Who owns the software I write?

[ricksharp7]

What is the name of your state? TN

Good afternoon.

I am an independant contractor for the design and writting of web and Windows based software. Usually, when I do a job, I have the customer sign a contract that states that I retain full ownership of the code I write. However, I was wondering, the cases where there is no signed contract of any kind, who owns the code that I write? More to the point, if I write something for a customer (with no contract), do I have the right to re-sell the work to other clients?

Thanks!

 

[hexeliebe]

Why would you be doing any work without a contract?

That's just idiotic. Sorry, but after 14 years as a programmer, I never even type a comma without a contract.

Or maybe you enjoy litigation?

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? TN

Good afternoon.

I am an independant contractor for the design and writting of web and Windows based software. Usually, when I do a job, I have the customer sign a contract that states that I retain full ownership of the code I write. However, I was wondering, the cases where there is no signed contract of any kind, who owns the code that I write? More to the point, if I write something for a customer (with no contract), do I have the right to re-sell the work to other clients?

Thanks!

**A: I suggest you do a search using the words " IC work for hire".