Showing items tagged "Legal FAQs"
What legal issues surround the use of legal tender, i.e. notes and coins, in my artwork?
There are specific rules and criminal penalties for the misuse of monetary notes and coinage, and you should refer to the Royal Mint’s own…
How can I prevent unauthorised use of images of my work that are published on the Internet?
One practical safeguard is to keep images of your work on the Internet in low resolution, as this generally makes them unsuitable for…
What is a ‘break clause’?
Coupled with the need for security in your property contract is the need for some flexibility, as you may need to leave your studio unexpectedly. Some landlords acknowledge this need for flexibility by incorporating a…
What can I do to protect my work from being copied when I submit a prototype to a potential buyer?
It is always sensible to assert your copyright when submitting designs or artwork anywhere and for any reason, including applications…
What can I do if my work is used without my permission?
Do not automatically assume that your copyright has been infringed. Under the copyright laws of the UK and most other countries, works protected under copyright law can be…
What should I include in a licensing agreement?
A licensing agreement should include, at a minimum: the name(s) of the specific works of art you’re licensing; what specific type(s) of product(s) the art will be reproduced on; the producer’s or…
Can the organiser of an art show subsequently decide to remove a work from the show ?
Yes, and in the absence of a written agreement between you and the organiser, or in the absence of a suitable clause in…
Can I negotiate the lease / licence with my prospective landlord?
You will often be presented with a document described as the landlord’s ‘standard document’, the implication being that its terms and condition are non negotiable. This certainly does not…
Is it true is it OK to use short excerpts of music / film without infringing copyright?
It is myth that the use of short musical sequences, of say under 20 seconds, is exempt from copyright regulations. It is a…
What issues should I consider before hiring a space for a group show with other artists?
You should consider agreeing and signing a written contract with the owner of the building in question; and the owner of the building should…
When can I use copyright material without permission?
There are some very limited exemptions in the use of copyrighted material without first seeking the copyright owner’s permission. One exemption, for ‘fair dealing’, allows use without permission for research or non…
What can I do if my work is damaged after submitting it to a third party, such as a dealer?
As well as the specialist insurers listed on Artquest, a n, Axisweb and the Society for All Artists provide insurance…
What other costs might I be liable for when renting a studio?
There are a number of extra costs that you will be liable for when you rent a studio, exactly as with a residential property. These include electricity, gas,…
What do I need to know if I want to use a board game / company name or logo in my artwork?
First, the name of the board game, or associated logos, is likely to be registered as a trademark…
One of my works was damaged while on display in a gallery.
Can the gallery deduct any money from the insurance claim as commission? As the work has been damaged while on display, the gallery has neglected their duty of…
How much deposit would I expect to pay?
The landlord will usually ask for a rent deposit. This is a lump sum held by the landlord as security against your not paying future rent, or damage caused during your stay…
What material (film, music, photography, literature etc) do I not need permission to use?
Copyright lasts for the whole life of the creator of the work plus 70 years, passing on their death to their estate or heirs, so a…
Galleries and exhibitions
For a good overview of the gallery / artist relationship and what each party should expect, watch our ArtlawTV film, an interview with Rene Gimpel of Gimpel Fils. How do I get my gallery / dealer to…