Copyright law of the United Kingdom

Current legislation is basically the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988. There are later Statutory Instruments and possibly amendments. New legislation is expected to be introduced in 2003 to implement the European Commission's Copyright Directive.

History

The modern concept of copyright originated in Britain in 1710 with the Statute of Anne.

External links

Text of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988 (http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1988/Ukpga_19880048_en_1.htm)