Duration of copyright
Copyright basics
Copyright exists as soon as a work becomes fixed. In Canada, the term for which copyright subsists is the life of the author and a period of 70 years following the end of that calendar year. This period is referred to as the copyright term. Once the copyright term has expired, the exclusive and moral rights cease to exist. Note that the term for sound recordings may be extended under certain circumstances.
At the end of the copyright term, works enter the public domain and can be used and adapted freely for cultural, educational, commercial, personal, and social purposes.
Should you have any questions please contact the Copyright Office.
The Copyright Office makes every effort to provide accurate information but does not offer it as counsel or legal advice.