The Aboriginal flag can now be reproduced by anyone without fear of legal threats
photo: Pixabay
The Australian government has bought the Aboriginal flag's copyright in a bid to "free" the symbol of identity from bitter fights over who can use it.
Indigenous artist Harold Thomas created the flag in 1971 as a protest image but it is now the dominant Aboriginal emblem and an official national flag.
Despite this, many Aboriginal people say the flag has been "held hostage" by copyright deals that limit its display.
The flag can now be reproduced by anyone without fear of legal threats.