Copyright provides you with protection in respect of original works, for example literary works, which can be novels, instructional manuals, computer programs and databases; published editions of works; artistic works; sound recordings, films, videos and broadcasts.

Copyright exists automatically as soon as the “work” is created.  However copyright does not exist in the case of:

	names, ideas or titles
	in functional articles

Copyright vests in the creator of the work.  Remember if a work is commissioned then the copyright will be with the creator of the work and not automatically with those who commissioned its production.

Copyright generally lasts for the life of the creator of the work plus 70 years.

We would be happy to provide you with advice in relation to specific copyright issues so please do contact us.