4. So how does it work in practice? might belong to Steve, but not if tricky employment contract definitely belongs to Edward the tricky bit in the middle: joint ownership! Steve works at Big Biz PLC, codes in his spare time and work time Edward is mates with Steve and John, works in a bar and codes for fun John works as a part time consultant, codes at the same time as his proper work might belong to John, but not if assigned across in his consultancy agreement