Moral rights clause for freelancers
A moral rights clause: whether the creator keeps the right to be credited and to object to changes after ownership transfers.
Moral rights clause: copy and adapt
To the extent permitted by law, the Provider waives, and agrees not to assert, any moral rights in the deliverables, including the right to be identified as author and to object to modification, in favour of the Client and its licensees. This waiver takes effect on full payment. Where moral rights cannot be waived under applicable law, the Provider agrees not to exercise them unreasonably.
When to use it
When a client needs to adapt the work freely after delivery: brand assets, marketing copy, product design. In the EU and UK, moral rights exist by default; waiving them should be deliberate.
Variants by trade
Artists keeping credit
The Provider retains the right to be credited as author where the work is published with credits, and the Client will not materially distort the work in a way that harms the Provider's reputation.
Writers
The Client may edit the copy freely. If the edits substantially change the meaning, the Provider may ask to have its byline removed.
Frequently asked questions
What are moral rights?
Personal rights of the creator, separate from copyright: mainly the right to be credited and to object to distortion of the work. They're strong in Europe and weaker in the US.
Can moral rights be waived?
In the UK and US, yes, in writing. In some countries, such as France and Italy, they can't be waived, only not enforced.
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These clauses are general templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by country and state; for high-value or unusual deals, have a lawyer review your contract.
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