Copyright arises automatically; it is essentially the right to reproduce (i.e. copy), sell, licence and otherwise exploit ‘creative work’ for a period of time that varies according to the type of creative work produced. You automatically get copyright protection when you create: original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work (drawing, illustration and photography) original non-literary written work, such as software, web content etc. sound and musical recordings film and television recordings as well as broadcasts

How long does copyright protection last for?

There are different rules for the different categories of copyrights. For author or creators of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work, the copyright would lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. If there are joint authors, then the lifetime applies until both authors pass away. For any broadcasts (TV, radio or online) and computer generated works, copyright lasts for 50 years from the time the work was created. Sound recordings last for 50 years from creation, and 70 years from publishing or being made available to the public. For films, the copyright lasts for 70 years from the death of the director and/or other principals.

Are there types of copyright infringement?

There are two types of copyright infringement: Primary infringement – this occurs when a person conducts any restricted acts without the permission of the copyright holder. This could be distributing another person’s copyrighted work without permission as an example. Secondary infringement – this occurs ‘further down the supply chain’ where infringing copyrighted works are dealt with or their production facilitated.

What are the restricted acts only a copyright owner can conduct?

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA 1988) provides the copyright owner exclusive rights in the UK to conduct the following restricted acts: copy the work issue (distribute) copies of the work to the public rent or lend the work perform, show or play the work in public communicate the work, and adapt it, or do any of the above restricted acts in relation to an adaptation Any individual who isn’t the copyright owner and conducts any of the acts above, either directly or through another person, would be infringing a copyright.

I am being pursued for trade mark infringement. What should I do?

If you are being pursued for trade mark infringement, you should follow the process below. Request details about the infringement claim being made against you. Verify the claim either through a solicitor or yourself if you have the expert knowledge. Find a resolution for the claimed infringement if you are at fault. If not, draft your response to the other party.

Copyright Lawyers

Our copyright solicitors offer smart copyright protection and management services to clients at a cost effective rate.

DISCUSS YOUR BREACH

Protect Your Creative Works

Copyright is an automatic right which protects your original, creative work. Whether you are a business, creative professional, or entrepreneur, ensuring that your work isn’t unfairly copied or exploited is essential. Copyright protection under UK law ensures that your original creations from literature and music to software and broadcasts, are legally protected.

At Freeman Harris, our London-based copyright lawyers specialise in providing expert legal support to protect your creative work. Whether you’re facing an infringement of your copyright or looking to license your work, acting quickly is important in securing your rights and decreasing risks.

Why Copyright Protection Matters

Copyright gives creators the exclusive right to use, reproduce, and distribute their original works. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, is the law, which establishes protections for a wide range of works, including:

Original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works
Films, sound recordings, and broadcasts
Typographical arrangements

Unlike trademarks, copyright does not require formal registration, as it arises automatically when your work meets the necessary originality and effort criteria. However, this simplicity can sometimes lead to misconceptions, and disputes over ownership or misuse are common.

Without copyright, your intellectual property could be exploited, leaving you without credit or monetary gain. By working with reputable copyright solicitors in London, you can ensure your creations are protected and leveraged to their full potential.

How Our Copyright Solicitors Help

Our team of London-based copyright lawyers provide complete copyright support. We can help you to evidence copyright ownership, enforce your exclusive rights, or draft licensing agreements and much more. We have developed a speciality in complex copyright disputes.

Our copyright services include:

Copyright enforcement to prevent and address unauthorised use of your works
Defending copyright infringement claims made against you
Copyright licensing agreements to monetise your creations while retaining control
Advice on copyright ownership, fair use exceptions, and joint authorship

We can assist clients across the UK and EU, thanks to our established network of international associates. We also keep our fees reasonable so you get world-class legal representation without the financial stress.

At Freeman Harris, we pride ourselves on an approachable, client-first approach. When you work with us, you’ll have the confidence that comes from knowing your creative rights are handled by true experts.

