Artists are afforded several moral rights over their works that are separate from copyright. For example, the right to paternity protects the ability to associate with your work as the creator of it; the right to integrity protects from modifications to your work or presentations of your work that would undermine your reputation. Unlike copyright, these rights cannot be sold or transferred to another party though they can be waived.

Did you know the current Copyright Act only came into force in Canada in 1924? In 1988, modernization of the Act began, which included a bolstering of moral rights, the creation of the Copyright Board and increased criminal sanctions. There may also be changes on the horizon to deal with Artificial Intelligence and Copyright. Stay tuned!

^ The information above was created by students from the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts, it is not legal advice nor does it create a solicitor-client relationship. The Clinic provides information and services entirely for free. Why? To support artists doing what they do best– creating– which makes the world a better place for everyone! If you need legal assistance, please fill out an intake form at legalclinicforthearts.ca