Attribution clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
An attribution clause sets out how credit must be given when work, contributions, or intellectual property created under an agreement is published, displayed, or shared. It helps protect recognition, manage reputational interests, and ensure transparency around authorship or origin.
Below are templates for attribution clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.
Attribution clause with mandatory credit line
This version requires clear acknowledgment in all uses.
Any public use, display, or distribution of work created under this agreement must include the following attribution: “Developed by [Party Name] under agreement with [Other Party Name],” unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Attribution clause with co-branded acknowledgment
This version ensures both parties are named.
Where applicable, materials produced shall display both parties’ names, trademarks, or logos in a manner agreed upon by the parties, ensuring fair attribution of their respective contributions.
Attribution clause with waiver option
This version allows one party to waive attribution.
Either party may waive its right to attribution by providing written notice. In such cases, the other party shall not be obligated to include any form of public acknowledgment.
Attribution clause with digital media requirement
This version applies to online usage.
For digital publications, websites, or social media, attribution must include a hyperlink to the credited party’s website or profile, where feasible and appropriate.
Attribution clause with context-specific attribution
This version tailors attribution based on medium.
Attribution shall be provided in a manner appropriate to the medium—e.g., end credits for video, footnotes for written works, or metadata tags for digital assets.
Attribution clause with prior approval requirement
This version requires consent before credit is published.
No public attribution shall be made under this agreement without the prior written approval of the credited party, including approval of placement, language, and context.
Attribution clause with nondisparagement link
This version ties attribution to brand integrity.
Attribution must not be presented in a context that harms, misrepresents, or disparages the credited party, and may not suggest endorsement beyond the scope of the work.
Attribution clause with internal use exemption
This version excludes private/internal usage.
Attribution is not required for internal or non-public use of deliverables, provided that the materials are not published, distributed, or made accessible to external parties.
Attribution clause with revocation right
This version allows withdrawal of attribution rights.
The credited party may revoke attribution rights if the attribution is used in a misleading, defamatory, or inappropriate manner. Upon notice, the other party shall promptly remove or correct the attribution.
Attribution clause with academic publication language
This version supports scholarly or research outputs.
In any academic or research publication arising from work under this agreement, the parties agree to acknowledge each other’s contributions in accordance with standard scholarly citation practices.
Attribution clause with placement specification
This version dictates exactly where attribution appears.
Attribution must be placed prominently on the first page or opening screen of the work, or in the opening credits where applicable, and must not be obscured or minimized.
Attribution clause with equal visibility requirement
This version ensures fair brand exposure.
Where both parties are credited, their names, logos, or marks shall be displayed with equal prominence, size, and placement to ensure balanced visibility.
Attribution clause with branding guideline compliance
This version requires following brand standards.
Attribution must adhere to the credited party’s official branding guidelines, including logo usage, color schemes, and typographic standards, as provided in writing.
Attribution clause with language approval
This version mandates review of how the party is credited.
The language used in any attribution must be reviewed and approved in advance by the credited party to ensure accuracy and consistency with their brand representation.
Attribution clause with timed exclusivity period
This version grants exclusive recognition for a period.
[Party A] shall be the sole credited party for the first [X] months following release. After this period, attribution may include other contributors as agreed.
Attribution clause with social media tagging
This version extends attribution to social platforms.
Where work is promoted via social media, the posting party must tag the credited party’s official social media handles in each post containing the work.
Attribution clause with event acknowledgment
This version requires verbal or visual credit during events.
During any live event, webinar, or presentation where the work is featured, the credited party must be verbally acknowledged or displayed on presentation slides.
Attribution clause with translated works clause
This version ensures attribution is preserved in all languages.
Attribution must be included in all translated versions or adaptations of the work and must reflect the original credited party unless otherwise waived.
Attribution clause with third-party publication control
This version manages attribution in media.
If a third party (e.g., press, publisher) features the work, the originating party must use best efforts to ensure proper attribution is maintained in all external coverage.
Attribution clause with removal for non-compliance
This version penalizes improper use.
Failure to provide attribution as required shall be considered a material breach of this agreement and may result in the credited party requesting immediate removal or withdrawal of the content.
Attribution clause with metadata requirement
This version embeds credit into files.
Attribution information must be embedded in the metadata of all digital files (e.g., images, videos, documents) associated with the work, when technically feasible.
Attribution clause with contribution breakdown
This version clarifies what was done by whom.
