I followed the link TechCrunch posted to oDesk since I need some work. I found some job posting that I found interesting and proceeded to sign up. Low and behold the first service agreement I read just wasn't palatable. From my understanding of their Professional Services Agreement, any pre-existing intellectual property that is incorporated into a project can essentially be used for whatever purposes oDesk wants.
I wouldn't have an issue if this granted a license to the company that has requested the work, but it is oDesk—the site that connects professionals with those that need work done. I have a body of code that's gradually getting larger that allows me to be more productive, and I like to set my own terms on its use. Sorry, I won't grant an unlimited license to it to a company whose unstated business is to hoarde IP.
IP concerns about work on oDesk
Full disclosure: I work as Marketing Manager for oDesk.
Hi Nolan,
I wanted to address some of the concerns you raised about oDesk.
oDesk has no interest in hoarding IP. Providers retain the IP to any work they have previously done for themselves. oDesk serves as the middle man between the Buyer and the Provider, and both parties sign contracts with oDesk. Work done on an assignment, and IP rights to that work are transferred from Provider to oDesk and then from oDesk to Buyer.
The oDesk Core Terms (http://www.odesk.com/contract/oDesk_Core_Terms.pdf) explain this in detail. You can view all Buyer and Provider contracts at https://community.odesk.com/legal
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Abid Mohsin
Marketing Manager, oDesk