I'm in search for a local screen printer and seem to have found a great one that does screen printing, hang tags, tags, and embrodiery, problem is that they seem very design orientated and that worries me. I am a graphic designer and worried that the printer might steal some of the designs, I know I will be able to copyright each design, but has anyone else made their printer sign a contract stating that all designs are yours and not to be reproduced for their own benefit? If so, where did you find the legal contract to have them sign? I do not want to higher a lawyer for this, as I am just starting but would like to know if their is something on the internet that I can print out and have they sign. Thanks a lot guys!
For the record, some printers (and service providers in general) would consider this questioning their integrity and will be highly offended. Some would also take it as a sign that you are new, don't know what you're doing, and are going to be a pain to work with.
(personally I don't have an opinion one way or the other, because I'm not a "seen it all" service provider; but I do know that some people hold those opinions, and that I'd tread lightly when heading into that area, just in case)
For the most part it's not worth it for them to steal your designs. They make a lot of money doing what they do (and have much, much bigger contracts than you). That's not to say no printer ever rips off a client's work, but for the most part they make more money doing what they do than they would risking it all to rip someone off.
You also don't need a contract that enforces your legal rights. If they rip you off, you can sue them - "I won't steal from you" agreement or no.
Thanks, I also thought some of the printers would be offended, but than again, I would think the printer should have a contract stating he/she wouldn't steal designs for the comfort of their client (good business ethic in my opinion). Yeah I could sue regardless of the contract, however one provides comfort and easier to pursue a lawsuit if need be. I thought I'd ask because professional designer's do not work with clients without contracts, but I've never been on the other side as a client.
Legal Protection? 
