As soon as you write something down, draw a picture, produce a computer program, compile a database, take a photograph, make a film or otherwise ‘record’ your idea or work, this recorded form is protected by copyright automatically – there is actually no way to physically register copyright in the UK.
This also means that you cannot simply take what someone else has created and use it for your own business. This includes material put onto a website on the Internet. Copyright lapses over time, but it is always wise to have experts check the legal status of your own work and that of any work you may wish to copy for business or personal purposes.
You can indicate that you own the copyright in your website and on your publicity literature, manuals, catalogues and so on by using a statement like:
© Your Company Name 2008.