Canada falls in line with Australian law, extends copyright terms

The Canadian government has announced its intention to extend their copyright term from 50 to 70 years, following the same steps the Australian government took a decade ago.

The new changes are taking place in accordance with Canada’s 2015 Budget, bringing the nation in line with over 60 countries worldwide who have copyright terms of 70 years or longer. Currently, this list includes the US, all of Europe, South Korea, Singapore and Australia.

In Australia, the copyright term for sound recordings is the life of the author plus 70 years. This term was altered from 50 years in 2005. Speaking to TMN, Executive Director of the Australian Copyright Council, Fiona Phillips, explained that the move “was part of our obligations and our free trade agreement with the United States.”

According to the Australian Copyright Council, copyright for artists under the updated law was not extended if it had already expired before 2005. The law currently states that copyrights for sound recordings are expired if created before 1 January 1955.

When asked on whether a 70-year copyright term should be adopted universally, Phillips said, “It’s an international standard.” She declined to comment further.

Canada’s new copyright policy means that the early works of many notable talents would remain in protection for an extended period of years. Music Business Worldwide reports that Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada, commended the government’s decision to finally be on par with the 60 other nations who have adopted copyright terms of 70 years or more.

“With each passing day, Canadian treasures like Universal Soldier by Buffy Sainte-Marie are lost to the public domain. It does not benefit the creator or their investors and it will have an adverse impact on the Canadian economy,” said Henderson.

However, Phillips stated that she was unsure as to whether an extended copyright term would benefit lesser-known artists.

“The reality is that very few copyright works are still being traded at that point in time. I’m not quite sure what the benefits will be [for smaller artists] except for highly successful works,” she said.

With Canadian companies reinvesting over 28% of revenue in developing talent, younger generations of musicians will also benefit from this copyright amendment well into the future.