Can I "recycle" a commissioned artwork?

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Accepted Answer

The designs of the invitation cards and publicity posters are protected by copyright as an artistic work.  Your use of such artwork depends on what was agreed between your company and the graphics designer on the use of the artwork and/or ownership of copyright in the artwork.

If there was no agreement on this issue, the default position is that the graphics designer, although commissioned by you, (or his company, if he is an employee) owns the copyright to the artwork. You should only "recycle" the designs with permission as this involves making copies of the artwork. Even though the event details will be changed, a substantial part of the artwork would have been copied and this is enough to infringe copyright.

In general, it is best to ensure at the outset that the terms of the engagement suit your company's needs. This must be agreed between both parties in writing.

Can I "recycle" a commissioned artwork?

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