Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Washington

music contract

If music is contracted as ''work for hire'' does the employer automatically have copyright to that music? What if the contract states that the music will be considered work for hire AND that the artist will retain copyright? Are both of these conditions possible at the same time?


Asked on 8/15/08, 2:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Ann Sattler Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg, P.S.

Re: music contract

It depends on whether you are really an employee or a contributor to the music. Work for hire gives the employer full ownership rights for a period of years; but the relation of the parties (employee or contributor) and the status of the work from that relationship determines if it is work for hire or not.

If you have further questions feel free to give my office a call.

Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg

Ann D. Sattler

206.624.2650

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Answered on 8/15/08, 3:20 pm


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