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Copyright Ownership: Independent Contractors and Volunteers
By law, unless NC State obtains a transfer of copyright ownership in writing, independent contractors and volunteers hold the copyright to works they create. §5.3.3
Therefore, NC State shall obtain copyright ownership for all works created by independent contractors. The NC State unit that has initiated or benefited from the contract shall be responsible for including contract language providing for NC State ownership of the copyright. A vice chancellor or designee must approve any exceptions. Model language is included in the Independent Contractor Copyright Clause.§5.3.3.1 and §5.3.3.3.
NC State shall obtain copyright ownership or a icense for all works created by volunteers. NC State unit that has initiated or benefited from the work shall be responsible for obtaining the appropriate rights. §5.3.3.2.
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