Copyright Office Fee Schedule Update

Summary#

These are the proposed Regulations Amending the Copyright Regulations that replace the fee schedule the Copyright Office uses. The proposal lists specific fees for services like copyright registration, certified copies, and copies in paper or electronic form. It was published on December 31, 2022, and the changes would come into force on January 1, 2024 if adopted.

What it does#

• Replaces the current tariff of fees in the Copyright Regulations with a new schedule of charges.
• Sets fees for registering a copyright:
  • Online application: $63.00.
  • Non-online application: $81.00.
• Sets fees for other services:
  • Registering an assignment or licence: $81.00.
  • Accelerated processing of an application or registration: $81.00.
  • Correcting a clerical error (if requested online): $63.00; otherwise $81.00.
• Sets fees for certified copies:
  • Certified copy (paper): $44.00 plus $1.00 per page.
  • Certified copy (electronic): $44.00 plus $13.00 for each copyright the request covers.
• Sets fees for ordinary copies:
  • Paper copy: $1.00 per page.
  • Electronic copy: $13.00 per request, plus $13.00 for each additional physical medium beyond the first, plus $13.00 per copyright the request covers.
• The notice invited public comments within 30 days after publication (December 31, 2022).

Who's affected#

• Creators and copyright owners who register works with the Copyright Office.
• Lawyers, agents, and businesses that file registrations, assignments or licences.
• Libraries, archives and others who request certified copies or copies of records.
• The Department of Industry (sponsor) and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office as the administering offices.

Why it matters#

• These fees determine how much it costs to get official proof of copyright or to obtain certified records. That can matter to independent artists, small businesses, and anyone who relies on official registration or certified copies for contracts or legal proof.
• Higher or lower fees affect how affordable it is to use formal copyright services. That can influence whether people register works or use alternative evidence of ownership.
• The proposal was open for comment; it was not yet final when published.