How should you protect your intellectual property when delivering proofs to a client to minimize unauthorized use?

• A. Provide high-resolution proofs and forgo licensing terms.
• B. Provide low-resolution or watermarked proofs, embed licensing terms in contracts, use proof galleries with access controls, and track distribution; deliver final files under a license agreement.
• C. Deliver final files immediately without any license terms.
• D. Disable proof gallery access controls.

Answer: (B)

Protecting your intellectual property when delivering proofs means combining practical controls with clear, enforceable rights for how the images can be used. By giving clients low‑resolution or watermarked proofs, you let them review the visuals while reducing the value of any shared copy for unauthorized use. Embedding licensing terms in the contract and using a proof gallery with access controls and activity tracking creates both legal clarity and a trail of who accessed the files, when, and what was viewed or downloaded. Delivering the final files under a license agreement then specifies exactly what is permitted, for how long, and under what conditions, giving you enforceable rights and a mechanism to address any misuse. The other approaches leave gaps: high‑resolution proofs without licensing terms can be misused, delivering final files without any permission-term creates ambiguity, and disabling access controls removes visibility and safeguards against distribution.