Copyright Commissioning Rule

The Commissioning Rule is an important part of the New Zealand Copyright Act when it comes to those involved in the creative arts and industries. The rule governs who, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary, owns the relevant copyright. Regrettably it is a rule which is unknown to many and misunderstood by many others.

James Carnie of Clendons has just written a very helpful article which explains, in readily digestible form, the dos and don’ts: http://www.clendons.co.nz/resources/background-papers/copyright-and-commissioned-works/

Copyright; Commissioning, Ownership of Copyright; Intellectual Property

Clive Elliott-Barrister

I live and work in Auckland, New Zealand. I am a frequent writer and commentator on intellectual property and information technology issues. I am a barrister and arbitrator. Before going to the Bar in 2000, I was a partner and headed the litigation team at Baldwin Shelston Waters/Baldwins. I took silk in 2013. Feel free to contact me via phone, email or social media.