
Creative Commons licences (creators)
When content is created copyright on it is automatically assigned under UK law. The creator doesn't need to use the copyright symbol or assert their rights as creator, the very fact that they have given the idea a fixed form means that they own the copyright. You can’t ignore copyright when reusing resources, but you can ensure you stay legal by only using licensed content.
The Creative Commons (CC) licensing movement was set up to enable creators to specify how they would like their content to be used. CC licences are legally binding and internationally recognised, ensuring that your work is protected when you make it available online. CC licences are made up of five main components which can be combined to specify how you would like your resource to be used.
- CC = Creative Commons - Signifies a legally binding Creative Commons licence.
- BY = Attribution - Users must cite the original source when reusing your content.
- ND = No Derivatives - Users must not alter or change your content when reusing it.
- SA = Share Alike - Users must license any new resource under the same terms when reusing your content.
- NC = Non-Commercial - Users must not make commercial gain from any new resource when reusing your content.
Several of these elements can be combined to produce a legally binding CC licence. The following page gives some common examples.