Copyright for your business

Introduction

You automatically own the copyright in any literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works that you or your employees create. These works can range from information booklets and computer programs to written music or paintings. Copyright will also protect any sound recordings, broadcasts or films that your company creates.

As the copyright owner you are able to decide whether:

• or not your original works are used by others
• they are copied, adapted, published, performed or broadcast
• or not you will let others make use of your work for a royalty or licence fee
• to sell the copyright to others

This guide gives basic information on copyright and how long protection may last. It tells you what to do if you think there has been a copyright infringement and explains the importance of respecting other people's copyright.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What does copyright cover?
• How can copyright help my business?
• How do I get copyright protection for my work?
• Copyright infringement
• Copyright protection
• Database right protection
• Contractors and copyright
• Here's how copyright law helps me protect my intellectual property

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