Mslexia

Mslexia, the magazine for women who write | www.mslexia.co.uk

Essentials

Q: How can I safeguard copyright?

A:

◊ Copyright cannot be registered like a trademark. But as soon as you set something original down on paper – a poem, a song, a cartoon, an article – the copyright belongs to you automatically. This means no one can print (copy) it without your permission for the duration of your life and for 70 years after your death.

◊ You can put the copyright symbol on your work as a warning – typing ‘(c)’ on most word processors automatically changes to © – but there is no legal need and it may make you appear precious to potential publishers. If you fear you might be plagiarised, the easiest way to strengthen your argument in any future court case is to send a copy of the work to yourself by registered mail and store it unopened as proof that you wrote it before the registered date on the envelope. If you’re really paranoid, you could send it to an independent person (e.g. a solicitor or bank) and ask for it to be lodged in your name.

◊ Copyright to commissioned work belongs to the writer, unless s/he signs a contract that states otherwise. Some newspapers and magazines syndicate material to other publications. Strictly speaking they should obtain the authors’ permission first – and proffer a fee.

◊ If you want to quote a poem or song lyrics in your published or broadcast writing, this is permitted provided it does not exceed 10 per cent of the original work. Any longer and you must seek permission from the author via their publisher or recording company. Quotation for teaching purposes is permitted.

◊ For more information: Intellectual Property Office, Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, Gwent NP10 8QQ. 0845 9 500 505 (ask for their free booklet Copyright: basic facts). www.ipo.gov.uk

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