Westminster Council bought the copyright in the design of its iconic street signs (pictured). This means that it can now generate income fom licensing this intellectual property to businesses.
The designs were created by Misha Black in 1967 and the copyright remained with the designer until his death, when it passed to his estate. Black’s son then sold the copyright to Westminster Council in London for £50,000 GBP (100,000 USD).
The Council plans to charge licence fees to more than 100 companies that use the design on popular tourist souvenirs and other products.
Designers should follow Misha Black’s example by retaining copyright when creating designs for clients, to make a profitable sale later – or to generate licensing income themselves.
Photo credit: DearCatastropheWaitress.
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