Copy, Share, and Collaborate: Navigating copyright in the workplace

Are you protected?

It’s clear that rich sources of information are very useful for a wide range of purposes. But what about the legality of sharing copyright protected content? Just over 70% from CLA’s survey agree that sharing runs a copyright infringement risk. While 63% do already have some form of copyright policy in place, 23% of respondents had no idea if they did or didn’t – and the majority reported that they had ‘an incomplete understanding of copyright protections’ with 65% admitting they lacked a full understanding of just what sources were covered by copyright.

That puts a lot of companies in a sticky place when it comes to copying, storing and sharing sources of information while at the same time respecting copyright law. Two things here. First, there are legal implications. But secondly, and perhaps more importantly, those sources and their highly prized thoughts, insights, data and ideas can only continue to be provided if they are compensated for the work they have done. If you value those insights, it’s only fair and proper that payment should be made to store, access and share them with others.

This is where the CLA comes in. A Government regulated not for profit organisation, CLA is part of the ‘creative ecosystem’. By selling blanket copyright licences permitting the reuse and circulation of millions of titles, CLA helps to ensure that creators and publishers are remunerated for the use of their work. Last year we distributed over £90m back to creators and rightsholders in the UK. These authors and visual artists can continue to produce that vital work – and you, your colleagues and your business – benefit in turn from those ideas and insights.

CLA’s role is not to block the use of this important material. Copyright law exists regardless of CLA. Our role is to facilitate the vital sharing of ideas whilst respecting the legislation, and protecting organisations from the infringement of copyright law. CLA’s blanket copyright licences are an effective way to mitigate this risk whilst respecting this legislation.

To further support organisations in navigating the fundamentals of copyright compliance, CLA has just launched an online course. CLA’s ‘Copyright in the Workplace’ elevates copyright law comprehension across organisations, empowering employees with the confidence to collaborate responsibly.

Why you need to get it right

The sharing of new ideas is vital for so many business functions. As we’ve seen, training and development, improving many business systems, PR and promotion, and finding new ideas that help to innovate and push us forward – all of these are stimulated by the copying, sharing and dissemination of print, online and digital media. When it is done right, that loop of creating thinking and sharing can continue and grow.

So, if you do copy and share this or any article with your colleagues – remember when you screen shot or photocopy, you require permission to do so. Provided you have that, you’ll always Copy, Right.

*All figures come from the CLA commissioned survey conducted independently by Savanta in April 2024. In total there were 1,041 respondents who indicated they use content as part of their work. The CLA was not named as sponsor until the final question.