Intellectual Property Ownership in the Build + Launch Tiers
Intellectual property ownership is one of the most important questions for anyone entering a development partnership,and illuminis addresses it with a clear, transparent framework. The Build + Launch and Build + Launch Premium tiers involve a collaborative creation process,and the IP ownership structure reflects the contributions of both parties.
What You Own
As the idea originator in a Build + Launch arrangement, you retain ownership of several critical intellectual property components:
- The original concept and business logic: the core idea, problem-solution framework,and unique value proposition that you brought to illuminis remain your intellectual property
- Domain-specific content and data models: any proprietary industry knowledge, workflows, or data structures that define your application's unique approach
- Brand assets: your application name, logo, brand identity,and marketing materials created for your specific product
- Customer relationships: the relationships with end users and customers of your application belong to the application, not to the platform
What illuminis Owns
illuminis retains ownership of the technical components that are part of the broader platform ecosystem:
- Platform infrastructure code: the hosting, deployment, scaling,and monitoring systems that power all applications on the marketplace
- Shared utility services: authentication modules, billing integrations, analytics frameworks,and other services used across multiple applications
- Platform-specific integration layers: the code that connects your application to illuminis marketplace, billing,and distribution services
The Shared Zone: Application Source Code
The application source code itself,the custom code written specifically for your application,falls into a shared ownership category governed by the Build + Launch agreement. The key provisions include:
- Joint license: both you and illuminis have the right to use the application code for its intended purpose within the marketplace
- Non-compete protections: illuminis cannot take your application concept and build a competing product using the same business logic and domain expertise
- Exit provisions: the Build + Launch agreement includes terms for what happens if you decide to leave the platform, including code access and transition rights
- Derivative works: improvements, features,and enhancements developed by illuminis for your specific application are governed by the same shared ownership framework
Practical Implications
In practice, the IP framework is designed to protect both parties while ensuring the application can thrive. You cannot be locked out of your own idea,and illuminis cannot be left without the ability to maintain and improve an application it invested significant resources to build. The structure is comparable to a joint venture where both parties bring essential assets,you bring the idea and domain expertise, illuminis brings the technical execution and commercial infrastructure.
Reviewing the Agreement
Every Build + Launch engagement begins with a detailed IP agreement that specifies ownership, licensing,and exit terms for your specific application. illuminis encourages all idea originators to review this agreement carefully and seek independent legal counsel if desired. Transparency in IP ownership is a foundational principle of the Build + Launch program,and illuminis publishes standard agreement templates on the developer portal for review before you commit to the program.
If you have specific IP concerns or requirements,such as existing patents, trade secrets, or contractual obligations from prior employment,illuminis legal counsel will work with you to address these before development begins.