Copyright basics

Copyright is a legal protection given to any person who creates certain kinds of material, including books, journal articles, artistic works, and computer programs. In the United Kingdom, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 as amended by the Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003 attempts to balance the requirement of protecting the intellectual and economic rights of the owner with the need to ensure reasonable access.

Copyright is complex and the guidance given here covers only the most commonly experienced situations. Further information and guidance is available from the Library. Contact us via [email protected].