A character may pass through illustration, modelling, copywriting and other development work. The final file should not hide the contribution history needed to understand its usable rights.
WIPO's IP-audit guidance encourages identifying the assets and relationships used in a business. WIPO — Uncovering IP Risks and Potential: IP Audit.
Map the contributions
For a developed character asset, identify which person or organisation supplied each relevant part. Keep uncertain authorship or contractual information visible instead of assigning every contribution automatically to the file's latest sender.
Review the actual position
Ownership, permissions and joint-creation questions depend on the relevant arrangements and applicable law. Have unresolved points reviewed before promising unrestricted commercial use. The purpose of the contribution map is a clearer evidence base, not a universal rule about who owns collaborative work.
Source reviewed 25 October 2026. Interpretation and original diagrams: PLUSHIP / Qunhe. Examples are illustrative.
Related reading
A Product Photograph and the Character in It Can Raise Different Rights Questions
Music in a Character Promotion Adds a Separate Asset to Review
Identify Who Is Authorised to Grant the Proposed Character Rights