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Commonwealth legislation
This is the Copyright Regulations 2017, a detailed set of rules made under Australia's Copyright Act 1968. Think of it as the "instruction manual" that fills in the practical details missing from the main Act.
What it does in plain terms:
Sets up a "safe harbour" scheme for internet service providers (Parts 6, 18–35): If ISPs follow specific procedures—like removing allegedly infringing content when notified and forwarding counter-notices from users—they get protection from being sued for copyright infringement. This includes detailed "takedown and restore" procedures (like the US DMCA system).
Governs collecting societies (Part 5, section 17): These are organisations that collect royalties on behalf of copyright owners (like musicians, authors). The regulations prescribe how they must operate—accounting periods, how they distribute money, holding funds in trust for non-members, and giving members access to records.
Prescribes notice requirements for various copyright dealings: For example, what notices libraries must display near copying machines (A4 size, minimum 297mm × 210mm), how to notify copyright owners before publishing old unpublished works, and what information must go in notices for making records of musical works.
Sets time periods for various copyright processes: 7 weeks for certain public performances of foreign recordings, 10 working days for customs seizure actions, 28 days to pay infringement notices, 3 months for users to file counter-notices.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Copyright Regulations 2017.
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View on official registerSourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Creates an infringement notice scheme (Part 8, sections 41–49): Allows police to issue on-the-spot fines (12 penalty units for individuals, 60 for corporations) for certain copyright offences as an alternative to prosecution, with forfeiture of infringing goods.
Regulates the Copyright Tribunal (Part 11, sections 56–123): Detailed procedural rules for how disputes about copyright licensing and royalties are handled—filing documents, advertising applications, hearing procedures, and appeals to the Federal Court.
Protects moral rights (Part 14, section 126): Specifies what information must be included when notifying artists about changes to their works (like murals on buildings being altered or relocated).
Deals with technological protection measures (Part 7, section 40): Lists circumstances where breaking digital locks (DRM) is allowed—like for interoperability, library use, disability access, or repairing damaged products.
Covers government use of copyright (Part 12, section 124): How the Crown notifies copyright owners when it uses their material under statutory licences.
Who it affects: Internet service providers, libraries, archives, schools, universities, collecting societies (like APRA AMCOS, Copyright Agency), musicians, authors, artists, importers, and anyone dealing with copyright material in Australia.