navigating Canada’s Copyright Landscape

Canadian copyright law continues to evolve, particularly in response to digital innovation and global harmonization pressures. By understanding their rights and obligations, creators and users can benefit from Canada’s balanced copyright system while minimizing legal risks.