Legal Notice – Copyright and Image Rights

Effective Date: 06/05/2025.

1. Ownership of Copyright and Image Rights

Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, all images, video footage, and content created and sold or delivered by McGlinn Media remain the intellectual property of McGlinn Media (the photographer/videographer). This includes but is not limited to:

Drone photographs and videos

Edited or unedited footage

Stills captured from video

Digitally altered or composited media

Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (UK), copyright is automatically vested in the creator of the original content — in this case, McGlinn Media — and includes the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, license, or publish the work.

2. Licensing of Media

When a client purchases media from McGlinn Media, they are purchasing a license to use the content, not the copyright unless otherwise agreed. The standard license allows:

Use for personal or commercial purposes (as defined in the agreement or invoice)

Distribution in print and digital formats (e.g., social media, websites, marketing)

The license does not allow:

Resale or relicensing of the image/video

Significant modification without credit or consent

Claiming authorship or copyright ownership

Use beyond the scope defined in the agreement (e.g., using a personal-use image for commercial ads)

3. Exclusive Rights and Full Copyright Transfer

If the client wishes to obtain full and exclusive ownership, including the copyright, a separate agreement must be made in writing, and a negotiated fee must be paid. This fee compensates for the loss of potential future earnings and usage by McGlinn Media and is based on:

Intended usage (scope, reach, and industry)

Duration and exclusivity

Value of the work and demand

Upon full payment of the agreed-upon copyright buyout fee, McGlinn Media will transfer the copyright using a signed Copyright Assignment Agreement, and the client will then hold all rights to the image or footage.

Until such time as this payment is made and a transfer is signed, McGlinn Media retains all copyright and usage rights.

4. Attribution

Where feasible, clients are encouraged to credit McGlinn Media when using licensed content, especially in editorial or public-facing materials, as:

"Image/Video by McGlinn Media"

This is optional for most licenses but required when stipulated in the contract (e.g., in press, publications, or shared licensing).

5. Infringement and Unauthorised Use

Any unauthorised reproduction, distribution, alteration, or commercial use of McGlinn Media content without a proper license or written consent constitutes copyright infringement and may result in legal action, including but not limited to:

Removal requests

Financial compensation claims

Legal proceedings under copyright law

6. Moral Rights