Copyright

Copyright in Australia is governed by the Copyright Act, 1968 (Cth).

Copyright exists for works like literary, dramatic, artistic and musical works. Copyright also exist for sound recordings, cinematograph films, sound and television broadcasts and published editions of works. 

There are no formal requirements for registration of copyright, except for using the copyright symbol on the copyrightable work as soon as it is created.  

There are various factors which determine whether copyright protection can be afforded in Australia. The factors to be considered are the residential status of the author, the place of making the copyrightable work and the place of first publication. 

Copyright protection is given for the following duration:

• Literary, dramatic or musical work is for 70 years after the year in which the author dies or from the first year in which the work is published, whichever is later;
• Sound recordings, films and television broadcasts is for 70 years after publication;
• Published edition of works is for 25 years after the year in which it was published. 

Just like in Trademarks, once a copyright is created and secured, it becomes an asset of the author and can be monetised according to the author's desire.