Who owns work produced under a services contract?

Unless the agreement assigns it, the supplier normally owns the intellectual property it creates, even where the customer paid for it.

Is a consultancy agreement the same as employment?

No, but poorly drafted terms can create employment or worker status, with tax and tribunal consequences.

Middlesex · England

I need a services or consultancy agreement - Southall

Firms in Southall, Middlesex that work on services agreement matters for businesses, with 2 firms currently listed. Every firm shown is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Search all 2 firms Services agreement nationally

Firms in Southall

Alpine Solicitors

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 613423 · Recognised body

Offices: Southall
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial contracts
Commercial litigation
Commercial property
Corporate law

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

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Darshan Azad Limited

SRA: Authorised

SRA number 598539 · Recognised body

Offices: Southall
Sectors: Not supplied

Commercial contracts
Commercial litigation
Corporate law
Data protection and privacy

Regulatory data last updated: 4 August 2026

View firm

What this usually involves

Service relationships fail on scope and ownership far more often than on price. A clear agreement fixes deliverables, change control and who owns the output.

Defining scope, milestones and change control
Allocating intellectual property in deliverables
Setting notice periods and wind-down obligations

Common questions

Who owns work produced under a services contract?: Unless the agreement assigns it, the supplier normally owns the intellectual property it creates, even where the customer paid for it.
Is a consultancy agreement the same as employment?: No, but poorly drafted terms can create employment or worker status, with tax and tribunal consequences.