Register copyright in Canada: prepare a CIPO application
Distinguish automatic protection from a certificate, identify the work and owner and file the correct information.
Use the official CIPO service. A paid notice received after publication or filing may come from a business unrelated to government.
Understand registration
An original work may be protected without registration. A certificate provides registered evidence useful in a dispute; it does not replace creation evidence.
Identify the parties
Record title, category, publication date, author, owner and how rights were acquired. Distinguish employment, commission, assignment and licence.
Prepare an accurate application
Verify names and the work’s scope before paying. CIPO does not repair a poorly documented chain of title for you.
Keep the record
Retain dated files, contracts, versions, receipt and certificate. Registration does not automatically create rights in material belonging to others.