Fiducia TogetherCopyright in business
Automatic protection for original works. You probably do not own the ones you paid for.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
Copyright arises automatically in original literary, artistic, musical and dramatic works, including software, photographs, websites and marketing material.
Why it matters
The default ownership rule catches businesses constantly: work created by an EMPLOYEE in the course of employment belongs to the employer; work created by a FREELANCER belongs to the freelancer unless assigned in writing.
What it looks like in practice
Get written assignments from every designer, developer, photographer and agency, including retrospectively for past work.\n\nA licence is not ownership. Many agencies grant a licence and keep the copyright.
What to watch out for
Website and logo copyright discovered to be missing during due diligence, when the freelancer is uncontactable. It is a standard finding.
Where to get proper advice
An IP solicitor for the assignment wording. It is short and it is worth having as a standard document.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.