Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA 1988) is the primary UK legislation governing intellectual property, protecting original artistic works, as well as literary, dramatic, musical, sound recordings, films, and broadcasts. It grants creators exclusive rights to control copying, distribution, broadcasting, and adaptation, while also establishing moral rights and design rights. The act was designed to provide stronger protection against piracy, particularly for new media, and updated the legal framework for industrial designs. Key aspects of the Act of law include:
- Providing creators the right to be identified (paternity) and to object to derogatory treatment of their work (integrity), known as Moral Rights.
- Introducing a design right for original, non-registered designs, amending the Registered Designs Act 1949.
- Including fair dealing provisions for research, private study, criticism, news reporting, and education or exceptions.
- Automatically protecting original works upon creation, with duration typically lasting 50 to 70 years, depending on the type of work (copyright protection)
- Unauthorised copying, renting, lending, performing, or broadcasting of protected material are restricted acts and constitute infringement.
- In general the author is the first owner, but works created by employees in the course of employment belong to the employer.
For the full Act of law see Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA 1988), up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 08 February 2026. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Appointing consultants.
- Assignment.
- Building component.
- Concept design.
- Concept..
- Confidentiality clause.
- Copyright.
- Design coordination.
- Design management.
- Design methodology.
- Design principles.
- Detailed design..
- Design protection.
- Intellectual proper.
- Manual drafting techniques.
- Mood board.
- Non-disclosure agreement.
- patents.
- Prejudice to commercial interests.
- Proprietary information.
- Royalties.
- Trade secrets.
- Trade mark.
- Truth to materials.
- UK consults on proposals to give creative industries and AI developers clarity over copyright laws
- What is design?
Featured articles and news
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.