How to License, Sell, or Market Your Copyrighted Work in the UK: A Complete Guide

Have you created something original—like a song, book, piece of artwork, or even computer software—and want to make money from it? If the answer is “yes,” you’ll be glad to know that UK copyright law gives you exclusive rights over how your work is used. But here’s the part that trips people up: to legally let others use your work, you’ll need to license or sell it. And if you’re planning to market it yourself? There are steps for that too!

Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything in simple, easy-to-understand terms. You don’t need to be a lawyer to understand it… just someone curious and ready to learn.

Let’s dive in.

Understanding Copyright: What Does It Actually Mean?

First things first, let’s clear up what copyright is.

When you create original work—whether it’s a song, sculpture, design, or film—you’re automatically granted copyright in the UK. It’s like an invisible badge that gives you control over how your creation is used.

You don’t need to apply for it or pay fees—once you’ve made something original and fixed it in a tangible form (like writing it down, saving it on your computer, or recording it), you own the copyright.

Under UK law, copyright protects things like:

• Books, stories, and written content
• Music (lyrics and melodies)
• Art and photography
• Computer software
• Films and broadcast content
• Web content and blogs

Basically, if it’s creative and original, there’s a good chance it’s covered.

Why License, Sell, or Market Your Work?

Owning copyright is great—but monetizing it is where the fun (and profit) begins.

Ask yourself: Do you want:

• To let others use your work while keeping ownership?
• To hand over full rights in exchange for upfront money?
• To market it directly and retain control?

Your answer will guide whether you license, sell, or market your copyrighted material:

• Licensing gives someone permission to use your work under agreed conditions. You still retain ownership.
• Selling means you transfer your copyright completely, often in exchange for payment.
• Marketing is promoting and distributing your work to reach an audience or buyer directly.

Let’s break down each approach.

How to License Your Copyrighted Work

Think of licensing like renting out your creative work.

Say you wrote a song, and a filmmaker wants to use it in a movie. You can license that song—meaning the filmmaker has permission to use it, but you still own it.

There are two primary types of licenses:

Exclusive License

This gives one person or company the exclusive right to use your work. Even you (the creator) can’t use it elsewhere unless they allow it. This often includes:

• TV shows or movies looking for original music
• Publishers licensing a novel or book series

Non-Exclusive License

This means you can license the same work to multiple people. For example, a photographer may license the same set of images to several websites.

In the UK, if you want to license work for an extended period or give exclusive rights, you must put the agreement in writing.

What Should Be in a License Agreement?

To avoid confusion, your license agreement should clearly set out:

• Who is involved (you and the licensee)
• What work is being licensed
• How the work will be used (e.g., streaming, broadcasting, selling)
• Where it will be used (UK only or worldwide?)
• For how long the license lasts
• Payment terms (flat fee, royalties, or both)

Pro tip: Keep everything in writing, and consider hiring a solicitor for help with the contract terms.

Selling Your Copyright

Let’s say you wrote a novel, and a major publishing house wants to buy the rights. If you agree, you’ll be transferring legal ownership of the copyright to them.

This is called an assignment of rights. After this happens, they own it—not you.

So be careful.

How to Assign Your Copyright

To legally sell or “assign” your copyright in the UK, the agreement must be:

• In writing
• Signed by the copyright owner (you)

Your contract should include all the essentials—who’s buying, what’s being sold, how they’ll use it, payment terms, and more.

This is a big decision. Once you’ve assigned your copyright, you can’t undo it unless the contract says otherwise. That’s why it’s important to get legal advice before signing anything.

Marketing Your Copyrighted Work

Maybe you don’t want to license or sell just yet. Perhaps you want to get your work out into the world and see how it performs first. That’s where marketing comes in.

Tips to Successfully Market Your Work

Here’s how you might start marketing your content:

• Create an online portfolio or website: Display your work, provide contact details, and write about your creative journey.
• Use social media platforms: Instagram for art, Twitter for writing, YouTube for film and music, and LinkedIn for professional networks.
• Join platforms that promote creator content: Think Bandcamp for musicians or Behance for designers.
• Enter competitions: Exposure through awards or showcases can create licensing or partnership opportunities.
• Reach out directly: Pitch your project to publishers, agents, or collaborators.

Marketing puts you in the driver’s seat—guiding how your work is seen and getting the attention it deserves.

Working with Collecting Societies (Optional But Helpful)

Not into negotiating licenses on your own? That’s where collecting societies come in.

These organisations (like PRS for Music or DACS for visual artists) manage licenses and collect royalties on your behalf. Basically, they do the heavy lifting—allowing you to focus on creating while still earning from your work.

Why Use a Collecting Society?

• You get access to a larger network of potential users
• They track where your work is used (e.g., radio plays, online use, public performances)
• They chase payments and send you your royalty share

Yes, they charge commission—but they also save you time and effort.

Can You Register Copyright in the UK?

This is a question many people ask: “Do I need to register my copyright in the UK?”

The short answer? No, there’s no official registration system.

UK copyright is automatic—you don’t have to register your work. That said, it’s wise to keep dated copies of your work and any drafts that prove when you made it. Think of it as copyright insurance.

Final Thoughts: Your Work, Your Way

Whether you’re aiming to license your music to a film studio, sell your book rights to a publisher, or start your own business around your designs—understanding copyright is a powerful first step.

Imagine this like building a house. Your original work is the foundation. Licensing and sales give it structure, and marketing is what brings people to the front door. Without knowing how to manage the rights, it’s like letting people in without a lock on the door.

So go ahead—protect what you’ve created. Share it smartly. And earn what you deserve.

Bonus Tips:

• Know your worth: Don’t undersell your work. If it’s good, it has value.
• Keep records: Emails, agreements, contracts, and drafts can come in handy later.
• Think long-term: Some deals offer short-term money, but long-term rights matter more.

Got questions? You’re not alone. Plenty of creators are navigating this space too. When in doubt, talk to a legal expert who understands copyright.

Want to Learn More?

Check out the official UK Government guidance at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/license-sell-or-market-your-copyright-material

You’ve done the creative work. Now, make sure it works for you.