MyCreativeRights

Creative professionals are increasingly vulnerable to their work being copied, misused, or exploited – especially in the age of AI. Many struggle to understand how to protect their rights, with existing systems feeling complex, expensive or out of reach. Copyright Licensing New Zealand identified a need for a solution that would simplify rights management and provide meaningful support, particularly for those with limited time or financial resources. The challenge was to create a digital service that would build confidence and capability for creative practitioners wanting to protect their intellectual property.

MyCreativeRights was co-designed with the creative community through an iterative process of research, testing and refinement. The solution integrates tools for uploading and recording work, receiving personalised copyright guidance, and booking subsidised legal consultations – all in one place. A key factor that differentiates MyCreativeRights is the shift from a legal-first model to a creative-first experience. The platform guides creative professionals to tell the story of their work in a way that naturally builds a record of provenance. It meets creatives where they are, and grows with them over time.

MyCreativeRights has helped creative professionals gain clarity, peace of mind and stronger legal footing for their work. It delivers immediate social value by simplifying complex copyright processes and improving access to legal advice. Its affordability ensures inclusion for lower income creatives (the most vulnerable to rights violations), while paperless workflows and remote consultation reduce environmental impact. For CLNZ, the project has reinforced their role as a trusted advocate for creators’ rights in a rapidly changing landscape. It provides a scalable, future-focused model that protects creative livelihoods and supports a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable creative economy in Aotearoa New Zealand.

MyCreativeRights brings together a suite of tools into a cohesive digital experience. The platform enables creatives to upload and record their work alongside contracts, drafts, key dates and publishing information – all of which help to establish a clear record of provenance. The platform responds dynamically to each user’s inputs, offering tailored copyright insights and recommending further educational material. Users are also prompted with reminders for key dates such as contract expiry, helping them manage their rights over time. For those needing further support, MyCreativeRights offers access to subsidised legal advice, with a fully integrated appointment booking system that connects them directly with copyright experts. Visually, the platform has been crafted to appeal to a design-conscious audience. Every interface element from layout to typography has been carefully considered to strike the right balance between clarity and aesthetic appeal. The visual system was derived from materials that our audience worked with day to day. Geometric shapes inspired by camera lenses, canvases and books were placed thoughtfully into a heavily grid focused interface – reminiscent of the cutting mats commonly found in creative studio settings.