Best examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples freelancers can actually use

Real-world examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples

Let’s start where most freelancers and clients actually start: with real scenarios. These examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples show how ownership, payment, and usage rights play out in day-to-day projects.

Example of a graphic designer work for hire agreement

A marketing agency hires a freelance graphic designer to create a logo, social media templates, and brand icons for a new product launch.

In a strong work for hire agreement, you’d typically see language along these lines:

Ownership and Work Made for Hire
Contractor agrees that all deliverables, including but not limited to logo designs, icons, social media graphics, and source files (the “Work"), are specially ordered or commissioned by Client as a “work made for hire” under 17 U.S.C. § 101. To the extent any Work does not qualify as a work made for hire, Contractor assigns to Client all right, title, and interest in and to the Work, including all copyrights, upon receipt of full payment.

This is one of the best examples of a hybrid clause: it first tries to classify the project as work made for hire, then backs it up with an assignment of rights. That second sentence matters, because not every freelance project fits neatly into the legal definition of “work made for hire” under U.S. copyright law.

Example of a freelance writer content contract with limited reuse

A SaaS company hires a freelance writer to produce a series of 10 blog posts and a lead magnet PDF. The company wants full ownership, but the writer wants the right to show samples in a portfolio.

Here’s how that often looks in practice:

Intellectual Property and Portfolio Use
Writer acknowledges that all written content created under this Agreement, including blog posts, white papers, and downloadable assets, is a work made for hire and the exclusive property of Client upon payment in full. Writer retains a non-exclusive, non-transferable right to display excerpts of the Work for self-promotional purposes in online and offline portfolios, provided that confidential information and paywalled content are not disclosed.

This is one of the clearest examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples that balances client ownership with the freelancer’s need to showcase work. The portfolio carve-out is standard in modern content contracts.

Example of a software developer work for hire agreement (with open-source carve-outs)

A startup brings on a freelance developer to build features for its web app. The company needs full ownership of custom code but doesn’t want to accidentally claim ownership over the developer’s pre-existing libraries or open-source contributions.

A realistic clause might read:

Code Ownership and Pre-Existing Materials
All software code, documentation, and related materials specifically developed for Client under this Agreement ("Project Code") are deemed works made for hire and are owned exclusively by Client upon payment in full. Contractor retains ownership of any pre-existing code, libraries, tools, or frameworks not developed under this Agreement ("Background Materials"). Contractor grants Client a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, modify, and distribute the Background Materials solely as incorporated into the Project Code.

For 2024–2025, this type of clause has become standard because so many developers rely on open-source components. The U.S. Copyright Office provides guidance on how copyright applies to software and compilations, which is worth a read for both sides: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ61.pdf

Example of a social media manager agreement with platform-specific rights

A brand hires a freelance social media manager to create TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts content.

A well-structured work for hire agreement might say:

Content Ownership and Platform Use
All video content, captions, graphics, and strategy documents (the “Social Content") created under this Agreement are works made for hire for Client. Client owns all rights in the Social Content and may use, edit, repurpose, and redistribute it in any media, including but not limited to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, paid advertising, and email marketing.

This is one of the best examples of a clear scope: it spells out not just ownership, but also where and how the content can be reused beyond the original platform.

Example of a photographer work for hire agreement vs. license-only

Photography is a good place to see the difference between work for hire and a license. A company hiring a freelance photographer for a corporate event might use a work for hire agreement if they want full ownership, including raw files.

Work for hire version:

Event Photography as Work Made for Hire
Photographer agrees that all photographs, video footage, and related media captured at Client’s Annual Conference on [Date] (the “Event Media") are specially commissioned as works made for hire. Upon payment in full, Client is the sole owner of the Event Media and may use it in any format and for any purpose, including internal communications, public marketing, and resale.

License-only version (not work for hire):

License to Use Photographs
Photographer retains ownership of all copyrights in the images. Upon payment in full, Photographer grants Client a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive license to use the images for marketing, website, social media, and internal communications. Client may not sell, transfer, or sublicense the images without Photographer’s written consent.

