Copyright
Understand what copyright means and find out how to use content appropriately while you're studying or working at Federation.
What is copyright?
Copyright is a law that protects content creators – like writers, artists and teachers – by giving them control over how others use their work (and making sure they get paid for this use). In Australia, copyright law is set out in the Copyright Act 1968.
How copyright affects you
Get basic info about how to use third‑party content in your teaching, upload materials to AI tools and use creative works for non‑educational or external purposes.
Find out how copyright applies to the materials you use, create and submit for your studies so you can avoid plagiarism and meet academic integrity requirements.
Make sure you understand how copyright law applies to the data and materials you use, create and publish during your time as a researcher at Federation.
Copyright essentials
Find out how to check whether an exception or licence applies to the material you want to use, or if you need to request permission from the content creator.
Discover the best way to ask creators for permission to use their copyright material if you want to include it in your teaching, research or publications.
What can happen if you don't follow copyright law
If you use copyright material without permission, the owner can take legal action, ask you to remove the material, or seek financial compensation. The University can also take action against you (seen as a disciplinary matter).
Keen to learn more about copyright?
Training sessions about how to use and manage copyright content are offered throughout the year. All Federation students and staff are welcome to attend.
You'll find upcoming sessions on the Library calendar, but if these don't fit your schedule, send us an email and we'll work out a date and time that suits.
Has your work been used without your permission?
If you believe that your copyright material has been used without permission, you should report an infringement to get the content removed. This applies to Federation staff, students and members of the general public.
Contact us
If you have any questions about copyright, please email copyright@federation.edu.au or call (03) 5327 9876.