Providing production code samples as part of an invited freelance work proposal? [closed]

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I have only recently started to market myself as a 'programmer' rather than an analyst or something else entirely. In a recent search of freelance/part-time/contract work, I came across an ad for a contract "R Programmer". I was well qualified for the position and submitted my technical resume. I had an interview and was asked to submit a proposal for some contract work for the company, a well-funded start up that has an interesting--and useful--product.

As part of the proposal, they would like, among other things, an R package that gives them the means to analyze their customer's data along with a write up of what the output(s) of my package means and how it would help their customers. The company also provided five samples of their client's data (along with an NDA that I was required to sign) so I could write and test out my code.

I'm curious as to how I protect myself and the code/R package I've written from being used commercially? In other words, I'll be providing this R package as part of a proposal; in other parts of my business, a technical proposal doesn't contain any sort of tool that could be used immediately as part of a commercial business. Is there some sort of copyright I could attach to the package or proposal documentation, similar to their NDA I was required to sign, that could afford me some sort of protection should they decide to use my R package without payment?

What is there that prevents a company from using a code sample commercially without paying the author?

Answer 1

Your best bet is probably to write a clear statement in everyday language that the code is your copyright; is provided for information only without warranty to be read not used; and you forbid it to be used or disseminated without your express permission. You could say you would transfer the copyright to the client for some modest fee or if they engage you for a contract. There - perhaps I've done it for you :)

If you want to spend money, and probably some extra time, find a software lawyer, explain what you want, and pay them to write you a license agreement. Personally I'd suggest it's probably not worth it. Realistically, are you actually going to sue them if they use your code? If not, perhaps the best thing is if the intention of your copyright statement is clear, and not so much whether it would actually stand up in court (whether it has the correct legal phrasing).

What prevents a company from using a code sample commercially without paying the author? You probably have no way of telling whether they used your code internally. So, mostly, honesty. If they are organised (e.g. large, profitable, and have been in existence for a long time) they may have internal procedures/auditing that will prevent them using code illegally.