Copyright Registration & Copyright Protection
WHAT IS PROTECTEDOriginal literary (includes brochures, certain labels and instructions and also computer programs), dramatic, musical and artistic works, sound recordings, films, broadcasts and published editions of works, and certain performer’s rights, provided in each case the nationality or residency requirements are satisfied. Moral rights are also protected.
OBTAINING PROTECTION
By creation of the material in reproducible form, or publication of the material. There is no registration procedure.
WHO GAINS PROTECTION
Usually the author or maker or their employer. Rules vary for commissioned material.
LENGTH OF PROTECTION
Various- for published works the term of protection is usually the life of the author plus 70 years.
PROTECTION CONFERRED
The right to prevent others in Australia copying the protected material and doing other acts in relation to the material including publishing or publicly performing the material or communicating the material to the public and in some cases entering into commercial rental arrangements and selling the material.