Freelance contract gives client total code control. Need advice.

I agreed to write software for a startup last week. Their contract says they own all code I produce, even common bits I use often. One side says this is fine to keep clients happy and secure. The other side worries I lose the ability to work on similar stuff later. I really like this project but don't want to sign away my future work. What do you all think is a fair middle ground? How have you changed these clauses before?

3 comments

3 Comments

haydenthomas1d ago

Think about the client's own tech debt down the line. If you can't reuse standard code, every bug fix becomes a custom job, slowing updates. That might cost them more than owning just the unique parts.

scott.alex1d ago

Whoa, hold up, have you thought about how this could stop you from using even basic coding tricks later? If they own EVERY piece you write, you might not be allowed to use common patterns in other jobs, not just whole code sections. That means stuff like standard loops or functions could become a legal problem for you. Push for a change so you keep rights to anything you used before or is general, and they only own the special parts for their project. I know people who fought in court over this, and it is a huge headache.

gracej9923h ago

Scott, most contracts I've seen don't claim ownership over basic coding tricks! They only cover the special parts made for the project.