>My understanding is that if you're working as a contractor, then code you write is yours from the moment it's written under copyright law. You have to explicitly transfer the rights to it AFTER IT HAS BEEN WRITTEN. If you're an employee, then that's different, he company owns you, your family, your life and (by the way) your code <g>.
It's my understanding that being an "Independent Contractor" means that you own the software rights. Therefore, your contract needs to establish yourself as an independent contractor. If the contract contains any clauses such as "a work made for hire" it transfers all rights to your work to the client. So make sure you read any contract with a fine-tooth comb!
Cathy