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Guide8 min read

IP ownership for contractors

Work-for-hire, licences, and portfolio rights when a client wants full ownership.

Who owns the work

Copyright exists when work is created. The contract may assign it to the client on payment or delivery. Know if you are licensing use or giving up ownership completely.

Your existing tools

List frameworks, code, and methods you already had. Grant the client a licence to what is embedded so you can reuse your own kit on other jobs.

Portfolio rights

Ask to show finished work in your portfolio unless the project is confidential. Some contracts also block you from naming the client without permission.

Open source and third-party code

Flag open-source licences that could affect the client's product. IP indemnity should cover materials the client gives you as well as what you supply.

General information only. Not legal advice.

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