Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Copyright Agreement
I need a copyright agreement that grants a Swiss-based company exclusive rights to use, reproduce, and distribute a software product developed by an independent contractor, with a clause allowing the contractor to retain moral rights and receive royalties based on sales. The agreement should comply with Swiss copyright law and include a dispute resolution mechanism.
What is a Copyright Agreement?
A Copyright Agreement spells out who owns and can use specific creative works, from software code to artistic designs. Under Swiss law, these contracts help creators protect their intellectual property while letting others use their work in agreed-upon ways. They're especially important in creative industries, tech companies, and publishing houses.
The agreement details key terms like royalty payments, usage rights, and how long the permission lasts. It follows Swiss copyright law's strict protection standards while offering flexibility in how rights can be shared or transferred. Good agreements prevent disputes by clearly stating what each party can and can't do with the protected work.
When should you use a Copyright Agreement?
Use a Copyright Agreement before sharing your creative work with others or when using someone else's intellectual property. Common situations include hiring freelance designers, commissioning music for your business, or letting others use your photos or written content. Swiss law automatically protects your work, but these agreements make the terms crystal clear.
Put this agreement in place before any content exchange happens. This prevents misunderstandings about usage rights, payment terms, and attribution requirements. It's particularly important for digital content, where work can be easily copied or modified. Getting it right from the start saves time and prevents costly legal disputes later.
What are the different types of Copyright Agreement?
- Copyright Assignment Contract: Permanently transfers all rights to another party, commonly used in work-for-hire situations
- Copyright Permission Agreement: Grants limited usage rights while retaining ownership, perfect for temporary or specific-use scenarios
- Copyright License Agreement For Music: Specifically tailored for musical works, covering performance and distribution rights
- Copyright License Agreement For Written Work: Focused on text-based content, including publishing and reproduction rights
- Photography Copyright Transfer Agreement: Designed for photographic works, addressing digital rights and image usage terms
Who should typically use a Copyright Agreement?
- Content Creators: Artists, writers, photographers, and musicians who want to protect and monetize their original works
- Publishers: Companies that distribute creative content and need clear rights to reproduce and sell works
- Businesses: Organizations commissioning creative works or using copyrighted material in their operations
- Legal Professionals: Lawyers and intellectual property specialists who draft and review Copyright Agreements
- Digital Platforms: Online services that need licenses to host and distribute copyrighted content
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities requiring permission to use and share teaching materials
How do you write a Copyright Agreement?
- Identify Works: List all creative works to be covered, including their format, date of creation, and unique features
- Define Usage Rights: Specify exactly how the work can be used, modified, or distributed
- Set Duration: Determine how long the agreement will last and any renewal options
- Payment Terms: Outline compensation details, including royalties or one-time payments
- Party Details: Gather complete contact information and legal status of all involved parties
- Territory Scope: Clarify where the rights apply, especially for international use
- Draft Review: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound agreement that meets Swiss requirements
What should be included in a Copyright Agreement?
- Parties' Information: Full legal names, addresses, and contact details of rights holder and recipient
- Work Description: Detailed identification of the copyrighted material, including creation date and format
- Rights Granted: Specific permissions being transferred or licensed under Swiss copyright law
- Usage Terms: Clear boundaries for how, where, and when the work can be used
- Compensation Details: Payment amounts, schedules, and calculation methods
- Duration Clause: Agreement start date and termination conditions
- Dispute Resolution: Swiss jurisdiction choice and conflict resolution procedures
- Signatures Section: Space for dated signatures from all authorized parties
What's the difference between a Copyright Agreement and a Copyright License Agreement?
People often confuse a Copyright Agreement with a Copyright License Agreement. While both deal with intellectual property rights, they serve different purposes under Swiss law. A Copyright Agreement typically involves a complete transfer of rights, while a License Agreement grants specific usage permissions while retaining ownership.
- Ownership Transfer: Copyright Agreements permanently transfer all rights to the new owner; License Agreements maintain original ownership
- Duration: Copyright Agreements are permanent transfers; License Agreements often have specific time limits
- Usage Scope: Copyright Agreements grant all possible rights; License Agreements typically restrict usage to specific purposes or territories
- Payment Structure: Copyright Agreements usually involve one-time payments; License Agreements often include ongoing royalties
- Termination Rights: Copyright Agreements are generally irreversible; License Agreements can include termination clauses
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.