Copyright Implications (WDD) (SQA National 5 Computing Science): Revision Note
Exam code: X816 75
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
What is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act?
This law protects the intellectual property of individuals and companies
It makes it illegal to copy, modify or distribute software, images, videos, music, or text without permission
Copyright is automatically applied to original work and lasts from 25 to 70 years after the creator’s death, depending on the type of work
If someone believes their work has been copied, it is their responsibility to take action under this law
How it applies to web design
This law covers all forms of digital media used on websites, including:
Text (articles, written content)
Graphics (logos, photos, illustrations)
Video (clips, animations, promotional footage)
Audio (music, voiceovers, sound effects)
When creating or maintaining a website, the designer or organisation must either:
Create their own content, or
Gain permission or a licence from the copyright holder before using someone else’s work
Failing to do this breaches the Act and can lead to legal action or financial penalties
How it protects creators
The Act gives creators legal rights to:
Control who uses their work and how it is used
Be paid if their work is licensed or sold for use
Be credited as the original creator and prevent others from claiming their work as their own
Compliance for businesses
Businesses must make sure all web content they publish follows the Act by:
Checking that permission or a licence exists for all third-party media
Keeping proof of ownership or licence agreements
Removing or replacing any content that infringes copyright
Example
A theme park wants to upload a promotional video that includes clips filmed by visitors
To comply with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988), the park must get permission from the people who created the clips before posting them online
If the video is used without consent, the creators could demand it be taken down or claim compensation
Worked Example
Scenario: The Highland Hobbies Website
A local shop, "Highland Hobbies," sells handcrafted wooden toys. They are developing a promotional website.
(i) Describe one specific step Highland Hobbies must take to ensure they comply with the law when using the time-lapse video from the artist's blog
[1]
(ii) If Highland Hobbies fails to comply with the Act and uses the photograph without permission, describe one right the original creator has under the Act
[1]
Answers
(i)
Must gain permission to display the content/video OR pay for a license to use the content [1 mark]
(ii)
Right to ask to be paid OR right to refuse permission for the image to be used [1 mark]
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