Intellectual Property

Using content found online

Finding something on the internet does not make it free to use. Almost everything online is protected by copyright the moment it is created, whether or not it carries a watermark or copyright notice.

What you cannot use

• Movie and TV characters (e.g. Harry Potter, Marvel, Disney) are protected by both copyright and trademark. Using them in commercial work without a licence is illegal, regardless of how they are recreated or referenced
• Brand logos and trademarks cannot be used in client work without written permission from the brand owner, even if the brand is the client's partner or sponsor
• Photography and illustration found via Google Images, Pinterest, social media, or any website is almost always protected. The fact that it is publicly visible does not mean it is free to use
• Music and audio taken from streaming platforms, YouTube, or any consumer media is not licensed for commercial use. See the Licensed Music page
• Fonts downloaded from free sites may carry restrictions on commercial use. Always verify the licence before embedding in client deliverables

Common misconceptions

• "It is on the internet so it is free" is not a legal defence. Copyright is automatic and does not require registration or a copyright symbol
• "We are only using it for social media" does not reduce the risk. Social posts are public commercial communications
• "The client gave it to us" does not mean the client has the right to use it. Confirm that any client-supplied asset has a verifiable licence before placing it in a deliverable
• "We will just recreate it" is not a safe workaround if the result is clearly derivative of a protected work

What to do instead

There is always a legal alternative. Use our approved platforms first, and escalate to your account manager or delivery lead if you cannot find what you need.

For imagery and footage

• Use Adobe Stock, Getty, or Unsplash+ for photography and video. See the Stock Imagery & Assets page for licences and on-charge rates
• Commission original photography or illustration where a stock alternative does not exist or does not meet the brief
• If the client specifically wants a cultural or character reference in their work, speak to your account manager. Formal licensing from the rights holder is possible but requires lead time and budget

For music and audio

• Use Artlist.io as the first option for licensed tracks and sound FX
• Do not download or repurpose music from any consumer platform, even for temporary use in animatics or concepting

If you are unsure

• Stop and ask before using. It is much easier to find an alternative before work is presented to or approved by a client
• If a client supplies an asset and you cannot verify its licence, flag it in writing before including it in a deliverable
• Escalate to your account manager or delivery lead if you are not sure whether something is covered

Ownership of work we create

Understanding who owns what protects both Jaywing and our clients, and avoids disputes when relationships end.

Client work

• IP created for a client is typically assigned to the client upon full payment, as set out in the contract. Do not assume this is automatic, confirm it in the scope of work
• Working files (source Figma, raw footage, layered PSDs) are not automatically included in an IP transfer. Check the contract to confirm what the client is entitled to receive
• Stock imagery sourced via Adobe Stock, Getty, or similar platforms carries a perpetual royalty-free licence once purchased. Once the on-charge is paid, the client can use the asset for the purposes covered by that licence, regardless of whether Jaywing holds an active subscription
• Audio sourced via Artlist is different. The licence is tied to Jaywing's active subscription. While we hold the subscription, the client's use of tracks delivered in their work is covered. If our subscription lapses, new use of those tracks is not covered. Clients who want to use audio independently and indefinitely should purchase their own Artlist subscription

Internal and proprietary work

• Frameworks, methodologies, templates, and tools developed by Jaywing remain Jaywing's IP and should not be shared with clients or competitors as standalone deliverables without sign-off

When a client relationship ends

• Confirm what IP and assets have been formally transferred, and what remains with Jaywing
• Do not continue to use client-specific assets (logos, photography, brand elements) after a contract ends, even internally
• Once the termination form has been submitted, Ops will move the client's Google Drive folder across to Lucid Link's archive server