What is copyright?
Copyright protects creative works in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you create works, use them, or do both, understanding your rights and responsibilities matters.
For creators
What copyright protects and the rights you own.
For users
Your obligations and when you need a licence
Licences
What licence your organisation needs and how to get one.
Copyright and AI
Copyright law, AI tools, and responsible use
Copyright workshops
Training for creators and organisations
Use our resources
Articles, guides, fact sheets, and case studies
Copyright FAQs
What does copyright protect?
Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. Sound recordings, films, broadcasts, and typographical arrangements.
How do I register my copyright in New Zealand?
You don’t. Copyright is automatic and free in New Zealand. No registration, no fees. Your work is protected the moment you create it in material form.
How can I prove I’m the copyright owner?
Your statement is usually enough. If there’s a dispute, a court will consider evidence like drafts, agreements, and witnesses.
Does copyright protect my ideas?
No. Copyright protects how you express ideas, not the ideas themselves. A novel concept isn’t protected, but the written manuscript is.