CompuServe Messages

Wade, Unless its specifically stated in the contract that they have ownership rights to the models etc. they technically belong to you. They have paid for the final product, and that is all. If you want to sell them the meshes etc. that is up to you but you are under no obligation to do so. Of course you have to weigh that against having them as a client in the future, but any reasonable client should see the validity of your ownership. In some cases its a case of not knowing, in some cases its a case of getting away with what they can. Personally I use this as a bargaining position when writing the original contract. There are several ways to do it. But remember these meshes/projects files have alot of value. That's the bulk of the work. They can take them and produce more work with them for minimal cost. If your inclination is to give them the meshes because they've been a good client etc. or for whatever reason, you can ask them to sign an agreement stating they will not use them without your written permission, and that if they do, that you will be contracted to do the work. If they're not willing to do that, then I'd figure out what you think its worth, and let them know how much it will cost to buy them outright. That's your best protection at this stage without offending them, and insuring that the purpose of thier interest is as they say. Don't feel put on the defensive, if they think any of this is unreasonable. Its not. The Patent/Copyright office assumes its your work whether you state it in the contract or not. Hope this helps you feel more at ease in protecting what's rightfully yours. John John