Catalogue is a cloud-based creative rights management tool where creative practitioners can safely store records of creative works, access contextual copyright information, and get advice on how to maximise the value of their work.

Developed by not-for-profit organisation CLNZ, catalogue fills a gap in the market by demystifying the dense legal language around copyright and helping creative practitioners better protect their intellectual property.

Only 12% of New Zealand creatives surveyed by Copyright Licensing NZ (CLNZ) are confident they know their rights when it comes to copyright. But failing to keep on top of crucial documentation and understand copyright implications can have serious financial consequences. This new offering aims to address this knowledge gap by making copyright information and protection tools accessible to all.

The launch of the service is well-timed with the creative sector facing uncertainty due to the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the threats the technology poses to copyrighted work. Record keeping is essential in the case of a breach of copyright. It can be impossible to enforce a creative’s rights when an infringement occurs if they cannot demonstrate they have rights in respect to the work, or what the exact nature and limits of those rights are.

“The variety of lawsuits that have cropped up recently between creators and generative AI companies show that, in all cases, permission hasn’t been asked or granted,” says CLNZ chief executive Sam Irvine.

“The issue is not only that writers’ and artists’ intellectual property has been exploited unlawfully, but that artistic integrity and creators’ rights to make a living from their creative work are on the line. So Catalogue is a solution that educates artists and writers and also handles the administrative side of managing their copyright, freeing up more of their time to create.”

This sentiment is echoed by Yolunda Hickman, former head of the postgraduate arts programme at Whitecliffe College.

“Artists are often busy, and fitting in studio time while balancing paid employment and care responsibilities is difficult,” Yolunda says. “A better understanding of artists’ rights and potential financial opportunities enables creatives to build sustainable careers, leading to more vibrant communities across Aotearoa.”