How does copyright protect intellectual property?
Copyright provides legal protection for individuals including writers, composers, and directors who create
original work.
What does copyright protect in the UK?
Copyright legislation in the UK provides protection for the following:
- original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work, including the production of illustrations and
photography - original non-literary written work, such as the production of software, web content and databases
- recordings of sound and music
- recordings of film and television
- broadcasts
- layouts used for published written, dramatic and musical works
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How does copyright work?
Copyright prevents the following from occurring with respect to your work:
- copying it
- distributing copies – this applies regardless of whether the items are sold or provided for free
- renting or lending copies
- publicly performing, showing or playing
- adapting it
- uploading to the internet
What are the time limits on copyright protection?
The time limits that apply to copyright protection vary according to the nature of the work:
- In cases of written, dramatic, musical and artistic work, copyright protection in the UK lasts for 70
years after the death of its author - For recordings of sound and music, the limit is 70 years from the date of first publication
- Protection in respect to films lasts for 70 years after the death of the director, screenplay author, and
composer - UK copyright legislation provides protection for broadcasts of 50 years from first broadcast
- Regarding the layouts of published editions of written, dramatic or musical works, copyright protection
lasts for 25 years from first publication
Can I license my copyright?
You have the right under UK copyright legislation to license the use of any work to which you hold the
copyright.
Some people choose to engage the services of a licensing body which acts on their behalf to authorise the use of
their work and collect the royalties that are owed.
Can I sell my copyright?
As with other forms of intellectual property, it is possible to sell your copyright to another individual or
organisation.
The process of transferring the ownership of your property will involve you signing a document to confirm that
the sale has taken place.
Can I bequeath a copyright in my will?
You can bequeath ownership of your copyright to an individual or organisation in your will.
The time limits on the various forms of copyright, outlined above, will still apply in such instances.
How can Trademark Eagle help me with my copyright?
Trademark Eagle’s team of in-house legal specialists has a wealth of experience in all issues relating to
copyright protection.
Working with confidentiality, integrity and professionalism, we will explain exactly what your rights are as well
as your options regarding the future use, exploitation, or transfer of your copyright.
We can also help you with protecting and enforcing those rights against third parties, or can assist defending
your rights in the face of any potential copyright-based threat from third parties.
Our friendly service is available via email or live chat, and the initial consultation is free.
Please contact our team for more information:
Call: 01223 208 624
Email: enquiries@trademark-eagle.com
Or complete our online contact form
