A Lifeboat

In regards to my recent post entitled “Beware!,” I’ve had this agreement written to protect my work from being claimed by any future interns or employees as their own. I would like to share this document with all of you so you can avoid any similar problems that I’ve come across.

WORK MADE FOR HIRE AGREEMENT

The undersigned agrees that in consideration for my retention as an [independent contractor] [intern] by __________________ (“_______”) tand for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is expressly acknowledged, that all the products and results of the services to be rendered by me hereunder (the “Work”) to be a work made for hire as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act and other applicable laws.  I acknowledge and agree that the Work (and all rights therein, including, without limitation, copyright) belongs to and shall be the sole and exclusive property of __________________.

If for any reason the Work would not be considered a work made for hire under applicable law, I do hereby sell, assign, and transfer to ________________, her successors and assigns, the entire right, title and interest in and to the copyright in the Work and any registrations and copyright applications relating thereto and any renewals and extensions thereof, and in and to all works based upon, derived from, or incorporating the Work, and in and to all income, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due or payable with respect thereto, and in and to all causes of action, either in law or in equity for past, present, or future infringement based on the copyrights, and in and to all rights corresponding to the foregoing throughout the world.

I expressly declare that I will make no claims to ownership or ownership of derivative works concerning the Work.

If the Work is one to which the provisions of 17 U.S.C. 106A apply, I hereby waive and appoint ___________ to assert on my behalf any moral rights or any equivalent rights regarding the form or extent of any alteration to the Work (including, without limitation, removal or destruction) or the making of any derivative works based on the Work, including, without limitation, photographs, drawings or other visual reproductions or the Work, in any medium. To the extent any of the foregoing is ineffective under applicable law, I hereby provide any and all ratifications and consents necessary to accomplish the purposes of the foregoing to the extent possible.  I will confirm any such ratifications and consents from time to time as requested by ________.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this agreement as of the date below.

Name: ____________________________             Date:___________________

Address:___________________________