WORKING WITH FREELANCE LOGO DESIGNERS: A CHECKLIST
• According to U.S. Copyright Law, the freelancer initially owns the copyright to the work (logo) that was created for you.
• Ownership of the copyright does not automatically transfer to you just because you paid the freelancer to design the logo.
• If you hired the freelancer through an online platform such as Fiverr or Upwork, check the platform’s terms and conditions to see if it addresses who owns the copyright to the logo.
• Even if the platform’s terms and conditions state that you own the copyright in the work, at a minimum, get confirmation of this in writing (i.e. email) from the freelancer. Best practice is to include a clause to transfer ownership of the work product and copyright to you in a written agreement signed by you and the freelancer.
• If the platform’s terms and conditions don’t specifically state that you own the copyright, or state that copyright ownership is governed by agreement between the customer and freelancer, be sure to enter into a written service contract with the freelancer which includes a clause to transfer ownership of the work product and copyright to you.
• If you have questions or are uncertain as to issues of copyright ownership, contact an attorney that specializes in representing clients in intellectual property matters, including copyright law.
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