What are my rights to my work product?
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What are my rights to my work product?
I’m a graphic designer and I created a brochure for a large parcel service company. I was hired as a regular employee not as a designer so I signed nothing but the standard paperwork. My boss has asked for the work files to the brochure and after I told him no, he fired me. The brochure includes work I originally created prior to working at parcel delivery store. I’m I in the wrong? He’s issuing threats over theft of property. Do I have to surrender my original artwork?
Asked on September 23, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If you created original art work while you were employed for another company and not where you last were then your former employer is not entitled to this work product because you were not paid as an employee for the work you created by your last employer.
From what you have written, you do not have to surrender your original art work. I suggest that you may wish to consult with a labor law attorney about your matter further.
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