In our fourth podcast, John Kenny, an experienced solicitor and expert in copyright and intellectual property law, was instrumental in setting up the legal structure of The Surveyors’ Trust in the early 1990s. His achievements, working alongside other key members of the surveying industry, including Jack de Lange, have resulted in the recognition of surveyors’ plans as artistic works – with the attribution of ownership and royalties that exist today.

This is an extraordinary achievement, perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. Queensland Surveyors were the first Australian industry or professional group to get passive income from their copyright.

The matter went all the way to the High Court and was a mix of legal research, serendipity and politics. We hope you enjoy the interview.