Our Intellectual Asset Management Team uses Etched® to proactively help you secure on the blockchain all of the evidence you need to establish and date stamp claims to copyright and create and manage copyright libraries. You can either use Etched® yourself, or you can ask us to help you through our IAM The Custodian® services. If you use Etched® yourself, you can (if you wish) give us viewing rights so that we can flag anything we think needs your attention.
Of course, we also undertake copyright registration in jurisdictions where registration is possible, but note that, even registration of copyright does not circumvent the need for proof of creation and ownership. Effective self custody is vital.
We also help with copyright enforcement, where, amongst other things, we use Etched® to narrow the field of dispute and help convince counterparties of the merits of your case.
Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literary works (such as books, articles, and software code), artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs), musical and dramatic works, films, broadcasts, sound recordings, and databases. In the UK and EU, protection arises automatically upon creation, provided the work is original and fixed in a tangible form.
No. In both the UK and EU, copyright protection arises automatically—there is no need to register. However, keeping dated and verifiable records of authorship and creation is highly advisable, especially in the event of infringement or ownership disputes. We offer services to help document, manage, and store such evidence.
Typically, the creator (author) owns the copyright—even if the work was commissioned—unless a written agreement states otherwise. For example, if you hire a freelancer to create a logo or website, they will usually own the copyright unless you’ve agreed in writing to transfer those rights. Always use clear contracts to define ownership upfront.
In the UK and EU, works created by an employee in the course of their employment are generally owned by the employer, unless the employment contract says otherwise. However, this does not apply to independent contractors or freelancers—so contractual clarity is essential.
No. Giving credit does not grant you the legal right to use someone else’s work. You must obtain permission from the copyright holder, unless a legal exception applies. In the UK, limited exceptions include fair dealing for purposes such as criticism, review, quotation, or reporting current events—but these are narrow and must meet specific conditions.
Fair dealing is a legal exception in UK and EU copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for specific purposes—such as criticism, review, parody, quotation, education, or news reporting. The use must be fair and must not harm the commercial value of the original work. Each case is fact-specific, and not all uses will qualify.
In the UK and EU, copyright usually lasts for 70 years after the death of the author (for literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works). Other types of works have different durations:
• Sound recordings: 70 years from publication.
• Films: 70 years after the death of the last surviving principal director, screenwriter, or composer.
• Broadcasts: 50 years from the date of broadcast.
• Typographical arrangements: 25 years from publication.
Yes. Copyright can be licensed (temporarily granting usage rights) or assigned (transferred permanently) to others. Transfers of ownership must be in writing and signed by the copyright holder. Licensing can be exclusive or non-exclusive, and it's important to clearly set out terms in a contract.
Moral rights protect the personal connection between authors and their works. In the UK and EU, these include the right to be identified as the author, and the right to object to derogatory treatment of the work. These rights are separate from economic rights and in some cases can’t be waived (or can only be waived in writing).
If you believe your copyright has been infringed, you may first consider sending a cease-and-desist letter or takedown notice (e.g., under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act or platform-specific processes). You may also pursue legal remedies including damages or injunctions. We can assist with assessing your options and managing enforcement.
