Copyright protects original creative works automatically upon creation, including written works, art, films, and sound recordings. While a copyright notice is not required, displaying one shows awareness of copyright law and deters infringement. Copyright lasts for the life of the creator plus 70 years. Creators can share works using Creative Commons licenses to allow certain uses without permission. Proper documentation and attribution should be kept to prove ownership of copyrighted material.

1. Copyright

2. What is it?
It protects anything you
create - such as…

3. • Written works
• Theatrical
• Artistic works
• Film
• Book layouts
• Sound recordings etc.

4. Copyright
• Is an automatic right, so you don't
have to apply for it.
• The Copyright Logo is:

5. True or False?
• If you draw a picture - do you
own the copyright (even if you
don’t use ©)

6. True
So how can you
protect your
work?

7. Label it!
• A correctly worded notice will
deter infringement
• Especially if it states that the
work is protected under law.

8. The law
• Although a copyright notice is not required
• All work is automatically subject to copyright
protection within most countries.
• Displaying a notice shows that you are aware of
copyright legislation and take infringements of
your work seriously.

9. Register your work
In the UK, you can use the “Copyright
Registration Service”
This provides absolute proof of the date
and content of your work.
The service provides the best evidence to
support your rights.
I suspect that many countries have
something similar.

10. Use ‘footprints’ or ‘watermarks’
These methods identify the author in
some way, such as a deliberate mistake,
or hidden data that can be read using
special applications etc.

11. True or False?
You can use an internet
picture and use it in
something you publish
on-line?

12. False – Why?
You should try to get the
creator’s permission to use
the image.

13. The reality
• Unfortunately protecting your own
work can be costly.
• So the reality is that many things are
copied illegally.
• So make sure you are well protected.
• Also try not to publish anything too
personal…

14. How long does copyright last?
A) 10 years
B) 50 years
C) The life of the creator
D) Life of the creator + 70 years

15. The life of the creator
+ 70 years

16. You can not legally use copyrighted
material without getting permission?
A) Always true
B) Sometimes true
C) False

17. Sometimes true
As a rule - it is better to
be safe than sorry

18. Can creators share with others
without them having to ask?
A) Yes
B) No

19. Yes
Use ‘Creative commons’ or ‘CC’
E.g. websites such as:
www.ccmusic.org for music etc.

20. What you need to do…
If you have used copyrighted
material, try to provide suitable
evidence in your portfolio…

21. How?
Use a reference:
Author or Source, Year. Title of
web document or web page.
Available at: web site address

22. For anything you create - keep…
…copies of original drafts.
…any documentation from official bodies
such as the Copyright Protection service.
…any signed documents from a solicitor
proving your copyright claims.
…any communications such as e-mails
relating to the copyright safely stored in an
easy to find location.

23. Protection
Use search engines to check copyrights are
not being infringed etc.
Protect yourself as much as possible…
Of course the best protection is to simply
not publish anything on the internet!

24. The end
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