COPYRIGHT
The work is yours. Keep it that way.
Registration, protection, and enforcement of copyright for musicians, writers, filmmakers, and creative businesses across Ontario.
THE DIRECT ANSWER
What is copyright?
Copyright is the legal right that automatically attaches to an original work — a song, a script, a film, a photograph, a book — the moment it is fixed in a tangible form. It gives the creator the exclusive right to reproduce, perform, and license the work for the creator's lifetime plus 70 years in Canada. Registration is not required for copyright to exist, but it strengthens enforcement.
WHY IT MATTERS
Ownership at the moment of creation, not after the dispute.
Canadian copyright law is strong, creator-friendly, and widely misunderstood. Copyright attaches automatically — you do not need to register to own it. But registration with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office creates a public record, shifts the burden of proof if someone infringes, and is often required when licensing internationally or collecting through collectives.
The real work of copyright law for most creators is not registration. It is making sure the rights actually stay with the creator. Collaborations without a split sheet, features without a written agreement, producer contributions without work-for-hire language, and brand deals that buy all rights by default — all of these quietly transfer copyright away from the creator.
We help creators register what matters, document ownership at the moment of creation, structure licences that keep the underlying rights intact, and enforce against unauthorized use. For businesses using creative work, we make sure the rights you think you are buying are the rights you actually get.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
01
Register copyright with CIPO for songs, scripts, films, manuscripts, and visual works.
02
Draft split sheets, feature agreements, and work-for-hire contracts.
03
Review brand deals and licensing paper to protect underlying ownership.
04
Handle copyright infringement claims, takedowns, and cease-and-desist letters.
05
Advise on fair dealing, parody, and educational use questions.
06
Structure catalogue deals when selling or assigning rights.
FAQ
Common questions about copyright in Canada.
Do I need to register my copyright?
How long does copyright last in Canada?
What's a split sheet and do I need one?
Can I sample someone else's work?
Someone copied my work. What can I do?
What happens to copyright when I die?
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