Normally you would need to ask the owner of IP rights for permission to use IP, but it is important to remember that the IP owner may refuse to give you permission.

In some cases of minor use, you might be able to use the IP without permission. For example when the use you have in mind falls within the scope of one of the limited exceptions to copyright.

In other very limited circumstances you may eventually be able to use it even if the IP owner refuses by seeking a licence under the compulsory licence provisions in patent law. Or the matter may be referred to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to investigate because it breaches competition law. But in the vast majority of cases, you will need to ask the IP owner for permission.

For registered IP rights, the databases kept by The UK Patent Office may help you identify who to ask for permission. For unregistered rights, you may be able to tell from the material who is the IP owner.

Some uses are subject to collective licensing and the licences may be obtained from a collecting society. These organisations may be able to help you identify the right owner even if they cannot give a licence. Other ways of finding the IP owner are suggested in the FAQs on copyright.