Attribution must specify the nature of each party’s contribution to the work (e.g., “Research by [Party A], Writing by [Party B]”) rather than using generic acknowledgments.
Attribution clause with co-authoring language
This version ensures proper author credit.
Where a work product is written, both parties shall be listed as co-authors, unless otherwise agreed, with the order of names determined by mutual consent.
Attribution clause with contractor attribution limits
This version prevents use of names by default.
Independent contractors may not be publicly credited in connection with the work unless expressly authorized in writing by the hiring party.
Attribution clause with removal upon request
This version allows opting out of credit.
If a party wishes to no longer be associated with the published work, the other party must promptly remove their name, mark, or other attribution references from future use.
Attribution clause with software attribution format
This version applies to open-source or proprietary code.
Attribution in software projects must be included in the README file and in the code header comments in accordance with customary development practices.
Attribution clause with promotional rights clause
This version allows referencing the relationship.
The credited party may publicly state that it contributed to the work under this agreement for promotional purposes, provided that such statements are factual and not misleading.
Attribution clause with jurisdictional variation clause
This version adjusts to local norms.
The form of attribution shall comply with local laws and customs in each jurisdiction where the work is published or displayed.
Attribution clause with project portfolio listing
This version enables internal credit use.
Either party may list the work in their internal or public-facing project portfolio, provided that attribution is accurate and does not imply exclusivity or endorsement.
Attribution clause with name format control
This version governs how names appear.
Attribution must use the credited party’s full legal name or official business name and must not abbreviate, stylize, or modify it without written approval.
Attribution clause with limitation on endorsement
This version prevents misinterpretation.
Attribution shall not be used in a way that suggests the credited party endorses any specific product, service, or opinion beyond the scope of the work performed.
Attribution clause with publication embargo
This version defers credit until release.
Attribution obligations shall not apply until the associated work has been officially published, released, or made public according to the project timeline.
Attribution clause with archival requirement
This version mandates permanent credit retention.
The credited party’s name or logo must remain associated with the work in all archival versions, digital libraries, or long-term repositories.
Attribution clause with scope limitation
This version applies attribution only to final outputs.
Attribution is required only in final deliverables shared publicly and is not required on interim drafts, internal notes, or supporting research files.
Attribution clause with fallback format
This version provides default wording.
In the absence of agreed attribution language, the following shall apply: “This work was created in collaboration with [Party Name].”
Attribution clause with audio/visual credit integration
This version defines how to give credit in media.
In audio or video works, attribution must be included in the closing credits or within the first [X] seconds of the content, using legible text and clear voiceover, if applicable.
Attribution clause with license-aligned requirement
This version reflects Creative Commons or similar terms.
Where content is governed by a Creative Commons or similar license, attribution must follow the license’s requirements, including author, source, and link back.
Attribution clause with permanent web placement
This version requires credit on websites.
If the work is hosted or featured on a website, attribution must appear on the same page as the work itself or in a clearly visible credits or acknowledgments section.
Attribution clause with contributor opt-in
This version allows contributors to request credit.
Individual contributors may elect to be credited in association with the work by submitting a written request and specifying the format and placement of such credit.
Attribution clause with exclusivity clause
This version limits multi-party credit.
Attribution shall be limited to [Party A] as the sole named contributor, and no other individuals or entities shall be publicly credited without prior approval.
Attribution clause with AI-generated content disclaimer
This version clarifies authorship when AI is involved.
If the work includes AI-generated elements, attribution must clearly distinguish between human and machine-generated contributions, stating: “Portions of this content were created with the assistance of AI technology.”
Attribution clause with acknowledgment section format
This version specifies where in documents credit must appear.
Attribution must be included in a dedicated “Acknowledgments” section of any written publication or report that includes the work, unless otherwise directed.
Attribution clause with time-limited credit
This version limits how long credit is shown.
Attribution shall be displayed for a minimum of [X] months following publication or release. After that time, removal or reduction in visibility is permitted.
Attribution clause with interactive interface placement
This version covers apps or software UI.
Attribution must appear on the About page or Settings screen of any software, app, or digital interface where the work is featured.
Attribution clause with broadcast media compliance
This version sets standards for radio, podcast, or TV.
In audio or broadcast content, attribution must be read audibly and must include the credited party’s full name within the first or final 30 seconds of the content.
Attribution clause with visual watermark requirement
This version mandates branding on visuals.
