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ARTICLE · 30 JULY 2024

What You Should Know About Work For Hire?

Romano Law
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Many people mistakenly believe that if they hire or employ someone to create something for them, the work is automatically considered a "work made for hire."

United StatesEmployment and HR
Danielle Rye
Danielle Rye

Many people mistakenly believe that if they hire or employ someone to create something for them, the work is automatically considered a "work made for hire." Whether you own a small business and are engaging a graphic designer to develop website content, or a production company seeking a director for a new feature film, understanding work for hire arrangements may be valuable to your future business and creative endeavors.

What Does "Work Made For Hire" Mean?

Under U.S. Copyright law, the person who creates a work is generally the author of the work. Usually, the author is automatically the owner of the exclusive rights and privileges of copyright protection. However, if a work qualifies as a work made for hire, then the creator's employer or the person that commissioned the work will be considered the copyright owner of the work.

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