The short answer
Under UK law, copyright in commissioned software belongs to the author unless it has been assigned to you in writing. Paying for software does not automatically make you its owner. Check the contract before the conversation.
Work out your actual position
| What the contract says | Your position | Practical reality |
|---|---|---|
| IP assigned to you in writing | Strong | They must hand it over |
| Licence to use, IP retained | Weak | You can use it, not move it |
| Nothing about IP | Unclear | Probably an implied licence; disputed territory |
| No written contract | Difficult | Evidence of what was agreed matters enormously |
What to do today
In this order
- Secure every account in your nameApple, Google, hosting, domain, database. Do this first, before any conversation escalates.
- Gather the paper trailContract, quotes, messages agreeing scope, every invoice and payment.
- Back up anything you can reachLive data, exports, any repository access you still have.
- Make one clear written requestCalm and specific: the code, the accounts, and a date.
- Take advice before escalatingThe contract determines your options, and a solicitor reading it is cheaper than getting this wrong.
The pragmatic view
How to never be here again
Ask every future supplier, and get it in writing:
"Does all intellectual property in the deliverables transfer to us, and does it transfer on creation rather than on final payment?"
Common questions
Can a developer legally keep code I paid for?
Potentially yes. Under UK law, copyright in commissioned software belongs to the author unless assigned in writing. If your contract is silent, you may only have an implied licence to use it rather than ownership.
What if I have paid in full?
Paying in full strengthens your position on any implied licence, but it does not by itself transfer copyright. The assignment has to be in writing. This surprises almost everyone.
What can I do right now?
Secure every account in your name, gather your contract and payment records, and make one clear written request for the code and access. Then take advice on the contract before escalating.