It’s best to presume that research data is protected by copyright, however this is not always the case. For example, machine-created data without human creative input may not attract copyright protection.
Copyright ownership
Under , HDR candidates own the copyright in the data they create, except when the copyright is transferred to the University or another body by agreement.
Griffith employed researchers will often own the copyright in data they create. At other times—for example where there is a funding agreement or University labs are used—the University or another body will generally own the copyright. For advice on ownership, contact your academic element. Where the University owns the copyright in data a Griffith researcher produces, it permits that researcher to assign the copyright in that data to an academic publisher for the purpose of academic publication and to attach a Creative Commons licence to that data.
Where two or more researchers significantly contribute to data when working on a project, there is joint copyright ownership. Often researchers will sign an agreement assigning the copyright in the data to the project at the beginning.
Using datasets others have created for your research project
Using social media data for your research project
Publishing data
Need help?
Advice and support
The Copyright and Information Policy Officer provides copyright advice and training across Griffith University for staff and students. Contact the Copyright and Information Policy Officer by emailing copyright@griffith.edu.au or phoning (0)7 3735 5695.
- Reading List Service digitises and makes readings available online for students through in a copyright compliant way.
- The Library assists with supplying movies and TV material for teaching in a copyright compliant way.
- Griffith Enterprise advises on ownership and development of potentially commercial copyright, inventions and other created by staff and students.