This website uses cookies We place some essential cookies on your device to make this website work. We'd like to use additional cookies to remember your settings and understand how you use our services. This information will help us make improvements to the website. Accept cookiesReject cookiesSet cookie preferences Menu Show search options Show search options Enter search keyword or keywords Search our website Home > Information management > Re-using public-sector information > UK Government Licensing Framework > Crown copyright Crown copyright Crown copyright is defined under section 163 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 as works made by officers or servants of the Crown in the course of their duties. Crown copyright covers material created by civil servants, ministers and government departments and agencies. This includes legislation, government codes of practice, Ordnance Survey mapping, government reports, official press releases, academic articles and many public records. For clarification of the duration of copyright please see the flowcharts for Crown copyright and non-Crown copyright. The National Archives has also produced a Permanent Secretary's Guide to Copyright (PDF, 0.34MB). Copyright can also come into Crown ownership by means of assignment or transfer of the copyright from the legal owner of the copyright to the Crown. Copyright in a work which has been assigned to the Crown lasts 70 years after the death of the person who created it. The default licence for most Crown copyright and Crown database right information is the Open Government Licence. Our role in managing Crown copyright The Keeper, who is also the chief executive officer of The National Archives, manages Crown copyright and Crown database rights on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen under Letters Patent. The Keeper is also Controller of HMSO, Queen’s Printer and Queen’s Printer for Scotland. Copyright assignments Copyright ownership can be transferred by written assignment. In certain exceptional circumstances Crown copyright may be assigned away from the Crown. Completed Assignments and Assignations Frequently asked questions Legacy licensing The National Archives has central responsibility for the management of the Crown’s copyright and database rights. Most licensing is under the non-transactional Open Government Licence (OGL). Delegations of Authority Delegations of Authority are granted by the Keeper to enable government departments or agencies to licence the re-use of Crown copyright material they produce outside the terms of the Open Government Licence. Material licensed under a Delegation of Authority Frequently asked questions UK Crown bodies The National Archives maintains a list of public bodies which have Crown status. Material produced by these bodies is subject to Crown copyright. Footer Sign me up to The National Archives' mailing list Subscribe now for regular news, updates and priority booking for events. Sign up The National Archives Kew, Richmond TW9 4DU Find out more Contact us Press room Jobs and careers Friends of The National Archives Websites Blog Podcasts and videos Shop Image library UK Government Web Archive Legislation.gov.uk Opens a new window The Gazette Opens a new window Site help Help Website A-Z index Accessibility Legal Terms of use Privacy policy Cookies Freedom of Information Transparency Our fees Follow us Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated Opens a new window