Copyright: Frequently Asked Questions

What is protected by Copyright?

Most literary, dramatic, musical works, databases, sound recordings, films, broadcasts and artistic works (photographs, sculptures, works of architecture and those other artistic craftsmanship), including published editions.

When does Copyright Occur?

When the work is recorded in a permanent form.  Copyright is only available for an original work.

Does Copyright need to be registered to be effective?

Copyright arises automatically when the work is created.  No registration required.

How long does Copyright last?

The life of the author plus 70 years from end of year of death (or in the case of films, 70 years from the death of the longest surviving of certain specified people involved in making the film).

Computer generated works, broadcasts and sound recordings are protected for 50 years.

Published editions have 25 years protection.

What are Copyright owners rights?

The copyright owner has the exclusive right to copy the work, issue copies to the public or adapt it, translate it or perform it in public.  The owner can grant licences to others to use the work.

What is an infringement of Copyright?

Occurs if a substantial part of the work is copied (directly or indirectly) irrespective of whether the infringer knows the copying is an infringement, or where unauthorised copies are imported or sold and the infringer has knowledge the product is an infringing copy.  If a similar or identical work is created independently, this will not infringe copyright.