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Understanding the various types of copyright licences is essential for sharing and using creative works legally and ethically. Below is an overview of common copyright licences, along with summaries of British, European Union, and American copyright law.
This traditional copyright model grants the creator exclusive rights to their work, prohibiting others from using, distributing, or modifying it without explicit permission.
Creative Commons offers a range of licences that enable creators to specify the permissions granted to others regarding their work.
Works in the public domain are free for use by anyone for any purpose.
British copyright law protects the rights of creators and owners of original works, including literature, music, art, films, broadcasts, and software. Copyright gives the creator exclusive rights to use, reproduce, and distribute their work and is automatically applied as soon as the work is created and fixed in a tangible form.
To use copyrighted material beyond fair dealing, a license or permission from the copyright owner is needed. The UK Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) and organisations such as PRS for Music facilitate licensing.
Works enter the public domain when copyright expires, making them free for public use without restrictions.
Copyright infringement occurs when work is used without permission, leading to potential civil action for damages. The UK’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the courts oversee copyright disputes and enforcement.
The UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 is the primary legislation, but updates and reforms ensure alignment with digital advancements and international agreements.
Overview EU copyright law protects original works of authorship, such as literature, music, films, and software. It provides creators with exclusive rights to use, reproduce, and distribute their work. The EU’s copyright rules are harmonised across member states to create a consistent framework for protecting intellectual property rights.
EU copyright law includes exceptions for specific uses under “fair use” or “fair dealing,” such as:
The EU encourages the use of open licences and Creative Commons for flexible content sharing. The 2019 Copyright Directive introduced new provisions to adapt to the digital age, including:
Copyright infringement can lead to civil and criminal penalties. The EU emphasises the need for effective enforcement measures, including:
Cross-Border Regulations
EU law facilitates the cross-border use of copyrighted content, ensuring that consumers and businesses can access services across the EU without encountering legal barriers.
U.S. copyright law protects original works of authorship, including literature, music, art, software, movies, and more. Copyright grants the creator exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and adapt their work. Protection is automatic upon creation and fixation in a tangible medium, with no need for formal registration (though registration with the U.S. Copyright Office provides legal benefits).
Certain uses of copyrighted material are allowed without permission under the fair use doctrine, which considers:
Examples of fair use include commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
For uses beyond fair use, users must seek permission from the copyright owner, which may involve licensing agreements. Organisations such as ASCAP, BMI, and other licensing agencies manage rights for musical works and performances.
Works enter the public domain when copyright expires, allowing unrestricted use. U.S. copyright law also considers works published before 1924 to be in the public domain.
While copyright exists upon creation, registering with the U.S. Copyright Office allows owners to sue for statutory damages and attorney’s fees. Infringement can lead to civil action for damages, and in some cases, criminal charges.
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