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Copyright

At James & Wells our copyright experts are experienced in protecting, exploiting and enforcing your copyright rights.

Copyright is a property right which exists automatically in certain categories of original works and there is no requirement to register copyright in New Zealand.

Copyright can be used to prevent one party from copying the work of another. It does not protect ideas as such but instead protects the particular way in which an idea is expressed. Copyright applies to musical, dramatic, artistic and literary works (including models, sculptures, drawings, plans, songs, computer software and written material such as books, manuals and advertising brochures).

Our copyright experts can advise you in all aspects of copyright including:

• Protection - what types of work can be protected by copyright
• Licensing or assigning your copyright rights
• Registering your copyright rights in overseas jurisdictions where registration is required or recommended

In New Zealand, copyright law is governed by the Copyright Act 1994. The Copyright Act sets out, among other things, the rules relating to first ownership of copyright, the rcghts of copyright owners and what actions amount to infringement of copyright. New Zealand copyright law is complex and we strongly recommend obtaining expert advice where you have a question relating to copyright.

For further information, visit our information page on Copyright.