Copyright
Copyright is an automatic right which arises whenever a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work is expressed in a tangible form. Where possible the ownership should be indicated by the legend © with name and date.
Items that are protected by copyright include:
- Computer software
- Drawings
- Formulae
- Designs
- Text
- Letters
- Music and books
Unlike Patents, Copyright requires no formal registration - the length of copyright depends on the type of work. Excerpt from www.gov.uk (Crown copyright):
Type of work
| How long copyright usually lasts |
| Written, dramatic, musical and artistic work | 70 years after the author's death |
| Sound and music recording | 70 years from when it's first published |
| Films | 70 years after the death of the director, screenplay author and composer |
| Broadcasts | 50 years from when it's first broadcast |
| Layout of published editions of written, dramatic or musical works | 25 years from when it's first published
|
For additional copyright information please visit the
copyright section of the UK Intellectual Property Office.
Research, Innovation & Enterprise Support
Please get in touch with the Business Engagement and Innovation Team who can help guide and support you with queries regarding Intellectual Property (IP) and you IP rights.
