Whom do the source codes belong to?

[Former Member]

Hi All,

This is with respect to the modification / developments made for my company by the SAP Partners i.e. the source codes. After the implementation and stabilization, whom do the SOURCE CODES belong? Aren't the SAP partners who hv developed the codes for us obliged to pass it on to us?

[Former Member]

Hi Rahul,

This is a legal question, not relative to the SDK... And it dépends mainly on local legislation and contract between the company you are working for and the SAP Partner which ordered the work: basically, no common "rule" can exist on this one.

By the way, different kinds of ownership have to be considered:

• Intellectual property,
• Right to use, and or modify, and or resell.

For me, in France, doing some development I am always the Intellectual Property owner. Working for any company, this company has a pertual right to use, resell and modify my work. Then is a contract between the company for which I am working and the Customer who asked for the job (SAP Partner in your question) and has to be specifically specified while contracting, to avoid such situations.

Not an easy question at the end... And, again, no generic answer.

Regards,

Eric