Looking to have your item personalised with a custom image, let CustomKings help with how to gain copyright authorisation. CustomKings takes copyright infringement seriously as the fines in Australia can be up to $150,000 for personal use and in some serious cases can result in jail time. To avoid these for our customers, we have put together a handy guide on gaining copyright authority from the copyright holder.
What is Copyright?
Copyright protects original works like writing, images, music, and videos. It gives the creator exclusive rights to use their work. Think of it like owning a physical item, but instead of the item, you own the right to copy, share, or adapt it.
Key Things to Remember:
- Ownership: Just because you own a physical copy of something (like a book or a CD), doesn’t mean you own the copyright.
- Permission is Key: You generally need permission from the copyright owner to use their work. Using a significant portion of copyrighted material without permission is called copyright infringement.
- Creator vs. Owner: The person who created something isn’t always the copyright owner. Sometimes, the copyright is owned by a publisher, company, or someone else.
- Moral Rights: Even if you get permission from the copyright owner, you also need to respect the creator’s “moral rights.” This means acknowledging them as the creator and not changing their work in a way that harms their reputation.
How to Find the Copyright Owner and Get Permission:
There’s no central registry for copyrights like there is for trademarks. This can make finding the owner tricky. Here are some tips:
Check the Material: Look for copyright notices on the material itself (e.g., the inside of a book, the bottom of a website). These notices often list the copyright owner and contact information.
Contact the Publisher or Creator: If you know who published or created the material, try contacting them directly.
Copyright Collecting Societies: Organisations like Copyright Agency, APRA AMCOS, and PPCA manage certain types of copyrights. They might be able to help you find the owner or grant you a license.
Online Search: A simple internet search can sometimes lead you to the copyright owner.
Libraries and Archives: Libraries and archives can be valuable resources for finding information about copyright ownership.
Examples of Copyrighted Images
The Jack Daniel’s Logo, The KFC Logo, NRL Sport Logos.
What if I Can’t Find the Copyright Owner?
It’s risky to use copyrighted material without permission, even if you can’t find the owner. It’s best to avoid using the material if you are ever unsure.
“Free” Licenses (Creative Commons):
Some creators offer “free” licenses like Creative Commons. However, these licenses often have conditions, so always read the terms carefully, most Creative Commons Licenses can not be used for business purposes, and therefore can not be used by CustomKings.
Need More Help?
The Australian Copyright Council provides more detailed information and legal advice. You can visit their website at copyright.org.au for more resources.
What products can have my logo on it?
Our Corporate Gifts range can be found by clicking here.
Custom Kings and Copyright:
At Custom Kings, we respect copyright law. We encourage our customers to be aware of copyright and obtain the necessary permissions before using any copyrighted material in their custom designs. If you have any questions about copyright, please ensure to contact legal consul.