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When you pay someone to design art, who owns the art?

by blur
5 replies
I know id website design I pretty much give the graphical design to the client but license the code out for lifetime use on said domain...

but if I get a printshop to design business cards and I pay them to design the card - and also order cards, who owns the artwork? Can I legally get access to the design files so I can take that design to a cheaper place n the future?
#art #design #owns #pay
  • Profile picture of the author deus ex
    Anything your company designs legally owns unless if the client signs a contract where any logos or design work made is owned by the client. Nobody signs these agreements because the logo ownership never comes under fire but legally speaking (I Am Not A Lawyer), they have to have you sign a document stating they own all design work - usually it is just common sense and action where design work is owned by the client but legally I believe that is incorrect
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  • Profile picture of the author blur
    So unless I sign something, I own the art work if I pay for it?

    So if I have a printer design a card for $40 an hour, I then own the art made during that time unless I sign something saying otherwise.
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  • Profile picture of the author redcell1
    Well really just ask them for the design files, if they agree to send them over to you end of story.

    If not then possibly look for another shop?
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    Just here to see the shenanigans.

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  • Profile picture of the author thesanto
    Normally the designer owns the rights of the design, unless there's an copyright release agreement signed by both parties stating that the Design Company agrees to transfer all the rights to the client, normally the design company keeps the right to show the design on their portfolio and any marketing material for their own advancement.

    I just designed a logo for a client, and my client asked me to transfer all the rights of the logo, and I agreed by signing a copyright release agreement.

    I believe that's something that you have to talk to the Design company before you start the work and you both agree on this. They might say that if you want ALL the right the price will be higher for the same reason you are referring to: I want to take it to another shop for printing purposes or whatever the case may be.

    I hope it helps!

    Henry
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  • Profile picture of the author yardsignsdallas
    Banned
    I think the one who designs it!
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