Copyright law is all about the sweet spot between protecting creators' rights and ensuring material can be shared when it’s in the public interest to do so, so that other users can have access to intellectual and creative content. 

Copyright protections serve as a powerful economic incentive for creators, spurring them to produce fresh and original content. In a society that places significant value on creative and intellectual resources, the aim is to ensure the ongoing creation of new novels, the birth of fresh paintings, and the recording of inspiring music. When creators have the opportunity to derive financial rewards from their works, the likelihood of them sharing these works increases. This, in turn, paves the way for an innovative and culturally rich society. 

Of course, all rights need to be balanced. Copyright law seeks to protect the rights of creators without making it impossible to freely use works in certain situations. The law does this by providing for exceptions and limitations to the creator’s rights, notably through mechanisms like “fair dealing”. This concept allows for copyrighted works to be used without permission of the copyright owner when it’s for certain purposes like education, criticism, research, and news reporting.  

Additionally, the law also enables organisations like Copyright Licensing New Zealand to establish licensing schemes that facilitate the use of copyright material by heavy users including businesses and education organisations. This mechanism ensures that both creators and the wider public interest are respected and supported.