Tell me about “Copyright”

Feb 14 • Articles • 1381 Views • Comments Off

Copyright is a word that’s flung around a lot in business… but what’s it actually all about. Here, The Mumpreneur Team have explored the basics of Copyright…

Definition – The exclusive right to make copies, licence and otherwise exploit a literary, musical or artistic work, whether printed, audio or video etc.

What is it?

Copyright is one of the main types of Intellectual Property (IP) and was originally only applied to books but overtime expanded to cover a much broader spectrum including photography, films, maps, dramatic works, computer programmes and much more.

Essentially they are exclusive rights granted to the creator or author of an original work.

What can I copyright?

You can copyright any kind of written or artistic work that is original, such as your website. Any articles, blog posts, e-books are also included. Your domain name however is exempt.

Can I copyright my product name?

No. Names in general are not protected by copyright law. For this you will need a trademark. Some logo artwork may be eligible for copyright protection.

How long does copyright last?

In the UK, copyright lasts for your entire life plus an additional 70 years after death.

How do I obtain copyright?

The beauty of copyright is that there are no long and complicated application processes to complete. It is an automatic right.

What is infringement?

Infringement is the act in which an individual or organisation uses copyright material in such a way without the prior consent of the copyright owner.

It is an infringement of copyright to do any of the following acts in relation to a substantial part of a work protected by copyright without the consent or authorisation of the copyright owner:

copy it, issue copies of it to the public, rent or lend it to the public, perform or show it in public, or communicate it to the public

by Laura Rigney, Mumpreneur UK

Useful links:

The Patent Office
Address: Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, South Wales, NP10 8QQ
Tel: 08459 500 505
Web: www.ipo.gov.uk

PRS for Music
Address: 29-33 Berners Street, London, W1P 4AA
Tel: (0207) 580 5544
Web: www.prsformusic.com

Copyright Licensing Agency
Address: Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London, EC1N 8TS
Tel: 020 7400 3100
Web: www.cla.co.uk

 

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