Find out if you need a licence to copy a creative work

You must ask the owner if you want to copy a ‘creative work’, for example:

  • a diary
  • a photograph
  • a film
  • music

If you do not know who the owner is you might need an ‘orphan works licence’ to copy the work. You should:

  1. See if the work is covered by copyright - if it’s not, you do not need a licence to copy it.

  2. Read the copyright exceptions - if the work is covered by an exception, you do not need a licence to copy it.

  3. Do a diligent search to see if you can find out who owns the work you want to copy - read the guidance on how to do a diligent search depending on whether it’s a literary, still visual art or film and sound work.

  4. Apply for a licence if the work is not covered by an exception or you cannot find the owner - read the orphan works licence guidance to find out how to apply for a licence.

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