All creative works are copyrighted by law under the The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
The internet makes it easy to take someone else’s work and use it as if it is either their own or paid for by them. Copyright exists by default, it doesn’t require to be registered or marked. It exists to prevent people from:
- copying artistic or creative works
- distributing copies (whether charged or free)
- renting or lending copies
- showing works in public
- making adaptations
- putting copies on the internet
More information is available from www.gov.uk/copyright
Any copying, distribution or use of my pictures, words or videos without permission will be considered to be in breach of this act, and I will pursue those who blatantly disrespect copyright.
What happens if you use my work without permission
Unfortunate that there are several cases where I have discovered my work being used without permission or licence. Creative work is responsible for much of my income and if people or companies are found to be using it to avoid payment, then I take that very seriously.
I use software to find unauthorised use of my words, videos and pictures. If I discover work being used without permission, I will ask you to provide evidence of permission or ‘licence’, as I understand that sometimes work is passed on with the belief it being done so legitimately. I will ask you to produce your licence to use my work, if you have published my work though a third party, you should ask them to produce a licence that allows distribution.
If permission has not been granted, I will take one or more of these courses of action:
- A take-down notice asking you to cease publication and desist from using it again in the future. This will involve you removing all copies from online publication, and destruction of all printed copies.
- An invoice for unauthorised use at £200 per breach.
- If the work is being used commercially, ie to generate revenue, there may be additional charges.
- I may ask for the legal right to be identified as the author
In some cases, you will be able to negotiate a licence for future and retrospective use.
If you are in any doubt whether you have the necessary permission, you should contact me on mail@marchindley.co.uk immediately.