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Can I give my source code while maintaining copyright of the software?

A client wants us to develop an app and wants the source code so that they can change them later on. But I want to maintain the copyright of the source code so that I can still sell the software to other clients. So can I give me the source code while I maintain the copyright?

All Answers To Questions

Answer 1

Yes you can. First thing you need to do is make sure that your contract with your client specifies that YOU own the copyright to the source code and that they have license to use it. Otherwise, THEY would own the copyright since they are paying you to write it on their behalf. If they agree to that, then you need to work out the licensing deal. Of course, the client won't hire you if you can take the software away from them, so you need to give them a full, permanent license with the ability to create "derivative works" from the source code. Once you've done that, you are good to go. It would be a very good idea to have a lawyer look over your contract before you both sign on the dotted line.

Answer 2

it all depends who has the intellectual copy right in the contract. Basically you write in the contract that though they will have full access to the source code and the right to make alterations and updates (ensure your not responsible for them breaking the code by the way) but the IPR will reside with you, and the client has no right to resell or distribute the original code, or altered code without your express permission (which may have futher cost to get). note for this to work you would have to ensure that the code was written in such a way that your current client could not argue that the software is taylored for them e.g. work structure, teminology, images and arcutectures should be settings and easy to alter. Make sure they have signed before you hand over and only give them the finished, tested and working version, oh and dont give them the unit tests and use some purchased development binarys (e.g. telerick controls) will also help ensure you get additional work from them. good luck

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