Work For Hire Doctrine Articles

CCNV v. Reid and the Contract Terms Freelancers Cannot Skip

For a U.S. freelance engagement, choose who will own the copyright, which rights the client needs and when any agreed transfer takes effect. Then check the documents that actually govern the deal: a master services agreement (MSA), statement of work (SOW), order form or incorporated terms. A conflict between them can undermine the intended result. The rules below concern U.S. copyright; they are not a universal test for employment, tax or foreign IP ownership.