What is Copyright?

Copyright is the protection given to a person’s original work. It is the right given to the owner of the original works, to use such work exclusively. Ownership survives until the end of the creator’s life plus 70 years. If the work was published after the death of the creator, copyright expires 70 years from the date of publication. For example, Banjo Paterson died in 1941, and in 2011 his work became free to use without the need for permission.

Copyright material includes, but is not limited to, works such as music, films, print material (magazines, books, and newspapers), photographs, audio broadcasts, academic works, originally created databases, and computer programmes.

A breach of copyright occurs when a person who is not the creator of the work uses a significant or distinctive part of the work without the creator’s permission. Only the owner of the work can grant the right to copy or reproduce the material.

It is important to be mindful of any images, slogans, quotes, or music you may reference in a business speech or post on your websites or social media sites. This also includes using any music that accompanies a video you may upload. Reproducing these works without the owner’s permission could amount to a breach of copyright.

For more information, visit our Intellectual Property Guide in the footer > Legal > In Plain English Content > Intellectual Property Guide