Copyright Law

Image of National Online Safety
National Online Safety Helping schools raise standards in online safety
Webinar 5min

When content is uploaded to the internet, who actually owns it? Does anyone? Our bite-size video explores copyright in the online space, and why it's important to be aware of the law.

CPD Certified

What is Copyright Law?

Copyright is one of the main types of intellectual property. If you own the copyright on something, no one else can make a copy of it without your permission. Copyright usually originates with the creator of a work, but can be sold, traded, or inherited by others.

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 is the current UK copyright law. It gives the creators of literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works the right to control the ways their material may be used. Infringement of trademarks and copyrights can be criminal offences, leading to substantial fines and even imprisonment.

For more information on the associated risks and online safety tips for parents and carers, watch our explainer video, available to those with a National Online Safety membership.