Been there, done that, cost a lot of money!

I established that I wasn't an employee

unfortunately :
•they have more money than me.
•technically if any of my designs/layouts include pictures or logos that aren't my copyright then I need permission to use them.
•if the designs are on their computer then what proof do I have that I designed them?
•if they are prepared to lie then it's my word against theirs.

"hand over the copyright and we won't take you to court!"

I can't afford the time, money or the risk, so the little guy loses....as usual.

Chalk it up to experience.

The moral of this tale is: "don't do work for b******s"

Cheers,

I suppose if he thinks he was my "employer", then I should ask for the last seven years sick and holiday pay, not to mention NHI contributions!

I've been working as a freelance designer for 8 years, the majority of work for the one bureau, I had no contract, no NDA was drawn up or signed, just an agreed rate, I would do the work at his premises mainly and bill the company usually weekly.

I have now moved away and decided to post my portfolio online, I have since had threats of legal action unless I take the portfolio down and make no mention of the companies that I did the work for.

As the designer, I believe that I own the copyright for the artwork that I produced, billing the company accepts that I have sold the use of these designs but not the copyright, am I right?

And as such can I use the designs to put up on my online portfolio?

Saying that I produced artwork for a company whether through a bureau or not is fact, so shouldn't I be able to say so?

Anyone able to clarify? cos as it stands I have no portfolio to show for 8 years of hard work.