Creating a Copyright Agreement

Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom.
Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

Copyright agreements are an essential part of the modern legal landscape, providing a way for authors, musicians, filmmakers, photographers and other creators of original works to protect their rights and get the financial rewards they deserve. Such agreements must be carefully crafted to ensure that they cover all necessary details such as length of protection, ownership rights and potential penalties for infringement. They can also be used to create income via royalties or licensing fees, as well as ensuring that creators receive due credit. With Genie AI’s free open source legal template library – containing millions of datapoints that teach the AI what a market-standard copyright agreement should look like – anyone can draft and customize high quality copyright agreements without paying a lawyer.

Step by step guidance is available on our website to help you understand how best to craft a copyright agreement that meets your needs. With Genie AI’s community template library at your disposal you don’t even need an account with us – simply access our library today for free and you’re ready to go!

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Copyright: A form of legal protection for creative works. It grants the author/creator exclusive rights to their work including the right to reproduce, distribute, or perform the work.
Scope: The extent or range of a subject, concept, or area of investigation. In the context of copyright agreements, this means outlining the exact works that are protected by the agreement.
Exclusive rights: The sole right to reproduce, distribute, or perform a work.
Royalty: A payment made for the repeated use of a copyrighted work.
Duration: The length of time that a copyright agreement is in effect.
Registration: The process of officially recording and protecting a copyright.
Violation: An act that breaks the terms of a copyright agreement.
Remedies: The legal actions available to someone who has suffered a loss due to violation of a copyright agreement.

Contents

• Defining the scope of the agreement
• Outlining the scope of the copyrighted work
• Identifying the rights of the copyright holder
• Granting exclusive rights to the copyright holder
• Specifying what rights are not granted
• Establishing a royalty structure
• Identifying who pays royalties
• Setting the royalty rate
• Setting out the duration of the agreement
• Establishing the start and end dates
• Specifying any special conditions or renewals
• Explaining the process of registering the copyright
• Determining if registration is necessary
• Gathering all documents required for registration
• Submitting the application for registration
• Establishing the terms for use of the copyrighted work
• Describing how the work can be used
• Specifying any restrictions on use
• Specifying the remedies for violation of the agreement
• Defining what constitutes violation
• Outlining consequences of violation
• Documenting the agreement and signing
• Drafting the agreement
• Reviewing and revising the agreement
• Signing the agreement
• Storing and updating the agreement
• Saving a copy of the agreement
• Updating the agreement as necessary
• Publicizing the copyrighted work
• Creating a press release
• Sharing the work online
• Promoting the work on social media

Get started

Defining the scope of the agreement

• Determine who the agreement is between and list the names of the parties
• Determine the effective date of the agreement
• Draft a clear and concise description of the material that is to be copyrighted
• Make sure to specify if the agreement covers media, text, or visual content
• Make sure to specify if the agreement covers material that is already created, or material that may be created in the future
• When finished, review the agreement to make sure it is complete and accurate
• After reviewing, both parties should sign the agreement to make it legally binding

When this step is completed, you can move on to the next step which is outlining the scope of the copyrighted work.

Outlining the scope of the copyrighted work

• Identify the type of work that is being copyrighted (e.g. writing, art, music, etc.)
• Define the boundaries of the work (e.g. written works, performance, media, etc.)
• Outline any other related works that need to be covered (e.g. sequels, spin-offs, etc.)
• Be sure to include any other works that may be related or derived from the original work
• Once you have outlined the scope of the copyrighted work, you can be confident that you have captured everything that needs to be covered in the agreement.

Identifying the rights of the copyright holder

• Research what rights are available to the copyright holder under the law and decide which of those rights to include in the agreement
• Consider the rights to make derivative works, to distribute the work, and to display the work
• Consider whether the copyright holder will retain the right to be attributed for the work
• Make sure to specify any other rights that the copyright holder will keep
• Once you’ve identified the rights to be included in the agreement, you can move on to the next step: Granting exclusive rights to the copyright holder.

Granting exclusive rights to the copyright holder

• Outline the type of exclusive rights the copyright holder will have, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform the copyrighted work.
• Specify that these exclusive rights are non-transferable and non-exclusive.
• Ensure that any other rights not specifically granted to the copyright holder are reserved by the owner of the work.
• When you have included the details of granting exclusive rights to the copyright holder, you can move on to the next step.

