Frequently Asked Questions - Authors

1. How do I protect my copyright work?

You don’t need to do anything to protect certain copyright works. Original works such as literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works are protected under the Copyright Act 1994 as soon as they are put into material form. Because copyright is a statutory right, there is no need to register copyright. However, to protect trade marks, patents and designs, registration is necessary.

2. Do I need to use the copyright symbol to protect my work?

No. However, it’s a good idea to put the copyright symbol, your name and the date on your work to remind others that it is protected by copyright.

3. What rights to authors have in their works?

Copyright owners have the exclusive rights to copy, publish, perform, show, communicate to the public, arrange or authorise use of their works unless such use is allowed under a copyright exception contained in the Copyright Act 1994.

4. How long does copyright last for?

The author’s copyright lasts for 50 years from the end of the year of the author’s death. The publisher’s copyright in the typographical arrangement of the work lasts for 25 years from the end of the year in which the edition was first published.

5. Will I receive royalties every year?

Not necessarily. You are paid when your work has been copied by one of our licensees or a licensee of an overseas Reproduction Rights Organisation, and we have been informed.

6. Do I need to register copyright?

No. Copyright is automatic once the work is put into material form. However it's a good idea to put the copyright symbol, your name and the date on the work as a reminder to others that it is copyright protected.