Work-for-Hire Agreement
About This Document
This Work-for-Hire Agreement establishes that all work product created by a Contractor for a Company during the engagement is legally owned by the Company.
It protects the Company’s rights to all deliverables, intellectual property, and confidential information while clarifying responsibilities, obligations, and legal protections on both sides.
Who Should Use This Template
Startups and small businesses hiring independent contractors or freelancers to create original works (e.g., software, designs, content, inventions)
Companies looking to secure full IP ownership of all work developed by non-employees
Entrepreneurs working with outside developers, marketers, or consultants
Organizations needing to protect trade secrets and confidential information shared during the engagement
What the Template Includes
Clear definition of Company Materials, Innovations, Confidential Information, and Intellectual Property Rights
Formal assignment of all inventions and work product to the Company
Confirmation that deliverables are "works made for hire" under U.S. copyright law
Detailed non-disclosure obligations during and after engagement
Procedures for returning company property upon termination
Requirements for contractor assistance in securing IP rights (e.g., patents, copyrights)
Provisions regarding third-party confidential information
Injunctive relief rights for the Company in case of breach
Successors and assigns clause ensuring Company rights survive changes
Governing law and jurisdiction clause
Editable Word format for full customization
Instructions for Completing the Template
Insert the Company name, subsidiary name (if applicable), and Contractor’s full name at the beginning.
Specify the State of incorporation and principal Company address.
Insert a brief description of the Company’s business activities.
Fill in the Effective Date when the agreement will start.
Complete the governing law section to match the Company's home jurisdiction (e.g., Delaware, Florida).
Ensure all parties sign and date at the bottom (including printed names and titles if applicable).
Keep a fully signed copy in the Company’s corporate or HR files for IP and compliance records.
Important Reminder
This document is provided as a template to assist with standard work-for-hire contractor engagements.
It does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a qualified attorney to adapt the Work-for-Hire Agreement to your specific needs, particularly to ensure proper IP protection, compliance with employment laws, and enforceability in your jurisdiction.
About This Document
This Work-for-Hire Agreement establishes that all work product created by a Contractor for a Company during the engagement is legally owned by the Company.
It protects the Company’s rights to all deliverables, intellectual property, and confidential information while clarifying responsibilities, obligations, and legal protections on both sides.
Who Should Use This Template
Startups and small businesses hiring independent contractors or freelancers to create original works (e.g., software, designs, content, inventions)
Companies looking to secure full IP ownership of all work developed by non-employees
Entrepreneurs working with outside developers, marketers, or consultants
Organizations needing to protect trade secrets and confidential information shared during the engagement
What the Template Includes
Clear definition of Company Materials, Innovations, Confidential Information, and Intellectual Property Rights
Formal assignment of all inventions and work product to the Company
Confirmation that deliverables are "works made for hire" under U.S. copyright law
Detailed non-disclosure obligations during and after engagement
Procedures for returning company property upon termination
Requirements for contractor assistance in securing IP rights (e.g., patents, copyrights)
Provisions regarding third-party confidential information
Injunctive relief rights for the Company in case of breach
Successors and assigns clause ensuring Company rights survive changes
Governing law and jurisdiction clause
Editable Word format for full customization
Instructions for Completing the Template
Insert the Company name, subsidiary name (if applicable), and Contractor’s full name at the beginning.
Specify the State of incorporation and principal Company address.
Insert a brief description of the Company’s business activities.
Fill in the Effective Date when the agreement will start.
Complete the governing law section to match the Company's home jurisdiction (e.g., Delaware, Florida).
Ensure all parties sign and date at the bottom (including printed names and titles if applicable).
Keep a fully signed copy in the Company’s corporate or HR files for IP and compliance records.
Important Reminder
This document is provided as a template to assist with standard work-for-hire contractor engagements.
It does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a qualified attorney to adapt the Work-for-Hire Agreement to your specific needs, particularly to ensure proper IP protection, compliance with employment laws, and enforceability in your jurisdiction.
About This Document
This Work-for-Hire Agreement establishes that all work product created by a Contractor for a Company during the engagement is legally owned by the Company.
It protects the Company’s rights to all deliverables, intellectual property, and confidential information while clarifying responsibilities, obligations, and legal protections on both sides.
Who Should Use This Template
Startups and small businesses hiring independent contractors or freelancers to create original works (e.g., software, designs, content, inventions)
Companies looking to secure full IP ownership of all work developed by non-employees
Entrepreneurs working with outside developers, marketers, or consultants
Organizations needing to protect trade secrets and confidential information shared during the engagement
What the Template Includes
Clear definition of Company Materials, Innovations, Confidential Information, and Intellectual Property Rights
Formal assignment of all inventions and work product to the Company
Confirmation that deliverables are "works made for hire" under U.S. copyright law
Detailed non-disclosure obligations during and after engagement
Procedures for returning company property upon termination
Requirements for contractor assistance in securing IP rights (e.g., patents, copyrights)
Provisions regarding third-party confidential information
Injunctive relief rights for the Company in case of breach
Successors and assigns clause ensuring Company rights survive changes
Governing law and jurisdiction clause
Editable Word format for full customization
Instructions for Completing the Template
Insert the Company name, subsidiary name (if applicable), and Contractor’s full name at the beginning.
Specify the State of incorporation and principal Company address.
Insert a brief description of the Company’s business activities.
Fill in the Effective Date when the agreement will start.
Complete the governing law section to match the Company's home jurisdiction (e.g., Delaware, Florida).
Ensure all parties sign and date at the bottom (including printed names and titles if applicable).
Keep a fully signed copy in the Company’s corporate or HR files for IP and compliance records.
Important Reminder
This document is provided as a template to assist with standard work-for-hire contractor engagements.
It does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a qualified attorney to adapt the Work-for-Hire Agreement to your specific needs, particularly to ensure proper IP protection, compliance with employment laws, and enforceability in your jurisdiction.
