< IP News

Copyright Board Grants License to Use Postcard from Unknown Author

Under the Copyright Act, where someone wishes to make use of a copyrighted work but is not able to locate the copyright owner, they can apply to the Copyright Board for a license to use the work. The Copyright Board has the power to issue a non-exclusive license on terms and conditions that the Board may establish.

On 8 January 2025, the Copyright Board granted Free Agency Creative a license to use an undated and unattributed postcard titled View of Howe Sound and Squamish from Garibaldi Park. The license permits Free Agency Creative to reproduce the postcard at a community information center and at the community center’s website, as well as on a printed brochure.

The decision from the Copyright Board is a reminder of the importance of ensuring that appropriate licenses to use works are obtained, even if the owners of the works are not locatable.

A copy of the decision is available here.

NOT LEGAL ADVICE.
Information made available on this website in any form is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as legal advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action, based upon this information. Never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP professionals will be pleased to discuss resolutions to specific legal concerns you may have.

Related Services