This content ownership agreement provides an example of how we assign content ownership to our clients.

By entering into this Agreement, all relevant parties agree to the following:

Content Ownership Agreement

This Content Ownership Agreement (“Agreement”) is made between [Writer’s Business Name, e.g., “msloydwrites”] (“Writer”) and [Client’s Name or Business Name] (“Client”). This Agreement details the terms of content ownership transfer, usage rights, and portfolio use for content created by the Writer.

1. Ownership Transfer

• Definition: Ownership Transfer is the assignment of all rights, title, and interest in the content from the Writer to the Client.
• Terms: Ownership of the content created by the Writer will be fully transferred to the Client upon the Writer’s receipt of the final, full payment as agreed in the project terms. Until full payment is received, all rights to the content remain with the Writer.
• Example: For a blog article created by the Writer, ownership of the article, including all associated rights, passes to the Client upon confirmation of the final payment in the Writer’s account.

2. Usage Rights

• Exclusive Rights: The Client will receive exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, display, or alter the content as they see fit. Exclusive rights mean that only the Client, not the Writer or any third party, may use the content.
• Full Ownership: Full Ownership transfers all intellectual property rights to the Client, making the Client the sole legal owner of the content. As such, the Client may use or modify the content without further permission from the Writer.
• Limited Use Rights: Limited Use Rights may be granted in cases where content is licensed to the Client, not transferred in full ownership. This would allow the Client to use the content for specified purposes while the Writer retains certain rights, as outlined in a separate agreement, if applicable.
• Example: By default, this Agreement provides the Client with exclusive, full ownership rights upon payment. However, if Limited Use Rights are agreed upon, the Client may only use the content in ways specified in a separate, written agreement.

3. Portfolio Use

• Right to Display: Unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, the Writer reserves the right to display completed content in their professional portfolio, on the Writer’s website, or in marketing materials. Portfolio use is limited to showcasing the Writer’s work and skillset to potential clients and may include excerpts or full content as examples of completed work.
• Exception Clause: If the Client requires confidentiality or requests that their project not be displayed in the Writer’s portfolio, this must be agreed upon in writing before project commencement or final payment.
• Example: If the Writer creates a web page for the Client, the Writer may include a screenshot or excerpt of that page on their website as a portfolio piece, unless otherwise restricted by a written agreement.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States. Both parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Illinois for any disputes arising from this Agreement.

By agreeing to this statement, both the Writer and Client acknowledge they have read, understood, and accepted the terms herein.