Best Way to Protect Files and Programming Designs When Contracting Work?

What is the best way to protect our files. I wouldn't want a contractor turning around and re-selling our platforms that they designed for us. We must make sure these web applications are fully owned by us. Is there any way of protecting our files and platform from a programmer doing that?

Have them sign a written agreement. Otherwise there is absolutely nothing stopping them from reselling the system which as it's cost effective to do that they likely will.

Also, if they are the one coding the system you can't protect the code from the coder. lol

You can attempt to prevent others from getting a hold of your code by encrypting it & obfuscation but, there is no truely fool proof method. Even very secure systems like IonCube have been cracked. There are no drag and drop IonCube file decoders out there.

the_demon said:

Have them sign a written agreement. Otherwise there is absolutely nothing stopping them from reselling the system which as it's cost effective to do that they likely will.
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You can attempt to prevent others from getting a hold of your code by encrypting it & obfuscation [...]

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I agree no chance. Just encryption or an agreement! For your encryption I think you have to write ur own crypter.
But why do the designers have to touch your code? Give a plain pre-designed file to the designer and later you can import it again or gain only access to the folders they have to work with! Split up your files as much as can.
No other suggestion.