A template workplace policy, issued by an employer to its staff, setting out how employees should handle copyright in the course of their employment in England & Wales, under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
How to use this template - Replace every
[SQUARE-BRACKET]field before use. - The policy reflects the default rule that copyright in works created by an employee in the course of employment belongs to the employer (CDPA 1988, s 11), but note that work created by contractors is usually owned by them unless assigned. - Keep it consistent with your contracts, IT/acceptable-use policy and confidentiality policy. - This policy is not part of the contract of employment and may be amended.
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[COMPANY NAME] Copyright Policy
1. Purpose. This policy explains how staff must deal with copyright at work, both protecting the company's own copyright and respecting the rights of others. It applies to all employees of [COMPANY NAME]. The ownership rule in section 2 applies to employees only; see the note at the end of section 2 regarding workers and contractors.
2. Ownership of work you create. Copyright in materials you create in the course of your employment (such as documents, code, designs, marketing content and reports) belongs to [COMPANY NAME], not to you personally. You must, if asked, sign any document needed to confirm or record the company's ownership. Note: this default rule (CDPA 1988, s 11) applies to employees only. Work created by workers, independent contractors or freelancers is not automatically owned by the company; their contracts must include an express written copyright assignment if the company needs to own the copyright.
3. Respecting third-party copyright. You must not copy, reproduce, share or adapt material owned by others (including text, images, music, video, fonts and software) without a proper licence or permission. Copying from the internet does not make material free to use. When in doubt, ask [ROLE] before using third-party material.
4. Licences and attribution. Only use third-party works within the terms of any licence we hold (including stock images, fonts and software). Comply with any attribution or usage conditions, and do not exceed the number of licensed users or installations.
5. Software. Only install and use software that the company has licensed. Do not download or use unlicensed or pirated software.
6. Use of the company's materials. Do not use the company's copyright works outside your work for the company, or take them with you when you leave, without written permission.
7. Reporting concerns. If you become aware of possible infringement (by us or against us), report it to [ROLE] promptly.
8. Breach. Misusing copyright (ours or others') may expose you and the company to legal claims and may be treated as a disciplinary matter.
9. Review. This policy is reviewed every [NUMBER] months and may be amended. It does not form part of any contract of employment.
Note: name the responsible role(s), and align this policy with your IT acceptable-use and confidentiality policies.
--- This template is a starting point and not legal advice. Have a qualified solicitor review and adapt it before use. Governing law: England & Wales.