The Wisconsin Assignment of Copyright refers to the legal process where the owner of a copyrighted work transfers their rights to another person or entity within the state of Wisconsin. This transfer allows the assignee to have exclusive control over the work, including the rights to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works from the copyrighted material. Wisconsin recognizes various types of Assignment of Copyright, each serving a distinct purpose and governed by specific laws. These types include: 1. Voluntary Assignment: This is the most common type of copyright assignment in Wisconsin, where the copyright owner willingly transfers their rights to another party through a written agreement. The terms and conditions of the transfer, including any limitations or restrictions, are negotiated and agreed upon by both parties. 2. Work for Hire Agreement: In situations where an employee or an independent contractor creates a work within the scope of their employment or under a specific work-for-hire agreement, the copyright automatically belongs to the employer or hiring party, rather than the creator. This type of assignment is often used in employment contracts or freelance agreements. 3. Exclusive License: An exclusive license grants specific rights to a licensee while allowing the copyright owner to retain ownership. Although the licensor may assign exclusive rights to one or more licensees, they also reserve the right to continue exploiting the work themselves. This type of assignment is commonly found in the music industry, where artists license their songs to record labels for distribution. 4. Non-Exclusive License: Unlike an exclusive license, a non-exclusive license allows multiple parties to use and exploit the copyrighted work simultaneously. This type of assignment is often used for granting permissions to use a work in specific contexts without relinquishing all the rights to it. For example, a photographer may grant a non-exclusive license for a magazine to use their photograph for a limited period. The Wisconsin Assignment of Copyright protects the interests of both copyright owners and assignees by ensuring a clear transfer of rights and defining the scope of the assignment. It is essential for all parties involved in a copyright transfer within Wisconsin to understand the specific type of assignment they are entering into and to consult legal professionals to ensure compliance with copyright laws and regulations.