Deepfakes and copyright protections

The content of a deepfake may infringe on existing copyright protections. 

If a copyright work which you own (such as a photograph you have taken) has been used to make a deepfake this may constitute copyright infringement.

If it includes a copy of a recorded performance, it may also breach separate protections that are offered to performers known as performers’ rights.

A deepfake that distorts an existing work may infringe on the original authors’ moral rights to object to derogatory treatment of the work.

The Intellectual Property Office would advise that you seek independent legal advice. You should be able to find a solicitor with relevant expertise via the Law Society.

It can be a crime to copy or use copyright material and registered trademarks without permission.

Report all suspected IP crime to Trading Standards by contacting Citizens Advice.

For further information on how to protect your IP visit the Intellectual Property Office.

You may also wish to visit the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.