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Copyright breach - copyright infringement solicitors

Copyrights are protected under an area of law called intellectual property, also known as IP. Whilst sometimes called the copyright and patents act, the legislation in force currently is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA).

Copyright law is designed to protect creative, artistic and written works, along with broadcasts and doesn’t require registration. As soon as the works are created, they are automatically protected by copyright under UK law.

Copyright protection exists to stop other individuals or businesses from using your works for their own purposes without your permission. As with all elements of intellectual property law, this can be a complex area, so it’s important to have expert advice available when you suspect that someone has infringed on your copyright. At Stephensons, our copyright infringement lawyers are able to provide all the advice and support required when there has been a breach of copyright. Contact the team on 0161 696 6170.

 

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What is copyright infringement?

Copyright infringement is the unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of someone else's copyrighted work. It occurs when an individual or organisation uses a protected work without permission from the copyright holder, violating the rights granted by copyright law.

The copyright infringement law

Copyright infringement law protects the rights of creators by prohibiting the unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted works. It grants copyright holders exclusive rights to their creations and provides legal remedies, such as injunctions and damages, against those who infringe on these rights. In the UK, copyright law is governed by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

What is considered a breach of copyright?

Copyright can be infringed if an individual or business does any of the below without your express permission:

  • Makes copies of your work
  • Distributes copies of your work, whether for sale or free of charge
  • Lends or rents out your work to others
  • Shows, plays or performs your work in public
  • Adapts or edits your work
  • Puts your work on the internet

Copyright automatically covers the below creations under UK law:

  • Original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work. This includes drawings, illustration and photography as well as plays, screenplays, scripts, books, sheet music and written lyrics
  • Music and sound recordings
  • Film and television or online video recordings
  • Non-literary written work, such as online content, databases and software
  • Broadcasts

Whilst some people choose to mark their work with a copyright symbol ©, it doesn’t actually affect the level of protection that you have under UK law.

Works created by UK nationals or residents that are subject to copyright are usually also protected in other countries, as long as these countries are members of one or more international copyright conventions.

The length of copyright protection will vary, depending on the type of work, but is usually valid for up to 70 years after the death of the creator(s).

If you believe that something you hold copyright over has been infringed, contact an experienced copyright infringement lawyers at Stephensons today by calling 0161 696 6170.

Legal assistance from copyright infringement solicitors

If you think that an individual or company has infringed on your copyright, we can help you to build a legal case. If your claim for copyright infringement is upheld, you may be granted an injunction that will prevent the infringer from taking any further action. You may also be able to confiscate or destroy any infringing items and damages may be awarded in some cases.

For expert advice at every step of the process, speak to Stephensons about copyright infringement.

What to do if accused of copyright infringement?

If you or your business have been accused of infringing someone else’s copyright, it can be a worrying time. Our copyright infringement solicitors are experts in this area of law and can help you to build a defence if required. We can also discuss alternative options for resolving the dispute, such as mediation. Get in touch today for more information. Call us on 0161 696 6170.

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