Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[paulo05]

I am a freelancer and over the years my computer design skills have detoriated. However, I know what type of design I want.

If I work with a unskilled graphic and web designer on a project and I give her all the instructions, design input, etc. so she'll create the end piece I wanted, who owns the copyright?

Please note the end product differs signifcantly from the first drafts she submitted. The end product is nice, but it wouldn't have been if I didn't give direction.

I have saved the detailed changes that sent the designer so I could get the desired end-product. It was  my input that created the endproduct.

[JSonnabend]

If I understand your facts correctly, I think it's a close call.  There's certainly a strong argument that the designer owns at least a share of the copyright.  It's less clear whether you own a share as well.

Your facts don't seem to support a work for hire argument.

Is there any reason why you haven't reduced the agreed parties' rights to writing?

- Jeff

[Melissa Hagen]

There is this book: Patent, Copyright & Trademark 9th edition by Attorney Richard Stim.  I'm taking a copyright law class right now and this book has everything you need to know about copyrights and copyright ownership.