Rightsholders
Copyright Agency provides simple ways for people to reproduce, store and share words, images and other creative content, in return for fair payment. In doing so, it connects the creators, owners and users of copyright material.
Copyright Agency licenses copying and communication of works on a collective basis for a range of copyright owners including:
authors;
journalists;
surveyors;
photographers;
visual artists; and
publishers
Authors
Since its inception in 1974, Copyright Agency has been helping Australian authors as diverse as academics, poets, non-fiction and fiction writers with their copyright needs. Copyright Agency not only helps author members manage their copying and communication rights conveniently and cost effectively, we also offer a wealth of copyright advice and experience. What's more, we work closely with organisations such as the
Australian Society of Authors (ASA) to ensure that the voices of Australian authors are heard in the wider copyright environment.
Journalists
Copyright Agency recognises that journalists have unique copyright requirements, and works hard to meet these needs. For example, Copyright Agency manages a voluntary licence that ensures journalists are receiving fair compensation from media monitoring services. We're also in close contact with organisations such as the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) to ensure journalists are kept up to date on important copyright issues.
Surveyors
Although not widely known, copyright applies to the work of surveyors. Through their work, surveyors hold copyright in literary and artistic works, meaning that they are fully protected under copyright law. Copyright Agency has a number of surveyor members and can help you ensure that your hard work is fairly rewarded and properly protected.
Visual artists
Artistic works are some of the most frequently copied items in Australia. In particular, works by visual artists can end up in locations as diverse as CD-ROM's and school textbooks. Copyright Agency is dedicated to helping visual artists both effectively manage their copyright and stay informed on important industry issues. Copyright Agency's Illustration Fund distributes copying fees to visual artists and illustrators whose artistic works have been identified in our surveys.
Photographers
Whether a photographer engages in work for private clients, freelances with corporate bodies, or is employed on a full-time basis, Copyright Agency can help them manage their valuable copying and communication copyright. We save photographers time, money and effort, and ensure that their hard work is fairly recognised. Copyright Agency is the no fuss way for photographers to stay in touch with the copyright issues important in their industry.
Publishers
Copyright Agency offers organisations who publish books, newspapers, magazines and journals an efficient and cost-effective way to manage and administer multiple rights. Currently, we assist organisations as diverse as government departments, traditional publishers, independent publishers, associations and societies, and non-profit institutions to protect their valuable copyright. Copyright Agency also provides publisher members with up-to-date information on copyright legislation, and works closely with the Australian Publishers Association.
What do I have to do to join?
Joining Copyright Agency is easy. Click here to visit our online member facility and fill out our online application form.
To ensure joining is as simple as possible there are a few things you need to consider before filling in your application. Firstly, you’ll need to determine whether you are the rightsholder in your work, or are entitled to receive copyright fees collected by Copyright Agency for the copying and communication of a work. Do you have to consider a co-creator, or are there contractual issues you need to examine? These are some of the important issues that could affect your application.
Copyright Agency's Constitution sets out many of the rules of membership. You can also read Copyright Agency's Distribution Rules and our Annual Review and financial statements.
If you require any help with your application, or simply have a question relating to copyright don’t hesitate to contact our Member Services department on 1800 066 844 (within Australia) or +61 2 9394 7600. Alternatively, complete the online member enquiry form.