Intelectual Property Rights site

WHAT IS COPYRIGHT?

Copyright protects creative or artistic works. You should only copy or use a copyrighted work with the copyright owner's permission.

Copyright protects:

literature, including novels, instruction manuals, computer programs, song lyrics, newspaper articles, website content and some types of database

drama, including dance or mime

music

art, including paintings, engravings, photographs, sculptures, collages, architecture, technical drawings, diagrams, maps and logos

layouts used to publish a work, for a book

recordings of a work, including sound and film

broadcasts of a work.

Copyright applies to any medium. This means that you must not reproduce copyright protected work in another medium without permission. This includes, publishing photographs on the internet, making a sound recording of a book, and so on.

Copyright does not protect ideas for a work. However, when an idea is fixed, for example in writing, copyright automatically protects it. This means that you do not have to apply for copyright.

A copyright protected work can have more than one copyright, or another intellectual property right, connected to it. For example, an album of music can have separate copyrights for individual songs, sound recordings, artwork, and so on, whilst, copyright protects the artwork of your logo, but you could also register the logo as a trade mark.

BENEFITS OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Copyright allows you to protect your original material and stops others from using your work without your permission. The existence of copyright may be enough on its own to stop others from trying to exploit your material. If it does not, it gives you the right to take legal action to stop them exploiting your copyright and to claim damages.

By understanding and using your copyright protection, you can:

* sell the copyright but retain the moral rights

* license your copyright for use by others but retain the ownership

* object if your work is distorted or mutilated.

What if I do not enforce my copyright?

If you do not enforce your copyright, you will allow others to copy your work without having to seek permission.