Legal & ethical

Originated from the United Kingdom as a concept of common law. The current
act is called the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988. The rights that are
covered within the law are broadcasting and public performance, adapting,
copying, issuing, renting and lending copies to the public. The law also gives the
Creators of literary, musical, sound recordings, artist work, dramatic, films,
broadcasts and typographical arrangement of published editions and the rights
to control the way that their material is used. In some cases, the creator will also
have the right to be identified for their work.
Along with the main copyrights there are also different sub-category for the
different types of work that are done:

Dramatic- plays, dance etc.

Literary- manuscripts, manuals, song lyrics, commercial documents,
computer programs, leaflets, articles & newsletters etc.
Typographical arrangement of published editions- magazines etc.
Artistic- maps, logos, architecture, painting, photography, technical
drawings/diagrams.
Sound recording- this might be other copyright works e.g. literary &
musical
Film- films, video footage, cable programmes and broadcasts.

I wasnt until 1992 that the rules where extended to cover literary works and
include computer programs.
More information can be found at:
https://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/copyright/p01_uk_copyright_law
With all of the laws against things that you cant do it is often hard to understand
where the laws dont apply and to make sure that you arent braking any. Acts
that are allowed:

Criticism and news reporting.

Private and research study purposes Producing a backup copy for your
own personal use
The person employed is the one who retains Copyright

With images there is always an option to used stock photos, this is where
the owner of the images has decided to let the images be freely used by
the public, however you are able to by the asset/ pay for it this does not
mean that you have bought the copyright just the right to use that image.
With software, when you purchase a package it means that you have
purchased a license to use the package legally. The purchased license is
usually only for one computer. However, if you do use the same disc to
upload the same software on another computer then you will still need to
buy another license in order to use the software legally. There are some
software packages that can be bought that contain mulit-user licenses this
will apply to a certain number of users that will be able to log into a
network and use the software/ program at any one time. Once this number
is met then no more people will be able to log onto the software until
 someone else logs off. Packages like these are especially useful for
business and schools. Where a large number of people may need to
accesses the software at one time. It is also more likely when people see
there is multi-user license option they will be more likely to comply with
the law as it is often more expensive to buy single license for each
individual user. It also makes it easier as a copy of the program can be
loaded on to multiple computers in a particular office or school. However,
the client must be made aware of the limitations.
In my project I must apply all of these considerations and also that if any of the
above are breached then they are made fully aware and kept informed.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
You are not allowed to use an image; video or sound clip off anyone unless
you have their permission to do so beforehand (this is sometimes needed
in writing)
You are not allowed to make a verbal statement about an individual that
could be seen as abusive or harmful to their own reputation. (Slander)
You are not allowed to make a written statement about a single individual
that could be seen as abusive or harmful to their own reputation (Libel)
You are not allowed to use any part of another persons work and pass it
off as you own or the whole thing without there written permission
beforehand (Copyright Laws)
You also have to be careful in how you represent as well as describe the
characters and content in your own work as you must make sure that
within your work you are both unbiased and accurate. This applies to:
o Gender (Male & Female)
o Race (Black, White & Asian)
o Disability (able bodied & otherwise)
o Sexuality (Homosexual & Heterosexual)
o Class (Working, Middle or Upper)
o Nationality (British or otherwise)
o Regionalism (North & South)
o Age (Old & Young)
All of the above mean that you are not allowed/cannot in anyway suggest, at all
that one of these groups is inferior to another and if you do then production may
not be allowed to be seen/shown as it will be breach of this rule. There are some
laws that work alongside these rules for example The Race Relations Act.
It is essential that when I am designing and planning my project that take into
consideration all of the points that I have put above as well as ensured that all of
the acts are complied with. Most of the points that I have put above are just
sensible considerations but I will check that the client is aware of all of these
points and considers them as and when is necessary.