Published by Bestcare Manpower Services | Workforce Solutions & Compliance
When skilled workers are placed in client environments — particularly in creative, technical, engineering, or research roles — the question of intellectual property ownership becomes critically important. Who owns the output of an outsourced worker’s labour? How is confidential information protected? What happens when a placement ends and the worker moves to another client? These are questions that Bestcare Manpower Services takes seriously, and addresses proactively in every relevant engagement.
Establishing Ownership From the Start
The ownership of work product created by outsourced workers does not resolve itself automatically. It depends on the terms of the employment contract, the service agreement between the client and the outsourcing provider, and the intellectual property laws of the applicable jurisdiction.
At Bestcare Manpower Services, we work with clients to ensure that IP ownership is explicitly addressed before placement begins. For roles where the worker will create intellectual property — software code, designs, written content, inventions, processes, or data models — the service agreement and the worker’s placement terms will include clear provisions assigning ownership of that work product to the client, where that is the agreed intention.
Worker Contracts and IP Clauses
Our worker contracts for roles involving intellectual property creation include:
- Assignment clauses: Confirming that work created in the course of the placement assignment belongs to the client, not the worker.
- Confidentiality obligations: Binding the worker to protect the client’s confidential information during and after the placement.
- Non-disclosure provisions: Preventing the worker from disclosing proprietary processes, client data, or trade secrets to any third party.
- Non-compete guidance: Where legally enforceable, our contracts may include reasonable post-placement restrictions to protect the client’s competitive interests.
Protecting Information During the Placement
Beyond contractual provisions, Bestcare Manpower Services supports clients in implementing practical information security measures for outsourced workers — including controlled system access, data handling protocols, and clear policies on the use of personal devices or external storage.
“Intellectual property is often a company’s most valuable asset. When that asset is being created or handled by outsourced workers, the legal and contractual framework surrounding that work must be watertight. At Bestcare Manpower Services, we ensure it is — before the first line of code is written or the first confidential document is opened.”
— The Director and Team, Bestcare Manpower Services
When the Placement Ends
At placement conclusion, Bestcare Manpower Services facilitates a structured offboarding process that includes return or deletion of client data, revocation of system access, and a written confirmation of the worker’s ongoing confidentiality obligations. No loose ends are left.
Contact our team to ensure your IP framework is properly structured for outsourced and contract-based work.