What is a Commissioning Agreement?

A commissioning agreement is a contract between a commissioner (the person or company requesting the work) and a creator (such as an artist, writer, or developer), setting out the terms under which a specific piece of work will be created. It typically covers scope, deadlines, payment, ownership of intellectual property, and usage rights.

What are the benefits of a Commissioning Agreement?

• Clarity of expectations: Clearly defines the scope of work, deadlines, deliverables, and responsibilities, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.

• Payment terms: Sets out how and when the creator will be paid, including any milestones or upfront fees.

• Intellectual property rights: Establishes who owns the final work or how it can be used (ownership vs. licensing).

• Timelines and deadlines: Helps keep the project on track with agreed delivery dates.

• Legal protection: Provides a legal framework to resolve any disputes that may arise.

• Confidentiality and usage: Can include terms on confidentiality and how the commissioned work can be used or shared.