Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Illinois

I worked putting together a website, most ideas were not my but formatting was created by me so the website display is my idea, at first my name appear as an author, however, I no longer work for the website and now my name is removed. is this a violation of my rights to have my name appear on my work. Other people previous employees are still listed I am the only one not.


Asked on 9/01/10, 11:38 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

When you say, "however, I no longer work for the website," it appears that your efforts might be considered work for hire, in which case, you would have no "rights" to violate. The funny thing is, most people complain when their name is NOT removed from the website of a company at which they are no longer employed. However, there is much more information which would be required to give you any kind of useful opinion regarding whether you have any rights to this intellectual property.

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Answered on 9/07/10, 9:17 am
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

The other attorney is right on point. I can only add, it may change the result if (1) you were an independent contractor vs. an employee and (2) any applicable provisions in a contract you signed with them (if any). Consult with a good I.P. attorney in your area for specific advice.

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

Franchise Attorney

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Answered on 9/07/10, 2:33 pm


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