Ask HN: Who owns the codebase for a freelance project?

1 pointseanbecker1 comment

Currently working out a deal for a freelance project and debating the question of codebase ownership. It feels wrong giving my client full ownership of the code, but I'm not sure if it's standard practice to be paid $$ and receive partial ownership of the code.

Does anybody have relatable experiences with contract negotiations for side projects? What does a standard contract look like?

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IANAL, but my understanding is:

If you are writing the code as part of a contract for them, it is usual for them to own all rights to the code as it is a "work for hire"...once the contract is fulfilled. That is, they have to pay you.

If you are using code you have already written and own, it is more normal to grant them a license as part of the contract. You might be able to negotiate that for code you write under the contract as well, but that would depend on the details.

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