Handing over code and working for somebody in the US

[hakre]

I have a question regarding copyright and working for someone for the US.

If I (as an US individual) am getting paid by a US individual or company for some sourcecode, do I automatically pass over copyright or is that with certain circumstances only?

If so, what does count here? Does it need an individual agreement between both parties or a certain way/form of the connection to the other party (e.g. does being a freelancer or employed make a difference).

I know that this forum isn't a legal advice board, so I'm just thankful for some info and I'm aware of the fact that it's _not_ legally binding. So I just want that "AS-IS".

[andreasnrb]

Found a good link: http://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/ownership.html
If you work as a freelancer and not an employee you need a contract that states that the company that hires you get the rights.
As an employee it is a given but contracts could be written just to be sure.

[hakre]

That's a nice link, thanks for it, that should answer my question. So only claiming to have the copyright does most often not help if I read that right, there should be some kind of relationship and that relationship should better be documented by both sides in consent and written form.

[Ipstenu]

that relationship should better be documented by both sides in consent and written form.

Yes. Always. My contract is insane with what's mine, what's theirs, and what's open-source.

[C3MDigital]

I use Myows to protect my copyrighted work and use the certificate they provide to transfer ownership of copyright after the project is complete and I have been paid. It is a free service and they will provide legal guidance if needed.