Copyright Bite #3.1

 
Dick has created an original artistic work protected by copyright. Typically the first author of a work will also be the first owner of the copyright in that work, although when you create work as an employee the copyright in the work may belong to your employer. Dick is a freelance illustrator. As such he is the first owner of the copyright in his drawing.
 
Copyright Bites. Business contract. Original illustration by Davide Bonazzi for CopyrightUser.orgAs the copyright owner, Dick enjoys the exclusive right to copy the work, issue copies of the work to the public, rent or lend the work, and communicate the work to the public whether online or in a broadcast. This means Dick can exclude others from doing any of these things without his permission, unless their use is otherwise permitted by law.
 
 
 
Copyright Bites. Contract. Original illustration by Davide Bonazzi for CopyrightUser.orgGeorge is a successful entrepreneur who runs Crossover Culture, a company that specialises in the design and manufacture of toys and games that appeal to children and adults alike. He is always looking for new product development opportunities that tap into the cultural zeitgeist.
 
George thinks Dick’s robot has a certain neo-retro charm that many people will find appealing. He wants to bring it to market, and assures Dick that the toys will faithfully copy Dick’s original designs and drawings, albeit in 3D. They agree to do business and a contract is signed. Without Dick’s permission, George could not lawfully manufacture and sell his toy version of the robot.

More from Bite #3

Copyright Bite #3.2

Copyright Bite #3.2

When you own the copyright in a work you can assign the rights in that work to someone else, or license others to make use of the work in certain clearly defined ways.

Copyright Bite #3.3

Copyright Bite #3.3

Sally is an illustrator. She is fascinated by the phenomenon of crossover fiction, games and toys.

Copyright Bite #3.4

Copyright Bite #3.4

Making use of someone’s work to create a parody of that work, or of another work, is lawful in the UK. You do not need to ask the copyright owner for permission.

More Copyright Bites

Copyright Bite #1

Copyright Bite #1

Copyright Bite #1 considers how long copyright lasts and what it means to say that a work is protected by copyright or in the public domain.

Copyright Bite #2

Copyright Bite #2

Copyright Bite #2 explores how copyright protects only the expression of ideas and not ideas themselves.

Copyright Bite #3

Copyright Bite #3

Copyright Bite #3 considers how you can lawfully make use of, or borrow from, works that are still in copyright, but without having to ask for permission or make payment to the copyright owner.