Joined
·
3 Posts
Hello! I am new to the forums, but I can already tell this is a great community.
I am a partner in a start-up apparel company and am quite naive with the business side of things. My role is the artist/designer for all of our garments - However, as a partner in the company I will be taking a percentage of all profits.
Thus far, all the agreements made have been verbal. The head of the company has given me the run-around regarding the time it is taking to set us up as a corporation. Trademarking has been taken care of, as well as our RN# etc. but I have yet to see or sign any contracts. I would like a little ammo to bring to the table next time we meet - as far as the type of things to watch out for (so I am not taken advantage of!) I am being pressured to hand over artwork, and as eager as I am to get our first samples made, I'd like to sign something! Should I be worried about handing over artwork at this point and if so, is there some type of contract I should have drawn up to protect myself/artwork?
The research I have been able to come up with state things like, "the employer owns the artwork - but only if the artist has been paid." We have investors - but I don't expect to be paid for the artwork until we start to turn a profit. As a partner, am I technically an employee to someone with a larger percentage held in the company?
It seems like this community is knowledgeable about these types of questions. Any advice or links to other posts regarding these "fears" would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
I am a partner in a start-up apparel company and am quite naive with the business side of things. My role is the artist/designer for all of our garments - However, as a partner in the company I will be taking a percentage of all profits.
Thus far, all the agreements made have been verbal. The head of the company has given me the run-around regarding the time it is taking to set us up as a corporation. Trademarking has been taken care of, as well as our RN# etc. but I have yet to see or sign any contracts. I would like a little ammo to bring to the table next time we meet - as far as the type of things to watch out for (so I am not taken advantage of!) I am being pressured to hand over artwork, and as eager as I am to get our first samples made, I'd like to sign something! Should I be worried about handing over artwork at this point and if so, is there some type of contract I should have drawn up to protect myself/artwork?
The research I have been able to come up with state things like, "the employer owns the artwork - but only if the artist has been paid." We have investors - but I don't expect to be paid for the artwork until we start to turn a profit. As a partner, am I technically an employee to someone with a larger percentage held in the company?
It seems like this community is knowledgeable about these types of questions. Any advice or links to other posts regarding these "fears" would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!