ClearFoundation

IP & Copyright Questions:

Question - Who owns copyrights to ClearOS?

Answer -  ClearOS is a modular Linux operating system consisting of hundreds of software components.  The copyright for each component is located in the component's source code.  Point Clark Networks Limited currently owns the copyright to webconfig and various other middleware components.  The Point Clark Networks software is licensed under GPL.  The copyright will be transferred to the ClearFoundation in the not-too-distant future!

Question - What is protected by New Zealand copyright laws?

Answer -  New Zealand copyright protects the expression of ideas or information − not the ideas or information itself.  For example, if you write a novel, the text will be protected, but not the ideas or plot.  Someone could write their own novel using your ideas, without necessarily infringing copyright.  Similarly, if two authors independently create a similar work based on the same idea, without copying from each other or from someone else, there is no copyright infringement.

Q - Does New Zealand copyright law recognize international copyright law?

Answer -  Yes. New Zealand is a party to various international agreements on copyright protection.  This means that most works created by people in other countries are also protected under New Zealand copyright law.   Similarly, copyright material created in New Zealand or by New Zealand citizens will be automatically protected in other countries.

Q - How long will Point Clark Network Limited & ClearFoundation copyright protection last under current New Zealand copyright law?

Answer -  Until 2059.