May 2009

This information is for general guidance only; it is not legal advice.

The Copyright Act contains many special exceptions that allow the use of copyright material, without permission, for specific purposes.

For example, there are provisions that allow use of copyright material for research or study if the use is fair.

There are, however, no provisions that allow use of copyright material solely because the use is non-commercial or solely because the use is personal. There are provisions that allow non-commercial uses and personal uses, but only for specific purposes, and subject to certain conditions.

The Australian Copyright Act, including the special exceptions, apply to uses in Australia of material from overseas. Note that uses that may be allowed under a special exception in Australia may require permission if the use occurs overseas.

You can see more information about special exceptions by clicking the following links. Note that this is not a comprehensive list of exceptions.

• Overview of special exceptions

• other copyright topics