I said:
"Without a signed agreement, ownership of the copyright defaults to the author." (in the context of an IC)

And You said:
"However, even if the programmer is deemed to be an IC, the contract (both the oral and written parts) specify the ownership rights are assigned to the customer upon project completion."

The key words are "without a signed agreement"

Your assertion implies a signed agreement. Mine implies no such agreement. We both assert that the developer is an IC. Were you aware of this when the apple/orange comparison began:-)

PS
Kool ivy league glasses! Do you wear bass wegiuns and gant shirts?