Copyright of Digital Files

[cliff123]

What is the copyright situation when a design company has created digital artwork files for their client and then supplies those files to a printer for printing?

> Is the printing company in breach of copyright if they then provide those files to another company (or the original client of the design company) without the consent of the originator of the files (ie: the design company)?

> Is the printing company in breach of copyright if they make amendments to the supplied file at a later date and then provides new printed material to the original client of the design company without seeking consent from the originator of the files (ie: the design company)?

[mogul]

In our books, as a rule of thumb if a 'client' has paid us to design anything it belongs to them. You could argue that if we created artwork FOC it belongs to us but we wouldn't do that. I don't think copyright comes into it.

If the client then wants another printer to alter the files that's up to them as the contract with us ended when we finished the work and were paid.

I would say it boils down to 'who paid for the work' if you want to labour the point.

Edited by mogul on Wednesday 16th August 21:59

[steviebee]

Agree with Mogul but as a point of clarity, I would add that the cavieat be that the copyright only passes to the client in full once the work has been paid for in full.

I sense you have an issue! I run an Ad agency if you need a bit of a steer!

[BRoCceRs]

The person who paid for the design owns that artwork and can do with it what they choose.

[herbiespringer]

www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1988/Ukpga_19880048_en_1.htm

This might clarify the situation.