Samuel French London serving theatre since 1830

copyright information

Copyright Protection in Written Works

The titles in this web site are fully protected under the Copyright Laws of the British Commonwealth of Nations, the United States of America and all countries of the Berne and Universal Copyright Conventions.

All rights, including Stage, Motion Picture, Radio, Television, Public Reading and Translations into Foreign Languages, are strictly reserved.

No part of these works may lawfully be reproduced in ANY form or by any means -- photocopying, typescript, recording (including video recording), manuscript, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise -- or be transmitted or stored in a retrieval system, without prior permission.

Changes in UK Copyright Laws

Copyright now subsists in the work of a writer until the end of the seventieth year following his or her death, rather than the end of the fiftieth year as hitherto and works which were considered to be out of copyright have been brought back into protection and become liable for royalty payment when performed if the author has been dead for less than seventy years. Thus, a number of writers whose work was in the public domain are affected.

It is not safe to assume that a work is out of copyright. Therefore, be sure to check very carefully the availability of rights and royalty requirements. We are always prepared to help you in this respect.

Public Performances

Protection against unlawful performances of plays is afforded to dramatic authors by means of copyright. Under the Copyright Law no public performance or reading of a protected play may be given, either in its entirety or in the form of excerpts, without the prior consent of the owner of the copyright. As agents for the copyright owners we issue licences for performances on payment of a fee. The fees quoted are subject to contract and subject to variation at the sole discretion of Samuel French Ltd. Fees for performances given in premises seating 400 or more persons will be subject to negotiation.

Private and Domestic Performances

The precise stage at which a reading or other representation of a play ceases to be a public performance and becomes a private and domestic one will depend entirely upon circumstances. Performances that take place in one's own home and under certain conditions in hospitals and institutions can be domestic; but it is not safe to assume that they are invariably so. It is always advisable to furnish us with the full facts of each individual case, and to apply for a free licence before any performance or reading takes place.

Charity Performances

Because it is intended to give a performance in aid of charity the owner of the copyright will not consent to reduce, or waive claim to, the usual fee. The writing of plays is a means of livelihood, and every performance reduces the potential audience and therefore the earning capacity of the play. The cause of charity does not excuse infringement of the author's rights.

Performances Overseas

There may be restrictions on the performance of certain plays overseas. Amateurs intending production overseas must, in their own interest, make application to us, or our local agent, before starting rehearsals or booking a theatre or hall.

Prior Consent

It is important that the consent of the copyright owner should be obtained before any performance of a play is given. Willingness to pay the fee and obtain the licence after the event would not render those organizing, and those taking part in, the play any less liable for infringement of the copyright.

From time to time it may be necessary for us to withdraw or restrict the Amateur Rights of Performance of certain plays. In their own interests, therefore, societies should always apply for written permission before committing themselves to a production.

Video Recordings

The copyright laws governing video recording are extremely complex and it should not be assumed that any play may be video recorded for whatever purpose without first obtaining the permission of the appropriate agents. The fact that a play is included in the Samuel French Ltd list does not indicate that video rights are available or that Samuel French Ltd controls such rights. Our Performing Rights Department will be happy to give advice on this point.