OWNERSHIP
Who owns what you made (co-founders, freelancers, agencies)
Who holds the rights to a logo, photo, code or product often depends on who made it and what was agreed in writing.
Co-founders: work made before the company existed, or by each founder on their own, may stay with that person until it is assigned (transferred) to the company in writing.
Freelancers and contractors: without a written agreement that transfers the work, the person who made it may keep the copyright, even if they were paid.
Agencies: the contract typically decides. Employees: work made as part of the job commonly belongs to the employer.
Attorneys and investors ask for these agreements, so founders commonly gather them early.
Why this matters to your business
When a business raises money or is sold, the other side checks that the company holds what it uses: its logo, code, photos and product designs. Gaps are common and often fixable, but easier to fix before that moment than during it.
What an attorney will want to know
- Everyone who worked on the logo, code, content or product
- Every contract, invoice or email with freelancers and agencies
- Any co-founder or founder agreements
- Employment agreements, if the business has employees
Ask your attorney
Do my agreements make sure the company owns the code?
Who owns the logo my designer made?
What would getting rights transferred from my freelancer involve?
General information, not legal advice. An attorney confirms how this applies to you.