Copyright on a comic strip?

I think that legally, any original work you create, regardless of if you put a © notice, is copyrighted to you. Putting it on your comic doesn't seem out of line at all, but if you can find some other examples of comics in newsletters or newspapers, see what those artists did.

Hi pokie, I'm a syndicated cartoonist and would have to agree with Apfhex. You are covered as the original creator of the work. Though I would absolutely put the copyright info tag on your strip.
First, you have no idea how successful or well recieived (not to mention valuable to your company) your strip may turn out to be. It may open up some terrific opportunities for you. You want to let them know upfront you are aware the copyright belongs to you. As an artist, it is vital you protect your ideas and keep an open eye towards leveraging your efforts whenever and as much as possible.

I wish you the best of luck, have at it! Maybe you can post a few of your strips
when your ready.
C-
http://www.baldocomics.com/

Another question-- the HR lady gave me some suggestions -- including a title. I had my name on this strip. Am I obligated to put her name as well if she gives suggestions? I don't know what to do.

thumbs up for comments above.
Although im not a cartoonist, my common sense tells me.
Go with a title. Sign it. Include a footnote if you really want to thank your helping HR lady.

just an example:
something like:
"The weekly jar of coporate gem"
by Pokie (your name here :)

and on the copyright footnote you could go (c) Pokie 2006. With lots of thanx to HR lady.
or
with helpful contributions by HR lady.

--------------------------------------------------
always outnumbered, never outgunned

If you are an employee of the company then they own whatever work you do for them. You cannot put a copyright mark on it. At least it's this way in the US.

More here.

Natobasso
Web Master/Project Manager
Bass Player

I believe the above link really refers to an employee developing a product that's produced and developed within a employees original job description, while working on company time.

Unless you were hired to produce any kind of graphic work for your company's newsletter, I don't believe they should be able to claim any copyright over a comic strip you offer for inclusion in their newsletter.

In any case, to be safe and to side step any misunderstanding, have them sign a simple contract up front stating they understand and agree you will be the copy right holder of the comic strip you are submitting.

Good luck,
http://www.CarlosCastellanos.com
http://www.BaldoComics.com

It's a very similar example regarding copyright/employee issues. The issue is the person's status is an employee and the fact is whatever that employee does for the company is owned by the company; but this can be mitigated by the laws of each state.

I agree a contract should be drawn up, but whether that contract would hold up in court is still open for debate. I don't think it would be enforceable, (see above.)
----
natobasso

Hi Pokie,

Here btw is a link to a cartoonist in SA who does this (comics for internal communications) a lot:
http://www.gibsreview.co.za/home.asp?pid=11&toolid=2&itemid=167&reviewid=162

Best wishes
Manoj (newbie)
www.marketingedgedesigns.com

it belongs to the company if you do it on their time or using their equipment. it may also belong to them if you do it without a signed contract stating that it is yours and they are licensing it from you for the purpose of this newsletter. The key is having the proof

so
(A) do it at home
(B) don't do it for free
(C) don't hand anything over until you have a contract
(D) make sure your lawyer checks over a contract if they offer you one drawn up by their lawyer
(E) if you can afford to have a lawyer involved, involve him/her