Work for Hire
/ˈwərk fər ˈhaɪər/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine under U.S. copyright law where an employer or commissioning party is considered the author of a work created by an employee or contractor within the scope of employment or commission, owning all rights to the work.
The software program was created under a work for hire agreement, so the company owns the copyright.
- (n.) A type of contract specifying that a created work is a 'work made for hire,' transferring copyright ownership to the employer or commissioning party immediately upon creation.
They signed a work for hire contract to ensure the client retained all intellectual property rights.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term 'work for hire' is often used both to describe the legal doctrine and the contract form implementing it; clarity in drafting is essential to delineate which meaning applies.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.