Upload your freelance agreement or client contract. Madeplain highlights IP ownership, payment terms, scope creep risks—and gives you questions to ask before you start work.
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What you'll get
8-section breakdown
Clear structure
Smart questions
Know what to ask
Email draft
Ready to send
"Work for hire" clauses can mean you lose ownership of everything—even portfolio rights.
Net 30, 60, or 90? Milestone payments vs. completion? These details affect your cash flow.
What happens when they ask for "just one more thing"? Many contracts don't define boundaries.
If the client cancels mid-project, do you get paid for work completed? Often unclear.
Indemnification clauses can make you responsible for problems you didn't cause.
Can you work with competitors? Take similar projects? These limits can hurt your business.
See exactly who owns the work—you, the client, or shared rights with specific terms.
Milestones, due dates, and payment terms explained so you know when money arrives.
Understand what's included, what triggers extra fees, and how revisions work.
Get a professional email asking about unclear terms—without seeming difficult.
Here's what a confusing clause looks like—and what it looks like after Madeplain: a clear summary, hidden risks, the right questions, and an email draft.
Example uses dummy data.
Independent Contractor Agreement - IP & Payment Terms
Structured explanation, hidden risks highlighted, and clear next steps.
Broad IP assignment, no late payment protections, and vague scope definitions make this contract favorable to the client.
This is a freelance/contractor agreement covering intellectual property ownership, payment terms, and scope of work. It defines who owns what you create and when you get paid.
The 45-day payment term with no late fee means you have no leverage if they pay late. Combined with work-for-hire IP assignment, you're giving up all your rights AND waiting 6+ weeks for payment.
“Late payments shall not accrue interest.”
Translation: If they pay you 90 days late instead of 45, there's no penalty. You have no financial leverage to encourage timely payment.
Standard confidentiality provisions are typical. The governing law clause is boilerplate. Insurance requirements only matter if specified.
Q1: Can I use this work in my portfolio with credit to you?
Why it matters: Most clients agree, but the contract as written says no—you need explicit permission.
Q2: Does the IP assignment include my pre-existing templates or code libraries?
Why it matters: Protect your existing assets from being claimed as part of this project.
Q3: Can we add a late payment fee or interest clause?
Why it matters: Without penalties, clients have no incentive to pay on time.
Q4: If the project is cancelled mid-way, do I get paid for completed work?
Why it matters: Kill fees protect you from losing income when clients change their minds.
Try it with your own document — no account required.
Madeplain creates an email to ask about IP, payment, and scope—helping you start client relationships with clarity and confidence, not confrontation.
Subject: Questions about the contractor agreement Hello, I'm reviewing the contractor agreement and have a few questions before signing: 1. May I use work from this project in my portfolio, with proper credit to your company? 2. Does the IP assignment clause apply to my pre-existing templates, code libraries, or frameworks? 3. Would you consider adding a modest late payment fee to encourage timely payment? 4. If the project is cancelled before completion, what payment would be due for work already completed? I'd appreciate clarification on these points. Best regards
Upload your freelance contract and get a clear breakdown, the questions to ask, and a follow-up email draft—no account required to start.