DCMS publishes guide to protecting creative work
New government guidance helps self-employed creatives understand copyright, retain control of their work and check contracts before signing.
DCMS and the Intellectual Property Office have published a practical guide to protecting creative work, covering ownership, licensing and dealing with unauthorised use.
Published on 11 November 2026, the guide encourages freelancers to agree ownership and licensing arrangements in writing before work begins.
It explains that UK copyright protection is automatic. Creators will usually own copyright in their work, including commissions, although contracts and collaborative arrangements can affect ownership.
For composers, musicians and other creatives, a key distinction is between licensing work, which allows others to use it while ownership is retained, and assigning copyright, which transfers the rights.
The guidance recommends keeping records of the creative process, using copyright statements or metadata where appropriate, and checking contractual terms carefully. It also highlights performers’ related rights.
Creators using other people’s material are advised to check permissions and licence conditions. Where work is used without permission, the guide outlines negotiation, mediation and legal proceedings as possible routes.
The publication also signposts further Intellectual Property Office tools and support.