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.

[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!