Can I download and use an image from the Internet?

No. Most images available online are protected by copyright. Using an image without the copyright holder's permission may result in an action being brought against you. Remedies, such as damages, an injunction to stop the infringement, or payment of profits made from unauthorised use, may be available to the owner of the copyright.

What should I do if someone copies my copyright work?

Gather evidence of the original work, ownership, creation date and copying, then seek advice on the most appropriate commercial or legal response.

Can copyright be licensed or sold?

Yes. Copyright can be licensed or assigned. A licence permits use under agreed conditions, while an assignment transfers ownership.

Can technical drawings be protected by copyright?

Yes. Technical drawings may be protected by copyright if they qualify as original works. Reproducing a protected drawing in 2D or 3D form without permission may infringe copyright.

Does my business own copyright in a commissioned work?

Not always. When commissioning a work, Copyright should be addressed in written agreements. Copyright is owned by the creator of the work or, if done in the course of employment, by their employer. Without a clear written assignment, a business may not own the copyright in a commissioned work.

Who owns copyright in a work?

Ownership depends on how and by whom the work was created. The creator may be the first owner, but employment terms, contracts, assignments and licences can affect that position.

What types of works can copyright protect?

Copyright may protect literary works, artistic works, photographs, illustrations, software, technical drawings, databases, website content, marketing materials and certain other original works.

Do I need to register copyright in Ireland or the UK?

No. Copyright protection arises automatically when a qualifying work is created. There is no official system for registering copyright in Ireland or in the UK.

Copyright is a form of legal protection for original artistic and literary works such as text, photographs, tables and graphs, computer programs, technical drawings, software code, website content and other creative or technical materials.

I have a trade mark and I want to protect it worldwide. Is that possible?

There is no unitary worldwide trade mark system. However, international systems and treaties can enable protection in multiple territories. For example, an EU trade mark registration covers all 27 EU member states, while the Madrid Protocol can support international trade mark registration in over 110 countries.

FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 7

Can I download and use an image from the Internet?
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What should I do if someone copies my copyright work?
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Can copyright be licensed or sold?
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Can technical drawings be protected by copyright?
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Does my business own copyright in a commissioned work?
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Who owns copyright in a work?
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What types of works can copyright protect?
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Do I need to register copyright in Ireland or the UK?
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What is copyright?
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I have a trade mark and I want to protect it worldwide. Is that possible?
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FAQs

FAQs

Can I download and use an image from the Internet?

Continue reading

What should I do if someone copies my copyright work?

Continue reading

Can copyright be licensed or sold?

Continue reading

Can technical drawings be protected by copyright?

Continue reading

Does my business own copyright in a commissioned work?

Continue reading

Who owns copyright in a work?

Continue reading

What types of works can copyright protect?

Continue reading

Do I need to register copyright in Ireland or the UK?

Continue reading

What is copyright?

Continue reading

I have a trade mark and I want to protect it worldwide. Is that possible?

Continue reading

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