As a general matter, the law of copyright protects “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a “tangible medium of expression.” 17 U.S.C. Â102. To be original, a work must be independently created by the author and must possess at least some minimal degree of creativity. Feist Publications, Inc. v. Rural Tel.
Serv. Co., 499 U. 340, 345 (1991). A work is “fixed” when it is “sufficiently permanent or stable to permit it to be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated for a period of more than transitory duration.” Id. ; see also 17 U.C Â101 (defining “fixed”).
Originality and fixation are separate requirements under copyright law. It is possible for a work to be original but not fixed, and thus not entitled to copyright protection. For example, an idea for a story that has not been reduced to writing would not be considered fixed, and therefore would not be protected by copyright law.
The law of copyright protects “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a “tangible medium of expression.C Â102.
A work is “fixed” when it is “sufficiently permanent or stable to permit it to be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated for a period of more than transitory duration.
It is possible for a work to be original but not fixed, and thus not entitled to copyright protection.
Canva photos are most likely copyrighted because they are original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression.
However, it is possible that some Canva photos may not be copyrighted because they are not original or they are not fixed.
If you want to use a Canva photo, you should first determine if the photo is copyrighted.
Conclusion
Most Canva photos are copyrighted because they meet the requirements for originality and fixation under copyright law.
