Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing copyright in the UK, covering authors' rights, copyright duration, moral rights, and provisions for assignment and licensing of intellectual property
Berne Convention: International treaty governing copyright protection across borders, establishing minimum standards for copyright protection and international recognition of authors' rights
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Legislation governing how third parties may acquire rights under or enforce terms of a contract to which they are not directly party
Equality Act 2010: Legislation ensuring non-discrimination and fair treatment in contractual relationships and business dealings
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Legislation protecting consumer rights, relevant if the author is contracting as an individual rather than a business entity
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Laws governing the handling of personal data and privacy requirements in business relationships and contracts
Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002: Regulations governing electronic commerce and digital publishing aspects of contracts and business transactions
Competition Act 1998: Legislation ensuring fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices in business relationships and market operations
Common Law Contract Principles: Fundamental legal principles governing contract formation, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations
Industry Standards: Best practices, guidelines, and standards set by organizations such as the Society of Authors and Publishers Association
