Legal Checklist - Custom Made for You!

Clause & Couture Legal Checklist

This isn’t just another list. It’s your legal mirror — reflecting the rights you’ve always deserved but were rarely taught. Whether you're designing, modeling, creating, or collaborating, these are the essentials they won’t tell you — but we will. Save it. Share it. Live by it.

✅ Don’t sign anything unclear.
If you can’t explain a clause in your own words, you’re not ready to sign it. Contracts should protect you, not confuse you. Always ask questions.

✅ Always get it in writing.
Verbal promises won’t hold up in legal disputes. Whether it's a shoot, a design job, or a collab — get the details in writing.

✅ Know what “Work-for-Hire” means.
If a contract says this, the person hiring you likely owns the rights to what you create. It’s not just a job — it's a rights transfer.

✅ Use NDAs before sharing ideas.
An NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) keeps your concept safe from being copied. Use it before moodboards, sketches, or proposals are shared.

✅ Ask about credit, always.
Are you being credited? Where? In what format? Credit terms should be part of the agreement, not a post-shoot surprise.

✅ Be clear about payment terms.
Upfront? Per milestone? After delivery? Always define how and when you'll be paid — and get it signed.

✅ Screenshots are receipts.
Keep records of emails, DMs, briefs, approvals, payments, and promises. If something goes wrong, your screenshot could be your safety net.

✅ Register your original work.
Sketches, campaigns, designs, brand names — you can register these under copyright or trademark law. That’s how you own it legally.

✅ Respect IP — yours and others'.
Using someone else’s design without permission (even with a twist) can land you in trouble. Stay inspired, not infringing.

✅ Don’t copy-paste contracts.
Templates found online rarely cover your real needs. Use contracts that match the work you do and the risks you take.

✅ A watermark is not protection.
Real protection comes from registration, licensing, and legal clarity. A logo stamp alone won’t stop theft.

✅ Your face, your rights.
If someone is using your photo, video, or voice without your consent — that’s a legal issue. You can ask for takedown or demand compensation.

✅ Freelancer? Read the deliverables clause.
Some brands ask for ALL raw files or extra edits. Clarify what's included in your fee — and what costs extra.

✅ Collaborations need contracts too.
Friends today, disputes tomorrow. Even if it’s a collab, define roles, rights, and revenue splits in advance.

✅ Modeling? Read usage rights.
How long can your images be used? Where? For what purpose? Don’t sign away your likeness forever unless you’re being paid for that.

✅ Influencer? Disclose sponsored content.
It’s not just ethics — it’s the law. Disclose brand partnerships clearly to avoid legal backlash or platform penalties.

✅ Saying “no” is part of legal safety.
You are allowed to walk away. Unfair contracts, unsafe shoots, vague terms — if something feels wrong, it probably is.

✅ Don’t let them rush you.
“Sign now or lose the deal” is manipulation. Real professionals give you time to review, revise, and reflect.

✅ Trademark your brand name & logo.
It’s more than identity. It’s your business asset. If it’s not protected, someone else can steal it legally.

✅ Understand usage licenses.
Just because someone bought your design doesn’t mean they can use it everywhere. Limit the scope. Define terms.

✅ Always read the termination clause.
It tells you how to end the contract, or how they might end it. Know your exit strategy.

✅ Stay updated on creator laws.
From AI to influencer policy, the law is changing fast. Subscribe to platforms like CNC to stay ahead.

✅ Legal doesn’t mean complicated.
It means clarity, ownership, and freedom. When you know your rights, no one can gaslight your value.

Join the movement
Follow us on Instagram @clauseandcouture
Email: thecnclegal@gmail.com
Ph No: +91 8448133543