Copyright
UK copyright law is set out in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Copyright basically seeks to protect the form of expression of ideas, and not ideas themselves. The primary purpose of copyright law is to reward authors of the creation of original works.
It is also key to remember that copyright law is intended to prevent copying, but it does not provide a monopoly right. Copyright gives authors of works rights to control the use or commercial exploitation of the works that they have created. This includes the exclusive right to copy, issue copies, rent or lend, perform, show, play, communicate the work to the public or adapt the work, and the right to stop others from doing any of these things without their consent. Generally speaking, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years.
UK copyright law protects the following kind of works:
Original literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works which are recorded in some way – this includes computer programmes, graphic works and photographs; databases; sound recordings, films or broadcasts and typographical arrangements of published editions
What should you be thinking about if you own copyright material?
There is no need to obtain a registration for copyright in the UK as protection automatically applies to all works recorded in any form provided the requirements for qualification are met.
However, given copyright arises automatically, it is good practice for businesses to keep records and evidence of any materials or works created and when, which may be needed to establish the subsistence and ownership of copyright in infringement proceedings. You can also consider secure storage of key original materials.
A copyright owner is advised to mark copyright material when it is published with the international copyright symbol.
What should you be thinking about if you are using copyright material?
You should only use material which is protected by copyright in line with the permissions you have been given – this could for example be set out in copyright licence terms which you should be aware of before using any third-party materials.
If you are a business, it would be advisable to have a copyright policy in place to ensure that all employees understand what they can and cannot use when it comes to copyright materials to ensure compliance with the law.
How can we help?
We specialise in providing cost-effective legal solutions clearing your path to success, and we have specialist expertise in intellectual property matters which we can help you with. We support the likes of Onfido, Multiverse, and Truelayer - ensuring they can build and bolster their commercial relationships.
How to get started
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