By default, you probably own it
In the US, UK and most of the EU, an independent contractor owns the copyright in what they create unless a written agreement says otherwise. Clients often assume the opposite, which is why the IP clause is the one they read most carefully. Being clear here builds trust rather than friction.
The three common models
- Assignment on full payment: all rights transfer to the client once the final invoice is paid. The best default for most freelancers, because it is also your leverage if payment stalls.
- License: you keep ownership and grant the client the right to use the work for a defined purpose. Common for photography and illustration (see the illustration licensing agreement).
- Work for hire: the client owns it from creation. Give this only if the fee reflects it.
Sample wording: assignment on payment
> Upon receipt of full payment, the Contractor assigns to the Client all rights, title and interest in the final deliverables. The Contractor retains ownership of pre-existing materials, tools and unused concepts, and may display the work in their portfolio unless the Client requests otherwise in writing.
Don't forget the portfolio right
Without a portfolio clause, showing the work publicly can technically breach the contract. One sentence fixes it. Draft it now with Clinch: describe the job in a sentence, get a clean draft, send one link. Your client signs from their phone without an account, and the deposit is paid in the same step.