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Copyright
The thesis submission process provides you with a unique opportunity to learn more about electronic publishing and there are important copyright issues to keep in mind. The skills acquired in submitting your electronic thesis will serve you well as you continue to produce works of scholarship.
The framework of the submission process mirrors an academic peer reviewed journal. We encourage you to start learning about copyright and publishing issues in the process of preparing and submitting your thesis.
You retain the copyright to your work unless other arrangements exist. When you upload your thesis or dissertation to Western University's Open Repository, you grant The University of Western Ontario the right to preserve and provide access to your digital publication.
Copyright Support for Theses and Dissertations
Copyright questions related to theses and dissertations are supported by Western Libraries' Copyright Office. Whether you have questions about including published articles in your thesis, using copyrighted images or other third-party materials, obtaining permissions, or understanding your rights as an author, Western Libraries provides guidance and resources to help you navigate the process.
Before submitting your thesis, we encourage you to review Western Libraries' copyright guidance for graduate students:
Western Libraries Copyright Guidance for Theses and Dissertations
This resource outlines key copyright considerations and provides information to help ensure your thesis can be published and shared appropriately.