Sunday, 12 April 2015

In trying to complete a registration of copyright with the CO the online form asks whether or not the artwork has been published. The artwor...

Question

In trying to complete a registration of copyright with the CO the online form asks whether or not the artwork has been published. The artwork was created by asking an artist to create several pieces of similar artwork for a fee. Unfortunately, no work for hire agreement was completed before making this arrangement and the artwork is now complete and payment has been made. So I believe the way to proceed is to assign the copyright.

The artwork has not yet been used in any way.

Does the assignment of a copyright to an artwork constitute the "publishing" of that artwork from the point of view of the copyright's office application?

Many thanks.

Jony



Answer

The private assignment of a copyright should not rise to "publication". A general explanation of that concept is contained here: http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-definitions.html

I hope that helps.

Best,

Kaiser



Answer

As a Franchise Attorney I believe there has to be a sale or other transfer of the artwork. Consult with a good copyright or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation



Answer

As a Franchise Attorney I wanted to follow up with additional information. Besides a sale or other transfer of the artwork, there can be "publication" by rental, lease or lending of the artwork . Consult with a good copyright or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation



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