I own the copyright to everything I create – here’s why and how.

UK copyright law for photography and videography provides legal protection for myself (Michael Lee Axon – Digifin) as the creator of original visual works. Here’s a summary of key points:

1. Automatic Protection: In the UK, copyright is automatically granted to the creator of a photograph or video as soon as it is created and fixed in a tangible form. Registration or formalities are not required for copyright to apply.
2. Duration: Copyright protection generally lasts for the lifetime of the creator plus 70 years after their death. For works created by a team or company, copyright lasts for 70 years from the end of the year it was created.
3. Exclusive Rights: Copyright holders have exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their works. This means others cannot use your photos or videos without permission.
4. Fair Dealing: Under certain circumstances, limited use of copyrighted works may be allowed for purposes such as criticism, review, news reporting, and education. This is known as “fair dealing.”
5. Moral Rights: Creators have moral rights, including the right to be credited as the author and the right to object to derogatory treatment of their work.
6. Orphan Works: Some works may become “orphan works” when the copyright owner cannot be identified or located. In such cases, certain uses may be permitted by specific regulations.
7. Licensing: Copyright holders can grant licenses to others for the use of their works. These licenses can be exclusive or non-exclusive and can specify terms, conditions, and fees.
8. Exceptions: There are exceptions to copyright, such as when using works for private and personal use, creating parodies, or making temporary copies for technical purposes.
9. Infringement: Using someone else’s copyrighted photos or videos without permission may constitute copyright infringement and can result in legal action, including damages and injunctions.
10. Online Sharing: Posting photos and videos on social media or websites does not automatically waive your copyright. However, some platforms have terms of service that may affect your rights.
11. Commercial Use: Using photos or videos for commercial purposes typically requires permission or a license from the copyright owner, especially for advertising, marketing, or selling products.
12. Contracts: Creators can enter into contracts to assign or license their copyright to others. It’s essential to have clear agreements in writing to define the terms and conditions.

Remember that copyright law can be complex, and specific cases may have unique circumstances. If you have legal questions or concerns about my photography or videography work, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional who specialises in intellectual property and copyright law.

As a recap – I own the content. You don’t.

Any questions please get in touch, Lee.