Hi Erik...

Please tell me how one dis-associates the functionality/program from the code? If you mean to differentiate source from object code - I understand that argument. However, in the absense of anything written - I would bet the benefit of the doubt would rest with the client.

I think this is more of an issue of ethics. If I have a client - who is paying me to do a job - and I know that from his perspective - he feels he owns the code - and I have not explicitly stated that I would retain title to the code - I have ceded ownership. If I wanted ownership - it is incumbent upon me to work that out up front. To all of a sudden, profit - and in effect - leave the client out - who has funded the work - is not too cool IMHO. That is a fundemental change in the relationship.

I suppose it is an issue of how you conduct your business....