Do contracts for content copyrights need to be signed?

Simple question I'm sure: I am paying multiple people for small articles they are writing for me. Can I just write up some sort of template contract, stating that they transfer all copyrights and ownerships over to me, and have them just agree to it through text? Or do they need to type their name (like an e-signature)?

Or do I need a hard copy with real signatures to do this?


Thanks,

Kyle

 

Personally, I would ask them to sign a statement that they release the copyright to you, and that they did not violate any copyright creating the article. It is far better to err on the safe side in a situation like that, as even a single copyright infringement could potentially cost you a lot of money.

 

Thanks jestep

Any other insights?

The problem is that i have about 60 people writing for me. That would be a big hassle. They all are writing 1-3 articles each...

Will a digital signature do?

 

I think that digital signature will do, if you would have all the proof that you paid them for these paricular articles.