If you’re putting your face, ideas, or creative energy on the internet, you need to protect it.

From brand partnerships to content collabs, the lines around ownership, licensing, and usage can get blurry fast. At Counsel Club, we’ve seen too many creators give away too much, just because the contract seemed “standard.”

Here’s how to protect your content legally as a creator or influencer, and what to push back on when the terms aren’t in your favor.

1. Use NDAs Before You Pitch or Share Ideas

Ever sent a pitch deck, creative proposal, or campaign idea to a brand… only to see them run with it later, without you? It's not just a ghost story, it happens.

That’s where an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) comes in. An NDA protects anything you share that's not public, like strategies, draft scripts, sample content, or media plans, and prevents others from using or disclosing it without your permission.

Use an NDA when:

• You’re pitching original campaign ideas
• A brand wants you to consult or brainstorm “unofficially”
• You’re part of a production or creative team before final terms are signed

👉 Pro tip: Brands expect this. Asking for an NDA doesn’t make you “difficult.” It makes you professional.

2. Negotiate IP Ownership (And Know What You’re Licensing)

Just because a brand pays you, doesn’t mean they should own your content.

This is one of the most misunderstood (and abused) parts of creator contracts. Most of the time, you’re licensing content, not handing it over outright.

Watch out for:

• “Work for hire” clauses (which can transfer ownership permanently)
• Broad language like “perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable rights”
• Exclusive, perpetual licenses that do not allow you to reuse the work within a reasonable period of time
• No limits on how your content can be reused, repurposed, or altered by you (the creator!)

Push for:

• A limited license (e.g. “social media use only for 3 months”)
• Ownership of your original content, likeness, and brand assets
• The right to approve edits or placements of your work

👉 Pro tip: Counsel Club includes content creator agreements with limited usage license rights, so go use that form.

3. Set Boundaries Around Brand Usage and Exclusivity

A brand might want to repost your content. That’s normal. But what happens when they use your image in a Facebook ad for months, or worse, run it on a billboard?

Define exactly how your content can be used, and for how long. If they want broad rights, charge more or limit the duration.

Also, watch exclusivity clauses. If a brand says you can’t work with competitors, make sure:

• The time period is limited (e.g. 30-60 days)
• The category is clearly defined (e.g. “beverage brands,” not “all CPG”)
• You’re compensated accordingly

4. Don't Sign Contracts Without Reading the Fine Print

We know, long legal docs are the worst. But buried in the fine print are the things that matter most:

• When you get paid
• Who owns your content
• What happens if the brand cancels last-minute

Counsel Club’s tip: Look out for red flags like:

• Payment terms longer than Net 30
• One-sided termination clauses
• No mention of approval rights or usage limitations

If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — or better yet, use a contract designed to protect you. Send your contract to hello@counselclub.co and we'll even review it for you!

5. Start With a Solid Contract That Protects You

The easiest way to protect your content? Start with your own contract. One that includes:

• Clear licensing language, where you retain the rights to your content
• Approval rights over how your content is used by the brand
• Clear payment terms and timelines
• Cancellation fees or reshoot terms
• Brand usage limits and exclusivity boundaries

When you come with your own contract, you take control of the relationship, and your rights. It also shows that you are a professional creator, and this is a career for you, not a quick buck.

Ready to protect your content the right way?

We’ve built the contract creators actually need. Lawyer-crafted, ready to use, and designed for the real-world deals you’re making.

👉 Grab our free creator contract template right here.
And if you need help customizing it? Just ask Amicus, our AI legal assistant — part of every Counsel Club plan.