Legal Advice for Co-Ownership

Questioner

I started a concept/idea with a friend. The idea is his. I have realized almost everything (website/product etc.) Now he wants to put everything in his name. What do I need to do to become a 50% co-owner?

Lawyer

Have you already agreed on something in advance? Has the idea or the company (if applicable) already been registered with the Chamber of Commerce? If so, is it in the name of one of you or have you arranged this differently? An idea is not subject to intellectual property rights. The website and products are. If you have not yet made any agreements about this, it is likely that the person who made the product has the copyright on those products. Sit down together and make good agreements about who is allowed to do what, what belongs to whom (including copyrights) and at least record this in a signed contract with both of your names and signatures. Don't forget the date.