How do I copyright my work?

Copyright is automatic in the UK. Unlike some other forms of intellectual property right, you don't have to apply for it and there's no register of copyright holders.

In practice, however, it can be difficult to enforce legally.

It's a good idea to mark your work with the international copyright symbol © followed by your name and the year of creation. This can:

• deter potential infringers
• help your case in any future infringement proceedings

Other ways in which you can help prove your authorship of an original work, and so underpin your copyright, are:

• Leaving a dated copy of your work with a bank or solicitor
• Posting a copy of your work to yourself by special delivery and leaving the dated package unopened (Poor Mans Copyright) This method however is open to fraud and abuse and would be difficult to for a court of law to accept.
• Register your work with a Copyright Registration Service such as.... Songrite Copyright Registration Services.

International copyright protection

Under international conventions, copyright material created by UK nationals or residents is protected in many countries. Certain countries insist you mark your work with the international copyright symbol © and the year your work was created.

But be careful - copyright isn't widely respected in some countries and you will need to take action against infringers using the laws of the country in which the breach of your copyright takes place.