Vault Canvas

Copyright

Copyright is the legal right that automatically protects original creative work, including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and digital art. In the UK and most countries, copyright belongs to you, the artist, from the moment a work is made, with no need to register. It gives you control over how the work is reproduced, distributed, displayed and adapted. Selling a physical artwork does not transfer copyright unless you sign it away in writing, so you keep the right to license images, prints and reproductions. Understanding copyright is essential before signing gallery, licensing or commission agreements. Pair this knowledge with moral rights and a clear grasp of intellectual property so you can protect your practice and earn from secondary uses of your work.

Copyright is the legal right that automatically protects original creative work, including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and digital art. In the UK and most countries, copyright belongs to you, the artist, from the moment a work is made, with no need to register. It gives you control over how the work is reproduced, distributed, displayed and adapted. Selling a physical artwork does not transfer copyright unless you sign it away in writing, so you keep the right to license images, prints and reproductions. Understanding copyright is essential before signing gallery, licensing or commission agreements. Pair this knowledge with moral rights and a clear grasp of intellectual property so you can protect your practice and earn from secondary uses of your work.