Copyright protects the creator of an original work.
- A creator can be an author of a literary work (book, article, lyrics, slogan), a composer of music, an artist (an artwork or sculpture), a photographer (image), a person photographed or videoed (image rights), a filmmaker (movie director), performer (actor, singer or musician) or an editor (film or video or literary, where text changes).
- The creator of a work protected by copyright has the legal right to prevent unauthorized use for their life and for 70 years after their death. The creator of the copyright work may sell or licence their copyright. Their heirs will inherit the copyright.
- The creator owns the copyright. The creator can grant a copyright licence, which is a permission to use the copyright work. A licence fee, often called a royalty, is payable to the owner of the copyright for the copyright licence.
- Common copyright infringements are unauthorized use of songs, music and photographs. Do not use copyrighted images (photographs) or music in marketing materials unless you own the copyright or have permission to use the copyrighted image or music.
- Copyright infringements can result in take down notices or compulsory purchase of a copyright licence or compensation payment.
- Educational use, own use and other ‘fair use’ are not copyright infringements.
- Copyright is claimed this way: © Copyright (name & date). There is no copyright register in Australia.
- The famous Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band record album cover provides an excellent example of many kinds of copyright: literary, musical, artistic, performance, image and photographic.
