Digital Agencies
Legal Counsel for Growing Agencies
From client contracts to IP ownership, Clearview helps marketing, design, and development agencies protect their work and scale confidently.
Why agencies choose Clearview.
Clearview understands the agency business model and provides practical legal solutions that protect your relationships, work product, and bottom line.
Agency Experience
Clearview understands the agency business model, from boutique studios to multi-office operations, and the unique challenges you face.
Practical Contracts
Clearview's templates and custom agreements are designed for real agency workflows.
Scalable Support
Whether you need a single MSA or ongoing counsel, Clearview can scale with your agency's needs and growth.
Common Needs
How Clearview can help.
Master Service Agreements
Comprehensive MSAs that protect you while remaining client-friendly enough to close deals quickly.
IP Ownership Clauses
Clear language on who owns what, protecting your proprietary methods while transferring appropriate rights to clients.
Contractor Agreements
Proper contracts for freelancers and contractors that ensure IP assignment and protect confidential information.
Partnership Agreements
Joint venture and white-label agreements when partnering with other agencies or service providers.
Employment Contracts
Protect your team relationships with proper employment agreements, non-competes, and IP assignment clauses.
Terms of Service
Website terms, privacy policies, and client portal agreements that limit liability and set expectations.
Common Challenges
Challenges agencies face.
The agency model creates legal exposures that benefit from experienced legal support.
Scope Creep Protection
Clients requesting endless revisions or additional work outside the original agreement, without proper change order processes.
IP Ownership Disputes
Unclear language about who owns the work product, source files, or proprietary methods after project completion.
Payment Collection
Late payments, disputed invoices, and clients who disappear. Contracts need teeth to protect your revenue.
Contractor Classification
Ensuring freelancers are properly classified and contracted to avoid misclassification penalties.
Client Liability
When client-provided content or direction causes legal problems, clear indemnification terms protect your agency.
Deep Dive
Working with Digital Agencies.
"Great experience - Connor did the contracts for my business, he did an excellent job and was a delight to work with."
Amanda C.
The Clearview Philosophy
Clearview's approach.
Business-First
Clearview understands you need to close deals and maintain client relationships and provides contracts that protect you without creating unnecessary friction.
Agency-Tailored Templates
Clearview can draw on agency-tailored templates for common situations, including SOWs, change orders, and contractor agreements.
Ongoing Partnership
Agencies can retain Clearview for monthly support, getting fast contract reviews and advice as new situations arise.
Related Expertise
Practice areas Clearview offers.
FAQ
Common questions.
Should we use our MSA or the client's?
Always start with your MSA when possible. It's written to protect you. When enterprise clients insist on their terms, Clearview can help review their agreement and negotiate key protections like IP ownership, payment terms, liability caps, and termination rights.
How do we handle IP when using freelancers?
Every freelancer should sign an agreement with proper IP assignment language before starting work. This ensures you own what they create and can transfer those rights to clients. Clearview can provide template agreements for this exact situation.
What should our payment terms be?
Clearview recommends upfront cash for new clients, with clear milestone payments for larger projects. Your MSA should include late payment penalties, work stoppage rights, and clear remedies for non-payment.
Do we need different contracts for different services?
A solid MSA covers most situations, with specific SOWs for each project. However, specialized services like influencer management or software development may benefit from custom agreements. Clearview can help you determine what's needed.
Do you work with clients outside of Ontario?
Yes. Clearview is an Ontario law firm but works remotely (as permitted) with clients in other provinces and internationally when the matter is within Clearview's practice scope.
Learn More
Knowledge centre.
Ready to protect your agency?
Let's review your contracts, improve your processes, and set your agency up for growth.