Work made for hire occurs when an individual creates something as part of their job, and in some cases, their employer has ownership of the rights to it. This can also apply when someone is specifically hired to create a work, such as a movie or a book. If there is a written agreement between the employer and the creator stating that it is a work made for hire, then the employer holds the rights. However, not all work created by employees falls under this category. If the creator has more control over their work, similar to a contractor, they may retain ownership of the rights instead.
Work made for hire is a legal term that describes a work created by an employee as part of their job or a work specifically requested for certain purposes. In this situation, the employer is considered the author and holds all rights to the work under copyright law. For example, if a graphic designer creates a logo for their employer, the logo is considered a work made for hire, and the employer owns the copyright. Similarly, if a company hires a photographer to take pictures for their website, the photographs are considered works made for hire, and the company owns the copyright. However, not all works created by employees are considered works made for hire. If an employee creates a work outside of their regular job duties, it is not considered a work made for hire. Additionally, independent contractors retain the copyright to their work unless they sign a written agreement stating otherwise. Overall, work made for hire is an important concept in copyright law that determines ownership of a particular work.
A work made for hire is a legal term that refers to a work created by an employee within the scope of their employment or a work created by an independent contractor that falls within specific categories outlined in the Copyright Act.
Under the Copyright Act, works made for hire can include literary works, musical compositions, sound recordings, motion pictures, and other audiovisual works, among others.
If a work is created by an employee within the scope of their employment, the employer is considered the author and owner of the copyright. If a work is created by an independent contractor and falls within the specific categories outlined in the Copyright Act, the hiring party is considered the author and owner of the copyright.
Yes, a work made for hire can be created by a freelancer or independent contractor, but it must fall within the specific categories outlined in the Copyright Act and there must be a written agreement specifying that the work is being created as a work made for hire.
The creator of a work made for hire typically has no rights to the work, as the employer or hiring party is considered the author and owner of the copyright.
Yes, the author and owner of a work made for hire can transfer the copyright to another party through a written agreement.
If there is no written agreement specifying that a work is being created as a work made for hire, the creator of the work may retain the copyright.
Yes, a work made for hire can be registered with the Copyright Office, but the registration must be made in the name of the author and owner of the copyright.
Failing to properly classify a work as a work made for hire can result in disputes over ownership of the copyright and potential legal issues.
To ensure that a work is properly classified as a work made for hire, it is important to have a written agreement in place that clearly specifies the work is being created as a work made for hire and falls within the specific categories outlined in the Copyright Act.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/work-made-for-hire/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Work Made For Hire. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/work-made-for-hire/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Work Made For Hire. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/work-made-for-hire/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Work Made For Hire. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/work-made-for-hire/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts