Moral Rights

Moral Rights

Moral Rights provisions within the Copyright Act give creators the right of attribution and the right of integrity in their creation.  The rights automatically arise when a work (e.g. books, plays, photographs, art works etc), motion film or performance is created.

The right of attribution requires that, whenever a work, motion film or performance is used it must be attributed to the creator. It also means that creation must not be falsely attributed.

The right of integrity requires that a work,  motion film or performance is not modified, distorted or altered in any way that prejudices the creator's reputation or professional standing.

Moral rights last for the life of the author plus 70 years, except in the case of film directors where their rights are limited to their lifetime. Moral rights cannot be assigned or sold.

More information relating to Moral Rights is available from the Australian Copyright Council Website information sheet G043.