Graphic design and copyright issues

     My company is in the process of creating a capabilities brochure. We are planning to hire an outside graphic design/public relations professional to do the actual design, but we are hesitant because our company wants to own the copyright to the design on the brochure.

     I assume that the designer we hire would have the right to the copyright of their work. But, is it common for persons in this situation to forfeit ownership if asked. Is there any reason why our company should not have the copyright? The policy of our company is that any internal work done by employees becomes the property of the company. Can we extend this policy to an external person doing work for us?

     Graphics and copyright issues are not my forte. If anyone could offer advice or insight, I would appreciate it.

                                        Thanks

                                        Amy Schwarzenbach
                                        schwarzen[_at_]zeus.ieminc.com
                                        IEM, Inc Baton Rouge, LA
                                        504-767-8191