Who owns the formula after development—me or the chemist?

IP ownership depends entirely on your contract. Most work-for-hire agreements grant full formula ownership to the brand upon final payment. Royalty or revenue-share arrangements are the main exception. Always get IP assignment language in writing before work begins. When you post a brief through AJ Cosmo Labs, the platform's milestone payment system helps ensure deliverables—including formula files—transfer clearly at each agreed stage.