How to License, Sell or Market Your Copyright Material in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve created something original — whether it’s a song, a drawing, a short story, software code, or even a video — congrats! You’re the copyright owner. But now what? Sitting on a brilliant piece of work doesn’t pay the bills. The good news is: you can turn your copyrighted work into money.

Whether you’re an artist, writer, filmmaker, designer, or developer, knowing how to license, sell, or market your copyright material in the UK puts the power in your hands. This guide will break it all down for you, step by step — in plain English.

What Is Copyright, Anyway?

Before we dive into licensing and selling, let’s quickly go over what copyright actually means.

Think of copyright as a protective shield. When you create something original — a photo, a song, or a comic strip — this shield automatically wraps around it the moment it’s recorded or saved (on paper, USB, email — doesn’t matter). You don’t have to register it like you would a company trademark.

With copyright, you get two key rights:

• The right to control how your work is used — no one can copy, perform, share, or use your work without your permission.
• The right to make money from it — this includes selling it, licensing it, or earning royalties.

Now that we’re clear on what copyright is, let’s get to the juicy part: how to actually make money from it in the UK.

Option #1: License Your Work

Think of licensing like renting out your creative work. You still own it — but you’re giving someone permission to use it in a certain way, for a set time, possibly under specific conditions.

Why License Instead of Sell?

Let’s say you wrote a song. A brand wants to use it in their commercial. If you license it instead of selling it outright, you still own the song — but they get to use it on their ad for 6 months. You can even license it again to someone else after that.

Licensing is especially popular among:

• Photographers — allowing websites or magazines to use images
• Musicians — licensing tracks for films or ads
• Writers — licensing articles or stories to publishers
• Software developers — licensing code or apps to users

Types of Licenses

Here are some types of licenses you can offer:

• Exclusive License: One person or company has the right to use your work, and you can’t license or use it anywhere else during the term.
• Non-exclusive License: You can license the same content to multiple people at the same time.
• Creative Commons License: A free license you can use to let people share and use your work, usually under certain conditions (great for photographers and educators).

What to Include in a License Agreement

Your license agreement should be crystal clear. It must cover:

• Who is getting the license
• What rights you’re giving them (use, modify, share, etc.)
• Where it can be used (UK only? Worldwide?)
• When it can be used (for how long?)
• How much you’re being paid (flat fee or royalties)

Tip: Always put it in writing. Verbal contracts are hard to prove!

Option #2: Assign (Sell) Your Copyright

If licensing is like renting out your house, assigning your copyright is like selling it outright. Once it’s sold, you no longer own the copyright. The new owner has full control over the work — they can modify it, resell it, or even put their name on it if agreed upon.

Why Consider Selling?

Sometimes, the lump sum payment from selling copyright is more valuable to you upfront than the potential royalties over time — especially if you’re not planning to reuse the work.

You might want to sell your copyright if:

• You want to cash in immediately
• You’ve created work for a client and agreed to hand over full rights (common in work-for-hire contracts)
• You’re no longer interested in managing or promoting the work

How to Assign Copyright Properly

To officially assign your copyright, you must write and sign an agreement. This document should state:

• Exactly what rights you’re transferring
• Who is receiving them
• Payment terms
• Any limitations (if applicable)

After this, you’re no longer the copyright holder. So think carefully before you go this route!

Option #3: Market Your Copyright Work

License and sell are about letting others use your work. But what if you want to handle things yourself? That’s where marketing your copyright material comes in.

Marketing simply means getting your work noticed by the right people — ideally people who want to buy or license it.

Where to Start

Here are some smart ways to market your original work:

1. Online Platforms

• Music: Upload your songs to Spotify, iTunes, or Bandcamp. Use platforms like Songtradr to get licensing deals.
• Photography: Sell your photos on Adobe Stock, Getty Images, or Shutterstock.
• Writing: Publish on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or pitch to magazines/blogs.
• Software: Use marketplaces like GitHub, Gumroad, or the App Store.

2. Build a Portfolio Website

Your own website shows people what you’ve done and how they can hire or license from you. Include:

• Samples of your work
• Clear contact information
• Testimonials or reviews

3. Social Media

Use Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or TikTok to showcase your work and build an audience. The more eyes on your material, the higher your chances of generating leads.

4. Reach Out Directly

Don’t wait around for people to discover your work. Reach out to businesses, magazines, or agencies that might need your type of content. A well-crafted email could land you a licensing deal!

Can You Sell or License Something You Created with Others?

If a project has more than one creator (say, you co-wrote a book or developed a game with a friend), you all own the copyright together. You need to agree as a group before licensing or selling anything.

Top Tip:

If you’re working on a team project, always agree in writing early on who owns what. It’ll save a lot of headaches later.

Your Rights After Licensing or Selling

When you license your work, you still own it. You might even be able to license it again.

When you sell your copyright, you’re handing over the keys. You can’t use that work anymore unless the terms allow it.

And here’s something important to remember: if someone uses your copyrighted work without your permission, even online, you have the legal right to ask them to stop or even sue for damages.

Should You Get Legal Advice?

If a company wants to license or buy your content, it’s totally fine to feel excited — but don’t rush into signing anything. Contracts can be tricky. A solicitor (lawyer) who understands intellectual property law can help you understand the terms and protect your work.

There are also industry bodies that offer support and sample contracts, such as:

• Writers’ Guild of Great Britain
• Design and Artists Copyright Society
• Musicians’ Union

Wrapping It All Up

Let’s face it — you’ve put time, effort, and creativity into what you’ve made, and it deserves to be seen, respected — and yes, even monetised. Thankfully, in the UK, you have the legal tools to license, sell, and market your copyright material like a pro.

Just remember:

• Know your rights as the copyright owner
• Decide if licensing or selling makes more sense for you
• Use written agreements to protect yourself
• Market your work actively to increase visibility and chances of success

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your creative business, understanding these copyright strategies will give you the edge you need.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the official UK government page for more details: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/license-sell-or-market-your-copyright-material