Copyright Policy

This Copyright Policy is designed for use within a business and applies to the creation and use of copyright works by employees, contractors and others working on the business’s behalf.

Copyright is a valuable business asset. It can protect many different types of work, including written works, artistic works, photographs, sound recordings, music, software and more.

Internal copyright policy for business use

The policy raises awareness of copyright and gives practical guidance on how copyright should be protected, enforced and respected within the business.

It explains how copyright protection is established and how copyright ownership works, including the distinction between employee-created works and works created by contractors or other third parties.

• By default, an employer owns copyright in works created by its employees.
• Contractors and other third parties will usually own copyright in works they create for the business.
• When commissioning third-party work, the business should decide whether it needs the copyright assigned or licensed to it.

Third-party copyright, software and online use

The policy addresses third-party copyright in detail, including optional sections for recording collective licences obtained by the business.

It also covers software and online copyright issues, with particular emphasis on the care required when sharing copyright material on behalf of the business, including on social media.

Infringement and requests to use business copyright

The policy includes guidance on copyright infringement and on handling requests from third parties to use copyright works owned by the business.

Copyright Policy is part of Business . Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Business for 1 year.