Chapter 22. Who owns what - are you a hostage?
Look Before
You Web

© 2001 - Barry Wroobel - Discovery Data Systems, inc.

Chapter 22. Who owns what - are you a hostage?
(note: Set the left and right printer margins to 0.25" for printing)

I have mentioned this in other sections, but it is worth restating. Make sure that you understand very clearly who is going to own what, and what rights you have with your website and domain name. If at all possible, GET IT IN WRITING. Even a very simple written statement will go miles in court. Example:

"In making payment to XYZ company, and by company XYZ accepting this
payment, I understand that XYZ company will develop an Internet website for my
company with the following characteristics. I understand that after final payment, I
will have full ownership and use rights to this website without restriction and I
understand that XYZ company claims to have authority to issue these ownership
and use rights to me. I further understand that XYZ company will register the name
and that I will be made the legal registrant of this domain name.

Signed: Me---
Signed: XYZ company ----"

This may not spell out every detail, but it will make clearer to a judge what your understanding was at the time things got started and what was in your mind at the time of signing.

© 2001 - Barry Wroobel - Discovery Data Systems, inc.
(note: Set left and right printer margins to 0.25" for printing)