U.S. Copyright Act - Section 201: Primary legislation governing ownership and transfer of copyright, including initial ownership, works made for hire, and transfers of ownership rights
U.S. Copyright Act - Section 204: Specifies requirements for transfer of copyright ownership, including the necessity of written documentation signed by the rights owner
U.S. Copyright Act - Section 101: Provides essential definitions for copyright law terms and concepts, including 'work made for hire' and 'transfer of copyright ownership'
U.S. Copyright Act - Section 106: Outlines the exclusive rights granted to copyright owners, including reproduction, distribution, and creation of derivative works
Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Federal law addressing copyright issues in digital media and online environment, particularly relevant for digital works transfer
Work-for-hire Doctrine: Legal principle under 17 U.S.C. ยง 201(b) determining copyright ownership when works are created by employees or specifically commissioned
Joint Works Provisions: Legal framework governing works created by multiple authors with intentions to merge their contributions into a single work
State Contract Laws: General contract formation principles that vary by state, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and enforceability
Statute of Frauds: Legal requirement that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable
Fair Use Provisions: Limitations on exclusive rights of copyright owners, allowing certain uses without permission under specific circumstances
Community for Creative Non-Violence v. Reid Case: Supreme Court case (1989) establishing criteria for determining whether a work is made for hire and distinguishing between employees and independent contractors
Copyright Registration Procedures: Administrative requirements for registering copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office, including forms, fees, and deposit requirements
Transfer Recordation Requirements: Procedures for recording transfers of copyright ownership with the U.S. Copyright Office for public notice and priority purposes