Specifying what rights are not granted

• Note down all the rights the copyright holder is not granting to the other party
• Make a list of these rights and note which rights are exclusive to the copyright holder
• Clearly note in the agreement that the rights listed are not granted to the other party
• Once this list is complete and noted in the agreement, you can move on to the next step of establishing a royalty structure.

Establishing a royalty structure

• Establish the amount of royalties that will be paid. This could be a flat rate or a percentage of sales.
• Discuss who will be responsible for collecting and distributing royalties.
• Decide on a payment schedule for royalties.
• Specify which party will be responsible for any taxes or fees associated with the royalties.
• Document the royalty structure in the copyright agreement.

Once the royalty structure has been established and documented in the copyright agreement, you can move on to the next step: Identifying who pays royalties.

Identifying who pays royalties

• Identify who the parties are that are entering into the agreement and who will be paying the royalty
• Consider the relationship between the parties and the type of agreement that will be entered
• Determine the party who will pay the royalty and the type of payment it will be (cash, goods, services, etc.)
• Specify the payment amount and payment schedule in the agreement
• When the payment party has been identified, you can move on to setting the royalty rate.

Setting the royalty rate

• Decide on what percentage of royalties the copyright owner will be entitled to
• Decide if this percentage will be a fixed rate or if it will vary depending on certain circumstances
• Include the royalty rate in the agreement
• Specify if the royalty rate applies to pre-existing works as well as new works
• Once the royalty rate has been determined and included in the copyright agreement, you can move on to setting out the duration of the agreement.

Setting out the duration of the agreement

• Determine the length of the agreement by choosing the start and end dates
• The start date should be the same as the date of signing the agreement
• The end date should be the final date that the copyright applies
• Consider if the copyright should be for a fixed period of time or if it should be perpetual
• Once you have determined the start and end dates, make sure to include them in the agreement
• Check off this step when you have added the start and end dates to the agreement.

Establishing the start and end dates

• Determine the date when the agreement will come into force - this is the start date
• Set out the date when the agreement will end - this is the expiration date
• Include these dates in the agreement
• Once the start and end dates have been established and included in the agreement, you can move on to specifying any special conditions or renewals.

Specifying any special conditions or renewals

• Review the copyright agreement to decide whether any special conditions or renewals should be added.
• If necessary, include special conditions or renewals in the agreement and make sure both parties agree to them.
• Record any special conditions or renewals in the agreement, including when they will be reviewed and updated.
• When you have finished including any special conditions or renewals in the agreement, check it off your list and move on to the next step.

Explaining the process of registering the copyright

• Contact the U.S. Copyright Office to get an application form or to register online
• Read the instructions carefully before filling out the application
• Provide all the necessary information requested in the application
• Pay the required fee
• Submit the application form to the Copyright Office
• Receive a notification that your application has been accepted
• When you receive the notification, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step.

Determining if registration is necessary

• Evaluate the copyright you have created to determine if registration is necessary. This will depend on the type of work you have created, the type of protection you are seeking for that work, and the laws surrounding copyright registration in your jurisdiction.
• Consult copyright experts or legal counsel if you are unsure whether registration is necessary.
• When the evaluation is completed, and registration is determined to be necessary, you can move on to the next step of gathering all documents required for registration.

Gathering all documents required for registration

• Collect all documents necessary for the copyright registration process - this includes the application form, the work you are registering (which can be a book, music, a website, etc.), a filing fee, and a nonrefundable deposit of the work itself.
• Make sure all documents are filled out completely and accurately, and that you have the correct filing fee.
• When you have all the necessary documents and fees ready, you can move on to the next step of submitting the application for registration.

Submitting the application for registration

• Gather all documents required for registration
• Complete the application for copyright registration
• Include the required fee
• Submit the application and all the supporting documents to the U.S. Copyright Office
• Once the application is received, the Copyright Office will review it, and may contact you if additional information is needed
• Once the application is approved, the Copyright Office will issue a certificate of registration, which will serve as proof of your copyright
• Check off this step and move on to the next step, which is establishing the terms for use of the copyrighted work.

