moral rights
Definition
Moral rights are special protections that let creators control how people use their creative work, even after they sell it or give up ownership. These rights let an artist or author insist that their name stays attached to their work and that nobody changes it in a way that damages their reputation. Unlike regular copyright, moral rights are personal to the creator and often cannot be sold or transferred to someone else.
Example
A graphic designer sells a logo to your company, but moral rights might give that designer the ability to object if you alter the design in a way that embarrasses them professionally or strip their name from it entirely.
Watch Out
Moral rights are much stronger in European countries than in the United States, so if you hire international freelancers or plan to sell creative work overseas, you need to understand that the creator may have rights over that work you cannot simply buy away.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.