Copyright Solicitors
We offer smart copyright management and protection services to clients at a cost effective rate.
Protecting Your Creative Works
Copyright is a crucial line of defense for safeguarding your creative and intellectual assets. 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 safeguarded.
At Freeman Harris, our London-based copyright solicitors specialise in providing personalised legal support to protect your intellectual property. Whether you’re facing an infringement issue or looking to license your work, acting swiftly is critical to securing your rights and minimizing risks.
Why Copyright Protection Matters
Copyright gives creators the exclusive right to use, reproduce, and distribute their original content. Enshrined in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, UK copyright law 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.
UK copyright typically lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For broadcasts or sound recordings, protection lasts 50 years from the date they are made. These protections are vital for creators and businesses that rely on original content for their reputation and revenue streams.
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 is here to provide comprehensive support. Whether you need help registering evidence of copyright ownership, enforcing your exclusive rights, or drafting licensing agreements, we offer tailored solutions to fit your specific needs.
Key services we provide include:
- Copyright enforcement to prevent and address unauthorised use of your works
- Copyright licensing agreements to monetise your creations while retaining control
- Advice on copyright ownership, fair use exceptions, and joint authorship
Operating out of London, we can assist clients across the UK and EU, thanks to our established network of international associates. Importantly, we keep our fees reasonable to ensure high-quality representation without 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.
Copyright Disputes, Licensing & Enforcement
When disputes arise over ownership or infringement, it can be overwhelming. Our specialised services focus on quickly resolving these matters, ensuring your rights are upheld without unnecessary delays. We also help creators take proactive steps by drafting legally sound licensing deals to authorise the use of their works while maintaining control and earning revenue.
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 and effective solutions to help you protect, enforce, or license your intellectual property.
Take the next step today and book your free consultation with our copyright solicitors in London. Whether you’re dealing with a dispute, seeking licensing advice, or need general guidance on UK copyright protection, we are here to help.
Copyright Solicitors Team
Talha Fazlani
LitigatorTalha 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 DirectorIan has a great understanding of contract drafting especially for commercial purposes, and can assist SME’s with their legal needs.Abdul Hafezi
Senior SolicitorAbdul carries out a broad range of legal work which include contract drafting and reviewing.
Copyright Law Fees
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?
Contact our Copyright Solicitors Team
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