Copyright protection overseas
New Zealand is party to various international copyright agreements that set out minimum standards of protection for copyright.
On this page
These include:
- World Trade Organization's Agreement on the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement)
- The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
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The WIPO Copyright Treaty
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The WIPO Performers and Phonograms Treaty
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Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled
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Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
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Universal Copyright Convention
An original work protected by copyright in New Zealand is generally protected by the applicable laws of countries that are also members of these agreements.
As in New Zealand, you don't need to register for copyright protection in these countries – copyright protection arises automatically when any original work is created. Similarly, when original works are created in these other countries, they are also protected in New Zealand.
Some countries, such as China and the United States, have copyright registration systems. Registration may result in extra benefits for the copyright owner (such as enhanced measures for enforcing copyright).
More information
You can find out more about copyright on the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WPO) website(external link).