client - source files - contract etc problems

[stevesideas]

Hi guys,

I know that some of us here have been through this kind of thing before but I just wanted to get some opinions and advice on if I am correct about the ownership of the source files.

I am about half way through a project and only just been given the contract to sign. The client wants me to agree to releasing the source files to them and also for me to to use any of the assets in any other future work. The original cost I quoted was to produce the stills and animations for the client and so the assets/source files are a completely separate entity meaning I retain ownership of them. If they are willing to pay an a negotiated cost for them then I can agree to releasing ownership.

The client thinks that they have paid for the models from Turbosquid but I don't feel this to be the case. They have paid for my services and the final imagery/animations as far as I'm concerned.

What do you think ?

[glorybound]

It's yours! I am sure you used assets on their job, that previous jobs paid for.

[glorybound]

I just did a small job, that paid around $500.00, and I used over a $1000.00 in digital assets. Building a large library of high quality assets is what adds to our value.

[stevesideas]

I normally sign contracts at the beginning of a project and this kind of thing happening half way through makes me feel like I'm being difficult even though I know I'm not but I guess I need to cover myself. I agree though...adding to your asset library does make your services better value for money for future clients.

[Donald2B]

Yeah, this is a particular sticky issue that we have had to deal with lately. Ultimately, I gave them any unique modeling created for their project, but any other asset I purchased was not included since I don't own the rights to redistribute those assets. In those situations, I just sent them links to where they can purchase all the additional assets / plug-ins / rendering engines.

In a couple of situations, they got the entire file since it was pretty unique to just them, and their computers couldn't even open the file. LOL!

On the business side of things, I have mixed feelings. With some of our repeat / bigger clients, we will typically make some exceptions. If it's a new client, then they don't get anything, per OUR contract all clients sign before we even start creating assets. That way all the chips are on the table before any work is done.

[glorybound]

Amateurs Get Angry With Clients. Professionals Educate Them.

http://99u.com/articles/18303/we-des..._medium=google

[Morbid Angel]

I simply send the clients turbosquid links and get them to buy it under their login and send me the geo. This way they retain those particular assets. But I usually share my work scenes with them (ongoing clients as been already pointed out). I think its small loss for a bigger gain later.

[flino2004]

I don't think that it is legal to share commercial assets( models, textures,etc)

If they are half way don't sign it... If they what to get it done is under your fair conditions... Delivery is stills and the animation.
Once in a while I pass for the same situation.... If the client is a good one I sometimes share the model ( hyper exploded model, almost useless) with no materials, no cameras and lights... If they want to use it, they have to spend a lot of hours that almost is the same thing the build it from scratch....once one guy even talked about legal actions to get the model of an old project.... I sent a letter saying that I would be happy to share the model but I had an accident "yesterday" and my hard drive crushed, losing all the information and I don't have the responsibility to have copies of old projects. Sorry..."accidents happen" & good luck

[stevesideas]

In retrospect I probably should have asked them to purchase all those models. Also, as Flino says, it isn't legal to send clients these models anyway. I think when it comes to main source files I need to chat to them about future work possibilities then maybe we can come to some sort of arrangement but I really do not want to give away a whole bunch of assets and experience in my files for some other person to use if they are only using me for one project.