http://keepyourcopyrights.org/copyright/rights/work-for-hire

The client who contracted me for the work responded to my threat by citing the “works made for hire” clause of the US Copyright Law. He then threatened to sue me for damages if I contacted his clients.

I have some questions, though? Could content I’ve never been paid for actually be considered “works made for hire?” Wouldn’t this portion of the contract be null and void if no payment has been made for the content but it’s been published anyway? Wouldn’t I have a right to claim the copyright until payment is received as stipulated by our contract? My contract with this particular client doesn’t explicitly state this, but to me, “works made for hire” equals “works paid for” and not “works pirated.”

I having some trouble interpreting the actual meaning of “for hire” in the US Copyright Law. I plan to consult an attorney but I thought I’d post here to see if anyone has encountered a similar a situation and has any advice. Any light shed on this would be most appreciated.

An anonymous commenter on my blog said that s/he was an editor for LCP, and that they were all sent letters end of last week regarding a “change of direction.” (By the way, she reports that NONE of the editors have been paid yet. Apparently Hope hasn’t, either.)

This commenter says that s/he recognized the ads on elance because they match LCP’s new plans.

http://www.scriptlance.com/projects/1191298262.shtml

- I will not use a third part escrow system.
- Please do not ask for advance payments or miles stones; please do not ask for some payment after you complete one, two, or three sites. I have been there and done that and was ripped off. Sorry just like bad buyers there are providers who lie about their skills, work, and take peoples money. I lose money you loose work. I rather have my $2000 in my hand.
- You must meet the first deadline. At that deadline all sources files must be delivered on time. You must meet the second deadline at that point all sources files must be delivered. I will require our people to test your work before payment and we will ask you to fix any problems before we pay out.
- You will be paid in full through Pay Pal, or Bank Transfer. No Western Union or Money Gram.
- Must provide samples of your work and do a mock up to show design quality.

I have no idea if this company is LCP in disguise but if it is, definitely beware and even if it isn’t the payment terms are very rough and they give themselves many outs

Thanks for the tip. Will do. WR
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

—–Original Message—–
From: “Kathy Neilsen”

Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:40:36
To:
Subject:

This letter was sent to dozens of writers after writers raised concerns over legitimacy of company Laray Carr. Google it if your interested on the sordid details