Client needs a relaease for a copyrighted work.?

Question

I'm a freelance artist who just drew some characters for a client. The artwork is copyrighted to me, of course, but what does it mean when someone asks for a release, and how do I give it?

Answer 1

You could write a letter releasing this artwork for the clients use.

Make your letter specific, include any limitations to the use of the artwork, in order to best protect your rights and future earnings. Crafting the release incorrectly could result in the loss of your ability to enforce the copyright.

Answer 2

Another name for a work release is a contract. The courts will hold a valid commercial contract superior to provisions in the copyright law. For the contract to be valid, there are 2 parts, 1 is a mutual agreement as to rights transfered (all rights or spicific limitations) this is usually verified by the application of signatures, and 2 a payment of money, for which a receipt should be given.

Since this is a visual work, i suggest including a photo or similar printout as an apendix to the document. This will prevent the release from being used for other works you may do.

Answer 3

It is, basically, a contract, where you, the creator and owner of the copyright, releases to the client, the SPECIFIC image for a SPECIFIC use, such as for the one-time publication of a book, or catalogue, or whatever. Consider putting a time limit on it's use, as well.

By making the release as specific as possible, it causes the client to come back to YOU to negotiate any further use of the image.

The more general the use allowed, the more you should charge. If you intend to sell the image, outright, be sure to get enough money for it. Once that client "owns" the image, he can then turn around and sell it to someone else and you have nothing to say about it and can collect no royalties for its continued use.

Answer 4

You cannot tranfer the copyright but you can release it for his purpose to him. Just a release form. Some camera shops sell them.

Answer 5

What you need has to be in one of these (yes, you have to buy the book. But it's cheaper than paying a lawyer to sue your client later):

http://www.amazon.com/Business-Legal-Forms-Graphic-Designers/dp/1581152744/ref=sr_1_6/102-1402672-9897733?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193251430&sr=8-6

http://www.amazon.com/Business-Legal-Forms-Fine-Artists/dp/1581150318/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-1402672-9897733?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193251620&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Legal-Guide-Visual-Artist-Crawford/dp/1581150032/ref=sr_1_11/102-1402672-9897733?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193251660&sr=8-11