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Hired Services Agreement

For anyone hiring a creative professional to do work — photographer, videographer, designer, editor, or developer. Covers scope of work, deliverables, ownership, payment terms, and legal protections.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your project?

This contract is built for clients hiring a contractor and the contractor taking the work. It fits defined projects where you need to set the scope, pay, deadlines, ownership of the finished work, and how either side can end the arrangement.

Good fit for

  • Businesses and clients hiring a contractor
  • Contractors and freelancers taking a project
  • Service providers and agencies
  • Production and creative teams
  • Anyone setting scope, pay, and ownership for a project

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • The client and the contractor
  • The scope of work and deliverables
  • The pay and payment schedule
  • Deadlines and milestones
  • Who owns the finished work
  • How many revisions are included
  • Expense and reimbursement terms
  • How either side can end the agreement

What's Inside This Contract

Scope of services

Sets the work, deliverables, and what counts as complete.

Ownership and intellectual property

Sets who owns the finished work and any license granted.

Compensation

Covers the pay, payment schedule, and expenses.

Term and termination

Sets how long the work runs and how either side can end it.

Representations and warranties

Confirms each side has the authority to enter the deal.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • The scope of work and what counts as complete
  • The pay structure and payment schedule
  • Who owns the finished work
  • How many revisions are included
  • How either side can end the agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hired services agreement?
A hired services agreement sets the terms for hiring a contractor for a defined project. It covers the scope of work, pay, deadlines, ownership of the work, and how either side can end it.
Who should sign it?
The client and the contractor both sign. Each signature confirms the scope, the pay, and who owns the finished work.
Who owns the finished work?
It depends on the agreement. Some transfer ownership to the client on payment, while others grant a license. The agreement states this clearly.
How are revisions handled?
Most agreements include a set number of revisions and charge for extra rounds. The terms spell out what is included.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the client and contractor, the scope and deliverables, the pay and payment schedule, deadlines, who owns the finished work, the number of revisions, expense terms, and termination terms.
What if the project changes?
Changes to the scope need a written update to the agreement, including any change to pay or deadlines.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a hired services agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any hired services agreement:

  • Vague scope of work
  • No clear ownership of the deliverables
  • No payment deadline
  • Unlimited revisions with no extra pay
  • No termination right