Copyrights Law in Christmas Island (Australia)
Sure! Here's an overview of Copyright Law in Christmas Island (an Australian external territory):
Copyright Law in Christmas Island
1. Legal Framework
Christmas Island is an external Australian territory.
Australian federal law applies on Christmas Island unless otherwise specified.
Therefore, the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), which governs copyright in Australia, applies to Christmas Island as well.
2. Protected Works
Under the Australian Copyright Act, copyright protects original works such as:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Dramatic works
Musical works and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs)
Films and sound recordings
Broadcasts
Published editions
3. Ownership
The author of the work is usually the first copyright owner.
For works created in the course of employment, the employer may own the copyright, depending on the contract.
Joint authors share copyright unless agreed otherwise.
4. Duration of Protection
Literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works: Life of the author plus 70 years after their death.
Films, sound recordings, broadcasts: 70 years from date of creation or publication, depending on type.
Published editions: 25 years from first publication.
5. Rights Granted
Copyright owners have the exclusive right to:
Reproduce the work
Publish or communicate it to the public
Perform or show the work publicly
Adapt or make derivative works
Import or distribute copies
6. Moral Rights
Authors have non-transferable moral rights, including:
Right of attribution
Right against false attribution
Right of integrity (to object to derogatory treatment)
7. Registration
No formal registration system exists in Australia; copyright arises automatically upon creation.
Registration is not required but keeping evidence of creation date is recommended.
8. Infringement & Enforcement
Infringement remedies include injunctions, damages, account of profits, and in some cases criminal penalties.
Enforcement can be through civil courts or via Customs for imported infringing goods.
9. International Treaties
Australia (and hence Christmas Island) is a party to:
Berne Convention
TRIPS Agreement
WIPO Treaties
Foreign works are protected under the principle of national treatment.
Summary:
Because Christmas Island is under Australian sovereignty, it follows Australian copyright law, which is a comprehensive system aligned with international standards.
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