Nothing is Forever

It seems that the number of artists whose works suffer minor indignities or major censorship at the hands of the powerful will continue to increase until kingdom come. But nothing, as Pat Lally observed, is forever. Pat…

An American in Florence: restoring the moral balance

Professor James Beck, Professor of Art History at Columbia University, prosecuted for the fourth time for criminal libel in an Italian Court, has been acquitted. Restorer Gianni Caponi brought the four actions…

Freedom of Information

Commission fees paid to artists by public sector organisations in the UK must be disclosed to anyone requesting such information, according to a recent decision made by the Information Tribunal operating under the provisions of the UK’s…

Worldwide, and Droit Moral

Copyright protection in the United Kingdom was dealt with last month, by explaining the nature of copyright (it only applies to ‘artistic works’ and ‘works of artistic craftsmanship’); who owns the copyright (the author, at first);…

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…

Advertising and marketing art: Copyright confusion

If a work of art is on display, for sale or simply on public viewing, can the gallery owner or administrator reproduce it, in a catalogue, on a postcard or on a flyer without…

Copyright Protection Abroad

Copyright protection in the United Kingdom was dealt with last month, by explaining the nature of copyright (it only applies to ‘artistic works’ and ‘works of artistic craftsmanship’); who owns the copyright (the author, at first); what…

Up Against the Wall: part 1

‘I am told that you have a thorough knowledge of the subject of artistic copyright. And write to ask if you would be so kind as to give some advice on the subject. I…

Art Online

Many myths abound, and there is much ignorance and misunderstanding about the use of images online and the sale of works using e commerce. What are the key issues involved, is there any legal protection and have any…

Copyright and Moral rights: New legislation (part 2)

Last month, we began to examine the new copyright law (contained in the Copyright Designs and Patents Act of 1988) which will come into force in May or June 1989 looked at…

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…

Technology vs Copyright

May 1994 sees the launch of the Crafts Council Picture Bank – the first publicly accessible computer library of contemporary craftwork. Visitors will be able to walk into the Crafts Council, sit down at one of the…

DACS

‘New society for visual artists to protect their copyright and collect their copyright dues in the UK and worldwide.’ No kidding; and, what’s more, it’ll only cost £15 per year! The purpose of this piece is to persuade every…

Holography

Twentieth century visual artists’ propensity for introducing modern technology into their creative processes not only poses problems for traditionally minded perceivers, but also in other even more conservative areas – especially the law. Because something is happening here But…

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…

US Copyright Protection for UK Artists

It is rare for visual arts copyright cases to end up at court. Even more rare for the trial to be fully conducted and judgment given; most copyright cases are settled out of court.…

Copyright & Resale Right

Harmonisation of the laws of the 15 EU States, aimed at creating a level economic playing field, usually takes years to achieve: it requires at least two successful readings in the EU Parliament, and ratification by…