Ownership & Rights

The process of creating the ‘finished product’ for a client, requires the construction of native and/or master files. These files contain intellectual techniques and/or information. Whilst the ‘finished product’ is the sole property of the client (upon full payment), the ‘native files’ remain the property of Laurie Stoddart.

If you specifically ask for the native files, a charge for supply will be incurred as it includes intellectual creative expertise, file retrieval, digital file/disc transfer, compensation for loss of (future) earnings. Native files will not be supplied until payment is received in full. This does not include unused intermediate ideas and concepts, which will remain the property of Laurie Stoddart. Also it does not include purchased Fonts as it is illegal to hand them over – instead the fonts in artwork files will be supplied in outlines and the client will have to purchase the font licences themselves.

In the construction of Graphics and Data, Laurie Stoddart relies upon the information that is supplied by the client. While best practice is applied by Laurie Stoddart, it is the sole responsibly of the client to ensure the information is correct and the end result matches the data supplied. Clients unconditionally accept that the final proof supplied is correct and cannot hold Laurie Stoddart liable under any circumstances for errors and omissions.

Whilst every effort has been made in ensuring that print-ready artwork is colour correct and free of errors, Laurie Stoddart can not be held liable for colour matching or production quality should a client choose to manage the printing process themselves.

Copyrights & Trademarks

Copyright is retained by Laurie Stoddart on all design work including words, pictures, ideas, visuals and illustrations until all costs have been settled. Once all costs have been settled, the copyright is transferred to the client. This can be confirmed in writing if requested by the client.

If a choice of design is presented, only one solution is deemed to be given by Laurie Stoddart as fulfilling the contract. All other designs and concepts remain the property of Laurie Stoddart, unless agreed in writing that this arrangement has been changed.

By supplying text, images and other data to Laurie Stoddart for inclusion in the customer’s website or other medium, the customer declares that it holds the appropriate copyright and/or trademark permissions. The ownership of such materials will remain with the customer, or rightful copyright or trademark owner.

The customer agrees to fully indemnify and hold Laurie Stoddart free from any and all claims resulting from the customer not having obtained all the required copyright, and/or any other necessary permissions.

Design Charges

Prices quoted for all work are estimates only and are based on the initial brief from the client. Any changes, corrections or work additional to the original brief will be charged at an hourly rate (or a pre agreed fee negotiated by the client and Laurie Stoddart). Charges for design services to be provided by Laurie Stoddart, will be set out in a written estimate or quotation that is provided to the customer. In some instances, at the time of the customer’s acceptance of this estimate or quotation, indicating acceptance of the Terms & Conditions, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the quoted fee will become immediately due. Work on the project will not commence until Laurie Stoddart has received this amount.

All work conducted by Laurie Stoddart at the request of the Customer, and without an agreed quotation will be charged at an hourly rate. Charges are not negotiable once work has commenced.

The client will be provided with an Invoice prior to final issue of artwork or publication. At this time the remainder of the amount due will become payable.

Non-Refundable Deposits

On larger projects, a 50% deposit may be requested to secure your order. Laurie Stoddart may refuse other projects to accommodate yours, therefore all order deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to other orders or people.

Supply of Files by the Client

It is the responsibility of the client to supply correct, proofed text files in an agreed format and file type. Any changes or corrections to original text supplied will be charged at an hourly rate (minimum of one hour). It is the responsibility of the client to supply appropriate resolution photos and images in an agreed file type. Laurie Stoddart takes no responsibility for the print quality or resolution of images provided by the client.

Final Artwork Approval & Changes

It is the responsibility of the client to proof all artwork and production files before sign-off and/or production. Laurie Stoddart takes no responsibility for errors in typography, spelling, grammar, formatting or file errors. Any changes or corrections made by the client subsequent to the issue of final artwork will be charged at an hourly rate (minimum of one hour). Laurie Stoddart may extend or modify any delivery schedule or deadline as may be required by such changes. Re-issue of artwork on disk, via e-mail or ftp upload will be charged at an hourly rate (minimum of one hour).

Showcasing Artwork

Laurie Stoddart reserves the right to show any artwork, ideas and sketches created for clients in a portfolio, in various online galleries and shared on social media sites as examples of client work. If you are unhappy for Laurie Stoddart to display your project on portfolios and on other websites, please discuss this with Laurie Stoddart before proceeding with any projects.