Establishing the terms for use of the copyrighted work

• Create a written agreement outlining the terms of use for the copyrighted work.
• Include specifics such as the duration of the agreement, the types of uses that are permitted, and how you will be compensated.
• Make sure to include a clause outlining the penalties for any breach of the agreement.
• Have both parties sign or initial the agreement and keep a copy for your records.

Once you have filled out the agreement, you know that you have completed this step and can move on to the next.

Describing how the work can be used

• Determine if the work should be licensed for use (i.e. one-time use or repeated use).
• Specify if the work is for exclusive or non-exclusive use.
• Describe the nature of the work that is being copyrighted (i.e. text, images, audio, video, etc.)
• Describe the intended use of the copyright (i.e. personal use, private use, commercial use, etc.)
• Specify the geographical area where the copyrighted work can be used.
• List the entities that are allowed to use the copyrighted work (i.e. individuals, companies, etc.).

When you can check this off your list and move on to the next step:

• Once you have described how the work can be used, you can move on to the next step of specifying any restrictions on use.

Specifying any restrictions on use

• Identify any restrictions that should be placed on the use of the copyrighted work
• Determine what activities are prohibited and what activities are allowed
• Outline the restrictions in detail and include them in the copyright agreement
• List any consequences for violation of the restrictions
• When all restrictions have been listed and specified in the agreement, this step is complete

Specifying the remedies for violation of the agreement

• Consider the potential damages that may arise from an infringement of your copyright and determine appropriate remedies.
• Determine if you want to pursue injunctive relief, such as an order to cease using the copyrighted material, or if you want to pursue monetary damages, such as recovering profits or legal fees.
• Consider adding a clause stating that if the defendant fails to comply with the court’s order, they will be liable for additional damages.
• After you have determined the remedies you want to specify in the agreement, add a clause to the agreement stating what the remedies are.
• When you have added the remedies clause to the agreement, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step.

Defining what constitutes violation

• Consider what the violation of the agreement could be, such as unauthorized reproduction or distribution of the copyrighted material
• Make a list of these violations and clearly define them in the agreement
• State that any violation of the agreement is considered infringement of copyright
• Once all the potential violations are clearly defined and stated in the agreement, you can move on to the next step of outlining consequences of violation

Outlining consequences of violation

• Determine the type of violation that you are outlining consequences for
• Identify the nature of the consequences, such as monetary fines, legal action, or public shaming
• Decide if a warning or probation period should be offered before consequences are enforced
• Note any additional policies or guidelines that an infringer should follow in order to avoid further consequences
• Document these consequences in the copyright agreement

Checklist for this step:

• Have you determined the type of violation you are outlining consequences for?
• Have you identified the nature of the consequences?
• Have you decided if a warning or probation period should be offered before consequences are enforced?
• Have you noted any additional policies or guidelines?
• Have you documented the consequences in the copyright agreement?

Once you have completed all of the steps in this checklist, you can move on to the next step: Documenting the agreement and signing.

Documenting the agreement and signing

• Obtain signatures of all parties involved.
• Have at least one witness sign the agreement.
• Make sure to include a date of execution.
• Make sure all signatures are notarized, if necessary.
• Make sure to keep a copy of the signed agreement.
• Once all parties have signed the agreement, you can check off this step and move on to the next step.

Drafting the agreement

• Brainstorm the elements you want to include in the agreement
• Outline the agreement in sections and subsections
• Draft the agreement in a language that is accurate and clear
• Make sure to include a clause specifying the duration of the copyright
• Once you have completed the agreement, you can move on to the next step of reviewing and revising it.

Reviewing and revising the agreement

• Carefully review the agreement to ensure all relevant information is included
• Make sure the language is clear and easy to understand
• Check that all parties are correctly named and that the scope of the agreement is clear
• Revise the agreement as necessary to accurately reflect the agreement between the parties
• Make sure all parties involved have reviewed the agreement and agreed to the terms
• Once all parties have agreed to the terms of the agreement, you can proceed to the next step of signing the agreement.

Signing the agreement

• Have all parties involved in the agreement sign and date the document
• Have a witness sign and date the document, if applicable
• Make sure that all parties have a copy of the agreement
• Check to make sure that all signatures are present and dated correctly
• When all parties have signed and dated the agreement, you can move on to the next step of storing and updating the agreement.

