51Ƶ

Work For Hire Agreement for the United States

Work For Hire Agreement Template for United States

A Work For Hire Agreement is a legally binding contract under U.S. copyright law that establishes the terms under which a creator or contractor produces work for a hiring party, with the explicit understanding that the hiring party will own all intellectual property rights to the work product. This agreement is governed by the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 and related state laws, providing clear guidelines for ownership, compensation, and deliverables while protecting both parties' interests through detailed specifications of rights and obligations.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Work For Hire Agreement

Let Genie AI's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.

What is a Work For Hire Agreement?

The Work For Hire Agreement serves as a critical legal instrument in the United States for businesses and individuals who need to ensure clear ownership of intellectual property created by external parties. This contract type is specifically designed to comply with U.S. Copyright Act requirements and state-specific regulations, making it essential for projects where intellectual property rights must be definitively transferred to the hiring party. The agreement typically covers key aspects such as scope of work, compensation, delivery terms, and ownership rights, while also addressing confidentiality and potential liability issues. It's particularly important in creative, technical, and professional service industries where original works are being created or developed by contractors.

What sections should be included in a Work For Hire Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the hiring party and the creator/contractor

2. Background: Context of the agreement and basic premises

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Scope of Work: Detailed description of services or works to be created

5. Ownership and Rights: Assignment of intellectual property rights and work product

6. Payment Terms: Compensation, payment schedule, and related terms

7. Term and Termination: Duration of agreement and termination conditions

8. Representations and Warranties: Basic guarantees by both parties

What sections are optional to include in a Work For Hire Agreement?

1. Confidentiality: Non-disclosure provisions for protecting sensitive information shared during the engagement

2. Non-Compete: Restrictions on competitive activities during and after the engagement period

3. Insurance: Requirements for insurance coverage and liability protection

4. Force Majeure: Provisions addressing unforeseeable circumstances that may affect performance

What schedules should be included in a Work For Hire Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Statement of Work: Detailed specifications of deliverables and timelines

2. Schedule B - Payment Schedule: Detailed breakdown of payments and milestones

3. Schedule C - Intellectual Property List: List of pre-existing IP or excluded works

4. Schedule D - Key Personnel: List of authorized personnel working on the project

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Clauses



























Industries

Copyright Law - U.S. Copyright Act of 1976: Primary federal legislation governing copyright protection in the US, particularly 17 U.S.C. ยง 101 defining 'work made for hire' and Section 201(b) addressing ownership provisions

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law establishing standards for employment relationships, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and worker classification requirements

IRS Classification Guidelines: Federal guidelines determining independent contractor vs. employee status, crucial for work for hire agreements and tax implications

State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation, including Statute of Frauds requirements

Intellectual Property Protections: Comprehensive legal framework covering patents, trademarks, and trade secrets that may be created during the work engagement

Tax Regulations: Federal and state tax requirements, including Form 1099 reporting obligations for independent contractors

State Labor Laws: State-specific employment regulations that may affect worker classification and rights

Confidentiality Requirements: Legal framework for protecting confidential information and trade secrets shared during the work engagement

Dispute Resolution Laws: Federal and state regulations governing conflict resolution, arbitration, and jurisdiction in contractual disputes

Warranty and Indemnification Laws: Legal requirements and limitations regarding warranties and indemnification provisions in service contracts

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Agreement Letter Between Company And Employee

A U.S.-compliant formal agreement establishing employment terms and conditions between an employer and employee.

find out more

Contract Letter Between Two Parties

A legally binding agreement in letter format that establishes contractual relationships between two parties under U.S. law.

find out more

Agreement For Work To Be Performed

A U.S. legal contract defining terms and conditions for specific work or services to be provided, including scope, payment, and deliverables.

find out more

Enforceable Contract

U.S.-compliant enforceable contract template incorporating all essential elements required under federal and state law.

find out more

White Label Software License

A U.S.-governed agreement allowing companies to license and rebrand software products under their own name.

find out more

Electronic Confidentiality Agreement

A U.S.-compliant agreement protecting confidential information shared electronically between parties, incorporating federal electronic signature and trade secret laws.

find out more

Basic Contract

A standard U.S.-compliant contract template establishing fundamental terms and conditions between parties, suitable for various business relationships.

find out more

Prenuptial Agreement

A U.S. legally binding contract executed before marriage that establishes property and financial rights of spouses in case of divorce or death.

find out more

Agreement Letter Between Two People

A legally binding agreement letter used in the U.S. to document mutual understanding and obligations between two individuals, following American contract law principles.

find out more

Home Contract Agreement

A legally binding agreement under U.S. federal and state laws that documents the terms and conditions for the purchase and sale of residential property.

find out more

Statement Of Agreement

A U.S.-compliant formal document that outlines agreed terms between parties, serving as a legally binding agreement while being more streamlined than a full contract.

find out more

Agreement Between Principal Employer And Contractor

A U.S.-governed contract defining the relationship and terms between a principal employer and independent contractor.

find out more

Business Percentage Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing percentage-based revenue or profit sharing terms between business parties.

find out more

Rent In Exchange For Services Agreement

A U.S. legal agreement establishing terms for rent-free accommodation in exchange for specified services provided to the property owner.

find out more

Catering Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between caterers and clients for professional food service provision, covering service terms, pricing, and regulatory compliance.

find out more

White Label Software License Agreement

A US-governed agreement allowing companies to license and rebrand software products under their own brand name.

find out more

Business Cooperation Agreement

A US law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for business collaboration between multiple parties, defining rights, obligations, and operational framework.

find out more

Terms Of Business Agreement

A US law-governed agreement establishing core terms and conditions for business-to-business service provision.

find out more

Online Lease Agreement

A U.S.-compliant digital rental contract establishing terms between landlord and tenant for residential property use.

find out more

Business Contract

A U.S.-governed Business Contract establishing terms and conditions for commercial relationships between business entities.

find out more

Yearly Contract Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for a twelve-month contractual relationship between parties.

find out more

Working Partner Agreement

A U.S. legal agreement defining the terms and conditions of a working partner's involvement in a business, including ownership rights and operational responsibilities.

find out more

Work For Hire Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing ownership rights of commissioned work under the work-for-hire doctrine.

find out more

Work For Hire Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing ownership rights and terms for work created by a contractor for a hiring party, under copyright law.

find out more

Work Contract Agreement

A legally binding employment agreement that establishes work terms and conditions between employer and employee, compliant with U.S. federal and state employment laws.

find out more

Work Contract

A legally binding employment agreement that establishes terms and conditions of employment under U.S. federal and state laws.

find out more

Work Agreement

A U.S.-compliant agreement establishing employment terms between employer and employee.

find out more

Wholesaling Houses Contracts

A U.S. legal agreement enabling the transfer of property purchase rights from a wholesaler to an end buyer, subject to federal and state real estate regulations.

find out more

White Label Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement enabling one company to rebrand and sell another company's products or services under their own brand name.

find out more

Website Development Agreement

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement between a website developer and client establishing terms for website development services, including scope, timeline, and deliverables.

find out more

Website Design Contract

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement between a website designer and client defining the terms of website design services and deliverables.

find out more

Website Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement between website developers and clients defining website development terms and obligations.

find out more

Web Development Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement between a web developer and client specifying terms for website development services, including scope, deliverables, and rights.

find out more

Web Design Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement between a web designer and client specifying terms, deliverables, and rights for website development services.

find out more

Volunteer Contract

A legally binding agreement under U.S. law that establishes terms and conditions between a volunteer and an organization for unpaid service provision.

find out more

Voluntary Service Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms and conditions for volunteer services, protecting both the volunteer and the organization.

find out more

Virtual Assistant Contract

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing the terms and conditions between a client and a virtual assistant, governing remote work arrangements and protecting both parties' interests.

find out more

Venue Rental Agreement

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement governing the temporary rental of a venue or facility, establishing terms, conditions, and responsibilities between the venue owner and renter.

find out more

Vendor Services Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract defining the terms and conditions for services provided by a vendor to a client.

find out more

Vendor Contract

A legally binding agreement under U.S. law that governs the relationship between a vendor and purchaser, establishing terms for goods or services provision.

find out more
See more related templates

ұԾ’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it