Copyright at Niagara College

The Copyright at Niagara College guide has been created to demystify copyright at Niagara College. The guide provides information and resources to assist the Niagara College community make informed decisions regarding copyright protected materials. The guide does not constitute legal advice.

Your copyright team is available to answer questions and address concerns at library@niagaracollege.ca.

We can help: 

• Assess the use of copyrighted materials in courses
• Provide orientation for faculty on copyright 
• Answer questions about copyright
• Source alternatives to copyrighted resources

• Copyright is the exclusive legal right to produce, reproduce, publish, or perform an original work.
• All original works are automatically protected by copyright. This includes:
  • Artistic Works: drawings, engravings, paintings, photographs, sculptures
  • Computer/Digital Material:  computer programs, databases, emails, blogs, wikis, websites
  • Dramatic Works:  scripts for radio, television & film, plays, operas, musicals
  • Literary Works: books, magazines, pamphlets, letters, translations
  • Musical Works: musical arrangements, adaptations, sheet music, sound recordings
• Copyright generally lasts until 70 years after the death of the author.
• Upholding copyright law is the responsibility of all Niagara College employees and students.
• Please follow Fair Dealing guidelines, user licenses, and/or seek permission from the copyright holder before using, reusing, copying or distributing copyrighted material.  

Visit the Guide to Canadian Copyright for more information and how to register copyright in Canada.

Are you a faculty or staff member? Looking for a quick and easy way to learn more about copyright? Complete the online literacy modules found in Brightspace under My Apps and earn a Certificate of Recognition!  

Are you a student? Learn more about how the Canadian Copyright Act applies to you. Complete our "Copy" Right online module today!