“We rely on LexisNexis to give us a definitive answer, quickly and reliable every time so that we can be confident in the advice we use to help our clients.”
ShelterAccess all documents on Copyright
How to use this Checklist This Checklist aims to flag common issues that emerge during the negotiation and drafting of a publishing agreement. For a model publishing agreement, see Precedent: Publishing agreement—pro-publisher. For more detail on matters raised in this Checklist, consult Practice Notes: Assigning intellectual property rights; Licensing intellectual property rights. Where appropriate, this Checklist can also act as the basis of a simple, non-binding heads of terms. For guidance on doing so, see Precedent: Heads of terms—commercial contracts. The third column can be used to capture observations or comments as the Checklist is completed. Checklist schedule for proposed publishing agreement Checklist Further information Notes (if any) Parties Verify each party’s legal status and consider whether any third parties (such as group affiliates) will benefit from the proposed agreement. Commencement, duration and termination Confirm the start or effective date. Determine whether the agreement lasts for the full copyright term in the work or for a...
How to use this Checklist Establishing a website can deliver substantial advantages for a business’s online presence. However, in the process a business may face infringing behaviour by competitors or others, including AI-enabled scraping of content. This Checklist sets out the main matters to weigh up when handling or acquiring website materials—such as programme code, text, graphics, images and multimedia. Pinpoint intellectual property rights (IPRs) and ownership; technical protection measures (TPMs); terms of use; special contractual terms; monitoring; copyright policy; data privacy; intellectual property notices; taking action against infringers; domain names. It does not address issues relating to website development, compliance or management, nor the use or upload of user-generated content. If dealing with website development or with website management and compliance, see: Practice Note: Website design and development Websites and the internet—issues to consider—flowchart Website terms and conditions—checklist, and Website development agreement—checklist The third...
Consider the nature of the IP right From a lender’s standpoint, use this checklist to pinpoint key points when taking IP as security and the steps to implement it... Identify the IP right and applicable law; patents, trade marks, registered designs and copyright can be mortgaged or charged... Select security: a legal mortgage (assignment plus redemption and exclusive licence‑back) offers stronger control than a fixed charge; for charges, restrict disposals and hold an executed undated assignment in escrow (verify foreign recognition)... Confirm ownership, term, existing security, licences and third‑party interests; demand warranties and title evidence, especially for unregistered rights... Assess validity and maintenance: search prior rights, check renewals and genuine use, monitor infringement, review litigation; obtain professional opinions where needed... Value the right and routes on default (licensing or sale); add complementary assets if required... Cover associated rights and materials: unregistered marks/goodwill (only with the business), unregistered designs, database right, know‑how/confidential information, domain names, and software/source code with escrow... Register...
Stage 1—preparing to bring a claim and pre-action matters Guidance on infringement, defences, ownership, injunctions, running disputes, and the Business and Property Courts Disclosure Scheme; cease and desist precedent; timetable checklist; key forms; IP insurance. Stage 2—letter of claim alleging copyright infringement Guidance on infringement, drafting letters of claim, unjustified threats and remedies, with precedents for standard and peer‑to‑peer infringement letters. Stage 3—commencing proceedings Notes on infringement, secondary infringement, permitted acts, remedies, criminal offences, the Business and Property Courts and the Disclosure Scheme; pleadings/initial disclosure precedents; Disclosure/IPEC flow tools; CPR claim/defence/settlement/default forms. Stage 4—case management Guidance on running disputes, costs management and the Disclosure Scheme; checklist; Chancery, Patents Court and IPEC Guides; Mitchell v NGN; core case‑management and disclosure forms. Stage 5—disclosure and evidence Notes on e‑disclosure, witness statements and the Disclosure Scheme; PD 57AC for Business and Property Courts trial statements (not...
This Flowchart considers the conditions that need to be met and steps followed to form a general partnership. Open or print a full-size PDF copy:...
View or print a full-size PDF version:...
In this issue: King’s Speech 2024 Criminal procedure and evidence Sentencing Bribery, corruption, sanctions and export controls Cybercrime and data protection offences Environmental offences Food safety and hygiene offences Fraud, forgery, tax and theft offences Health and safety and corporate manslaughter offences Local authority prosecutions Corporate Crime in Scotland Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Dates for your diary Trackers Useful information King’s Speech 2024 King’s Speech 2024—criminal justice and law enforcement His Majesty the King outlined the government’s priorities and intended policies for the forthcoming parliamentary session at the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July 2024. As in November 2023, public safety was central to the address, and the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, pledged to clamp down on anti‑social behaviour, reclaim our streets and protect our borders. To achieve this, he set out plans to bolster policing and the criminal justice...
In this issue: Advertising, marketing and sponsorship Consumer protection Contracts Intellectual property International Sale and supply of goods Supplier management Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Dates for your diary Trackers Advertising, marketing and sponsorship ASA rulings—17 January 2024 The Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) lodged a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) about statements on www.escooters4less.co.uk—an online seller of electric scooters—concerning e-scooters and their illegality. The ASA upheld the complaint. See: LNB News 17/01/2024 63... ASA to regulate online advertising of less healthy food and drink products Ofcom has designated the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to regulate online advertising of less healthy food and drink products, using its designation powers under the Communications Act 2003. Ofcom is satisfied that, among other considerations, the ASA is a fit and proper body, has adequate financial resources to ensure the effective performance of the Designated Functions, and will...
