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In Australia, copyright is automatically applied on creation of a work, it applies to published and unpublished content.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.

• Look at the Creative Commons Australia site and use the handy online tool to choose a licence
• Download the guide to CC licences 
• Talk to the UTAS Copyright Officer or your Research Librarian

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.  

More about  Creative Commons Licences