If we hire someone to produce a work, who owns the copyright?

Under the 1976 Act, if that person is an in-house employee and that person creates the work within the scope of employment, this type of work is known as a "work for hire," and your company is considered the author and owner of the copyright. However, if the person is an outside consultant, such as a computer programmer, that consultant may own the work unless there is an agreement to the contrary.