Storing and updating the agreement

• Create a secure, online database to store the agreement
• Ensure that all changes to the agreement are tracked and documented, so that you can refer back to them as needed
• Ensure that all individuals with access to the agreement are held accountable and that their access is limited to specific areas
• Make sure to update the agreement as needed to reflect any changes in the business and its needs
• When you are confident that the agreement is stored securely and updated regularly, you can check this step off your list and move on to saving a copy of the agreement.

Saving a copy of the agreement

• Make a copy of the agreement for all parties involved in the copyright
• Make sure that each copy is identical to the original, and that there is a hard copy of the original
• Retain the original copy in a secure location
• Ensure all parties involved in the copyright have a copy of the agreement
• When all parties involved have a copy of the agreement, you can move on to the next step.

Updating the agreement as necessary

• Monitor changes in copyright law and any relevant case law - Keep track of any changes or developments in the law that might require you to update the agreement
• Review the agreement periodically - Set a timeline to review and update the agreement, such as every 3-5 years
• Make any necessary changes - If any changes need to be made, update the agreement to reflect them
• Save a copy of the agreement - Make sure to save a copy of the agreement with the updated changes

Once you have monitored the changes in copyright law and reviewed the agreement, made any necessary changes, and saved a copy of the agreement, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

Publicizing the copyrighted work

• Draft a press release with the details of the copyrighted work
• Distribute the press release to relevant media outlets
• Monitor the attention the work receives from the press release
• When you can see the work is gaining attention, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step.

Creating a press release

• Research the media outlets most likely to be interested in the copyrighted work
• Draft a press release that outlines the key details of the copyrighted work
• Ensure the press release is engaging and written in a professional manner
• Submit the press release to the relevant media outlets
• Monitor responses from the media outlets
• When the press release has been published in the relevant media outlets, move on to the next step of sharing the work online.

Sharing the work online

• Upload work to a website such as YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, or other online platforms
• Include a copyright notice on the website with a link to the copyright agreement
• Make sure the copyright agreement is easily accessible on the website
• When complete, the work should be ready to be promoted on social media

Promoting the work on social media

• Select any social media platforms you want to use for promoting your work
• Connect your copyright agreement to the post(s) you make about the work
• Share a brief description of the work and/or link to a website or other location where it can be found
• Make sure to also include a link to your copyright agreement
• Monitor the posts for any feedback or comments
• When you are satisfied with the posts, check this step off your list and move on to the next step of your copyright agreement.

FAQ:

Q: Is an attorney needed to create a copyright agreement?

Asked by Kaylee on January 5th, 2022.
A: Generally speaking, it’s not necessary to hire an attorney to create a copyright agreement. However, depending on the complexity of the agreement and the legal advice you need, you may want to consider consulting a lawyer. An attorney can help ensure that your copyright agreement is legally binding and effective. They can also provide valuable insights into how the agreement may be enforced down the line.

Q: How does a copyright agreement differ from other types of licensing agreements?

Asked by Nathan on February 14th, 2022.
A: A copyright agreement is a legally-binding document between at least two parties (usually the owner of the copyrighted material and the licensee). It outlines the specifics of how and when the copyrighted material can be used, as well as any additional rights that may be granted to the licensee. In contrast, other types of licensing agreements focus more on outlining rights to use physical products or services.

Q: What is fair use in a copyright agreement?

Asked by Emma on March 20th, 2022.
A: Fair use is a legal concept which allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission from or payment to the owner. It is typically used for things like research and education, or for criticism or commentary of a copyrighted work. Fair use should be clearly outlined in any copyright agreement so that both parties are aware of their rights and obligations under the law.

Q: In what ways can a copyright agreement be enforced?

Asked by Matthew on April 3rd, 2022.
A: A copyright agreement can be enforced in a variety of ways depending on its particular terms and conditions. For example, if the agreement stipulates that unauthorized use of copyrighted material will result in legal action, then this action can be taken against any party who breaches the agreement. Other remedies could include financial penalties or an injunction preventing further unauthorized use.

Q: What are moral rights in a copyright agreement?

