I think that only applies to a "work for hire", which means it was done under regular employment for a company so the company owns it. If you commission a sing

I think that only applies to a "work for hire", which means it was done under regular employment for a company so the company owns it. If you commission a single work from an artist, then he retains the copyright (unless your contract says otherwise). So before you spend that $5 million commissioning a painting, have your lawyer look over the contract... likewise, before you get that $50 tattooed bunny on your ankle, read the paperwork, if the artist hasn't signed over the copyright to you, then he owns it.