Copyright 101

Copyright 101

Copyright is automatically assigned to a creator when they create any piece of original work, whether this is created by an individual, a group or a company. Copyright gives the owner control over how their original work can be used.

Copyright gives the original owner unrestored exclusive rights to copy, distribute, perform, broadcast or adapt a work. 

Copyright typically lasts for a fixed period of time, ranging from decades to centuries. Once a copyright has expired, the work is then freely available in the public domain.

What can be protected by copyright

Copyright protects any written or recorded original work, such as;

  • literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work
  • software, web content, and databases
  • film and television recordings
  • sound and music recordings
  • layout of published editions

Copyright owner rights

Copyright owners have the right to allow, or prevent others from;

  • Making a copy of the original work – Including photocopying, scanning, recording or downloading
  • Issues copies of the original work to the public, such as publishing via print or electronically
  • Renting or lening copies of the original work to the public
  • Performing, showing, playing or broadcasting the original work to the public
  • Making adaptations to the original work, including making translations

These rights of the copyright owner can be transferred, bought or sold to another.

Otters Design is a full service graphic design agency, if you’re looking to produce a logo, illustration or graphic to copyright. Contact us today…

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