Graphic Designer's Affidavit of Work and Ownership

What a good one includes

• A clear statement of your identity, professional credentials, and business structure.
• A precise, numbered inventory of the specific design files, concepts, or assets in question, including file formats and creation dates.
• Detailed reference to the original client agreement, design brief, or communication records that established the project scope and payment terms.
• A chronological timeline of when the work was created, delivered, and when the breach of contract or unauthorized use occurred.
• Explicit statements asserting your sole authorship and ownership of the copyrights until full payment or transfer terms are met.
• A standard legal verification clause stating under penalty of perjury that all facts presented are true and correct.
• A designated notary block for the formal witness signature and official seal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on emotional accusations or vague complaints rather than objective, verifiable facts and dates.
• Failing to attach or clearly reference specific visual exhibits, such as watermarked drafts or original vector files, to prove creation.
• Signing the document before you are in the physical or digital presence of a licensed notary public.
• Generalizing the description of the work instead of identifying exact file names, timestamps, and delivery methods.

Frequently asked questions