Copyright lawyers
A copyright is an automatic right which arises out of creating an original literary, musical, and artistic work or by creating plays, films, broadcasts and other published works. Copyright cannot be registered anywhere in the UK, but can be identified by the symbol ©. Even if a work does not have the © symbol does not automatically mean it is not protected by copyright. If you would like know how to copyright your work or bring an infringement claim against an individual who has violated your copyright, then you should consider gaining advice from specialist copyright lawyers. Copyright lawyers can use their expert knowledge and experience to provide you with the answers you need and put you in the best legal position possible.
An author of a copyrighted work will usually be the person who created it. Ownership of copyright is slight different. Only the owner of a copyrighted work can exploit it. Generally speaking the author is the first owner. However, when a literary, musical, dramatic or artistic work or a film is made by an employee during the course of his or her employment then the employer is the owner of that copyright, unless there are terms in the employee’s employment contract which state otherwise. For works that are commissioned the creator will be the first owner but will then transfer ownership to the commissioner and there will usually be a term in their contract to state this. If the commissioner were to use the copyright beyond what was originally envisaged then this would amount to a breach of copyright licence. As a copyright holder if you wish to license your copyright then it is advised that you gain the assistance of copyright lawyers to negotiate the terms of the licence on your behalf.
If you have any questions regarding copyright, infringement or licensing of copyright, then Contact Law can put you in touch with a local law firm with specialist intellectual property / copyright lawyers free of charge. Please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.
- Last Updated on 10/07/2012
