University of Virginia Library

6. OTHER CONTRACTS WITH THIRD PARTIES

University employees who contract with third parties for the development of copyrightable works can relinquish no greater interest in the materials than they possess. Therefore, if the employee makes significant use of University facilities, personnel or resources to develop the materials, the University retains an interest in the work, regardless of the terms of the contract between the University employee and, the third party, unless the University specifically waives its rights.

In the case of a commissioned or specially ordered work created for the University by an independent contractor, the University may claim a copyright interest in the work. Such work - falls within the class of works made for hire, but differs from works created by University employees in that a written agreement signed by both parties is required before the University can claim the copyright interest in the independent contractor's work.