Universities

Blanket Licence Agreement

In 2005 a blanket licence agreement was entered into by the University sector and the 4 music societies APRA, AMCOS, ARIA and PPCA.  The agreement permits audio and video reproductions, communications and performances for educational purposes without having to seek permission from individual copyright owners.

Educational Purposes is defined as:

    • In connection with a particular course of instruction or course of study and/or research of the Participating University
    • Including the necessary administration and assessment of that course of instruction or study
    • Excludes commercial activities and commercial research

The agreement covers 3 key areas:

  • Reproduction (audio & video)
    • Making recordings including AMCOS music and/or ARIA sound recordings to be played at or of and University Event
    • Allow students/staff of the uni to make video recordings of University Events for their own private & domestic viewing
    • Synchronise music & sound recordings with audio or video recordings made for educational purposes, eg, student film, PowerPoint presentations
    • To be used as part of a course of study eg, lecture, course materials
  • Reproduction (intranet)
    • Make available and provide access to licensed audio and video recordings made under the agreement via the University Intranet, eg, copies of recorded lectures, ‘live’ streamed lectures, access to recordings for course analysis
    • Secure password access only
    • Includes remote access for Staff and Distance Education students
  • Public Performance
    • Live performances of musical works
    • Playing sound recordings of musical works
    • At University Events- free only, excludes third party hire
    • Within the workplace for university employees
    • For educational purpose only (student union activities are separate)
  • Music On Hold
    •  Use of musical works and sound recordings over a phone on hold system

There are limitations to the licence:

  • No downloading from Internet
  • No forwarding to other parties via Internet or email
  • No infringing copies
  • Requires permission from performer(s) prior to making recording (eg. lecturer’s consent)
  • No Grand Rights or Dramatic Context performances
  • No performances where admission is charged
  • No copying of sheet music
  • No changing of lyrics
  • No commercial uses/Promotional purposes

Photocopying Print Music

Unlike schools, universities and other tertiary institutions in Australia are not covered by a blanket licence from AMCOS to photocopy print music. Generally speaking, tertiary educational institutions may only photocopy or reproduce and communicate up to 10% of a musical work for educational purposes, unless the work is unavailable within a reasonable time at an ordinary commercial price, or is not separately published. Otherwise permission must be obtained from the relevant copyright owner(s).
For further information on the statutory educational licence provisions, contact CAL (the Copyright Agency Limited) or the Australian Copyright Council.

Further Information

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