Digital rights when commissioning a project to a developer

[Skeletor]

I am in the process of funding a developer to program the game I am designing. I was just wondering how does it work in terms of digital rights. I mean, if hypotetically I put the app on the google play store and it starts getting some visibility, what could prevent this person to put it in the google play store as well, or maybe re-sale the game source to somebody else? How does it usually work when you give the commission to an external programmer, to have full ownership of the game? Would I have them to send me a signed contract from their country, or anything complicated?

[KhaoTom]

You definitely need a contract agreement with whoever you are working with that lays out rights between both parties. I don't know all the specifics, but if I were in your shoes, I'd want to get it worked out before going any further. I've seen indie projects disappear because of  disputes over rights when there is money involved. I did a google search for "software development contract international" and saw some potentially useful articles.

[Omnivore]

Hire a lawyer.  Now.  If there's not enough money involved to hire a lawyer, then its not worth worrying about because you couldn't afford to enforce the contract in court anyhow.  Seriously, hire a lawyer.

Hope this helps,
Brian aka Omnivore

[Skeletor]

Thanks guys. Looks like it's complicated, expensive and uncertain.

[abraksil]

It's a good practice too keep all the Rights in one place (owned by one person). Never let the rights to the game to be split between multiple owners - it leads to more misunderstandings and problem the further you get with the project.