Remember that you do not automatically own the copyright in material that is created for your business unless the creator is your employee doing so as part of their employment. This means that the right to reproduce and freely make use of material created for your business by self-employed contractors and consultants, for example, is not as automatic as you may think.

Copyright material includes any written content (including translations), graphic designs and photographs – whether it’s for manuals, newsletters, brochures, websites, or anything else used in your business. It would also include any software code written for you.

Even when you have paid the creator in full the copyright stays with them unless you have a written assignment from them to your business.

If you do not arrange such an assignment you may only be able to make limited use of the copyrighted material. Also, the creator may be able to make further use of the works without your consent.

Such assignment may be written into the initial contract with the creator (although they are likely to try to make it conditional upon them first being paid in full for their work) or be dealt with as a standalone matter.

Also, it is worth bearing in mind that if the material is important to your continued success – such as being part of your products, branding or software platform – then any potential buyer of or investor into your business may think that your business is worth less because you can’t demonstrate your ownership of such key material.

If you have any queries on copyright ownership, please contact Andy.

Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say...

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Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

Joanne Rowe, Finance Director, Greater Manchester Chamber

“Always able to contact, very approachable, friendly and professional”

Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

“Jo always provides great service, understands our needs and delivers on her promises. Our needs are relatively simple but the complexity arises out of the volume of work and short time frames, Jo always delivers.”

Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

“A big thank you to all who dealt with my wife’s claim… We would not hesitate to recommend Davis Blank Furniss to anyone that may be in a situation like we have been…”

Anon (Personal Injury client)

“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

Anon (Family client)
5 star service

Our Manchester office is rated 5 stars on Google