Share My Source?
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- phirschybar
What do you all think? My client is a New Media firm... I just finished up a Flash App for them and they are asking for the FLA in addition to the SWF. Our contract says that we share the copyrights on the App. Should I be concerned about giving it to them?
- BonSeff0
no way bro, keep the source.
- BonSeff0
i love how new media firms farm out new media work
;)
- phirschybar0
Ok.. so what should I tell them?
- iSolve0
don't give it up.
there going to resell it at your expensive.
if they don't have the expertise then they need to pay you for each project.
- ********0
tell 'em fagettabouttit
- ********0
if it is mentioned in the contract simply tell them to read it again.
do not fall for it!
- lowfly0
if your contract states only copyright, without a further note regarding IP - you should be fine!
- phirschybar0
The contract says that "FIRM [no names] and the Contractor [me] shall own or hold all rights arising from or related to said services...."
They originally wanted the ownership but I said I wouldnt do it and they agreed to share the ownership with me. Now they are asking if I would mind giving the FLA to them.
- phirschybar0
I guess I just want to know how to best handle this so as to not piss them off and have them never call me for work again...
Anyone ever deal with this?
- lowfly0
I'm afraid they might very well be entitled to the FLA aswell :-(( the good news being that you managed to amend the contract in your favour, so that you can re-use any elements for future projects.
However - if this is something you really do not want to do - I would check with an IP lawyer first. In the UK there is a good www. for this - http://www.pcg.org.uk/index.html…
- phirschybar0
The contract says that we share Intellectual Property. Does that mean I have to share the code too?
- lowfly0
It probably does mean this...
- Mimio0
You might want to consider using a third party authoring tool in order to keep them cracking your swf as well.
- phirschybar0
What do you mean Mimio?
- phirschybar0
ok... so this works to encrypt the SWF but once they have the FLA, its open-season.
- Mimio0
Take the advice already given. Don't give up the FLA unless you're obligated to.
- phirschybar0
Ahhh.. I love NT.. Thanks all for the quick response and good advice...
peace
- woodyBatts0
this may be a stupid question, but can you copyright a flash app? and if so then how?
- phirschybar0
thats a good question... I guess if you encrypt the SWF file and then stick a Copyright notice on it... its yours... but still where does Macromedia come into all of this? Can you have actual ownership of their proprietary code? Talk to a lawyer I guess.