UK copyright law is set out in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Copyright seeks to protect the form of expression of ideas and not the ideas themselves as such (ideas may be protected by confidentiality). The primary purpose of copyright law is to reward authors for the creation of original works, that is, works where the author has expended independent effort to create the work.

It is very important to appreciate that copyright law is intended to prevent copying, but does not provide a monopoly; it does not matter if a similar or identical work already exists, provided it has not been copied.

Copyright lasts for a set period, most often the life of the author plus 70 years from the end of the calendar year of his death. No formalities need to be observed in the UK for a work to receive copyright protection; protection automatically applies to all works recorded in any form provided that they meet certain requirements.

What you can do:

• Ensure that works to have been created as a result of the application of skill and effort in order to attract copyright protection. 
• Keep accurate records of when and by whom works were created, as this provides evidence which may be needed in the event of any infringement action. 
• Remember that consultants, freelancers and subcontractors own the copyright in the works they create for you, unless you have a contract with them assigning the ownership to you. 
• Include in a prominent place copyright notices, stating the name of the owner (or owners) and the first year of publication (for example, "© ABC Ltd 2010"), they act as warnings to potential infringers and put them on notice of the owner's rights. 
• Use your terms and conditions and terms of use of website, to include clear restrictions on use of copyrighted materials and not be afraid to pursue your rights against infringers.
  How we can help you achieve your goals:

At Anassutzi & Co, we can help you achieve the above by drafting and negotiating:

• Copyright Licence agreement.
• Copyright Assignment agreement.
• Licence of digital content.
• Publishing agreement, including music and other. 
• Screenplay writer’s agreement.  
• Actors and Models agreements. 
• Image and property releases.
• Waiver of moral rights.
• Reviewing consultancy and employees contracts and other legal documents to ensure that ownership of IP remains with you.

 We can truly give you the best option and direction for each case, having only your company’s best interests at heart, at very competitive prices!

Here are some examples of how we helped other businesses:

Case 1: Carrying out a software licence audit service of all the systems in all the branches and group subsidiaries of one of the biggest UK banks, together with preparing recommendations and action plan.

Case 2: Drafting, negotiating and completing various IP licences, including for software, image use and releases.

Case 3: Drafting, negotiating and completing copyright assignment and licence back contracts for a number of clients, including in the book and publishing industry.

For more information on how we can help you call us now or email us!

Anassutzi & Co offers solutions putting law into your business context and offers high quality expertise for fixed fees www.anassutzi.com