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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Not always. Many uses are covered by Fair Dealing or by Western Libraries’ licenses.
Use the Fair Dealing Checklist or contact Copyright Services if unsure.
Usually no. Instead, use stable links from Western Libraries’ databases — this respects license terms and ensures access for enrolled students.
Only if they are openly licensed (e.g., Creative Commons), in the public domain, or used under Fair Dealing. Always include attribution.
In Canada, most works enter the public domain 70 years after the author’s death. Some Government publications and official documents are also public domain, but it is important to ensure that Crown Copyright does not apply.

Crown Copyright refers to copyright protection held by the Government of Canada (the “Crown”) for works created by federal departments, agencies, or employees in the course of their duties. This means that, unlike most works where copyright belongs to the individual author, the Crown is the copyright owner.

Examples of Crown works include:

  • Federal government publications and reports
  • Statutes, regulations, and certain official symbols
  • Data, photographs, or audiovisual materials produced by government employees

Under the Copyright Act, Crown Copyright generally lasts for 50 years after the date of publication.
Many federal materials are made available for reuse under the Open Government Licence – Canada (OGL-C), which allows reproduction and adaptation provided that proper attribution is given and use complies with the licence terms.

To determine whether a government work is covered by the OGL-C or requires permission, review the source website or contact the responsible department directly.

For Instructors

Yes, if it’s legally obtained and shown in a classroom or secure online setting for a non-commercial educational purpose. Use licensed platforms such as NFB Campus or Criterion-on-Demand when available.
Yes, within Fair Dealing limits or if licensed for educational use. Attribute all sources and avoid using large collections of images.

Yes, if the video is legitimately uploaded and you use a link or embed, not a downloaded copy.

Use Western Libraries’ Course Readings service to ensure that all works are compliant.

Graduate Students

You do, unless a research sponsor or publisher agreement assigns ownership elsewhere.
Yes, if permitted by the publisher or under Fair Dealing. Otherwise, request written permission from the rights holder.
No — only for content that isn’t covered by Fair Dealing, license, or open access. When in doubt, ask Copyright Services.
Yes. Apply for an embargo through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) if needed for publication or confidentiality.

Using AI Tools

Yes, but you are responsible for verifying copyright and ownership of outputs. Review Western’s AI & Copyright guidance page for details.
Yes. Always disclose the use of generative tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E) in your methods or acknowledgements, following Western’s policy and discipline conventions.

Permissions and Licensing

You must obtain written permission from the rights holder. Use the Request Permission email template provided.
Only if the permission explicitly allows it. Many permissions apply to a single course or publication.
No. Educational permissions apply only to secure university systems unless otherwise stated.

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