Who may use what.
WHAT COPYRIGHT PROTECTS
Original creative work, automatically on creation.
WHO OWNS IT BY DEFAULT
The creator, unless agreed otherwise or created as an employee.
WHY THAT MATTERS TO BUSINESSES
A freelancer you paid may still own the work, unless the agreement transferred it.
WHAT TO AGREE IN WRITING
That ownership transfers, or precisely what licence you have.
WHAT A LICENCE SPECIFIES
What may be used Where For how long Whether it may be modified Whether it may be sub-licensed
WHAT STOCK LICENCES TYPICALLY RESTRICT
Use in logos Resale as a standalone item Sensitive contexts Print runs above a limit
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE USING ANY ASSET
The licence, at its source, not a copy of the file.
WHY
Files circulate detached from their terms.
WHAT MODEL RELEASES COVER
Permission to use a person's image commercially.
WHAT PROPERTY RELEASES COVER
Recognisable private property.
WHAT TO RETAIN
Every licence, release and agreement, filed with the project.
WHY
Claims arrive years later, and the defence is the paperwork.
WHAT TO NEVER ASSUME
That something found online may be used.
WHAT TO ASSUME INSTEAD
That it is owned by someone.
