Copyright Laws in Canada for Text, Images, Audio and Video
Text - Text is protected by copyright regardless of it being in print or digital form. Most formats such as books, articles and web sites are protected. Types of works such as plays, novels, poems, and essays are also protected by copyright. An individual may copy a portion of a work if it is given a permission from the Copyright Acts or if it becomes a fair dealing. Otherwise, an agreement must occur between the copyright holder and the user, such as a license agreement. Generally, it is not advisable to send any copyright works through e-mail. It is recommended that an individual should provide a link to the source instead.In the internet, instead of copying and paste a portion of text to criticize it, it is advisable to provide a link to the source of text instead.
Images - Images are protected under the Copyright Act. Images can include visual works and artistic ones such as paintings, drawings, maps, charts, plans, photographs, engravings, sculptures, architectural works, and compilations of artistic works. In general, the images are covered under the Copyright Act for the next 50 years after the work comes into the public domain. Images on the internet can be attained after a permission from the copyright owner is obtained. With fair dealing, a student is allowed to copy images for the purpose of research, review, criticism, or private study.
Audio - Sound recordings may have multiple of copyright protections: protection of the recording itself, protection of the performance and protection of the music and lyrics. The playing of sound recording is allowed in class for educational purposes, however, audio broadcasts may not be copied or played later on in class unless given a special permit. The Copyright Act permits the copying of sound recording which includes musical work for one's personal use. In general, it is not allowed for an individual to copy a sound recording without musical work. Under Canada's Copyright Act, it is generally illegal for unauthorized copying or distribution of copyright material for profit, however, downloading or copying a file for one's personal use is allowed.
Video - Video works that are in the public domain are not protected by copyright and can be used and copied freely anytime. Works can be used for personal use but it is not permitted to be shared with others. Videos and DVDs are protected and may have 50 years of copyright which does not allow anyone to copy the without the permission of the copyright holder. Although there are exceptions with copying. Copying is allowed for the educational purposes only and is not commercially available.