Getting the copyright right for Creative Arts
Copyright can be complex. In a CD , there is often separate copyright for the song, the lyrics, the performance and the recording. In films, typically there are many layers of copyright.
At the beginning of any creative project, make sure you get the copyright right. Generally all participants should hand over (assign) their copyright or provide a sufficient licence for the project's immediate, foreseeable (and sometimes future possible) requirements through agreements or consent forms. This should be done in a manner where the interests of all participants are recognised particularly where indigenous peoples are involved.
Problems can occur because of a lack of clarity between participants on copyright ownership and rights at the start of a project. Therefore in most cases it's important that copyright ownership and rights are properly formalised at the beginning. Contact the Copyright and Information Policy Officer for advice.
Do I need permission to include material belonging to others in creative projects?
It depends on what the work is, where it comes from, and what you want to use it for.
Generally you may not use images, video clips, music or other material (you source from the internet or elsewhere) in creative projects you intend to show in public or put on the internet unless:
- the copyright has expired
- the Terms and Conditions of the website where you sourced the material permit you to use the material in the manner you want
- you have found material with a creative commons licence that is suitable for your intended use
- you are only creating a link or an embedded link to other material such as a YouTube clip on your blog
- you have used an insignificant portion of the material or you are directly criticising or reviewing a fair dealing of the material
- you have got permission or a licence from the copyright owner for your intended use.
Remember to reference the material you use. Contact the Copyright and Information Policy Officer for assistance.
How to find creative commons material
Find Creative Commons images, videos and music for your projects on CC Search. Filter your search by selecting both Use commercially and Modify or adapt to find material that can be adapted and used commercially. You can also filter by licence type, for example a CC BY or CC BY SA licence. Remember to reference the CC material used.
Publishing a thesis or creative work on Griffith Research Online?
View the following guides:
Need help?
Advice and support
The Copyright and Information Policy Officer provides copyright advice and training across Griffith University for staff and students. Contact the Copyright and Information Policy Officer by emailing copyright@griffith.edu.au or phoning (0)7 3735 5695.
- Reading List Service digitises and makes readings available online for students through Learning@Griffith in a copyright compliant way.
- The Library assists with supplying movies and TV material for teaching in a copyright compliant way.
- Griffith Enterprise advises on ownership and development of potentially commercial copyright, inventions and other IP created by staff and students.
