At Shape, we believe that the products and ideas you invest in should belong to you. When we develop custom software, we structure our agreements so that clients generally retain full ownership of the software and intellectual property (IP) we create for them. This ensures that your business has complete control over your technology, brand, and future development.

Why Client Ownership Matters

Intellectual property is often the most valuable asset a business owns. Retaining full ownership means you can:

• Adapt and extend the software as your business grows
• License, sell, or integrate the software with other systems freely
• Avoid dependence on a single vendor for updates or maintenance
• Protect your competitive advantage

By prioritizing client ownership, Shape aligns our success with yours — we only succeed when your business succeeds.

How Ownership Works in Practice

When starting a project, Shape clearly defines ownership in our contracts and agreements. Key points include:

• Source code: You retain all rights to the code developed for your project
• Designs and assets: UX/UI designs, prototypes, and other creative work belong to you
• Documentation: All technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and system specifications are yours
• Third-party tools: We clarify any open-source or licensed components used, so you understand which parts you own outright

This transparency ensures there are no surprises and gives you full control over your software once it’s delivered.

Flexible IP Models for Different Projects

While full ownership is our standard approach, we can also accommodate:

• Co-ownership models for joint ventures or collaborative projects
• Managed service agreements where we operate and maintain the software on your behalf while you retain IP
• Licensing arrangements if you want Shape to maintain a shared library or framework used across multiple projects

Whatever model is used, the goal is to protect your rights and give you flexibility.

Ensuring Long-Term Access and Independence

Retaining IP means you are never locked out of your software. Shape supports clients by:

• Providing complete source code and documentation
• Using standard technologies and frameworks to ensure maintainability
• Advising on best practices for ongoing updates and scalability

This ensures you can continue evolving your software independently or with another partner in the future.

Why This Gives You Peace of Mind

For SMEs and niche businesses, software is a strategic asset, not just a tool. Knowing that you retain ownership allows you to:

• Protect your business and competitive advantage
• Scale your technology on your terms
• Make strategic decisions about licensing, resale, or integration

With Shape, you’re not just getting a software development partner — you’re getting a partner who respects and safeguards your IP.

Ready to Build Software You Truly Own?

If you want a dedicated tech partner who delivers high-quality, scalable software while ensuring you retain full ownership and control, get in touch today.

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