Reproducing Your Artwork
Can I Reproduce My Artwork?
As the creator of an original artwork or image, you automatically own the copyright. This gives you the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and adapt your work. Copyright protection lasts for your lifetime plus 50 years after your passing.
Who Owns the Copyright?
Copyright belongs to you, the artist, and is separate from ownership of the original artwork. If you sell the original piece, you still retain the copyright unless you transfer it in writing.
For uncommissioned work, the copyright always remains with the artist—even if the original artwork is sold. Only the copyright holder has the right to reproduce the work.
Do I Need a Copyright Symbol?
No, you don’t need to add the © symbol to own the copyright—it applies automatically. However, the New Zealand Copyright Council recommends using it as a simple way to signal “I know I hold the copyright to this work.”
For your artwork to be protected, it must be an original creation, made with independent skill and effort (NZ Copyright Council).
If you have any questions about reproducing your work, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!
When you buy a piece of art you don’t buy the copyright with it !
Let’s say you buy a painting. You have bought the painting NOT the copyright to the painting.
You can enjoy it and even resell it, but you don’t own the right to copy it by either getting prints made of it, or painting a replica, or taking as photo of it and selling the photo. That right continues to be owned by the artist.
In some cases, if the painting was commissioned by the buyer then the buyer could the copyright by agreement. If this is the case, the artist must then get the permission of the buyer to do any reproductions OR have a prior agreement in place with the purchaser where the artist retains the copyright.
Thinking of Selling Your Original Artwork?
You should scan or photograph your original artwork before it is sold as the new owner is under no obligation to allow access once the sale is complete. Remember, it is only polite to inform a purchaser if you intend to reproduce an original that they have just purchased.
