This page is general information, not legal advice. For any significant agreement, have it reviewed by a lawyer who knows intellectual property and, ideally, esports. Here is what to look for so that conversation is short and cheap.
1. Parties and who is paying
Check who signs. If your org pays the studio, the contract may be between the studio and the org, and the assets could belong to the team. That is common in larger organisations. If you want to keep your personal mark when you leave, the contract, or a side letter with your org, must say so explicitly.
2. Scope and deliverables
Every deliverable should be listed with its formats: logo variants as SVG and PNG, overlay scenes for OBS Studio, templates in Figma, a defined number of photos. Vague phrases such as "full brand identity" invite disputes. If an item is not listed, assume it is not included.
3. Revisions and timeline
Look for the number of concept rounds, the number of revision rounds, and what counts as a revision versus new work. Timelines should include your obligations too: if you take three weeks to give feedback, the deadline moves. A fair contract states both sides' response times.
4. Intellectual property
This is the clause that matters most. Under French law, and similarly elsewhere in Europe, a transfer of author's economic rights must be in writing and specify which rights are transferred, for which uses, in which territory and for how long. "All rights" in a single sentence is often not enough. Ask for a clear assignment of reproduction and representation rights for all media, worldwide, for the full legal duration, on final approved designs once paid.
Studios usually keep rights to rejected concepts and to their general tools and fonts. That is reasonable. Make sure licensed fonts and stock elements are listed, with the licence you need for merch.
| Clause | Acceptable | Push back on |
|---|---|---|
| IP transfer | Written assignment of final files after payment | Studio retains ownership and licenses use to you |
| Portfolio use | Studio may show the work after launch | Use of your likeness in studio ads without approval |
| Image rights | Photos usable by you, team and sponsors | Photos only usable on your own channels |
| Payment | Deposit, milestone, final on delivery | Full fee upfront with no milestones |
| Exit | Pay for work done, receive work done | No termination right for the player |
5. Image rights and personal data
Photo and video shoots involve your likeness. The contract should define how the studio may use those images, and you should be able to withdraw consent for portfolio use of personal photos. Analytics shared during the audit include personal data about your audience; the studio should handle them in line with the GDPR and delete them when the job ends.
6. Minors
Many rising players are under 18. In that case a parent or legal guardian must sign, and in France specific rules apply to minors' image and earnings. A responsible studio raises this itself.
7. Payment, exit and disputes
Milestone payments protect both sides. Check what happens if you cancel halfway: you should pay for completed work and receive those files. Look at the governing law and jurisdiction; a studio in Lyon will usually choose French law and Lyon courts, which is fine if you know it in advance.
Insider note: Ask for the final source files to be delivered in a shared folder you control, not just a download link that expires.
Still deciding? Read the questions players ask before hiring, or send us yours.