Intellectual Property
Copyright Ownership and Licenses
Owning copyright gives the owner a right to grant licences to that copyright. A person who receives certain rights may also possess the right to grant a license. Copyright ownership
Publishing copyrighted works without the identity of the accused being revealed has become rampant nowadays. Because of this, there are problems with getting permission and use of materials without the author’s consent arising.
Orphan Works in Australia refer to creative works whose copyright owners are difficult or impossible to identify or locate.
This article discusses the issues that arise when using orphan works. It also covers the dangers of copyright infringement. Additionally, it provides guidance on effectively navigating this legal issue.
Orphan works are creative pieces where the copyright owner is unknown. This can happen due to various reasons like the work being old, missing identifying details, or difficulty in identifying the rights holder. Orphan works are common because of long copyright protection, automatic protection under the law, and no registration requirements.
Various forms of creative work can become orphaned, like paintings, written pieces, audio recordings, photos, and visual media like movies.
In Australia, the Attorney-General’s Department is responsible for managing copyright-related matters. They oversee the Copyright Act 1968 and the Circuit Layouts Act 1989. Additionally, they develop Australian copyright policy and represent the country’s interests in international copyright issues
Further, the Australian Copyright Council is an independent, not-for-profit Community Legal Service (CLS). Its mission is to promote understanding of copyright law and its application. Founded in 1968, the Australian Copyright Council educates the public about copyright. It was established the same year as the Australian Copyright Act 1968.
Orphan works in Australia however, pose a challenge as their copyright owners are hard to identify. The Copyright Act does not have a specific exception for using orphan works, but they can be utilized under fair dealing exceptions or statutory licenses.
As such, the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) is undergoing reforms to introduce a limited liability scheme for using orphan works. This change will benefit cultural, educational, and broadcasting sectors in Australia by allowing them to use works without risking copyright infringement when the owner cannot be identified. This reform aims to serve the public interest.
When using orphan works, there are potential consequences and risks that individuals and organizations should be aware of. Firstly, using orphan works without proper authorization can result in legal consequences, such as copyright infringement lawsuits, if the true copyright owner emerges later. This can result in paying fines or legal fees, damaging the user’s reputation, and impacting relationships in the industry.
Additionally, uncertainty about the legal status of orphan works may limit commercial opportunities, deterring potential investors or partners from collaborating on projects involving such works. Also, there is no assumption in the law that the owner has given up their rights. This means someone could still sue users for using something even if they tried hard to find the owner.
Furthermore, orphan works can create secondary risks for users, especially when receiving funding or licensing material containing orphan works through third parties. Users may have to provide warranties for copyright clearances. This can lead to legal complexities. Users may also be required to cover legal costs for third parties.
Obtaining insurance against these risks can be challenging, and some third parties may refuse material containing orphan works altogether. Additionally, reputational risks arise from using copyright material without permission, potentially leading to moral rights infringements and concerns about increased piracy risks.
To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to seek guidance from copyright lawyers specializing in Australian copyright law. They can help with understanding legal issues of orphan works, reducing risks, and following copyright rules.
Using Orphan Works without permission poses a risk, but individuals can use them in certain situations allowed by law.
The term “public domain” refers to works no longer eligible for copyright protection and thus free to use.
If you can reasonably estimate when an orphan work was created, you can determine its copyright status. For instance, unpublished works typically remain under copyright for the life of the author plus 70 years after their death.
Therefore, if you come across an old photograph that you believe has never been published and it likely originated from someone who passed away before 1948, it is highly probable that its copyright has expired. In these cases, anyone can use orphan works without the owner’s permission. This allows for creative reuse and preservation of cultural heritage.
2. If you have conducted Reasonably Diligent Search on the Author
If you have conducted a Reasonably Diligent Search on the Author, you can use Orphan works even without the permission of the owner. In Australia, specific exceptions for orphan works may be absent, but reliance on flexible dealing provisions is common practice.
Australian libraries that digitize or make identified orphan works publicly available can leverage section 200AB of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) after conducting a thorough search to establish the orphan status. Similarly, institutions globally may utilize socially beneficial exceptions when granting public access to orphan works. Conducting a Reasonably Diligent Search is crucial as it allows for the use of orphan works in situations where the copyright owner cannot be identified, providing a legal pathway for utilizing these works without explicit permission.
3. Fair Use and Other Defenses
Fair use allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for specific purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, and education.
Furthermore, individuals can fairly use orphan works for quoting, researching, reporting news, critiquing, and archiving in libraries. Cultural institutions are increasingly relying on fair use to facilitate the use of orphan works for non-commercial purposes like research or study.
However, it is important to note that fair use is not always applicable. Each case must be assessed based on fairness factors such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyright material used, the amount and substantiality of the part used, and the effect of the use upon the market. These factors play an important role in determining if orphan works can be used fairly in Australia.
In dealing with copyright orphan works, the expertise of copyright lawyers online proves invaluable. These legal professionals, well-versed in Australian copyright law, offer a spectrum of assistance. They provide essential legal advice, ensuring that individuals and organizations comprehend their rights and responsibilities under copyright law.
Moreover, copyright lawyers online conduct thorough risk assessments, identifying potential pitfalls associated with using orphan works and devising effective strategies to mitigate these risks. Their focus on compliance with copyright regulations is paramount, reducing the likelihood of copyright infringement and legal repercussions.
Should legal issues arise, copyright lawyers online step in to represent individuals or organizations in copyright infringement Australia lawsuits, ensuring protection and advocacy. Further, if you have questions on copyright law, you can always ask a lawyer to answer those queries.
By engaging the services of copyright lawyers Australia online, individuals and organizations can confidently navigate the intricate legal landscape surrounding orphan works. Their expertise guarantees compliance with copyright laws, minimizing the inherent risks associated with utilizing such works.
Copyright is a type of property founded on a person’s creative skill and labor. It protects both published and unpublished works automatically as long as certain basic requirements are met.
Unlike some countries, there is no need to register copyright in Australia because it is an automatic right. Displaying the copyright symbol (©) along with the owner’s name informs others that the material is protected by copyright. This is not mandatory, but it helps to indicate the copyright status of the material.
Copyright law states that it protects a copyrighted work until 70 years after the death of the copyright holder. When the person who owns the copyright dies, their family members inherit it based on their will or legal rules. Existing licenses remain valid, but heirs may reclaim ownership or rights under specific conditions. Items like diaries, unpublished manuscripts, and artworks, which may not seem valuable, could be of interest to future generations.
To prevent unintended outcomes, it’s advisable to clearly designate the copyright holder in your will. If you need guidance, consider reaching out to Vanessa Ash for confidential assistance.
We provide legal advice to business and individuals across Australia, no matter which State or Territory you are located. Our easy-to-access, online legal services mean that you can talk to our lawyers wherever you are, at a time that suits you.
4.5
Google Reviews
Don’t hesitate – reach out for your free legal assistance today. Your peace of mind is just a click or call away!
Owning copyright gives the owner a right to grant licences to that copyright. A person who receives certain rights may also possess the right to grant a license. Copyright ownership
An intellectual property licence agreement describes how and when a person is granted rights to use intellectual property. The licence agreement may also set out the purpose for which IP
Common law trademarks are unregistered trademarks protected under Australian Common Law principles. They are not registered but enjoy protection based on their use and goodwill. In this article, Farrah Motley,