How your application for registration of a copyright is processed

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) will process your application according to the steps below.

Process for copyright registration

Step 1: Filing

Online applications

If you send an application online, along with the fee, it is automatically downloaded into our internal processing system to be registered.

Paper applications

If you submit an application to CIPO by mail or fax, along with the fee, it is entered manually into our internal processing system to be registered.

If there is any problem with the application or the fee, CIPO will let you know.

Step 2: Registration

Once CIPO gets a complete application and the appropriate fee, the copyright is registered.

Online applications

A registration certificate, including a registration number, will be issued within 7 business days.

Paper applications

A registration certificate, including a registration number, will be issued within one month.

Process for assignment, licence or other documents

Here are the steps we will take for assignments, licences or other documents:

  • Once CIPO receives a complete request and the fee to register an assignment or licence, or to include any other document in the Register, we will enter this information into our internal processing system.
  • If the request and fee are complete, the assignment, licence or document will be included in the Register.
  • If there is any problem with the request or the fee, CIPO will notify you.
  • A certificate of registration of assignment or licence will be issued within one month.

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