Application Form

Note : This form is not intended for copyright registration. For copyright registration, contact the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. If you submit this form to register a copyright, the Board will not follow-up on your request.

Application for a Licence to Use a Work for Which the Copyright Owner is Unlocatable

(S. 77(1) of the Copyright Act)

Before completing this form, ensure that you have read the general information page.

Please complete all relevant sections of this form. Proof of your research is required for the Board to review your application and must be uploaded in a PDF or Microsoft Word format.

If you need help completing sections of the form or if you require a paper or PDF version of the form, contact us at unlocatables-introuvables@cb-cda.gc.ca

1. Your information

Are you applying

2. Information about the work you intend to use

Type of Work
Write “unknown” if you do not know.
Write “unknown” if you do not know.
Has the work been published?

For information about the definition of “published” in the Copyright Act, consult the general information page.
Is the author deceased?
Is the author the owner of the copyright?

3. Details About Your Project

For example: writing an article, recording an album, writing a book, producing a film, etc.
(In print, television, online, radio, movie theatre, etc.)

Note: If the Board issues a licence, you will be authorized to reproduce or use the work in Canada only. However, you will be authorized to distribute the work worldwide. Example: a licence authorizes the print of 500 books. The printing must be made in Canada, but the books can be sold in other countries.

4. Licence Date and Duration

Please note that once an application file is considered complete, we may require up to 45 business days to issue a decision.

When do you need a licence?*

Indicate the day on which you intend to reproduce the work.

Note: If you decide to use the work before receiving a licence from the Board, you may be liable for unauthorized use. If you are limited in resources and time, you may want to consider using another work for which the copyright owner is known and from which you can obtain permission directly.

This depends on the reproductions that you will make in the future, i.e., if you intend to reissue new copies of your work. The use and distribution of existing works that have been made during the duration of licence is allowed once the licence has expired.
For example, a licence is valid from September 2025 to September 2035. The licensee can make copies of their books during that period. Past September 2035, they are not allowed to reprint their book, however existing copies of the books can still be distributed.

5. Your Research

Provide a detailed description of your research. All relevant material (e.g. correspondence and exchange of emails, search results, summary of telephone conversations, etc.) must be uploaded in PDF or Word format. Please ensure to indicate the individuals or organizations contacted as well as the date they were contacted.

Upload requirements

6. Additional information

Please indicate any additional information you feel may be useful in reviewing your application.

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