What does it protect?
Copyright protects the original expression of ideas, (not the ideas themselves). Copyright protects original works of art and literature, music, films, sound recordings, broadcasts and computer programs from being copied.
What is the ‘monopoly’ right that it provides?
Copyright safeguards original works of art and literature, film, sound recording, broadcasts and computer programs from copying and certain other uses. It gives exclusive rights to license others so they can copy the work, perform it in public, broadcast it, publish it and make an adaptation of the work.
These rights vary according to the nature of the work. Some works, like films, include many different copyright works.
Note: Information on the internet cannot be copied without the copyright owner’s consent.
How is the right created?
Protection comes from the first time the work is written down, painted or drawn, filmed or taped and in this sense is automatic provided the work is original.
As a general rule, copyright in a literary work vests in the ‘author’ of a work. However works created during the course of employment vest with the employer by default.
In Australia this protection is provided under the Copyright Act 1968, federal legislation that applies throughout Australia. Protection last usually for 70 years from the death of the author or the date of publication or date of broadcast was made. Works should be marked © [name of owner] [year of being written. All rights reserved].
Usually making copies of copyright material can infringe exclusive rights, however under the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act, a certain amount of copying is permissible.