Copyright is a property right which protects original "literary, dramatic, musical or artistic" works as well as films, from copying and various other "restricted acts" such as publication, broadcasting, the distribution of copies and hiring out of copies.

Under UK law copyright subsists automatically in original works, being works the production of which has involved a degree of skill, knowledge and effort. The degree of originality required under UK law is small, no judgment as to merit, creativity or artistic nature is generally involved. As a result, copyright is capable of subsisting in an extremely wide range of works, including computer software.

Computer software has long been regarded in UK law as a copyright work and is now so regarded in most other countries in the European Community by virtue of the Software Directive. Patent protection may also be available.

Copyright subsists for 70 years after the end of the year in which the author of the copyright died.

For more advice on copyright please contact us.