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Corporate Identity

Copyright

It is important to be sure of the copyright position of any photographs you intend to use, because photographic images are considered as artistic works under the laws of copyright.

Copyright is basically the right given to authors and creators of works, such as books, films or computer programs, to control the exploitation of their works. This right broadly covers copying, adapting, issuing copies to the public, performing in public and broadcasting the material. Copyright arises automatically and does not depend on the completion of any formalities, such as registration.

Remember that photographs obtained from the internet are also subject to copyright.

The first owner of copyright is usually the author of the work. The major exception is where such work is made in the course of employment, in which case the employer owns the copyright.

Commissioning and paying for work does not procure the copyright. Contractors and freelancers own the first copyright in their work unless the commissioning contract agrees otherwise.

You should also remember that copyright lasts for over 50 years. Photographs taken after 1 August 1989 are protected for 70 years after the death of the photographer. There are different rules regarding older photographers depending on the relevant Copyright Act at the time they were taken. See the table below.

Photographs in Hantsweb that are not owned by Hampshire County Council should have a photographic credit attached to them. It is your responsibility to ensure that all photographs on your web pages have this credit applied. Photographs owned by the County Council do not need a credit.

More information on copyright is available from the United Kingdom's Copyright Licensing Agency or International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisation.

 

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