Copyright is an exclusive right that gives creators the right to protect their work usually for a limited time. 

Copyright protection is automatic under international law, but in the event that your work is infringed evidence may be required to support your claim. It also helps to deter infringement (particularly from those who do not understand copyright) if you make it clear that your work is protected under copyright law. So ensuring the best protection for your work relies on several factors.

Copyright prevents people from: 

• Copying your work 
• Distributing copies of it, whether free of charge or for sale 
• Renting or lending copies of your work 
• Performing, showing or playing your work in public 
• Making an adaptation of your work 
• Putting it on the internet 

Copyright overseas:

Your work could be protected by copyright in other countries through international agreements, for example the Berne Convention. 

In most countries copyright lasts a minimum of life plus 50 years for most types of written, dramatic and artistic works, and at least 25 years for photographs. It can be different for other types of work. 

Contact the IPO Information Centre if you have a question about international copyright. 

Source: GOV.UK 

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/