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Copyright-Australia.com alternative: what to know before you pay
Clicking opens our plans and pricing page. Start on the Free plan there. Files are hashed locally on your computer; nothing is uploaded or stored by TimeBinder.
You don’t need to pay anyone to have copyright in Australia. Here’s what the government says, what the service’s terms say, and a free alternative.
Your files never leave your computer. With TimeBinder, each file is hashed locally on your own device. Nothing is uploaded or stored by TimeBinder.
Copyright-Australia.com alternative: the short answer
You don’t need to pay anyone to have copyright in Australia. The Attorney-General’s Department says: “Copyright protection is free and automatic in Australia.” Copyright-Australia.com sells annual plans, from AUD 49 a year for one deposit, in which your uploaded file is filed with a notary and stored. Its terms say plans renew automatically and unused deposits are lost at the end of each year. What you may want is evidence of when your work existed. TimeBinder is one alternative for that. It records your files’ SHA-256 fingerprints on the Bitcoin blockchain, without uploading the files. The Free plan includes 1 Token a month for one Pooled TimeBind of up to 10 files, with no credit card required. TimeBinder is based in Brisbane. It doesn’t register copyright.
Published . Sources and TimeBinder pricing checked on 30 October 2026.
What is TimeBinder? TimeBinder is a blockchain timestamping service. It shows that a digital file existed no later than a specific time, and that it still matches its fingerprint, by anchoring the file’s SHA-256 fingerprint to the Bitcoin blockchain. Files are hashed in your browser and never uploaded, and each TimeBind comes with a Proof of Time Certificate that can be checked later. It does not prove who created a file or that its contents are true.
What the Australian Government says
On its page for copyright owners, the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) says:
“Copyright protection is free and automatic in Australia.”
“Some websites offer copyright protection or to ‘register’ copyright for a fee. These websites have no authority to guarantee copyright protection in Australia.”
The AGD also says: “Copyright does not protect ideas or information, only the original expression of ideas or information.” Our copyright registration in Australia page covers this in more detail.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak to a lawyer in your country.
Copyright-Australia.com alternative: TimeBinder side by side
| Copyright-Australia.com (from its own pages) | TimeBinder | |
|---|---|---|
| What it says it does | “Register and Protect your creative work online by an Official Copyright”; deposits “certified by Public Notary” | Records your files’ fingerprints on Bitcoin. It doesn’t register copyright |
| Your file | Uploaded, then stored: “70 years of storage on our servers and 30 years with the public notary” | Hash calculated on your device; files never uploaded or stored |
| Entry price | AUD 49 a year for 1 deposit (its copyright registration options page); music plans from AUD 169 a year for 5 songs | Free plan $0: 1 Token a month (one Pooled TimeBind of up to 10 files). Tokens from US$5 |
| Unused deposits or Tokens | Its terms say deposits not used during the year are lost | Bought Tokens never expire; paid-plan Tokens roll over every month; the Free plan’s monthly Token doesn’t roll over |
| Renewal | Its terms say plans renew automatically at the same amount | Free plan has no charge. Paid plans: “Cancel any time” |
| Cancelling | One clause says: “Only cancellations by certified mail 30 days before the end of the year shall be considered valid.” | Cancel any time |
| Tax | “The prices do not include import tax and duties or VAT” | Prices in US dollars (see /pricing/) |
| Who runs it | “a service of ObjectiveConcept Limited and is a French Registered Company” | TimeBinder, based in Brisbane, Australia |
Where Copyright-Australia.com may suit some people
- A notary is involved. Each deposit is filed with a public notary, a person, which some people value. A TimeBind involves no notary. Our blockchain timestamp vs notary page compares the two.
- It stores a copy of your work. If you want someone else to hold a copy, it does. TimeBinder never holds your files, so keeping the originals is up to you.
- A long history. Its footer reads “©2001-2024”.
Where TimeBinder may suit you better
- The Free plan includes 1 Token every month. That covers one Pooled TimeBind, with no credit card required.
- Your files stay on your device. Only the fingerprint is used.
- No annual contract. There’s no plan to renew on the Free plan, and Tokens you buy never expire.
- Up to 10 files per TimeBind, of any size or type.
- A plain choice between cost and independence:
- – Pooled (1 Token): Your fingerprint is grouped with other users’ in one shared Bitcoin entry, usually recorded within 24 to 48 hours, and often sooner, depending on Bitcoin network activity. It’s checked through TimeBinder. The Free plan’s monthly Token covers one Pooled TimeBind.
