Copyright Laws and Copyright Penalties

Whether you share movies via peer-to-peer networks or sell counterfeit DVDs on the street, you are a movie thief whose actions carry serious legal consequences under NZ copyright laws.

New Zealand's copyright laws and the country's obligations under international treaties exist to stop people from stealing valuable copyrighted material. Law enforcement authorities in New Zealand and globally are committed to protecting copyrighted material because creative works such as films and television programs are as valuable as any other type of property.

NZFACT and its member companies employ a multi-pronged approach to fighting copyright theft that includes educating people about the consequences of piracy, taking action against Internet thieves, cooperating with law enforcement authorities around New Zealand to root out pirate operations, and encouraging the development of new technologies that ensure films and television programs can be made available legally over the Internet and via other digital media. As an industry, we are working hard to protect our creative works.

If you'd like to find out more about copyright protection in New Zealand you can visit: www.med.govt.nz/buslt/int_prop/info-sheets/copyright-prot.html and the Copyright Council at www.copyright.org.nz.