[creativejunk]

So, I'm just really starting out to do some work professionally, nothing major at the moment, just some freelance projects alongside my studies.

I'd just like to know where I stand on the copyright issue, for instance - if I develop a brand or design - do I own the copyright and exclusive rights to use it? Do I need to draw up a contract that states these terms, or do they apply to the designer by 'default'?

If a designer produces a logo and gets paid for the design, does this mean the company owns the design, or have they just paid for the design service - could the designer then sell the exclusive rights to use the logo wherever the company wishes to do so?

Any other advice on handling contracts would be great, at the minute I just do things on a word of mouth agreement, but I'm beginning to notice a few problems with this already, so I'd like to learn how to act a bit more professional with this - how should I go about drawing up contracts, and what kind of things do I need to include?

I presume I should be aiming for a 20-50% deposit on a project, which is paid when the contract is signed, and then produce a final proof copy, after which handing over the finished design work in a non-proof, usable format upon receiving the full payment?

[traxor]

It's always best to have a terms and conditions stating terms like 'intellectual copyright', and once the design is finished, the intellectual copyright is passed onto them - you cannot retain the copyright because they have bought the design from you, and it's their property.

As for the deposit, I always go for a 30% fee, it's a nice sum and allows you to purchase any necessary goods that are required throughout the design: online applications and the like.

[Avera]

creativejunk, on Apr 25 2009, 11:36, said:

If a designer produces a logo and gets paid for the design, does this mean the company owns the design, or have they just paid for the design service - could the designer then sell the exclusive rights to use the logo wherever the company wishes to do so?

Once the client has paid in full the prior agreed amount, title passes to the client and they own the design period.

creativejunk, on Apr 25 2009, 11:36, said:

I presume I should be aiming for a 20-50% deposit on a project, which is paid when the contract is signed, and then produce a final proof copy, after which handing over the finished design work in a non-proof, usable format upon receiving the full payment?

You would usually invoice the full amount as shown in a previous thread.

25% tends to be the industry standard deposit amount. It usually shows the client's comitment to the project.