work made for hire
Definition
Work made for hire is a legal concept that determines who owns the copyright to something created during a working relationship. When someone creates work as an employee doing their normal job duties, the employer automatically owns that work rather than the person who made it. The same can apply to freelancers or contractors, but only if both parties sign a written agreement saying so and the work falls into specific categories defined by copyright law.
Example
If you hire a graphic designer as a full-time employee to create your company logo, your business owns that logo the moment it is created, not the designer. But if you hire a freelance designer, you need a signed work-for-hire agreement to guarantee you own it outright.
Watch Out
Many business owners assume they automatically own anything a contractor creates for them just because they paid for it, but without a written work-for-hire agreement signed before the work begins, the contractor could legally retain ownership of the copyright.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.