Copyright and design rights.

This topic is for A-level only. If you are studying at AS-level you do not need to cover the content in this chapter.

• Intellectual property (IP) is an idea that is turned into a physical creation that did not already exist (for example, a book, film, camera lens mounting system, handbag design or car name badge).
• Ideas alone do not count as IP – physical format of some kind is compulsory.
• Uniqueness is essential when seeking to protect IP with intellectual property rights (IPR).
• Some rights are automatically endowed when work is created (e.g. copyright); others have to be applied for (e.g. patent).
• IP laws vary from country to country and there are various rules governing applications.

• Copyright is legal protection for work such as books, photos, drama, music, films, TV programmes, software, etc.
• It allows management of permission for others to use work (e.g. licensing photos for use in books).
• The UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 provides cover for most works for 70 years after the death of the creator.
• Unregistered design rights provide legal protection for designers to stop unauthorised copying for ten years. They cover appearance (shape, ornamentation, etc.), not how products work.
• Registration is not required, but ownership is hard to prove in a dispute.
• Using the copyright symbol (©), and metadata and watermarks on digital files, makes it easier to assert ownership.
• It is a good idea to keep early drafts, sketches, recordings, etc., as well as deliberate, unique modifications as evidence.
• The UK Copyright Service provides an independent evidence of authorship facility.