Can a contractor or agency show my project in their portfolio without permission?

Who owns the work by default?

The work-for-hire rule usually applies to employees, not contractors.

With contractors, the creator typically owns the copyright unless there is a written Copyright Assignment that transfers ownership to your business.

If the contractor owns the copyright and the contract is silent, they often have the right to display the work in their portfolio as an example of their services. 

However, even if a contractor owns the copyright, portfolio use can still be limited by confidentiality clauses, NDAs, trade secret protections, publicity restrictions, or trademark concerns. If the work includes nonpublic business information, displaying it could breach a confidentiality obligation even if they own the copyright.

How can portfolio rights be controlled?

If your business wants full control, you usually need a written Copyright Assignment. Once ownership transfers, you decide whether the contractor can display the work.

Some contracts use a middle approach. They transfer ownership but allow limited portfolio use, such as after a public launch or without sharing sensitive details.

If your agreement does not address ownership or portfolio rights, the contractor may legally show the work.

What to do next

• Review your contract for copyright ownership terms.
• Check for any clauses about portfolio use.
• Use a written Copyright Assignment if you want full control.
• Clarify portfolio rights before starting future projects.

What to consider in your specific situation

Whether portfolio use is allowed may depend on:

• Whether the creator was a contractor or an employee.
• Whether your contract includes a copyright assignment.
• Any limits on publicity or portfolio use in the agreement.
• Whether the work contains confidential or unreleased information.
• How and where the work is being displayed.
• Your brand, privacy, or competitive concerns.

Clarifying these points early can prevent misunderstandings later.

Since every situation is different, consider getting tailored information through Rocket Copilot, a Legal Pro, or a contract review so you can protect your designs and control how your work is shared.