Copyright

What is it?

It protects anything you create - such as…

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

Copyright• Is an automatic right, so you don't

have to apply for it. • The Copyright Logo is:

True or False?• If you draw a picture - do you own the copyright (even if you

don’t use ©)

TrueSo how can you

protect your work?

Label it!• A correctly worded notice will

deter infringement • Especially if it states that the

work is protected under law.

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.

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.

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.

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

line?

False – Why?

You should try to get the creator’s permission to use

the image.

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…

How long does copyright last?

A) 10 yearsB) 50 yearsC) The life of the creatorD) Life of the creator + 70 years

The life of the creator + 70 years

You can not legally use copyrighted material without getting permission?

A) Always trueB) Sometimes trueC) False

Sometimes true

As a rule - it is better to be safe than sorry

Can creators share with others without them having to ask?

A) YesB) No

Yes

Use ‘Creative commons’ or ‘CC’E.g. websites such as:

www.ccmusic.org for music etc.

What you need to do…If you have used copyrighted material, try to

provide suitable evidence in your portfolio…

How?Use a reference:

Author or Source, Year. Title of

web document or web page.

Available at: web site address

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.

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!

The end

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