What is Work for Hire?

Risk: High for creative professionals. You may own nothing you create under the contract.

Definition

A legal doctrine under US copyright law where work created by an employee in the scope of employment, or certain commissioned works, is owned by the employer or commissioning party from creation, not the creator. Freelancers often unknowingly sign work-for-hire clauses that transfer all copyright in their deliverables.

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Related Terms

Intellectual Property (IP) AssignmentIP AssignmentConfidentiality Clause

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