>I have been working for a company as a contractor for a few years and have developed an application they distribute to their customers. I have no contractual agreements with this company, basically I work they pay. Who owns the software I have developed?

It depends on many factors. You should contact a lawyer that specializes on intellectual property on this one.

I already had these researches made for me by a lawyer. Perhaps I could help you a bit but I don't know if the same Canadian laws would apply to the U.S.A.


First: you already said that you're a consultant for that company. It's a good thing for you. If you would've been an employee then everything you developed would be a property of the employer

Second: If you've been working from your office and on your equipment then it's another thing in your favor.

Third: You don't have a contract. Another thing that should be in your favor.


Remember those are based on Canadian laws. You should definitely contact a lawyer to be sure. It'll cost you something but it's probably the best way to proceed with this situation.