Kinda new to the board and I have a question
 

Hi everyone! I'm new to the board but have been lurking for some time.

I have a quick question maybe you all can help me with. I have been working for this company for a little over a year and was always paid "under the table". I did a lot of design work for them (including a site that earns them hella money right now). I did it all, from front end to back end...everything. Well just recently they decided to go "legit" and file taxes. I was never really an employee up until recently.

Now the question. Is all that work copyrighted by me or is it their property now? I know that once you design something that it is automatically copyrighted by the artist UNLESS they are employed by a company at the time of the design. The answer to this question could mean either a lot of $$$$ for me or a lot of :1orglaugh from them.

Welcome :321GFY

If you contest the copyright

You had better be prepared to face the IRS for Tax Evasion.

For Christ Sake you can write everthing off under a legit biz.

I deduct my friggin DOG, his food, vet bills,,,everything.
He stays at my place of business during the week and I take him home on the weekends, he is classified as a security dog.

If you accepted the pay I'd say it's theirs and it says a lot about you if you would go back on it if you could

I have done my share of under the table biz in the past.
Some I did well on, other they buyers did well on giving me the short end of the stick. That's the risk you take.

You just don't go back on your word if your rep means anything to you.

That being said welcome and :321GFY

Interseting question and :321GFY

Anyone know what a court of law would decide say he faced the IRS, paid the taxes, etc?

If you do work for someone, even under the table, and then contest the copyright because you didn't pay TAXES on the damn deal, you will fuck your reputation for good.

Do the honorable thing, contract or no, you made it for them, they own it.

Welcome to the board. :321GFY

-Phil

I'm no lawyer (obviously) but even if you had a case against them, if they weren't willing to just be nice guys and hand you over some loot for all your hard work, you would have to take them to court.

This brings up problems for you like Fred Quimby mentioned and it would obviously cost you court fees in the long run as well. Not to mention you probably wouldn't have a job anymore.

Stuff like this needs to be figured up front and contracts written. Otherwise it's over before it started. Sorry.

if you are paid for your work it is contract for hire and they own the copyright... business or not.

Welcome and :321GFY

I agree with what most have said, you did the under the table deal to save yourself from having to pay taxes, now you're realizing that it was a mistake - consider it a lesson learned. If you go back on the deal then you're not someone I want to do business with.

Welcome. :321GFY