These side-by-side contract snippets are powerful examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples versus a more traditional licensing model.

Example of a UX/UI designer agreement for a startup product

A seed-stage startup hires a freelance UX/UI designer to design its first mobile app. The founders want to avoid any question about who owns the product design if they raise funding or get acquired.

You might see language such as:

Product Design Ownership
All user interface designs, wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and design systems created under this Agreement ("Design Assets") are works made for hire. To the extent any Design Assets do not qualify as works made for hire, Designer hereby assigns all right, title, and interest in and to the Design Assets to Client. Designer waives any moral rights to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Investors and acquirers often review these agreements during due diligence, which is why this is one of the best examples of tight IP language in the startup world.

Example of a marketing consultant agreement with mixed IP

A marketing consultant is hired to create a launch strategy, email flows, and ad copy templates. Some of the consultant’s frameworks are proprietary and reused across multiple clients.

A realistic mixed-IP clause might be:

Consulting Materials and Frameworks
All custom deliverables created exclusively for Client, including campaign plans, email sequences, and ad copy ("Client Deliverables"), are works made for hire and owned by Client upon payment in full. Consultant retains ownership of any proprietary frameworks, templates, or methodologies used to produce the Client Deliverables ("Consultant IP"). Consultant grants Client a non-exclusive license to use the Consultant IP solely as incorporated in the Client Deliverables.

This is one of the more nuanced examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples because it separates reusable intellectual property from one-off client-specific work.

Example of a video editor agreement with stock and AI-generated assets

By 2024–2025, more video projects mix original footage, stock clips, and AI-generated assets. A production company might hire a freelance editor to assemble a brand video using all three.

A modern clause could look like this:

Edited Video Ownership and Third-Party Assets
Editor agrees that the final edited videos delivered under this Agreement (the “Final Videos") are works made for hire owned by Client upon payment in full. Editor represents that all third-party stock footage, music, and AI-generated assets used in the Final Videos are properly licensed for Client’s intended use. Ownership of such third-party or AI-generated materials remains with the original rights holders, and Client’s rights are limited to the scope of the applicable licenses.

The U.S. Copyright Office has updated guidance on AI-generated works and copyright, which is increasingly relevant in these types of agreements: https://www.copyright.gov/ai/

Key clauses that show up in the best examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples

Across all these scenarios, the strongest examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples tend to share a handful of recurring clauses. The wording varies, but the concepts are consistent.

Clear definition of “work made for hire” and assignment backup

Modern contracts rarely rely on “work for hire” language alone. They usually pair it with an assignment clause. That’s because U.S. law only recognizes work for hire status in specific situations.

The U.S. Copyright Office explains the categories that may qualify as works made for hire here: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf

So in a well-drafted agreement, you’ll often see something like:

The parties intend that the Deliverables constitute works made for hire. If, for any reason, any Deliverable does not qualify as a work made for hire, Contractor hereby assigns all right, title, and interest in and to such Deliverable to Client.

That combination shows up repeatedly in the best examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples because it minimizes the risk of ownership disputes later.

Scope of work tied directly to ownership

Another pattern in real examples: the scope of work section and the IP section talk to each other. The contract defines exactly what counts as a “Deliverable,” then the IP clause says who owns those deliverables and when.

For instance, a freelance developer’s agreement might define Deliverables as:

Features A, B, and C of the web application, associated APIs, and technical documentation.

Then the IP clause says that those specific Deliverables are works made for hire. That precision is what separates a vague template from the best examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples.

Payment triggers ownership transfer

In most real-world contracts, ownership is tied to payment. Until the invoice is paid, the freelancer keeps ownership (or at least some leverage).

You’ll see language such as:

Ownership of the Work transfers to Client only upon receipt of full payment for the applicable milestone or final invoice.

This gives the freelancer a clear remedy if the client ghosts them, and it gives the client a clear path to full ownership.

Portfolio and self-promotion rights

Nearly every modern example of freelance work for hire agreement examples for creatives includes a portfolio clause. Clients get ownership; freelancers get permission to show the work.

