Gilbert, AZ asked in Contracts and Copyright for Arizona

Q: I did video work as an independent contractor for an agency, with no contract. Who owns the footage?

The agency and the agency's client whom the videos were used by had a falling out and both are claiming ownership of the videos I shot. I worked almost exclusively with the agency on production of various projects, and the agency paid all my invoices except one that was paid by the agency's client. The agency is asking me to sign a doc that grants them ownership of all the videos and I have no idea what to do...

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1 Lawyer Answer
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Beverly Hills, CA

A: Copyright in the work for hire is owned by the agency that paid you. It would be reasonable for you to acknowledge that in writing.

Marcos Garciaacosta agrees with this answer

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