Paying a contractor to build something doesn’t automatically mean you own it. We draft contractor agreements that make sure the inventions, code and designs you pay for belong to your company.
Unclear ownership of contractor work is one of the most common problems we see in due diligence for investment or acquisition. Fixing it at the start is far cheaper than fixing it later.
Start with a Complimentary Patent Needs Assessment. We’ll tell you honestly what makes sense for your situation, what it involves and what it would cost.
Get a Complimentary Patent Needs AssessmentNot automatically. Without a written assignment, a contractor may own the copyright or inventions they create, even if you paid for the work.
Scope of work, payment, confidentiality, and a clear assignment of intellectual property to your company, plus terms on termination and the return of materials.
Often yes, with a written assignment signed by the contractor, but it depends on their cooperation. It is easier to get it right up front.
Yes. Code, designs and other creative work are some of the most common areas where ownership gaps appear.