- – ASAP (3 Tokens): It gets its own Bitcoin transaction, sent straight away. It can be checked independently with the certificate and the Bitcoin blockchain, without relying on TimeBinder.
See the Pooled vs ASAP explainer and how TimeBinder works.
What a TimeBind shows, and what it doesn’t
What it shows
- That this exact file existed no later than the time recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain
- That a file shown later still matches its fingerprint: the same file gives the same fingerprint, and any edit gives a different one
- An independent record that anyone you allow can check, without relying on your own systems
What it doesn’t show
- It doesn’t show who made a file, or who owns it.
- It doesn’t show the contents are true or accurate, or whether AI was used.
- It doesn’t stop anyone copying or changing a file. It shows whether a file still matches its fingerprint.
- A Pooled TimeBind can’t be checked without TimeBinder.
- It can’t say how a court, client, insurer or anyone else will treat it.
Pooled TimeBinds are verified through TimeBinder. ASAP TimeBinds can also be verified independently, from the certificate and the public Bitcoin blockchain. Checking is always free.
When TimeBinder isn’t the right tool
- You want a person, such as a notary or a Justice of the Peace, to witness a document. A TimeBind isn’t a witness. See Justice of the Peace vs a timestamp.
- You want someone else to keep a copy of your work. TimeBinder doesn’t store files.
- You want to register a trade mark, design or patent. Those are registered with IP Australia, not through a timestamp.
- You need legal advice about a dispute. Speak to a lawyer.
- You’re happy with dated emails or cloud history. For low-stakes work that may be enough. See emailing yourself as proof for the limits.
TimeBinder pricing
- Free: $0. The Free plan includes 1 Token every month (1 Pooled TimeBind). No credit card required. The Free plan’s monthly Token doesn’t roll over, so use it each month. A paid plan replaces the Free plan’s monthly Token.
- Essential: $20 a month for 5 Tokens (5 Pooled, or 1 ASAP + 2 Pooled). Unused Tokens roll over every month. Cancel any time.
- Expert: $50 a month for 15 Tokens.
- Extra Tokens: 1 for $5, 3 for $15 or 9 for $40. Tokens you buy never expire.
- Enterprise: custom Token limits and dedicated support. Service terms for every plan are set out in the TimeBinder Terms and Conditions.
All TimeBinder prices are in US dollars. Checking a TimeBind is free. Which plan do I need shows the maths.
Copyright-Australia.com alternative: FAQ
Do I need to register copyright in Australia?
No. The Attorney-General’s Department says: “Copyright protection is free and automatic in Australia.”
How much does Copyright-Australia.com cost?
From an Australian connection on 30 October 2026, its copyright registration options page showed AUD 49 a year for 1 deposit and AUD 1990 a year for “Unlimited Copyrights”. Music plans started at AUD 169 a year for 5 songs. Its terms say prices exclude VAT and import duties.
Does Copyright-Australia.com renew automatically?
Its terms say plans are “renewed by tacit agreement by an automatic renewal at the end of the year of subscription of the same amount”. Read the cancellation clauses in full before you buy.
Is TimeBinder a copyright registration?
No. It records when your files existed and whether they still match. In Australia, the AGD says copyright protection is “free and automatic”.
Do I have to upload my work to TimeBinder?
No. The fingerprint is calculated on your device and your files are never uploaded or stored.
Which is cheaper for one song?
A TimeBinder Pooled TimeBind is free with the monthly Token, or 1 Token (US$5) bought separately. Copyright-Australia.com’s music plans start at AUD 169 a year for 5 songs.
Related guides
- Copyright in AustraliaNo form, fee or register
- An Australian timestamping serviceFounded by an Australian lawyer, based in Brisbane
- Blockchain timestamp vs a notaryWhat each one does
- Justice of the Peace vs a timestampA witness vs a dated record
- Which plan do I need?Free, extra Tokens, Essential or Expert, with the maths shown
TimeBind your files
If you want a dated record of your work without an annual contract, start with a Pooled TimeBind: the Free plan includes 1 Token a month, and no credit card is required.
- Open plans and pricing and choose a plan. The Free plan is $0.
- Sign in, then add your files. They stay on your computer.
- Seal them and download your Proof of Time certificates.
The Free plan includes 1 Token every month. See pricing