Client wants layout files
Out of context: Reply #21
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- transmission1
here's what a client asked me once:
"I asked X to request a file you created for us so that she can make a date change to it. She said the cost would be $870? Can you please explain this. If we originally paid you for the creative why is the file not the property of Y?"My response:
"This is always a sticking point with clients but some of them understand "the designer is the owner of all files and artwork created for the client, and the client is the owner of the end product (i.e. a printed business cards, brochures etc)." This is from the American Institute of Graphic Arts.
All of the Graphic Design associations like the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD), the AIGA in the US, etc acknowledge this as standard practice.
This is from the RGD's Rules of professional conduct:
8.1.1 Intellectual Property
Unless a transfer has been negotiated in writing, I will maintain any
intellectual property rights I have over work that I have produced on
behalf of a client.
Where intellectual property rights are to be transferred to the client,
I will seek appropriate compensation.
I will exercise my moral rights when my work is used in a way that may
damage my reputation.This is a way in way designers (and other creative fields) protect themselves.
I'm always available to make changes for you so please let me know if you would like me to do that."
she never asked again. they probably asked the marketing coordinator to recreate it.
- This is good, except for the first sentence. Makes it sound like clients ALWAYS want the source files. I think it's a pretty rare request.noneck