Copyright Restrictions

Key points from www.copyright.org.au/pdf/acc/infosheets_pdf/g053.pdf/download

Can I copy material from the internet for research??

• You will not infringe copyright if you use material for the purposes of research or study, provided that your  use is fair. 

• You do not need to be enrolled in a course – you could be researching or studying something for yourself. 

• In some cases, specific provisions in the Copyright Act allow people working in libraries to copy material for  you if you need it for research or study. 

What constitutes research and fair use?

A “reasonable portion” of text or notated music 

If you are reproducing text or printed music from a hard copy edition of 10 or more pages, the Act deems that it  is fair to copy: 

• 10% of the number of pages; or 

• one chapter, if the work is divided into chapters. 

For text material published in electronic form, it is deemed to be fair to copy: 

• 10% of the number of words; or 

• one chapter, if the work is divided into chapters. 

If the material is available in hardcopy and separately in electronic form, you can choose which form to use, and apply the relevant test to work out what is deemed to be fair.)

Key points from www.copyright.org.au/g038.pdf 

Can students use music in videos that they make?

• Generally, you will need permission to use someone else’s music in a film or video. 

• There are a number of narrow and limited situations that may allow you to use someone else’s music without  their permission. 

• You should get permission to record and use a person’s live performance in your film.