The credited party’s logo or name must appear as a watermark or overlay on visual assets created under this agreement, unless this interferes with design quality.
Attribution clause with source code license reference
This version ensures legal alignment.
For software projects, attribution must include a reference to the license type (e.g., MIT, GPL) and a link to the license text or repository readme.
Attribution clause with auto-removal on brand updates
This version adapts to rebrands.
If the credited party rebrands or changes its public identity, the other party must update or remove outdated attributions within 30 days of notification.
Attribution clause with content management system integration
This version embeds credit in digital platforms.
The credited party’s name must be embedded as metadata or structured content in any CMS, content hub, or digital publishing system used to deliver the work.
Attribution clause with institutional affiliation
This version includes academic or corporate context.
Attribution must include the credited party’s affiliated institution, business unit, or department, where applicable.
Attribution clause with employee-level restriction
This version controls credit within organizations.
No individual employee shall be named in attribution unless approved by the employing organization and aligned with its internal recognition policy.
Attribution clause with legal disclaimer linkage
This version ensures credit does not imply liability.
Attribution must be accompanied by the disclaimer: “This acknowledgment does not imply legal responsibility for the content or opinions expressed.”
Attribution clause with permanent QR code reference
This version embeds attribution via scannable code.
Where applicable, attribution shall include a scannable QR code linking to the credited party’s website, portfolio, or digital profile.
Attribution clause with third-party platform credit policy
This version complies with host site rules.
Attribution must conform to the third-party platform’s terms of service or contributor guidelines when published on external sites (e.g., YouTube, Medium, GitHub).
Attribution clause with removal for brand risk
This version protects reputation.
If the credited party reasonably believes that association with the work poses a reputational risk, it may demand removal of attribution within 10 business days.
Attribution clause with pseudonym use allowance
This version allows aliases or stage names.
Attribution may be made using a pseudonym or professional alias instead of a legal name, as long as prior written notice is provided.
Attribution clause with reprint acknowledgment
This version ensures ongoing recognition.
If the work is reprinted, republished, or reproduced in future formats, the original attribution must be retained unless explicitly waived.
Attribution clause with credit for derivative works
This version extends to adaptations.
Attribution must be preserved in all derivative works, adaptations, remixes, or reinterpretations of the original work.
Attribution clause with press release inclusion
This version requires credit in PR.
When announcing the release of the work, attribution must be included in any related press releases, media advisories, or public statements.
Attribution clause with multilingual display
This version requires translated credit.
Attribution must be translated and presented in the same language(s) as the work’s main content, maintaining consistency across all localizations.
Attribution clause with removal upon project disassociation
This version addresses exit scenarios.
If a party withdraws from the project before completion, it may request removal of its name from any public-facing attribution with written notice.
Attribution clause with affiliate credit
This version acknowledges partner entities.
Attribution may include affiliated brands, subsidiaries, or parent companies when they materially contribute to the project, with prior agreement on naming format.
Attribution clause with video timestamping
This version standardizes video credit.
For videos, attribution must appear between [minute:second] and [minute:second], with legible on-screen placement and at least 3 seconds of visibility.
Attribution clause with watermark removal timeline
This version allows phase-out.
If watermark-based attribution is used initially, it may be removed after [X] months, provided alternative attribution remains visible elsewhere in the work.
Attribution clause with SEO metadata embedding
This version covers online discoverability.
The credited party’s name and website must be embedded in SEO metadata (e.g., meta title, description, Open Graph tags) when the work is posted online.
Attribution clause with team acknowledgment grouping
This version allows team-level credit.
Where contributions are collaborative, the credited party may be listed as a collective entity (e.g., “[Team Name]”) rather than individual names.
Attribution clause with watermark positioning requirement
This version governs design placement.
Watermarks used for attribution must appear in the lower-right corner of visuals unless such placement would obstruct core design elements.
Attribution clause with end-user license display
This version applies to digital tools.
The end-user license agreement (EULA) must display attribution to the development party in the “About” section or license summary.
Attribution clause with interactive credits support
This version applies to web-based assets.
For interactive content or web-based tools, attribution must be accessible via a persistent “Credits” or “Info” button within the user interface.
Attribution clause with rotating banner credit
This version supports shared spotlighting.
Attribution may be presented in a rotating credit banner alongside other contributors, with the credited party appearing at a regular, recurring interval.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.