Copyright Council of New Zealand

Copyright Owners

Copyright Users

Information Sheets

Glossary of Terms


	Home . Content Library . FAQs . Ideas - I have an idea for a novel. How can I make sure no one else uses it? Ideas - I have an idea for a novel. How can I make sure no one else uses it? Copyright doesn’t protect ideas − it protects the expression of ideas, once they are reduced to material form, such as in writing. If you have an idea for a story (or any other type of creative work), the best way to ensure no one else uses it is to keep the idea to yourself. If you want to divulge your idea to any other person, you should get advice about the law of confidential information. < back to previous page

Ideas - Does copyright protect my ideas?

Originality - If my work is inspired by an existing work, is my work protected by copyright?

Public domain - What does “public domain” refer to?

Internet - Is everything on the Internet in the public domain?

Copying - Has a painter infringed copyright in my photograph by reproducing it as a painting?

Research or private study - Do I need to acknowledge the source when I copy an extract for research or private study?

Photography - Do I need permission to photograph a building?

Home | Copyright in New Zealand | Owners | Users | Links | Contact Us | Membership | Site Map