The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) defines Copyright in this way: “Copyright (or author’s right) is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. Works covered by copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture, and films, to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps, and technical drawings”. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) echoes this definition: “Copyright is the exclusive legal right to produce, reproduce, publish or perform an original literary, artistic, dramatic or musical work”. CIPO has a great little video on YouTube about copyright. Although your original work is immediately protected by copyright the moment you create it, registering your work with your territory’s IP organization is recommended. When you register your original work you will receive a certification of registration and this is further proof that you are the rightful owner of the copyright. Copyright protection lasts the life of the author plus 50 years after his or her death in Canada and life plus 70 years in many other territories like the USA. The copyright symbol looks like this “©” and will commonly be shown on products like this “© 2019 John Doe. All rights Reserved”. It is not mandatory to mark your creation in this way but it tells the world that you are the author of your original work. Spend some time with these resources and on Friday we will share some insights on the importance of copyright, especially when it comes to musical works. Enjoy!
WIPO Website:
CIPO Website:
CIPO YouTube Video:
US Copyright Website:
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