Artistic work
Copyright Protection

Section 4(1) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 UK defines an artistic work as:

1. a graphic work, photograph, sculpture or collage, irrespective of artistic quality;
2. a work of architecture being a building or a model of a building; or
3. a work of artistic craftsmanship.

Provided the work in question is the result of some artistic process, the works specified by (a) above qualify as artistic works under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.

As with literary works, it is not the idea conveyed by the artistic work that is protected it is the work in the form that it is recorded that is relevant consideration.

In order to qualify for protection, there is a de minimus level of originality required, and some degree of skill and labour must be expended by the author.