Copyright at Dalhousie
All members of the Dalhousie University community – faculty, staff and students – must comply with the provisions of the Copyright Act of Canada.
Copyright is a type of legal protection for original works. It applies to things like books, articles, music, films, and websites - anything created and shared in a fixed form.
What Copyright Means
Copyright gives the creator the exclusive right to:
- copy or reproduce their work
- perform, display, or publish it
- translate or adapt it into other forms
- share it with others in physical or digital formats
Others generally need permission to use the work in these ways unless an exception applies.
What Kind of Works Are Protected
Seven types of works are covered in Canada:
- Literary: books, emails, software
- Dramatic: plays, films, documentaries
- Artistic: drawings, maps, stage designs
- Musical: songs, sheet music
- Sound Recordings: music CDs, audiobooks
- Performers’ Performances: recorded shows or speeches
- Communication Signals: TV or radio broadcasts
Copyright and Your Work
In Canada, copyright is automatic. You don’t have to register your work to be protected. As soon as you create something original and record it (in writing, audio, video, etc.), it’s covered by copyright. However, it is recommended to mark your work with the internationally recognized © copyright symbol or include the word copyright along with your name and the year created.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office maintains the Canadian Copyright Database and can help creators prove that they own the copyright for their works with a certificate of registration.
Are Ideas Protected?
No. Only the way an idea is expressed, like writing or drawing, is protected under copyright. Raw facts, data, and ideas are public domain.
How Long Does It Last?
Copyright lasts for the creator’s life plus 70 years after the end of the calendar year in which they die. After that, the work enters the public domain and can be used freely.
Copying on Campus
Want to copy or share something for your studies, teaching, or research?
- Canadian law and Dalhousie's licensing agreements may permit you to make a copy.
- These exceptions are covered under Fair Dealing or other licensing deals.
- For details on what you're allowed to copy and how much, check out the Fair Dealing Guidelines.
Have Questions or Want More Information?
The Dalhousie Libraries Copyright Office can help you understand what you can use, how to get permission, and when exceptions apply.
Visit our comprehensive Copyright guide for more detailed and specific advice or contact us at copyright.office@dal.ca.