Cost: Artworks Members  Free

What has Spawn Spawned?

When two or more authors decide to collaborate on a work of art, they never consider the problems that may arise. The Copyright Act says they both do if they have the intention to be partners and the material contributed can be copyrighted.

Recently, a trial in Chicago decided that joint-authorship may have to be reconsidered. The case involves the comic spawn. Two illustrators worked together but not as employer-employee. The question arose as to how much each contributed to the final copies of the comic. The court said “enough” to award copyright to both. Of course, there was no written contract between the parties as to any agreements.

It is suggested that parties always have a simple letter stating that the parties have the intention to be joint-authors. This agreement will prevent fewer contentions. It is just that simple.