The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is to offer members free legal support in cases of copyright infringement, as part of a deal with Thompsons Solicitors.

The expanded service will be available to NUJ members in England and Wales. Only cases where claims have 'a reasonable chance of success' will be taken on by the union under the new scheme.

The impact of online publishing was a deciding factor in changing the legal provision, said John Toner, freelance organiser for the NUJ, in a press release.

(read other articles in Journalism.co.uk online copyright series)

"Copyright protection has always been a big issue for our members but, with today's digital media, people believe it is easier than ever to get away with using work without the owner's permission. Well, just because something is easy doesn't mean it is legal," Toner said.

"Our new deal will enable NUJ members to pursue those people or organisations who pay no heed to copyright law and think they can get away with cheating journalists out of their rightful income."