Advice with Logos

[lovelesskiax.livejournal.com]

Hi guys! I'd like a little advice here as I'm not finding much online and this is my first time going about this.
One of my mom's friends is interested in hiring me to design a logo for her business. So far I have discussed an hourly rate for my work, how the process will go, and what she will receive.
What I'm in the dark about is how the copyright process works with a logo? Since I'm making it for her business specifically, should I include copyright fees and rights in the final price or should it be a completely different process? Should I also worry about getting an official contract signed up for this?
Any advice appreciated!

edit: more questions, sorry!
-do i have to get a contract written up by a lawyer, or is it still legally binding if i write one myself?
-what should the copyright fees for a logo be? do i choose it myself, or is there an average price for logos?

thanks again!

Comments

[gatekat.livejournal.com]

My take:
Yes, charge copyright fees. You are selling the copyright after all.

Yes, definitely get a signed contract. Saves so much grief in the long run to have that a habit.

All fees (hourly, project, rights, etc.) should all be in the contract, broken down and explained, so the final price is final. Makes sure no one is surprised or confused by what is being paid for.

[lovelesskiax.livejournal.com]

thanks for the advice! do you have any idea of the amount the copyright fee should be?

[gatekat.livejournal.com]

Not really. I've never seen it be under $50 (x10 the value of the commission), and I've rarely seen it under $500 ... which come to think of it, was also about x10 the commission value. I very rarely look to do business with artists who even offer the option, so I don't see many examples of rates.

They aren't just paying for the right to use it, but all the potential income the artist could have from using it -- prints, display of skill, acknowledgement they created it. While I can see a logo not seeming to be worth as much as a print-worthy commission to most non-commercial artists, I'm fairly sure it's actually worth more if the business does well.

Of course, if they agree (in writing) to allow you to display it and have credit for creating it, you may write off a chunk of that copyright transfer value. Up to you, what you feel comfortable with and what the market will bear.

Like what your time is worth, at the end of the day, it's worth what you and the customer agree it's worth.

But I'd look seriously at that x10 the commission value without the copyright transfer as a starting point. If you can't display it as your work, it will cost you in the long run.

[lovelesskiax.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I see your point. I believe the business is a small boutique so I think I'll just look into a 1 time payment for the copyright considering the nature of the business.
Thank you for your advice, much appreciated!

[gatekat.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. I hope it goes well.

[ansur2.livejournal.com]

-do i have to get a contract written up by a lawyer, or is it still legally binding if i write one myself?

It's legally binding if you write it yourself. Of course, having a lawyer look over it isn't a terrible idea. There should be plenty of examples of contracts on the internet for you to model yours off of!

[lovelesskiax.livejournal.com]

Oh, awesome! Thanks for letting me know! :>