Advanced level · Module 5: Portfolio and Professional Practice · Lesson 4 of 4
Copyright, Licensing and Ethics
Respect others' rights and protect your own.
In this lesson you will
- Apply copyright and licensing rules
- Act ethically as a designer
Key concepts
copyrightlicencesownership transferethical choices
The lesson
Creators own copyright in their work by default in many countries; clients get rights through the contract.
Fonts, photos, icons and mockups come with licences that limit use; read them and keep records.
Ethical design avoids misleading claims, plagiarism and harmful stereotypes, and respects people's consent.
Step by step
- Review three licences.
- Identify allowed and forbidden uses.
- Draft ownership clauses.
- Discuss ethical cases.
Practice activity
Write the licensing and ethics section of your practice guide.
Expected result: A clear guide to rights, licences and ethics.
Check your understanding
-
How do clients usually get rights to a designer's work?
Show answer
Through the contract.
-
Why read font and photo licences?
Show answer
They limit how assets may be used.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.