Copyright
Copyright can be a tricky issue in the creative industries.
Most people have to discuss their creative ideas while developing projects, pitching for commissions or being interviewed for work. And many employers ask prospective employees to sign contracts that assign copyright over everything they work on during their employment.
This is a complex area of law which can give rise to unnecessary disputes. However, if you take simple precautions from the start, you can usually protect your ideas and establish copyright.
- BECTU's Copyright Committee has prepared a booklet, free to members, with advice on contracts and copyright. It includes tips on collaboration, contracts, buy-outs, moral rights and waivers, and how to sign your work.
- The NUJ has a guide ‘Ten things every freelance should know on copyright'.
- The Copyright Advice and Anti-Piracy Hotline - 0845 603 4567 - can advise you on intellectual property matters and you can report any alleged breaches of copyright
- Copyright Info is a point of contact and copyright guidance for all digital content.
- The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) website is another resource including news, legislation and useful links.
- The Industry Trust for IP Awareness was established in 2004 to tackle the growing issue of film and TV copyright theft in the UK. The Trust seeks to achieve its aims through consumer education and awareness campaigns and the provision of training and information for those working to promote, protect and enforce copyright.
Other useful reference sources include:
- The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 available from HMSO
- The Writers and Artists Yearbook, published annually by A&C Black Ltd
- Rights Clearances for Film and Television Productions and The Art of the Deal published by PACT
