Independent Contractor Agreement: What NY Freelancers Need to Know
If you`re a freelancer or independent contractor in New York, it`s important to have a solid agreement in place with your clients. An independent contractor agreement, also known as a freelance contract, outlines the terms of your working relationship with the client, including the scope of work, payment details, and ownership of intellectual property.
Here are some key elements to include in your independent contractor agreement:
Scope of Work: This section should clearly define the services you will be providing to the client. It`s important to be as specific as possible to avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements later on. Make sure to include a timeline for completion of the work and any deliverables that are expected.
Payment Terms: Your agreement should clearly state how much you will be paid for your services and when payment is due. Include any milestones or deadlines for payment, and specify what happens if the client doesn`t pay on time.
Intellectual Property: If you are creating any copyrightable works or intellectual property as part of the project, make sure to specify who owns the rights to that work. In many cases, the client will want to retain ownership, but you may want to negotiate for rights to use the work in your portfolio or for other purposes.
Confidentiality: If the project involves any confidential information, such as trade secrets or proprietary information, make sure to include a section on confidentiality. This should outline the steps you will take to protect the client`s information and how long you will be bound by confidentiality obligations after the project is completed.
Termination: It`s important to include provisions for how the agreement can be terminated by either party. This should include notice periods and any consequences for early termination.
Governing Law: Finally, make sure to specify which state`s laws will govern the agreement. If you are both in New York, it makes sense to choose New York law.
Overall, having a solid independent contractor agreement in place can help protect both you and your clients. It ensures that everyone is on the same page about the scope of work, payment details, and other important terms. If you`re not sure where to start, there are many online resources and templates available to help you create an agreement that meets your needs.