Who owns the rights to the source code?

[JoyRide]

If I pay a software development company to do my website, do I own the source code? Can I modify my website whenever I want or do I have to pay that company any time I want to make changes?

[tracknut]

If you enter in a contract with a company to do a web site, you should have a written contract. You should certainly state in that contract who owns the software when it's all done. If you don't have a contract that states it, then you'll still be wondering this same thing after you've paid for the site...

Dave

[JoyRide]

I agree with you, Dave, having a clear contract is a must. By the way, I took a look at your website... Wow! You do really nice work.

Does anyone know what is common practice in the industry? In general, does the web design firm keep ownership of the code?

[tracknut]

Thanks for the look!
Dave