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“Work Made for Hire” Can Convert a Contractor to an Employee

California Labor Code, whcih can convert a contractor to an employeeIn California, a “work made for hire” (WMFH) provision in a contract can convert a contractor to an employee. This post describes the statutory basis for this little-known area of the  law.

Before providing details, I will note that the (likely unwanted) ability to convert a contractor to an employee will arise only under narrowly-defined circumstances.

  • The independent contractor must be an individual rather than a legal entity (a corporation or limited liability company).
  • The relevant contract must expressly specify WMFH treatment for the contractor’s work product.
  • The contractual relationship must be governed by California law. (I don’t know whether any other states have similar laws.)

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