Copyright is a form of intellectual property right (IPR) which relates to tangible creative works such musical compositions, literary or artistic works (including novels, computer software, paintings and photographs), databases and maps or technical drawings. Some of the main examples of copyright material include:
- literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works
- sound recordings
- films
- typographical arrangements of published editions
- broadcasts (including those on cable and satellite)
- databases
- computer programs, apps and websites
Copyright applies automatically in the UK; there is no requirement to register it. However, in order to establish copyright in case of a future legal dispute, it can be marked with the international copyright symbol © followed by the name of the copyright owner and year of publication.
It should be noted that copyright does not include ideas (which can be protected under a patent), names, slogans or phrases (which are protected under trade mark law).
For further information, read Copyright.