Asked by Abigail on May 10th, 2022.
A: Moral rights are rights which are granted to authors or creators of copyrighted works regardless of who owns the copyright. These rights relate to how their work is used and credited, and include things such as being credited as its author or having their work used accurately and not distorted in any way. Moral rights should be specified in any copyright agreement so both parties know what is expected of them with regards to attribution and usage.

Q: How do I protect my work from being copied in a copyright agreement?

Asked by Joshua on June 21st, 2022.
A: A copyright agreement will typically include provisions which prohibit any unauthorized copying or distribution of the copyrighted material. This helps protect your work from being copied without your permission or knowledge. Additionally, if you are granting someone else permission to use your work, you may also want to consider including provisions which outline what happens if they do not abide by these terms (such as financial penalties).

Q: What are some benefits associated with having a copyright agreement?

Asked by Olivia on July 17th 2022.
A: Having a clear and legally binding copyright agreement in place offers several benefits for both parties involved in its enforcement. For example, it provides an extra layer of protection for both parties against any potential legal disputes which may arise regarding the misuse or infringement of copyrighted material. It also helps ensure that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities with regards to using and protecting that material.

Q: How do I ensure my copyright agreement is legally binding?

Asked by Jacob on August 12th 2022.
A: In order for your copyright agreement to be legally binding, it must meet certain criteria set out under applicable law in your jurisdiction (such as meeting certain formal requirements). Additionally, both parties should sign the document and keep copies for their records - this shows that both parties agree to its terms and conditions as well as accepting responsibility for abiding by them.

Q: What happens if I violate a term in my copyright agreement?

Asked by Isabella on September 2nd 2022.
A: If you violate one or more terms outlined within your copyright agreement then you may face legal action from the other party involved (or even multiple parties). Depending on the severity of the violation(s), this could include anything from having financial penalties imposed upon you to facing criminal charges for breach of contract - so it is important that you take any violations seriously and take steps to rectify them immediately where possible.

Q: What should I consider when creating a global copyright agreement?

Asked by William on October 15th 2022.
A: When creating a global copyright agreement it’s important to consider different jurisdictions which could potentially be affected by its terms and conditions (e.g., UK vs USA vs EU). Additionally, you should also look at industry-specific regulation which may apply (e.g., SaaS, Technology or B2B) as well as any specific needs which must be addressed (e.g., whether you actually need one). Ultimately, consulting an attorney who is familiar with all relevant laws can help ensure that your global copyright agreement meets all necessary requirements for enforceability across multiple jurisdictions.

Q: Are there any laws or regulations I need to consider when creating a copyright agreement?

Asked by Emma on November 4th 2022
A: Yes - when creating a copyright agreement it is important to consider applicable laws and regulations which may affect its enforceability across multiple jurisdictions (e.g., UK vs USA vs EU). Additionally, industry-specific regulation should also be taken into account (e.g., SaaS, Technology or B2B). Consulting an attorney who is familiar with all relevant laws can help ensure that your global copyright agreement meets all necessary requirements for enforceability across multiple jurisdictions.

Q: How often should I update my copyright agreements?

Asked by Logan on December 22nd 2022
A: It’s important to periodically review and update your existing copyrights agreements - particularly if there have been changes in applicable laws or regulations since they were created - so that they remain up-to-date with current standards and best practices . Additionally, if new technology or services have been introduced since they were created then these should also be taken into consideration when updating them so they remain effective at protecting your intellectual property rights going forward into the future .

Example dispute

Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

• The plaintiff may raise a copyright infringement lawsuit if they believe that the defendant has violated their exclusive rights to control the reproduction, distribution, or public display of the copyrighted work.
• The plaintiff may use the copyright agreement signed by both parties to demonstrate that the defendant has infringed upon the plaintiff’s copyright.
• The plaintiff must prove that the defendant had access to the copyrighted work, that the defendant copied the work, and that the copied work is substantially similar to the original.
• Settlement may be reached between the parties, with the defendant agreeing to stop infringing upon the plaintiff’s copyright and to pay damages to the plaintiff.
• Damages may include the plaintiff’s lost profits, the defendant’s profits attributable to the infringement, or statutory damages up to $30,000 per work infringed.

Templates available (free to use)

Copyright Agreement Form

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