BGS strives to identify, protect and maximise the exploitation of its existing and developing intellectual property (IP), in line with our scientific remit and our legal body’s (UKRI) IP and data-exploitation policies. Our intention is to balance the safe retention and control of national geoscience databases and geological information, with the need to release information openly.
To do so, BGS will take active measures to protect against the unauthorised copying and re-use of our materials, whilst creating clear and transparent IP policies to enable authorised reuse for our users, both for commercial and non–commercial purposes.
Compliance with legislation, government policies and guidance will continue to shape our IP policies and procedures. The copyright of all materials derived from BGS’s work is vested in UKRI.
We have two teams dealing with IPR at BGS:
Digital licensing can assist you with any queries relating to licences for the re-use of our data products.
Copyright and legal services provide an advisory and licensing service for the reproduction of our published material in paper or non-manipulable electronic format (e.g. ‘flat’ images).
IPR contacts
Copyright and legal services team
Digital licensing team
- IPR and licensing manager
- Digital licensing team
Useful links
Queries or complaints
If you have any queries or complaints about copyright please contact ipr@bgs.ac.uk.
For any queries or complaints about digital licencing please contact the IPR and digital licensing manager.
For other complaints, please refer to our customer feedback and complaints procedures.
BGS Intellectual Property Rights
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BGS Intellectual Property Rights definition of terms
Our intention is to balance the safe retention and control of national geoscience databases and geological information, with the need to release information openly.
Digital data licensing and resellers
If you are interested in an information product and the Open Government Licence is not applicable, we encourage the use and exploitation of our information products by providing a wide range of licences.
Our data and services
The BGS offers a range of services and information for businesses, home-owners, policymakers and the general public.