Q: I'm looking to start an online t shirt company and need pay someone a one time fee to make a design for the shirt.
I would like to be given ownership of the designs and would take complete control and profit from it. what contacts will i need to have signed or made? is this even possible?
A:
Yes, this is possible.
From your description, it sounds like you want a work-for-hire contract for a graphic designer or photographer. An attorney specializing in intellectual property or copyright law will be able to assist you. Use the Find a Lawyer function on Justia or contact your state bar association's lawyer referral service to find an appropriate attorney.
A:
It is possible to have ownership in a design you pay for. A "work for hire" is owned by the entity that pays for the work. However, that is not the only way to own the work. For example, you can have ownership transferred to you by contract. When the copyright registration application is filed, a designation must be stated as to how the applicant came to own the work. The copyright examiner will not automatically accept the "work for hire" designation on the application. The designation will have to fit the facts of the transaction. The proper designation is covered by specific rules.
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