Traditionally, in the interests of consumers, copyright was not recognised as existing in designs used for mass production. It is an open question how far the Fiji Courts will, in construing the new legislation, continue the traditional tendency to limit protection in industrial contexts. Formal Requirements 12. Copyright does not protect an idea but rather the first expression of the idea. Thus the new Act requires as a general rule that works first need to be expressed or recorded in some form to establish copyright.
Different rules apply to the various types of works.
Beyond that, the Act does not require or produce copyright interests to be registered. However, it does provide various ways in which the authors and creators of works can at least establish a legal presumption of their copyright ownership, for example by using the symbol in a certain way. Qualification for Protection 14. Until regulations are made prescribing the foreign countries to which the Act will extend, only works originating in Fiji or created by Fiji citizens or residents will receive protection. In most countries foreign works are generally protected on the basis of reciprocal treatment.