Exceptions to Copyright

Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates

Do you know when you can legally use copyright-protected works without a licence?

This half-day intermediate course explores the exceptions to copyright law under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (as amended). These exceptions create opportunities to use protected works legally in specific contexts — but they require careful interpretation.

Through practical guidance and expert insights, you’ll explore key exceptions, understand the principles behind them, and learn how they apply to your work, both in the UK and internationally.

You’ll leave this course with a clear understanding of when and how copyright exceptions can be applied, and how to assess and manage risks when relying on exceptions for using protected works.

This course is ideal for:

• Archivists, librarians, and museum professionals
• Content creators and rights managers
• Legal, compliance, and policy teams
• Anyone looking to understand how copyright exceptions apply to their work

Course learning outcomes

• Refresh your knowledge about key principles of copyright.
• Interrogate the principles underpinning exceptions to copyright.
• Discuss how exceptions operate internationally.
• Analyse the difference between exceptions to copyright and licences.
• Explore the meaning of Fair Dealing.
• Interrogate the main exceptions outlined in the CDPA 1988 and understand how they apply.
• Analyse risk management considerations when using exceptions.

The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.

• Access to records
• Managing operational risk
• Legislation and regulation
• Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal
• Developing self and others

Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members

Please note we do not charge VAT.

Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Thursday 10th September 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.