Copyrights Law in New Zealand
Copyright Law in New Zealand
New Zealand’s copyright law is governed by the Copyright Act 1994, which sets out the framework for protection of original works and rights of creators.
Key Points about Copyright Law in New Zealand:
1. Governing Legislation
Copyright Act 1994 (amended multiple times)
Administered by the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office (IPONZ).
2. What is Protected?
Copyright protects original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, software code)
Dramatic works
Musical works
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs)
Films and sound recordings
Computer programs
Layouts of published editions
3. Automatic Protection
Copyright protection arises automatically on creation of the work.
No formal registration required.
4. Originality Requirement
The work must be original and show some degree of creativity.
5. Duration of Copyright
Generally, copyright lasts for:
Life of the author plus 50 years (for most works)
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 50 years from publication
For films, 50 years from the year of creation or 50 years after publication
For sound recordings, 50 years from the year of recording or publication
6. Exclusive Rights of the Copyright Owner
Reproduction
Publication or communication to the public
Adaptation or translation
Public performance or display
Broadcasting or making available online
7. Moral Rights
Includes the right to:
Be identified as the author
Object to derogatory treatment of the work
Moral rights cannot be assigned but can be waived.
8. Fair Dealing Exceptions
Limited exceptions for fair dealing in:
Research or private study
Criticism or review
News reporting
Parody or satire
9. International Treaties
New Zealand is a party to several international copyright treaties:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
This ensures mutual recognition of copyright with many other countries.
10. Enforcement
Infringement can lead to:
Civil remedies (damages, injunctions)
Criminal penalties (for commercial-scale piracy)
Cases are usually dealt with in civil courts.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Copyright Act 1994 |
| Protection | Automatic on creation, no registration |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, films, sound recordings, software |
| Duration | Life + 50 years (general) |
| Moral Rights | Right of attribution and integrity |
| Exceptions | Fair dealing for research, review, news, parody |
| International Treaties | Berne, WIPO, TRIPS |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal penalties |
If you want, I can help with practical steps on protecting your copyright in New Zealand or more details about fair dealing and enforcement!Copyright Law in New Zealand
New Zealand’s copyright law is governed by the Copyright Act 1994, which sets out the framework for protection of original works and rights of creators.
Key Points about Copyright Law in New Zealand:
1. Governing Legislation
Copyright Act 1994 (amended multiple times)
Administered by the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office (IPONZ).
2. What is Protected?
Copyright protects original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, software code)
Dramatic works
Musical works
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs)
Films and sound recordings
Computer programs
Layouts of published editions
3. Automatic Protection
Copyright protection arises automatically on creation of the work.
No formal registration required.
4. Originality Requirement
The work must be original and show some degree of creativity.
5. Duration of Copyright
Generally, copyright lasts for:
Life of the author plus 50 years (for most works)
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 50 years from publication
For films, 50 years from the year of creation or 50 years after publication
For sound recordings, 50 years from the year of recording or publication
6. Exclusive Rights of the Copyright Owner
Reproduction
Publication or communication to the public
Adaptation or translation
Public performance or display
Broadcasting or making available online
7. Moral Rights
Includes the right to:
Be identified as the author
Object to derogatory treatment of the work
Moral rights cannot be assigned but can be waived.
8. Fair Dealing Exceptions
Limited exceptions for fair dealing in:
Research or private study
Criticism or review
News reporting
Parody or satire
9. International Treaties
New Zealand is a party to several international copyright treaties:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
This ensures mutual recognition of copyright with many other countries.
10. Enforcement
Infringement can lead to:
Civil remedies (damages, injunctions)
Criminal penalties (for commercial-scale piracy)
Cases are usually dealt with in civil courts.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Copyright Act 1994 |
| Protection | Automatic on creation, no registration |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, films, sound recordings, software |
| Duration | Life + 50 years (general) |
| Moral Rights | Right of attribution and integrity |
| Exceptions | Fair dealing for research, review, news, parody |
| International Treaties | Berne, WIPO, TRIPS |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal penalties |
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