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.
Read more
- Read the Guide to Copyright
- View a complete list of fees related to registering your copyright.
- Get the status of your application by contacting us and quoting your file number.
- Find out about applications processing times by checking CIPO's Client Service Standards