Work Made for Hire Writer Contract
What is this form?
The Work Made for Hire Writer Contract is a legal agreement designed for business settings, outlining the terms under which a writer is commissioned to create original content. This contract specifies that any work produced by the writer will be owned by the publisher from the moment of creation, distinguishing it from other freelance agreements where the creator may retain rights. This ensures clarity on copyright ownership and compensation, providing protection for both the writer and the publisher.
Key parts of this document
- Commission details, including the subject of the article and the publication
- Deadline for manuscript delivery and payment terms
- Ownership rights and acknowledgment of work made for hire
- Provisions for using the writer's name and likeness
- Clarification of the writer's status as an independent contractor
- Conditions for revision requests and acceptance of the article
When this form is needed
This form is used when a publisher hires a writer to create articles or content, ensuring that the finished work is legally recognized as a "work made for hire." It is suitable in various scenarios, such as when a magazine commissions articles for print or online publication. This contract is particularly important when the publisher needs to maintain copyright ownership and the flexibility to use the content in multiple formats.
Who should use this form
- Publishers seeking to commission original written content
- Freelance writers who want to formalize their work agreements
- Businesses needing to clarify ownership and licensing for written works
- Content creators looking for clear compensation and revision terms
Completing this form step by step
- Identify the parties involved, including the writer and the publisher.
- Specify the topic of the article and the publication name.
- Enter the deadline for manuscript delivery and compensation details.
- Include any reimbursement limits for expenses incurred.
- Have both parties sign the contract and date it to make it official.
Does this form need to be notarized?
Notarization is generally not required for this form. However, certain states or situations might demand it. You can complete notarization online through US Legal Forms, powered by Notarize, using a verified video call available anytime.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to clearly define the article topic, which can lead to misunderstandings.
- Not specifying payment terms or reimbursement limits, leading to potential disputes.
- Omitting signature lines, which can invalidate the contract.
- Ignoring the need for revisions as outlined, which could result in non-acceptance of the work.
Advantages of online completion
- Convenient access to a professionally drafted legal document.
- Easy download and editing options to tailor the contract to specific needs.
- Time-saving compared to creating a contract from scratch.
- Reliable structure ensures that all necessary legal components are included.
Legal use & context
- The contract is enforceable as a work made for hire under U.S. copyright laws.
- Ensures that the publisher retains rights to the published material from the moment of delivery.
- Provides a clear framework for payment and conditions for revisions.
- Protects both parties by outlining independent contractor status and ownership rights.
Quick recap
- The Work Made for Hire Writer Contract clarifies ownership and payment terms.
- This contract is essential for publishers commissioning written content.
- Understanding the obligations and rights of both parties helps prevent disputes.
- Using this form can save time and ensure compliance with legal standards.
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FAQ
In the copyright law of the United States, a work made for hire (work for hire or WFH) is a work subject to copyright that is created by an employee as part of his or her job, or some limited types of works for which all parties agree in writing to the WFH designation.
Generally, the person who creates a work is considered its author and the automatic owner of copyright in that work. However, under the work made for hire doctrine, your employer or the company that has commissioned your work, not you, is considered the author and automatic copyright owner of your work.
Work agreement means a written agreement between the employer and employee that details the terms and conditions of an employee's work away from his central workplace.
2. There must be a written agreement between the party that ordered or commissioned the work and individual(s) who actually created the work. 3. In the written agreement, the parties must expressly agree that the work is to be considered a work made for hire.
But to qualify, a commissioned work must be specified as a work made for hire, either in a contract or other writing, and the work must fit within one of the following categories: (i) a contribution to a collective work, (ii) a part of a motion picture, (iii) a translation, (iv) a supplementary work, (v) a compilation,
The general rule is that you own the patent rights to an invention you create during the course of your employment unless you either:were specifically hired (even without a written agreement) for your inventing skills or to create the invention.
A work for hire agreement is when you give up all ownership and administration rights for the life of a work's copyright in exchange for a flat fee. It is an exception to the prevailing rule that the person who creates a work is its legally recognized author.
The term of copyright protection of a work made for hire is 95 years from the date of publication or 120 years from the date of creation, whichever expires first. (A work not made for hire is ordinarily protected by copyright for the life of the author plus 70 years.)
Sometimes there is no written contract, but the contract is implied through an oral understanding or simply by the behavior of the employer and the employee.
