Note on Intellectual Copyright

Salon takes Intellectual Copyright/Property very seriously. Far too many visual artists have had copyright stolen from them and we're keen to ensure they get the credit they deserve.

According to copyright law, once an idea or concept is in the public domain you cannot own it unless you have it in writing.

There are a number of ways to protect your ideas. When you make a proposal to an organisation post one copy to yourself or a solicitor if you have one by Recorded Delivery and leave the envelope unopened. As a general rule copyright must remain with the artist in artistic commissions but there may be exceptions for certain commercial artwork, such as work for an advertising agency. Ask for a written contract that clearly states ownership of copyright for the work as agreed between yourself and your client.

Make sure you sign and date any work you produce, and take photographs if you are selling it. Some cameras have an in-built time and date facility; if not simply write the name of the work and date on the back of the photograph.

At 'brainstorming' meetings make sure someone takes notes, ask for a transcript if a palantypist is available, or get it recorded on video. Email and SMS can also be used to confirm intellectual copyright, although more difficult to store permanently.

More useful information on Intellectual Copyright is available from Own It, a free intellectual copyright advice service based in London that also offers seminars and training. Their website is http://www.own-it.org/

We will have handouts on Intellectual Copyright available at Salon workshops; artists who book one-to-one sessions with us can also ask for a free copy.

BSL Presenter: Isabel Meacher. With thanks to Sam Dore and Remark!