Copyright
What is it and
what does it protect?
What Is Copyright?
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original creative works fixed in a tangible form. Copyright law helps creators and businesses control how their works are used, shared, and reproduced, while encouraging creativity and innovation.
Copyright protection arises automatically when an original work is created - registration is not required, but it provides important legal benefits, including easier enforcement and statutory remedies.
Copyright generally gives the owner exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and license the protected work.
What Can Copyright Protect?
Copyright can be used to protect a wide range of creative and expressive works, including:
· Literary works, such as books, articles, manuals, and website content
· Artistic works, including illustrations, photographs, and graphic designs
· Musical works, including compositions and sound recordings
· Dramatic works, such as films, television programs, and plays
· Software and computer code
· Architectural works
Copyright does not protect ideas, facts, or functional concepts - only the original expression of those ideas.
How Long Does Copyright Last?
In Canada and the U.S., copyright generally lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years, making it a long-term asset for creators and rights holders. Copyright is commonly used to protect branding materials, digital content, marketing assets, and creative works used in commerce.
Because copyright rules and enforcement mechanisms can vary between jurisdictions, strategic guidance helps ensure your rights are properly protected and enforced across the board.
Contact us today to discuss your copyright needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Copyright
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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We have your copyright filing needs covered, with quick filing and reporting.
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Reach out to schedule a call - we’ll assess the suitability of your work for copyright registration and walk you through the next steps.
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We provide high quality copyright registration services in an easy-to-consume format.
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We charge fixed tariffs for the majority of copyright work. After an initial call, we’ll provide a cost estimate for next steps.