Copyright
Protecting Your Business
Copyright
Copyright prevents others from adapting, modifying or reproducing certain types of work. It will cover, for example, works of art, music and computer software. The creator of the copyright work has exclusive rights and control over the way in which the work is used by others, including copying, distributing, rental/loan, broadcasting and performing the work in public. Copyright protection may be available to individuals, businesses, contractors and employers.
Borneos can help you in protecting and gaining advantage from your copyright in literary works, computer programs and software, website pages, dramatic ideas, musical compositions, artistic drawings, sound recordings, photographs and broadcast material, etc. Names, phrases, titles, and three dimensional images are not protected by copyright. See our section on trademarks, confidentiality agreements and patents for advice and assistance in these areas.
We can assist with your copyright protection overseas and help with its exploitation outside the UK. Often the symbol © followed by the year the work was created will provide protection, but in some countries it may be necessary to take action against those who have infringed your rights using the law of that country.
There are common difficulties in establishing ownership of copyright. We can advise you on the most effective means of demonstrating that you were indeed the original creator. Proof of authenticity can be as simple as storing a copy of the work in a sealed envelope with us or sending yourself a copy of your work in a self-addressed envelope. Upon delivery, the envelope should be stored in a safe place and remain unopened.
Copyright allows long term protection of your work. Copyright protection for works created now expires seventy years after the death of the creator in the case of literary works. Caution should be exercised by those who create work subject to copyright during the course of their employment, as the employer will be the owner of the copyright.
If you believe that your copyright has been infringed by another person making use of your exclusive rights, we can advise you on a potential claim for damages or an injunction to prevent further infringement. We can also advise and assist with the assignment (or sale) of copyright works, licensing, royalties, and other forms of exploitation of copyright material.
Please click on the link for our update on software, copyright and patents
If you would like to discuss how we might help you, please:
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call any of our office numbers listed at the bottom of this page;
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contact one of our specialists direct by clicking on their name below; or
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complete our enquiry form
Members of our team specialising in this area:
