I am a freelance writer. Who owns my copyright?

As a freelance writer, it is essential to have a solid understanding of how copyright works. For instance, if you are writing for a newspaper, magazine or blog, it may be unclear who owns your work's copyright. In any event, checking the contract terms before agreeing to write for a company is critical. This article will explain who owns the copyright to your work as a freelance writer and an employee.

Freelancers Own the Copyright in Their Works

In Australia, copyright is a free and automatic right that applies to all creative works, including literary or artistic works such as:

• books;
• paintings;
• photographs; and
• computer source code.

Additionally, copyright applies to much broader subject matters, such as: