Leigh is hired by ABC Inc. to prepare a software program for a company. She works at home, has hired her own assistants, receives no benefits from ABC, and pays her own taxes. When the work is completed, Leigh begins working for another company. Leigh and ABC have no agreement as to ownership of copyright in the final work. Discuss which party owns the copyright in the software program.?

What will be an ideal response?


Unless the parties agreed otherwise, Leigh likely owns the copyright in the software program. She was an independent contractor and not an employee of ABC. She had the discretion to perform the work at home and could hire her own assistants. She received no benefits from ABC, and ABC did not pay her taxes (which two elements are often deemed to be the most important factors in determining whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor). In such a case, she is highly likely to be deemed to be an independent contractor, in which case she would own copyright in the work. (For certainty, the parties should have had an agreement as to who would own the copyright.)?

Legal Studies & Paralegal

You might also like to view...

May a drawee revoke after final settlement?

What will be an ideal response?

Legal Studies & Paralegal

Ethics are important because:

a. People will resort to alternative means of resolving conflicts b. It is the law c. Paralegals are required by law to uphold legal values d. There are mandatory state statutes that control ethical regulations.

Legal Studies & Paralegal

What is the most common type of fee agreement in the legal field?

a. Contingency fee b. Hourly rate fee c. Flat fee d. Value billing fee e. Fixed fee

Legal Studies & Paralegal

In his closing argument, an attorney:

a. Summarizes his presentations and argues in his client's favor b. Attempts to discredit the opposing side's key witness c. Chooses only one point from his case to focus on d. Suggests an appropriate remedy for his client e. All of these choices are correct

Legal Studies & Paralegal