BGS strives to identify, protect and maximise the exploitation of its existing and developing 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 reuse 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 the BGS’s work is vested in the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI).
We have two teams dealing with IPR at BGS:
Digital licensing can assist you with any queries relating to licences for the reuse of our data products. More information
Copyright and legal services provides an advisory and licensing service for the reproduction of our published material in paper or non-manipulable electronic format (e.g. ‘flat’ images). More information
IPR Contacts
Copyright and legal services team:
| Name | Role | Contact | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Luton | Head of Intellectual Property Rights and Legal services | 0115 936 3331 | |
| Emma Gallagher | Senior Intellectual Property Rights advisor | 0115 936 3457 | |
| Sally Boardman | Intellectual Property Rights Assistant | 0115 936 3589 | |
| Bryony Chambers-Towers | EU contracts officer | 0115 936 3431 |
Digital licensing team:
| Robert Smith | Intellectual property rights and licensing manager |
0115 936 3508 | |
| 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 Customer Feedback and Complaints Procedures.
Get in touch
You may also be interested in:
Our data and services
The BGS offers a range of services and information for businesses, home-owners, policymakers and the general public.
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.