How your copyright application is processed

How your copyright application is processed (PDF - 71.8KB - 2 pages)

The Copyright and Industrial Design Branch (the Copyright Office) processes your application for registration of copyright upon receipt.

Please contact us if you wish to have general information on copyrights, or if you need more information about filing an application.

Always quote your file number for quick service. Fees quoted are those in force at the time of printing. A complete listing of fees is included in the Guide to Copyrights.

Note: The following is an overview of how a copyright application is processed including, approximate timelines. To read our service commitment to clients, see CIPO's Client Service Standards.

Steps

  1. Filing
  2. Review
  3. Registration
  4. Certificates of correction
  5. Grants of interest
  6. Extracts from the register, photocopies, and certified copies

1. Filing

Copyright application files are recorded in an automated system and assigned a file number in the order that they are received. When filing by mail or fax, a request for accelerated processing of the application may be made by the agent or applicant.

How we'll inform you…
…and when
Fees
You are not informed at this point.
For applications submitted online:
Three (3) working days.
For applications submitted online: $50.
For applications submitted by mail or fax, with request for accelerated action:
Three (3) working days.
For applications submitted by mail or fax: $65.
For applications submitted by mail or fax: Ten (10) working days.
For applications filed by mail or fax, accompanied by a request for accelerated action:
Filing fee plus an additional $65.

2. Review

A reviewer checks each application to ensure that complete and clear information has been provided. If there are any questions, the reviewer will send a report to the applicant or their agent requesting clarification.

How we'll inform you…
…and when
Fees
By mail or by telephone, indicating the specific information or clarification required.
For applications submitted online:
Three (3) working days.
None.
For applications submitted by mail or fax, with request for accelerated action:
Three (3) working days.
For applications submitted by mail or fax: Ten (10) working days.

3. Registration

When an application is considered complete and the appropriate filing fee is received, a registration number is assigned. At this point a registration certificate is printed, a quality check performed, and it is mailed to the agent or applicant.

How we'll inform you…
…and when
Fees
Registration certificates are sent to the agent or applicant by mail.
For applications submitted online:
3 working days.
None.
For applications submitted by mail or fax, with request for accelerated action:
Three (3) working days.
For applications submitted by mail or fax: Ten (10) working days.

4. Certificates of correction

At the client's request, a certificate of correction will be issued should a clerical error appear on an original registration certificate.

How we'll inform you…
…and when
Fees
Copyright Office errors: You will receive a new registration certificate.
For applications submitted online:
Three (3) working days.
Copyright Office errors:
None.
Client errors: You will receive a certificate of correction by mail.
For applications submitted by mail or fax, with request for accelerated action:
Three (3) working days.
Client errors:
Requests for correction submitted online: $50.
For applications submitted by mail or fax:
Ten (10) working days.
Client errors: Requests for correction submitted by mail or fax:
$65.

5. Grants of interest

Upon receipt of an original grant of interest document to be registered, such as a license agreement or assignment, the Copyright Office will verify the information provided, enter it in the automated system and issue a file number.

How we'll inform you…
…and when
Fees
When the grant of interest submission requires further information or clarification, you will be informed by mail or telephone.
For applications submitted online:
Three (3) working days.
$65 per work affected by the grant of interest document to be registered.
Grant of interest documents that are ready for registration will automatically be granted a registration number. The registration certificate will be mailed to you.
For applications submitted by mail or fax, with request for accelerated action:
Three (3) working days.
For applications submitted by mail or fax: Ten (10) working days.

6. Extracts from the register, photocopies, and certified copies

Copies, extracts from the register, and certified copies are provided upon request, for a fee, by contacting the Client Service Centre, or submitting a Copyright document order form.