Copyright is a form of intellectual property which gives an owner automatic rights over their work.
Hutchinson Thomas / For business / Copyright licences
Copyright protects a wide range of original works, including:
• Written content and documents
• Website and marketing materials
• Software and databases
• Audio, video, and visual recordings
• Literary, artistic, and musical creations
Unlike trademarks or patents, copyright does not require registration—but it still needs to be managed carefully to avoid misuse or infringement.
If you want to allow others to use your copyrighted work, this can be done through a licence or assignment. A licence grants permission to use the work under specific conditions, while an assignment transfers ownership.
We’ll help you:
• Draft a clear, legally binding licence agreement
• Define the scope of use (e.g. exclusive vs non-exclusive)
• Set restrictions to prevent misuse or unauthorised profit
• Establish pricing structures (e.g. flat fee, royalties, usage-based)
• Limit your liability and include appropriate warranties and indemnities
Whether you’re licensing software, content, or other assets, we’ll ensure your agreement protects your interests and avoids future disputes.
A well-drafted copyright licence should:
• Clearly state who owns the IP
• Define how the work can and cannot be used
• Address joint ownership, if applicable
• Include terms for support, updates, or hosting (e.g. for software)
• Set out what happens if the agreement is breached
We’ll guide you through the process and negotiate on your behalf where needed to secure the best possible terms.
If your copyright has been infringed, it’s important to act quickly. We can help you:
• Assess the situation and your legal options
• Attempt to resolve the matter through negotiation
• Take legal action if necessary, including seeking:
• Injunctions to stop further use
• Destruction or confiscation of infringing materials
• Compensation for financial loss or unjust profit
Our litigation team has a strong track record in resolving IP disputes efficiently and effectively.
• In-depth expertise in copyright and intellectual property law
• Commercially focused advice tailored to your business
• Strong negotiation and litigation capabilities
• Recognised in The Legal 500 and awarded the Law Society Mark of Excellence
Our specialist commercial lawyers offer a one-stop-shop for legal advice for all types of business – from start-ups to established companies.
All of our lawyers are specialists in their area of law. Book in for an initial discussion where we will discuss all of your options with you.