In this issue: Horizon scanning Recruitment Public sector Pay Tax Protected characteristics Equality of terms (equal pay) Whistleblowing Employee duties and restrictions on competition Unfair dismissal Employment Tribunals Dates for your diary Trackers New Q&As Employment resources on Lexis+® LexTalk®Employment: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts Horizon scanning Government U-turns on day-one unfair dismissal rights and announces compensation cap ‘will be lifted’ On 27 November 2025, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) confirmed that, following a round of ‘constructive conversations’ with trade unions and business representatives, the discussions settled on a ‘workable package’: shortening the unfair dismissal qualifying period from two years to six months, while preserving existing day-one protection against discrimination and for automatically unfair reasons for dismissal. To reinforce these safeguards, the government further pledged that any alteration to the unfair dismissal qualifying period will only be possible through primary legislation,...
What is a television format? A television format is the blueprint or underlying premise for a television programme or a series of programmes, expressed in a distinct manner and usually built around signature elements (for example, music, branding, or a specific setting) that are replicated in each episode. Within the unscripted arena, game show formats are especially prevalent, while partially scripted reality series such as ‘Love Island’ and ‘Big Brother’ demonstrate how successful formats can be exploited in the UK and also tailored for use in international markets. ‘Downton Abbey’ exemplifies a successful scripted series, founded on an original format developed by Julian Fellowes. Fresh television formats can also arise where the characters, plots, and environments of an existing work are transformed so extensively that a new, original format is created. Notable instances include the US series ‘Elementary’ and the UK’s ‘Sherlock’, both of which diverge substantially from Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Format rights carry significant commercial and creative importance in the UK and abroad and can...
The Red Bus case, Temple Island Collections v New English Teas, was determined in what was then the Patents County Court (PCC) in January 2012, and it engages with the scope and reach of photographic copyright. The judgment has been the focus of considerable discussion, alongside a degree of criticism, in particular, because it appears to call into doubt a cardinal proposition of copyright law: that there is no copyright in an idea. Temple Island therefore squarely addresses the ambit of copyright protection. Although the PCC (now known as the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court) was an 'inferior' forum whose decisions carried no binding force on higher courts, copyright disputes that proceed all the way to a full trial are comparatively uncommon, and for that reason this case has been notably influential. Factual background Temple Island Collections (TIC) specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of souvenir gift items bearing a British theme. In 2010, TIC commenced copyright infringement proceedings in the PCC against New English Teas (NET). NET...
Film and TV glossary A–B Film and TV glossary E–H Film and TV glossary I–L Film and TV glossary M–P Film and TV glossary R–S Film and TV glossary T–W CAP Code for non-broadcast media The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code) serves as the principal framework governing non-broadcast adverts, promotional sales activity and direct marketing messages. It is drafted by the Committee on Advertising Practice (CAP), a self-regulatory body whose membership comprises organisations representing advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing and media industries. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) polices the CAP Code and may require the withdrawal or amendment of any advertisement that contravenes these standards. Refer to Practice Note: Advertising law and regulation. Channel 4 Channel 4 operates as a ‘publisher-broadcaster’: it produces no programmes internally, commissioning content from production companies across the UK. Cinematograph film Under the Copyright Act 1956 (CA 1956), films gained protection as...
This Agreement is entered into on [ insert date ] Parties [ insert name ], a company incorporated in [ England and Wales ] with number [ insert company number ] and having its registered office at [ insert address ] (Licensor); and [ insert name ], a company incorporated in [ England and Wales ] with number [ insert company number ], whose registered office is at [ insert address ] (Licensee). Each of the Licensor and the Licensee is a party, and together the Licensor and the Licensee are the parties. BACKGROUND (A) The Licensor [ is the [ registered ] proprietor of OR is the applicant to register OR has the right to licence and/or sub-licence ] certain intellectual property rights. (B) The Licensee is [ insert background to licence/relevant transaction ]. (C) The Licensor has agreed to grant a licence of those intellectual property rights to the Licensee, and the Licensee has...
The Contract comprises the completed Standard Building Contract Without Quantities for use in Scotland 2016 published by the SBCC subject to the following amendments: Recitals and Articles updated: contractor to provide a master programme and Schedule of Information Requirements; CDP responsibility accepted; Principal Contractor duties priced; arbitration deleted; Schedule of Amendments prevails; Third Party Agreements duties. Contract Particulars: arbitration entries removed; Rectification Period set at 12 months; fluctuations and certain PII/guarantee entries deleted. Conditions: key definitions revised (Practical Completion, Copyright Material, Design sub‑contractors, Funder, Site); Scottish jurisdiction; approvals mean principles only; entire agreement; variations in writing. Design/materials/programming: contractor accepts ER/CP; quality and non‑deleterious materials; programme reporting; site risk; drawings/info supply; tighter discrepancy notices. Time/defects: mitigate and advise on delay; narrower Relevant Events; Practical Completion clarified; stronger rectification, consequential damage and indemnity; phased as‑built/occupation information. IP/confidentiality/BIM: broader licence, moral rights waivers and delivery; confidentiality reinforced; BIM where adopted. Management/sub‑contracting: access, approved Site Manager, meetings; prescribed sub‑contracts; collateral warranties/third‑party rights; CDM duties; insurance...
This Agreement is dated [ insert date ] Parties [ insert name ] [ of OR a company incorporated in [ England and Wales ] under number [ insert registered number ] whose registered office is at ] [ insert address ] (Assignor) [ insert name ] [ of OR a company incorporated in [ England and Wales ] under number [ insert registered number ] whose registered office is at ] [ insert address ] (Assignee) Each of the Assignor and the Assignee is a party; together they are the parties. Background The Assignor owns the copyright and database rights in the Database. The Assignee is [ insert description of the Assignee’s background/background to assignment or relevant transaction ]. The Assignor agrees to assign all such copyright and database rights and to migrate the contents of the Database to the Assignee, and the Assignee agrees to accept that assignment and to assist and co‑operate with...