The United Kingdom (UK) is a large producer of published materials and as such has a strong copyright law (the Copyright Act of 1956). The law protects eight categories of materials--literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works; sound recordings; film; broadcasts; and published editions--but the law varies from one type of material to another. Some statutory exemptions from which education may benefit have been incorporated into the law, but these are very limited. In brief, copying is not allowed for "substantial" parts of original materials, sound recordings or films; published editions (except by librarians); or multiple copies of printed matter for class use. To assist educational users, certain groups of copyright owners will permit a limited amount of multiple copying of printed materials for teaching purposes; the copying of printed music and transferring of commercial sound recordings onto cassettes in certain circumstances; and some off-air recording of educational programs. Many of these organizations require licenses or fees and inquiry should be made to the publisher or production company regarding licensing arrangements. This leaflet provides only a basic outline of the subject of copyright; more detailed information can be found in other Council for Educational Technology (CET) publications. (DJR)