Copyright and licensing research data
In Australia, copyright is automatically applied on creation of a work, it applies to published and unpublished content.
- When reusing a 3rd party dataset or data collection the best policy is to assume a dataset is copyright protected.
- Defining permissions, terms, and conditions for reuse of data lets prospective reusers know exactly what they can, and can't, do with the dataset or data collection.
Assigning a Creative Commons licence to a dataset, or data collection, is a simple way of letting people know how they can use your data.
Assigning a Creative Commons Licence to your dataset does not mean giving up your copyright. It means permitting others to reuse your outputs under clear conditions.
How do I assign a Creative Commons licence to my dataset?
It is free to assign a Creative Commons licence.
When should I assign a Creative Commons Licence to my dataset?
Preferably assign a Creative Commons licence when your dataset or data collection is created.
- When you store and publish the data in the Research Data Portal or the IMAS Portal
- When you deposit in a external research data repository (e.g Figshare)
Your Research Librarian can also help guide you through the process if you get stuck.