The question
I've been looking to hire a programmer to create software for me, and having finally found someone I believe to be perfectly suited, I worry about whether I'll own the created work once they're finished, and whether or not I'll be able to monetize content made from the product. In such a case, is the created work owned by the client (me), or the creator? If it's owned by the client, can they monetize that product or use it to receive donations? Also, what if the transaction is handled through an online service (like Fiverr)? Fiverr (for example) claims to have policy regarding this, but it's unclear what qualifies. Does their policy even matter given the existence of law on the subject?