Who owns the copyright in a freelancer’s work?

In England and Wales the freelancer usually owns the copyright in what they create unless it is assigned in writing. This template lets you choose to assign it to the client once they have paid, or for the freelancer to keep it and license it.

Does this agreement deal with IR35?

It includes terms consistent with self-employment, such as control over how the work is done and an optional right of substitution. But IR35 and employment status depend on how the work is actually carried out, not just the contract wording.

Can I charge interest on late payment?

Where both parties are businesses, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 lets you claim statutory interest and fixed compensation on late invoices.

Freelance / Consultancy Services Agreement

A contract between a client and an independent freelancer or consultant under the law of England and Wales: the services, fees, payment terms, who owns the work, confidentiality and ending the agreement.

Applies in England and Wales. General information, not legal advice — talk to a lawyer about your situation.

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A services agreement sets out what a freelancer or consultant will do, what they are paid and when, who owns the work and how either side can end the arrangement. Having it in writing prevents most payment and ownership disputes.

This template follows the law of England and Wales.

When to use it

Hiring a freelance designer, developer, writer or consultant for a project.
Working as a freelancer and wanting your own terms in place before you start.
Any ongoing consultancy paid by the day or hour.

How it works

Enter the client and the freelancer — Use exact legal names; for a company, add its company number and registered office.
Describe the work — List the deliverables and what is not included — this is what the fee pays for.
Set the fees — Choose a fixed fee, day rate or hourly rate, when invoices are sent and when they are paid.
Decide who owns the work — Either the client owns it once paid, or the freelancer keeps it and licenses it to the client.
Sign before work starts — Both parties sign, on paper or electronically.

Making it valid

No notary, witness or stamp is needed. Both parties sign — on paper or with an electronic signature — and each keeps a copy.
Calling someone an independent contractor does not decide their employment or tax status: HMRC and the courts look at how the work is really done. If IR35 or employment status matters to you, take advice.

Common mistakes

A vague description of the work, which leads to disputes about what the fee covers.
Forgetting to say who owns the work — without a written assignment, a freelancer usually keeps the copyright.
Starting work before the agreement is signed.

Questions

Who owns the copyright in a freelancer’s work?: In England and Wales the freelancer usually owns the copyright in what they create unless it is assigned in writing. This template lets you choose to assign it to the client once they have paid, or for the freelancer to keep it and license it.
Does this agreement deal with IR35?: It includes terms consistent with self-employment, such as control over how the work is done and an optional right of substitution. But IR35 and employment status depend on how the work is actually carried out, not just the contract wording.
Can I charge interest on late payment?: Where both parties are businesses, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 lets you claim statutory interest and fixed compensation on late invoices.