Standard deal contract
Pilot version 1. Plain-language text; the counsel-approved version replaces it before launch.
Every deal on Daylight uses this contract between the buyer and the journalist. The exact text, with the agreed terms filled in, is generated in the deal room and signed by both sides.
Licence, not assignment
The journalist keeps copyright and grants a licence limited by language, territory, media and term. First-publication exclusivity is 7 days by default, as agreed.
Byline
A byline or pen name is required unless the journalist asks for none. The journalist may withdraw the byline if the work is materially changed.
Editorial control
The buyer has full editorial control and is solely responsible for what it publishes.
Warranties
The journalist warrants originality, truthfulness to the best of their knowledge, lawful sourcing and no undisclosed conflicts.
Money
The buyer pays into escrow before work starts. Release on acceptance or automatically 7 days after delivery. Kill fee 50% by default. No AI training without a separate opt-in.
Disputes
Daylight decides on contract compliance only. Escalation to online dispute resolution or arbitration.