Copyright: for printers and copyshops

Printers and Copyshops

Many printers and copyshops are asked by customers to copy extracts of Ordnance Survey maps for their business use. There are two methods that can be used for these requests:

Customers who are already licensed with OS can show their Paper Map Copying licence to the printer and do not have to pay any additional copyright fees; they just pay the fee levied by the Printer for the actual copying.

To allow printers and copyshops to make copies for unlicensed customers they can apply for a licence to allow them to produce copies of maps for businesses or for members of the general public.

Printers and Copyshops licence fees are calculated by estimating the likely number of copies you will make in a 12 month period. You can then recover the annual licence fee by charging customers the appropriate royalty fee as shown on the leaflet "Map copying by printers & copyshops."

Printers can also make copies of Ordnance Survey mapping for the general public and charge the appropriate copyright fee shown on the printers and Copyshops leaflet.

Please check the following for a list of Printers and Copyshops licensed to reproduce Ordnance Survey maps.

Printer and Copyshops licensed to reproduce Ordnance Survey maps (186 Kb)

Printers and Copyshops FAQs

What is the cost of a licence?

The minimum cost for a printers licence is £47.50 plus VAT. However the fee is calculated on the estimated number and size of the copies taken.

How do I apply for a licence?

Download and complete the form with an estimate of the number of copies likely to be made in a one month period. We will use your figures to calculate your annual licence fee.

Do I charge a customer who is an existing licence holder?

Provided the customer shows you a copy of a valid licence or a letter of permission you do not make any royalty charge to the customer.

I have a customer who wants to print mapping in a book/publication. Can I make copies under the terms of my licence?

No. Your customer needs to have a Publishing licence from us and we will issue an invoice for the royalties. If they show you a copy of the licence we have issued to them you can print the publication for them.