I modified my content management system to build a website for a client. Do they own the CMS code?
I created an interactive website several years ago for a managed block of houses in London. I have charged a support fee annually but this year the managing directors of the block have not paid, so I am closing the website down. Attempts at negotiation failed.
The managers are claiming rights to the source code of the interactive website. This is programmatic code (not simple HTML), which I worked for some years on before creating this website, and then customised for specifically for the site. What I charged for at the time was simply the customisations of the code. Nowhere have I stated that they own the source code for the interactivity of the site.
I would like to know where I stand on this issue in the eyes of UK law.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Chris Beach
Answers:
I always make in clear in contracts that I own the code and they are paying for a license; this allows me to reuse my libraries on other projects.
What were the terms for creating the app?
Did you tell them it was your code and that you would host a modified version for them if they paid support costs? In that case you would own it.
It's your code, you wrote it, you own it. Unless they can prove otherwise.
What, if anything, do you have in writing that stipulates as to the fee-based or contrat price of the development / use of the site?
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