Some examples of our expertise include:

Representing an emerging fashion brand whose designs were unlawfully used by another company for promotion.
Advising a popular author in negotiating complex publishing terms with Penguin Books.
Defending a leading online course provider against unfounded infringement allegations.
Protecting a renowned rapper’s rights in disputes over music video ownership with a third-party production company.

Our experience shows that when copyright disputes are approached strategically, they can be resolved effectively, protecting your interests and paving the way for future growth.

Get Legal Support Today

Safeguarding your creative works doesn’t have to be complicated. At Freeman Harris, we provide practical legal assistance to help you protect, enforce, or license your intellectual property.

Call or email us for an initial free copyright advice. Whatever your copyright matter, or whether you need general guidance on UK copyright protection, we are here to help. Email contact@freemanharris.co.uk or call 0207 790 7311.

How can we help?

Contact our team anytime for a no-obligation chat about your legal matter. Once you speak with us, you will notice the difference yourself.

Call 0207 790 7311 or email contact@freemanharris.co.uk.

Copyright Solicitors Team

Talha Fazlani
Litigator
Talha is a litigator with a speciality in dealing with commercial matters. He has completed his PG Cert in Intellectual Property and assists with complex copyright matters.
Ian Freeman
Managing Director
Ian has a great understanding of contract drafting especially for commercial purposes, and can assist SME’s with their legal needs.
Abdul Hafezi
Senior Solicitor
Abdul carries out a broad range of legal work which include contract drafting and reviewing.

What our clients say?

I would recommend Freeman Harris solicitor to anyone. I was very happy in the way I was dealt with. The solicitor that handle my case was professional and efficient, she always put my mind at ease under difficult circumstance.

Blake R

Web Developer

Google

Trustpilot

Copyright Law Fees

Service

Fees

VAT

Total

From £1,200

£120

From £1,320

From £300 per hour

£60

From £360 per hour

From £800

£160

From £960

Common Copyright Questions

What is copyright?
Copyright arises automatically; it is essentially the right to reproduce (i.e. copy), sell, licence and otherwise exploit ‘creative work’ for a period of time that varies according to the type of creative work produced.

You automatically get copyright protection when you create:
- original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work (drawing, illustration and photography)
- original non-literary written work, such as software, web content etc.
- sound and musical recordings
- film and television recordings as well as broadcasts
How long does copyright protection last for?
There are different rules for the different categories of copyrights. For author or creators of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work, the copyright would lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. If there are joint authors, then the lifetime applies until both authors pass away.

For any broadcasts (TV, radio or online) and computer generated works, copyright lasts for 50 years from the time the work was created.

Sound recordings last for 50 years from creation, and 70 years from publishing or being made available to the public.

For films, the copyright lasts for 70 years from the death of the director and/or other principals.
Are there types of copyright infringement?
There are two types of copyright infringement:
- Primary infringement – this occurs when a person conducts any restricted acts without the permission of the copyright holder. This could be distributing another person’s copyrighted work without permission as an example.
- Secondary infringement – this occurs ‘further down the supply chain’ where infringing copyrighted works are dealt with or their production facilitated.
What are the restricted acts only a copyright owner can conduct?
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA 1988) provides the copyright owner exclusive rights in the UK to conduct the following restricted acts:
- copy the work
- issue (distribute) copies of the work to the public
- rent or lend the work
- perform, show or play the work in public
- communicate the work, and
- adapt it, or do any of the above restricted acts in relation to an adaptation
Any individual who isn’t the copyright owner and conducts any of the acts above, either directly or through another person, would be infringing a copyright.
I am being pursued for trade mark infringement. What should I do?
If you are being pursued for trade mark infringement, you should follow the process below.

Request details about the infringement claim being made against you.

Verify the claim either through a solicitor or yourself if you have the expert knowledge.

Find a resolution for the claimed infringement if you are at fault. If not, draft your response to the other party.

Contact our Copyright Solicitors Team

If you would like to discuss how we can help, please complete the form, and we will be in touch.

A little about you and what you need will help us with our response.