Can contractors keep portfolio rights after a contract ends?

What does the contract say about the duration of portfolio rights?

Portfolio rights may:

• Continue indefinitely.
• Survive termination of the agreement.
• End when the contract ends.
• Be revoked under certain conditions.

If the agreement clearly says the rights survive termination, the contractor can likely continue showing the project.

If the contract is silent, the issue becomes less clear. Contractors may argue that public portfolio display is an ongoing implied right. Businesses may argue that permission ended with the contract.

Are there limits even if portfolio rights continue?

Yes. Even if portfolio rights exist, contractors generally should not:

• Share confidential or unreleased work.
• Misrepresent the relationship.
• Suggest endorsement or ongoing partnership.
• Use your brand in a misleading or harmful way.

Confidentiality and trademark rules still apply.

What to do next

• Review your contract for survival or termination clauses.
• Check for confidentiality or brand use limits.
• Assess whether the display is misleading.
• Send a written request for removal if appropriate.

What to consider in your specific situation

Whether portfolio rights continue after termination may depend on:

• Whether the contract grants portfolio rights explicitly.
• Whether those rights survive termination.
• Whether copyright ownership was assigned to you.
• Whether confidentiality obligations still apply.
• How your brand or logo is being used.
• The reputational impact on your business.

Reviewing these points will help clarify your leverage and next steps.

Since every situation is different, consider getting tailored information through Rocket Copilot, a Legal Pro, or a contract review so you can understand your rights and decide whether continued portfolio use is something you must accept—or can stop.