16 September 2026

You Ask, We Answer: Crown Copyright Edition

Naomi Korn, CEO answers your questions surrounding Crown Copyright.

Crown Copyright is a distinct area of UK copyright law that governs works created by government departments, civil servants, ministers and certain public bodies. Although often associated with official publications, legislation and government reports, Crown Copyright can also apply to a wide range of creative and historical materials, including artworks commissioned by the Crown. For archives, libraries, museums and other cultural heritage organisations, understanding Crown Copyright is essential when managing collections, digitising materials, sharing content online and assessing permissions for reuse. This FAQ addresses some of the most common questions about Crown Copyright, its relationship with Parliamentary Copyright, and the practical considerations organisations should take into account when working with government-created material.

Q: What is Crown Copyright?

A: Crown Copyright applies to material created by civil servants, ministers, government departments and government agencies. Different rules govern its duration, management and use compared with standard copyright. 

Q: Who owns copyright in government-created works?

A: Works created by government bodies, civil servants and ministers are generally protected by Crown Copyright rather than standard copyright ownership arrangements. 

Q: Are the rules for Crown Copyright the same as those for other copyright works?

A: No. Crown Copyright has its own legal framework, including distinct rules relating to ownership, duration and licensing. 

Q: Does Crown Copyright last for the same period as normal copyright?

A: No. Crown Copyright has specific duration rules that differ from the standard copyright terms that apply to many literary, artistic and other creative works. 

Q: How can Crown Copyright material be reused?

A: Much Crown Copyright material is made available through the Open Government Licence (OGL), which provides a framework for reuse. However, some Crown material is exempt from the OGL and requires separate consideration. 

Q: Is Crown Copyright limited to government reports and legislation?

A: No. While official documents such as Acts of Parliament and government reports are common examples, Crown Copyright can also apply to creative works, including artworks produced by official war artists commissioned by the Crown. 

Q: What are official war artists?

A: Official war artists were commissioned by the Crown to create artworks documenting war and military activities. These commissions provide a creative example of Crown Copyright material. 

Q: Why should cultural heritage organisations understand Crown Copyright?

A: Archives, libraries and museums may hold government records, official publications, commissioned artworks and other materials protected by Crown Copyright. Understanding the applicable copyright and licensing rules is essential when digitising, sharing or publishing such material. This is supported by Naomi Korn Associates’ training on Crown and Parliamentary Copyright. 

Q: How does Parliamentary Copyright relate to Crown Copyright?

A: Parliamentary Copyright is a separate but related legal framework covering works created by Parliament. Both regimes have unique rules and licensing considerations and are often discussed together. 

Q: What due diligence should be undertaken?

A: Organisations should determine whether the material is protected by Crown Copyright, understand the applicable duration rules, and check whether reuse is permitted under the Open Government Licence or whether additional permissions are required. 

If you’re looking to build on your Crown and Parliamentary Copyright knowledge, our upcoming intermediate course is a perfect opportunity – Crown and Parliamentary Copyright, next running 20 October (9:30am-1pm). For more information or to book your place, click on the link above or email us at info@naomikorn.com.

Sources:

Intellectual Property Office (2021) Copyright Act. Available at: GOV.UK Copyright Act (Accessed: 14 September 2026). 

The National Archives (n.d.) Copyright guidance. Available at: The National Archives Copyright Guidance (Accessed: 14 September 2026). 

The National Archives (n.d.) Crown copyright. Available at: The National Archives Crown Copyright (Accessed: 14 September 2026). 

The National Archives (n.d.) Open Government Licence. Available at: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/ (Accessed: 14 September 2026). 

The National Archives (n.d.) Open Government Licence: Guidance for information providers. Available at: OGL Guidance for Information Providers (Accessed: 14 September 2026). 

The National Archives (n.d.) Open Government Licence: Guidance for users. Available at: OGL Guidance for Users (Accessed: 14 September 2026). 

UK Parliament (1988) Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Part I, Chapter X: Crown and Parliamentary Copyright. Available at: Legislation.gov.uk (Accessed: 14 September 2026). 

Naomi Korn Associates (2024) You Ask, We Answer: Copyright Edition. 18 June. Available at: You Ask, We Answer: Copyright Edition (Accessed: 14 September 2026).

Waterman, S. (2026) The Origins of Official War Artists. Naomi Korn Associates, 2 June. Available at: https://naomikorn.com/2026/06/02/the-origins-of-official-war-artists/ (Accessed: 14 September 2026).