Firstly, with regards to the self publishing of ebooks in the UK, is the ebook automatically copyrighted immediately it is published in an ebook form?
Secondly, what is the general view on protecting/restricting to use of one's ebook by DRM.
Firstly, with regards to the self publishing of ebooks in the UK, is the ebook automatically copyrighted immediately it is published in an ebook form?
Secondly, what is the general view on protecting/restricting to use of one's ebook by DRM.
One you've written something you hold copyright. It's only when visible publily that becomes an issue, so yes, UK copyright law means its yours, without any form of registration being required.
I think the jury's out on DRM. Some argue proliferation in ANY form encourages readers to seek out other work by that author. My view is in today's society anything not secured is likely to be nicked, admittedly by a minority. Whether encryption this way helps I can't say.