Copyright ownership at the University of Melbourne

Material created by staff

Ownership in material created by staff (including casual staff) is determined by the University of Melbourne Statute. Under the statute, “the University owns intellectual property created by staff in the course of, or incidental to, employment with the University, except copyright in scholarly works.”

Staff also hold moral rights over material they have created, and as such must be attributed as the creator of the material, even if the University owns copyright.

Material created by students

Students own copyright in all material they create as part of their studies. If the student is a research student and they have signed a funding or research agreement, then ownership may be subject to the terms of the agreement. If you wish to use material created by a student for University purposes, you must seek permission from the student unless an exception in the Copyright Act applies.

If the student is employed by the University then the University will own copyright in all material created as part of their employment, except for scholarly works if they are employed as an academic.

Material created by independent contractors

Independent contractors, including people commissioned to create material for the University should complete contractor agreements.  The University will own copyright in any material created, unless the agreement states otherwise.The agreement will ensure that the University has the necessary rights to use the material.

Independent contractors hold moral rights over material they have created, and as such must be attributed as the creator of the material, even though the University owns copyright.

For more information about ownership of copyright at the University, refer to the University's intellectual property policy.

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