How does copyright protect work?

Copyright law sets out a framework of rules around how that work can be used, including the rights of the owner and the responsibilities of other people who want to use the work. Copyright gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to publish, copy, distribute and sell their creation. No one else can use the work without permission.

Copyright prevents people from:

  • Copying your work
  • Distributing copies of it, whether for free or for sale
  • Renting or lending copies of your work
  • Performing, showing or playing your work in public
  • Making an adaptation of your work
  • Putting it on the internet

This website refers to copyright under English Law. The current copyright legislation in the UK is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.  Each country has its own copyright law and copyright practices can vary. You will need to ensure that you comply with the copyright laws in any other countries in which you upload or download resources.

The information contained on this website is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

Category: Licensing and Copyright