Proprietary rights for custom programming? Fair?

If i`m having some custom work done on my site, is it fair that I ask the work
be proprietary?
I`m having a programmer add a custom function to my auction script. This
script is very popular so mods are constantly being developed for it. I don`t
want to pay top dollar for this custom mod, then turn around to see it
released to the public.
The auction script I`m using is called PHP Probid.
be proprietary?
I`m having a programmer add a custom function to my auction script. This
script is very popular so mods are constantly being developed for it. I don`t
want to pay top dollar for this custom mod, then turn around to see it
released to the public.
The auction script I`m using is called PHP Probid.
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Comments
That doesn`t seem fair to me. What is your reasoning behind this?
for their time - not so much the product.
I might disagree here. To me, the concept is the same as hiring a graphic
designer to design you a web template. If that designer uses that same web
template on 20 different websites, you`d be upset.
You are paying for the product (script) they are providing you.
If you are hiring a developer to create custom software, you`re paying for their time.
paying for the product.
If you are hiring a developer to create custom software, you`re paying for
their time.
So would it be OK for a designer to create a custom web template for you,
then turn around an use it for all his other clients?
Legally - you could possibly protect the code in some fashion, but I don`t know much about software patent laws.
Ethically - since you`re asking what is fair - I don`t think you should stop the developer from selling it to other clients.
starrhorne2007-9-26 12:25:29
when you write software for someone on a contract basis, they get the
rights to the software. That is stated in the contract. That doesn`t stop them
from using snippets (fair use) or recreating it from scratch, unless it is
patented.
Oftentimes there is a no compete clause in the contracts as well that will
limit the contractor`s ability to recreate the same feature for a competitor
for a period of time, never indefinitely.