Copyright

03 Mar 2022

Wat is copyright?

Copyright is the right of the "creator". The right arises automatically. Convenient, as no additional actions are required.

Designers, engineers and other shapers have to deal with copyright on a daily basis. Any product or concept they develop will usually be subject to copyright.

This brings advantages, as the creators have the exclusive right to publish their work. Think, for example, of placing photos on a website. Moreover, for the use of the work (by someone else) the permission of the maker is always needed. Creative designs such as logos and house styles may not be adapted just like that. In practice, a fee is often charged for the use of the works.

The acquisition of copyright also offers opportunities, for example, to enter into cooperation with another organisation in order to create a new, joint work. The distribution of copyrights is an important issue to keep in mind. Will there be a joint copyright? Do the parties retain their own copyright on the input they provide? What fees should to be paid? These are just examples of questions that need to be considered at the front end.

Our lawyers Jos van der Wijst, Frédérique Kuiper and Mustafa Kahya are happy to help you with your copyright plans. They can also help you with industry-specific questions:

Fashion & Design

Fashion and copyright go hand in hand. Without copyright protection, designs can be copied and imitated. Want to protect style, fashion or design? Read here how this can be done.

Performers

Music, performing arts and works of art are all protected by copyright and neighbouring rights. BG.legal assists artists who have questions about agreements, collaborations or infringements of their work.

Copyright and software

Software protection is a frequent issue in these modern times. Have an application built? Protect the technology!

Portrait rights

The Copyright Act states that someone who is depicted in a photograph, painting, etc. can object to the publication of his portrait. In that case, the image must not have been commissioned by him and he must have a reasonable interest in the publication. This portrait right can be invoked against, for instance, photographs on social media.