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ARTICLE · 20 FEBRUARY 2014

Fair use exception to copyright infringement: The cloud is the limit

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The ALRC report on copyright law proposes the introduction of a US-style 'fair use' exception to copyright infringement.

AustraliaIntellectual Property
James North
James North
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Last week's ALRC report on Australian copyright law proposes the introduction of a US-style 'fair use' exception to copyright infringement. It's a recommendation policy makers should adopt – having the potential to propel Australia's cloud services industry into new territory.

Backing up business files to the cloud, using an online collaboration tool during videoconferences or even logging into web based email accounts – we may not realise it, but many of these business critical functions take place in the cloud. Currently, there is a real question whether these technical functions are actually lawful under Australia's Copyright Act.

CLOUD SERVICES AND EXISTING COPYRIGHT LAW

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