Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing copyright in the UK, covering authors' rights, copyright duration, moral rights, and requirements for written assignments and licensing provisions
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Legislation governing how third parties may enforce contractual terms and how such rights can be excluded or modified in contracts
Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977: Controls the use of exclusion clauses and ensures reasonableness of contract terms in business contracts
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Legislation ensuring fair and transparent terms when dealing with individual authors as consumers, including consumer protection provisions
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Laws governing the processing of personal data and data protection obligations in contractual relationships
Equality Act 2010: Legislation ensuring non-discrimination and equal treatment in contractual relationships
Electronic Communications Act 2000: Legislation governing the validity and use of electronic signatures and communications in contracts
Common Law Contract Principles: Fundamental principles of contract formation, interpretation, and enforcement developed through case law in England and Wales
Industry Standards: Best practices and guidelines established by professional bodies such as the Society of Authors for publication contracts
International Copyright Conventions: International treaties and agreements governing cross-border copyright protection and licensing
