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I am a commercial printer. I have subcontracted my ...
Sent to Legal Experts May 31 09:43 PM

I am a commercial printer. I have subcontracted my typesetting and graphic design work to an outside typesetting service. I found her calling on my accounts. I have paid her for typesetting and layout on all jobs and now have asked for my files back. She refuses, saying they are hers and are copyrighted. These are files for my customers and she refuses to give them back to myself or my clients. This is creating a hardship for my business. Who has the legal right to this property?

 

Optional Information:
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Already Tried:
Asking for my files, and have talked with other printers who believe the files do not belong to the typesetter for any reason except if they photographs for the rest of the brochure.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
May 31 10:04 PM (20 minutes and 48 seconds later)
         
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May 31 10:11 PM (7 minutes and 18 seconds later)
         
But, I originally gave her my files on disks and most of the work is just updates to those files that we originally created.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 31 10:15 PM (3 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Thank you for the additional information. This changes things, as I did not realize you supplied the original work. She is incorrect. Any modifications that she makes to the original files can be considered derivatives of your copyrighted work. Derivative works are covered under copyright laws and she is prohibited from using them.

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Edited by Jen Sterling on May 31 2007 at 10:15 PM
PictureNOT LEGAL ADVICE! -- FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY -- 100% Positive Feedback on 1948 Legal Accepts
Information provided is for entertainment puposes only and is NOT legal advice.
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