UK Copyright Law for Artists (No Law Degree Required)
Posted by Art Licence Studio Team on November 22, 2025
Copyright law sounds intimidating. It's not—at least, not the parts that matter for artists. Here's what you actually need to know.
Good News: You Already Have Copyright
In the UK, copyright exists automatically the moment you create original work. No registration, no paperwork, no fee. You make it, you own it.
This protection lasts your entire lifetime plus 70 years. (Your great-grandkids might appreciate it, who knows.)
"Moral Rights" — Your Secret Weapon
UK law gives you two extra rights that most artists don't even know about:
- Right of attribution — You must be credited as the creator
- Right of integrity — You can object if someone mutilates or distorts your work in a way that harms your reputation
The wild part: These rights can't be sold. Ever. You can waive them (choose not to enforce), but you can't transfer them. Even if you sell the copyright entirely, moral rights stick with you.
Licensing vs. Selling: Know the Difference
This is where people get confused:
- Licensing = "You can use this artwork under these specific conditions. I still own it."
- Selling (assignment) = "This is yours now. I have no rights to it anymore."
Most of the time, you want to license, not sell. You keep ownership, can license to multiple buyers (if non-exclusive), and maintain control over your work.
What Makes a Good Licence?
A proper licence answers these questions:
- What can they do with it? (Web, print, merchandise, etc.)
- For how long? (1 year, 5 years, perpetual)
- Where? (UK only, worldwide, specific regions)
- Is it exclusive? (Can you sell to others too?)
- Do you get credit? (Attribution requirements)
- How much? (Payment terms)
Vague licences = future disputes. Clear licences = everyone knows where they stand.
The TL;DR
- You own copyright automatically when you create something
- Moral rights are extra protections that can't be sold
- Licensing = renting out usage rights. Selling = giving up ownership
- Good licences are specific and clear
Art Licence Studio generates UK-compliant licences automatically. You focus on the art; we handle the legal paperwork. Deal?

