Legal Question in Technology Law in Texas

Website Access

I own a website that was re-designed by a local web designer. My cost was approximately $2000.00. Paid in full. I am trying to transfer the site to a new hosting company but my designer will not give me the user id and password to access the files. I am the owner of record and want to know if I have any recourse to get this information from him.


Asked on 4/02/09, 12:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Williamson Charles J. Williamson, Attorney At Law

Re: Website Access

What does the contract say (i.e., the one you and he signed when he was hired to do work on your web site)? You probably have recourse since it was "work done for hire" (legal term of art) - which means he doesn't own the Intellectual Property Rights. You do. (we're talking copyright)

However, unless you're in a mood to pay an attorney some money for handling the matter for you, your recourse will be for naught. Sorry to have to tell you this. But, its a fact that people get away with all sorts of things because it would cost their victims more to hire an attorney to get things straightened out than they would get in return. Then, of course, people complain about lawyers. However, would YOU like to work for free?

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Answered on 4/02/09, 3:13 pm


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