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A corporate-counsel reference on why the work-for-hire doctrine frequently does not cover software, and how to structure assignments so ownership is airtight. It is more technical, aimed at people drafting the actual contract, so bring it to your lawyer or use it to vet a template. Advanced but authoritative.
Quick Counsel: Software Work for Hire (United States)
From Association of Corporate Counsel by Christopher T. Varas, Association of Corporate Counsel
- Software rarely fits the nine statutory work-for-hire categories.
- A present assignment is the reliable path to ownership.
- Copyright transfer does not carry patent rights with it.
