Copyright & other intellectual property rights
Intellectual property rights include:
- copyright
- moral rights
- performers' rights
- trade marks
- patents and designs
- rights to prevent "passing off" and breach of confidence.
Intellectual Property lawyers in Corporate Legal & Intellectual Property Department (CL&IP) give advice on the protection and exploitation of the BBC's intellectual property rights. Litigation department gives advice on the infringement of such rights.
Content producers must seek advice from the Talent Rights Group in Rights and Business Affairs about the commissioning or clearance of copyright works for use in BBC programmes or the contracting of performers. Talent Rights Group will generally provide the contracting service and contact should be made with them as early as possible. They can also advise whether a copyright work, in which rights have not been cleared, can nevertheless be included in a programme under fair dealing or other copyright exceptions.
The Trade Mark Lawyer in CL&IP should be consulted if negative clearance checks cast any doubt on the use of a particular programme title or associated products.