Does paying a freelancer automatically transfer copyright to my company?
No. The Copyright Office advises small businesses to document ownership and not assume payment alone transfers a freelancer’s rights.
For each commission, record the deliverable, permitted uses, territory, duration, revisions, credit, and any transfer or license terms in a signed agreement. Track music, stock assets, and contributor releases separately.1
Then give the broker the services and rights warranties your client contracts require. Copyright ownership questions and insurance coverage questions are separate; confirm the actual policy wording for any proposed protection.1,4
Read the Content Insurance Buying Guide
Sources and Further Reading for Content
Get Help With Insurance Buying and Renewals.
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