Common language:

Contractor may display the Work in portfolios and on websites or social media for self-promotional purposes, provided that such use does not disclose Client’s confidential information or unpublished campaigns.

Freelancers should watch for contracts that ban portfolio use entirely, especially in industries where a public body of work is needed to land future clients.

Confidentiality and non-disclosure

Work for hire agreements often sit alongside confidentiality and non-disclosure terms. This is especially common in tech, healthcare, and finance projects.

If you’re working with sensitive data (for example, protected health information under HIPAA), you may see references to U.S. regulations or additional agreements. For health-related projects, clients sometimes point to federal guidance from sources such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html

While that’s not directly about copyright, it affects how work product can be used, stored, and shared.

2024–2025 trends shaping new examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples

The basic logic of work for hire hasn’t changed, but the context absolutely has. New examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples now reflect:

Remote-first and cross-border work

More U.S. companies are hiring freelancers in other countries, and vice versa. That means contracts now specify governing law and jurisdiction more clearly, and sometimes include separate IP assignment documents to satisfy local requirements.

You’ll see more language like:

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.

and sometimes:

Contractor agrees to execute any additional documents reasonably requested by Client to confirm Client’s ownership of the Work in any jurisdiction.

AI tools and generated content

As AI tools become standard in design, writing, and coding, contracts are starting to spell out who is responsible for copyright issues and data privacy.

Newer examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples may include:

Contractor represents and warrants that any AI tools used to create the Work are used in compliance with applicable terms of service and do not knowingly incorporate third-party copyrighted content without proper authorization.

This helps clients avoid unintentional infringement and clarifies that the freelancer is responsible for how they use AI.

Platform-specific ownership rules

Social media, app stores, and marketplaces each have their own terms, which can affect how content is used or monetized. That’s why contracts now more often list the platforms where content will appear and confirm that the client’s rights extend beyond those platforms.

For example, a TikTok campaign contract might say the brand can repurpose the videos for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and paid ads, even if they were originally created for one platform.

How to use these examples without copying them blindly

These examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples are meant as patterns, not copy-paste solutions. Laws differ by country and state, and the U.S. concept of “work made for hire” is defined narrowly in statute.

If you’re in the U.S., it’s worth skimming the Copyright Office’s circulars on works made for hire and copyright basics:

• General copyright overview: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf
• Works made for hire: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf

The safest approach is:

• Use these examples to identify the clauses you need (ownership, portfolio rights, payment triggers, AI use, etc.).
• Draft or adjust your own template to match your industry and typical projects.
• Have a licensed attorney review your final agreement, especially if large budgets or equity are involved.

The more your contract reflects the real work you’re doing—the actual deliverables, tools, and platforms—the more it will look like the best real-world examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples, and the less likely you’ll be arguing about ownership when the project is over.

FAQ about examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples

What is an example of a simple freelance work for hire clause?
A very simple example of a work for hire clause is: “Contractor agrees that all deliverables created under this Agreement are works made for hire and the exclusive property of Client upon payment in full. To the extent any deliverable does not qualify as a work made for hire, Contractor hereby assigns all rights in such deliverable to Client.” Most real contracts add more detail, but this is the basic idea.

Do all freelance projects need to be work for hire?
No. Many freelancers prefer licensing models, especially in photography, illustration, and music. Some of the best examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples actually show a mix: certain deliverables are work for hire, while others are licensed under specific terms.

Are work for hire agreements legal outside the United States?
The phrase “work made for hire” is specific to U.S. copyright law. Other countries have different frameworks for employee and contractor-created works. If you’re working cross-border, your contract should specify governing law and may need local legal review.

Can a freelancer keep portfolio rights in a work for hire agreement?
Yes, if the contract says so. Many modern examples of freelance work for hire agreement examples explicitly give freelancers the right to show finished work in portfolios and case studies, as long as they don’t reveal confidential information.

Where can I find more examples of legally sound contract language?
Law school clinics, bar association resources, and small business development centers sometimes publish sample agreements or guides. While they’re not tailored to your exact situation, they can provide additional examples to compare against your own drafts.