IP assignment: what you are giving away when you sign it
IP assignment means the client owns the work product. That’s normal — but you should retain your pre-existing IP, templates, frameworks and know-how.
When to use
- Almost every client contract
Red flags
- Assigning all future IP
- Assigning unrelated inventions
- No carve-out for pre-existing IP
Copy/paste clause lines
Plain text — edit for your jurisdiction
Contractor assigns IP in the deliverables upon full payment. Contractor retains all pre-existing tools, templates and general know-how used to create the deliverables.
Negotiation moves
- Add a pre-existing IP carve-out
- Tie assignment to full payment
FAQ
IP assignment · FAQ
Should IP assignment happen before payment?
No. Tie assignment to full payment so you have leverage if invoices go overdue.
Related
Other clauses
Further reading
Keep reading
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Editorial guidance only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and contract type. Use this as a starting point and consult a qualified lawyer for high-stakes agreements.