Scottish writers and creators are being urged to pay closer attention to how their intellectual property is protected as AI, digital distribution and growing demand for screen and audio adaptations continue to reshape the creative industries.
MFMac is highlighting the issue as it announces its sponsorship of Bloody Scotland, Scotland’s international crime writing festival.
The firm’s specialist team will be at the event offering advice to writers, creators, publishers and media businesses on copyright, licensing, option agreements and the commercialisation of creative work.
Euan Duncan, Partner in the Media, Manufacturing and Technology team at MFMac, said: “For writers and creators, protecting your work starts well before a book is published or a contract is signed. It is important to think carefully about who you share ideas or early work with, keep a clear record of how and when something was created and understand what you are agreeing to when someone else wants to use, develop or commercialise it.
“A book or screenplay or original creative written work can also have a life far beyond its first format, whether that is as an audiobook, podcast, television series or film. That creates huge opportunities, but it means creators need to understand exactly what rights they are giving away, what they are retaining and how those decisions could affect the future use and value of their work.
“AI has brought many of these questions into sharper focus. As technology changes how creative content can be used, reproduced and adapted understanding how to protect your work is becoming more important.”
MFMac’s sponsorship of Bloody Scotland reflects its established team of experts supporting individuals and businesses across the creative and media industries.
Euan added: “Scotland has an extraordinary depth of creative talent, and it is important that writers and creators are able to protect and benefit from what they produce. Bloody Scotland gives us a great opportunity to engage directly with that community and help raise awareness of the value of intellectual property.”
The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival is taking place from 18-20 September in Stirling.
