Copyright Comparative Guide

1 Legal framework

1.1 What legislative and regulatory provisions govern copyright in your jurisdiction?

In Australia, copyright is governed by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The Copyright Act establishes a framework for copyright protection to exist in certain works and other subject matter.

Two regulations have been enacted under the Copyright Act:

• the Copyright Regulations 2017 (Cth), which provide for general matters relating to the operation of the Copyright Act; and
• the Copyright (International Protection) Regulations 1969 (Cth), which address matters concerning international copyright protection.

Various other declarations and notices are in force relating to specific matters under the Copyright Act, although these do not affect the protection afforded by the Copyright Act generally.