Who owns the logo a freelancer designed for me?
I paid a freelance designer for a logo. We had no written contract, just messages and an invoice. Do I own it?
1 lawyer answer
Paying for creative work does not always transfer copyright. In many countries, the creator owns copyright by default unless there is a written assignment, or the work falls into a specific category such as work by an employee.
Without a written agreement, you may have an implied licence to use the logo, but that may be narrower than you expect. The usual fix is to ask the designer to sign a short written assignment of copyright. It is far easier to do this now than in the middle of a dispute or a sale of your business.
This is general information, not legal advice — speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.
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