Copyright registration is voluntary in the U.S. and in Canada (due to international copyright requirements). Each country however has a voluntary government registration system which provides you with certain advantages if you choose to register. In both countries, it is best to register upon creation of a work but you can register at any time and it is highly advisable you register before commencing a law suit as there are specific advantages if you do so.
One difference between the two registration systems is that you must deposit a copy of the work with the US Copyright Office whereas the Canadian Copyright Office does not accept any deposits -- you merely fill out the form and pay your fee. As such, many Canadians choose to register their work in Canada (for advantages in a copyright infringement suit) and also in the US so a copy of the work is deposited and can be called upon should an infringement issue arise.
This is a quick summary of some of the differences. Please ask your questions below as a comment and I'd be happy to expand on this subject.
Lesley
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Canadian Copyright Law
8 months ago
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