Copyright Protection

Copyright automatically protects your original creative works, but understanding your rights and enforcing them effectively requires specialist legal expertise. Our copyright solicitors help creators, businesses, and publishers protect their valuable content.

What Our Copyright Protection Solicitors Can Help With

• Copyright Registration: Formal registration for additional protection and evidence
• Copyright Infringement: Enforcement action against unauthorised use
• DMCA Takedowns: Removing infringing content from websites and platforms
• Copyright Licensing: Creating revenue through licensing agreements
• Fair Use Defence: Defending legitimate use of copyrighted material
• Software Copyright: Protecting computer programs and source code
• Publishing Agreements: Negotiating book, music, and media contracts
• International Copyright: Cross-border copyright protection and enforcement

What Copyright Protects

Protected Works Include:

• Literary Works: Books, articles, blog posts, lyrics, scripts
• Musical Works: Songs, compositions, musical arrangements
• Artistic Works: Paintings, photographs, sculptures, graphics
• Dramatic Works: Plays, screenplays, choreography
• Film and Video: Movies, documentaries, promotional videos
• Sound Recordings: Music recordings, podcasts, audio content
• Broadcasts: TV and radio programmes
• Computer Programs: Software, apps, databases

Copyright Requirements:

• Work must be original (not copied)
• Must be recorded in material form
• Requires minimal level of creativity
• Automatic protection upon creation
• No registration required in UK (but advisable)

Copyright Duration and Ownership

Duration of Protection:

• Literary, dramatic, musical, artistic works: Life of author + 70 years
• Sound recordings: 50 years from recording/release
• Films: 70 years from death of key personnel
• Broadcasts: 50 years from first broadcast
• Computer programs: Life of author + 70 years

Copyright Ownership:

• Generally belongs to creator/author
• Employer owns works created by employees
• Commissioned works: depends on agreement
• Joint authorship possible for collaborative works
• Rights can be assigned or licensed to others

Copyright Infringement and Enforcement

Types of Infringement:

• Primary Infringement: Direct copying without permission
• Secondary Infringement: Facilitating or enabling infringement
• Commercial Infringement: Using copyrighted works for profit
• Online Infringement: Unauthorised sharing or distribution online

Enforcement Actions:

• Cease and Desist Letters: Formal demands to stop infringement
• DMCA Takedown Notices: Removing content from websites
• Court Injunctions: Legal orders to stop infringement
• Damages Claims: Compensation for losses and profits
• Criminal Prosecution: For serious commercial infringement

Digital Copyright Challenges

Online Copyright Issues:

• Website content scraping and theft
• Unauthorized image use on social media
• Piracy of digital products and software
• YouTube and streaming platform violations
• E-commerce product description copying
• Blog and article plagiarism

Protection Strategies:

• Copyright notices and watermarking
• Digital Rights Management (DRM)
• Regular monitoring and searching
• Swift takedown procedures
• Licensing for legitimate use
• Terms of use and licensing agreements

Copyright Licensing and Revenue

Types of Licenses:

• Exclusive License: Only licensee can use the work
• Non-exclusive License: Multiple licensees possible
• Synchronisation License: Music with visual content
• Mechanical License: Reproducing musical works
• Performance License: Public performance rights
• Translation Rights: Converting to other languages

Licensing Considerations:

• Territory (geographic scope)
• Duration (time period)
• Media and format restrictions
• Royalty rates and payment terms
• Quality control provisions
• Termination and renewal clauses

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Copyright Protection

• Creative Industry Expertise: Understanding of creative and publishing sectors
• Digital Copyright Specialists: Experience with online enforcement
• International Reach: Cross-border copyright enforcement
• Technology Understanding: Software and digital content expertise
• Commercial Focus: Maximising value from copyright assets
• Swift Action: Rapid response to infringement situations

Copyright protection requires both technical legal knowledge and understanding of creative industries and digital markets.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.