We were recently contacted by a client about imprint statements, and whether or not publishers are under legal obligations to state that they have published material
In the case of some types of political and electoral material, state and federal laws require people publishing and printing material to be clearly identified. The websites of the various Electoral Commissioners (both at State and Federal levels) have further information on this – see for example: http://www.aec.gov.au/FAQs/election_advertising.htm In general, however, there is no legal obligation to include an imprint page on material that's published
That said, there are advantages in including information such as is usually found on an imprint page – particularly if the publisher owns or part-owns copyright in the material
For example, it makes it easier for people to identify and contact the publisher if someone else wants to get permission to use the material. It also makes it easier for Copyright Agency Limited (which distributes payments for using copyright material from educational institutions and governments) to identify who payments should be made to. See further: http://www.copyright.com.au If you have questions about publishing, contact copyright lawyer Adam Simpson or Ian McDonald (Special Counsel, Copyright) at Simpsons Solicitors.