1 What does copyright mean for the website proprietor?

Here are the main points you should know.

* Any material that you  personally create for the purpose of your website gives you full rights to the  ownership of that material. That means you can authorize or prohibit the use of your original work elsewhere.

*  You will need to check who owns the rights for any work  ( web copy, images, etc ) you commission for use on your website. The copyright usually remains with the originator of the material and may have restricted use of it . For example, you may only be able to use the material on your website and not in any point publications. Unless you have paid handsomely to purchase "all rights" from the originator for you have to exclusive use of the material, keep in mind that the copyright is likely to remain with the originator 

* Do not copy any material from any source for reproduction on your website (or elsewhere) without the prior permission of the  originator or copyright holder of the material. If you see a great photo or piece of writing that you would like to use on your website, you will need to seek out the copyright owner and ask for  permission to use. You may need to pay a fee. If so, an agreement  or contract will need to be in place granting you permission.

 Protecting your website

Your website should contain a copyright notice to state who the copyright belongs to (either you or your company or the originator)

For example:© The year published and Your Name if your are the originator and own the copyright.


A  more detailed copyright notice can also be included on the website in the terms and conditions. For Example 


All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted  in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying. recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the website / originator.


Check other websites or seek legal advice when drawing up official notices for guidance.