Recent Copyright Seminar

The event was very helpful refresher and update.  The folliowing outlines some of the ideas discussed:


Copyright protects  - (1) Works - which are literary, dramatic, artistic, sheet
                                         music.
                           - (2) Other Subject Matter - which includes films, sound
                                         recordings, broadcasts, published layout of an
                                         underlying work.

The basic requirements for protection are - Originality (low threshold for
                                                                  items, some creativity, effort).  
                                                          - Items need to be in material form.

Copyright does not protect     - Ideas, only the expression of ideas  
                                           - Styles or techniques (eg.  a new way to boil
                                              eggs)  
                                           - Factual information  
                                           - Peoples likenesses

A copyright owners rights include     - Reproduction  
                                                     - Adaption (converting novels to TV)  
                                                     - Communication to public (small groups
                                                        etc.)  
                                                     - Public performance  
                                                     - Rental

Copyright is generally first owned by the Creator, exceptions can include

   - Employees works        
   - Government        
   - Some commissioned material
   - Contractual arrangements

Copyright generally LASTS FOR THE LIFE OF THE CREATOR + 70 YEARS
(however putting things online exposes you to differing international law).

Copyright has generally expired if   - Works are government works  
                                                    - Creator has died before 1 Jan 1955  
                                                    - Material is unpublished  
                                                    - Works are photos taken before 1 Jan 1955

There is a "Copyright issue" if a the material to be copied constitutes a "DISTINCTIVE PART" of the work - the decision is more qualitative rather than quantitative.

HOWEVER no permission needed if   - Copy constitutes "fair dealing" (ie. 10%
                                                          or one chapter for study, criticism or
                                                          review, news reporting, satire or parody)
                                                       - Some library use (200A/B)  
                                                       - Some educational institutional use  
                                                       - By people with disabilities    
                                                       - By the crown

* Attribution is usually required.

Sections of the Copyright Act that cover such
use include  - Sect 49,50, 51, 110A and Sect 200A/B.

Concerning copying done by the library:  "Their are provisions in the Copyright Act that allow staff of libraries... to copy and communicate material from books... and some other formats for certain purposes - but without having to get permission from the copyright owner. See "COPYRIGHT FUNDAMENTALS FOR LIBRARIES PART1 (HANDOUT) - Aust. Copyright Council 2014.

Libraries can copy material for patron's research or study:
                           
                                    - if requested in writing and accompanied by a
                                      signed declaration of intent.
                                      (Can be emailed, & requests and declarations
                                      must be kept for 4 years and limits apply
                                      depending format and on the commercial availability
                                      of the item).
                                    - if original items/manuscripts (eg. paintings)
                                      though must be used on premises.

Further there is a whole set of provisions for library copying relating to collection preservation, copying to replace lost or stolen items, administarative uses and special case exceptions concerning library operation.  

Copyright can also be dealt with by    - Assignment of copyrights to someone
                                                         else (can be done by email if necces).
                                                       - Bequest or will.  
                                                       - Licence.

The Moral rights of the copyright holder include  - Attribution (to be credited for
                                                                        their work).    
                                                                      - To not be attributed falsely
                                                                        (after modifying creator's
                                                                        work)    
                                                                      - Integrity- ie. authors work is
                                                                        not subjected to derogatory
                                                                        treatment that harms their
                                                                        reputation.

The first port of call for copyright queries is usually the Copyright Council's Website  -

www.copyright.org.au.

Guy.