Do you have an artistic, literary, dramatic or musical work that you want to protect? Then registering a copyright could be beneficial. Copyright is a unique type of intellectual property because protection exists the moment that art is created. Why then would someone want to register a copyright?
Photo by Konstantinos Papadopoulos on Unsplash
A certificate of registration is corroboration that copyright exists and you are the owner. This could make it easier to assert your rights against copyright infringers and have financial benefits.[1]
Copyright registration is relatively inexpensive at $50 Canadian. This could be a money spent, money saved situation.[2]
If your copyright is registered in Canada, it is protected by copyright in other countries that are signatory to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.[3]
Does this appeal to you; then registering a copyright might be for you!
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office, “A Guide to Copyright” (15 November 2016), Government of Canada (website), online:< https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/eng/h_wr02281.html>. [A Guide to Copyright]
[2] Ibid.
[3] Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, 9 September 1886 (entered into force 5 December 1887).