I take standards of confidentiality and intellectual property rights quite seriously, and I apply the same standards whether working with or without a formal contract. When a client submits documents or original work of any kind, I treat what has been entrusted to me with integrity and professionalism, taking all necessary precautions to protect document security and privacy. Any document, content, communications, or ideas a client submits to me shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the client. In no way will my editing services or collaborative role alter or infringe upon that sole and exclusive ownership. Specific details related to these duties are included in the language of project contracts I draw up with clients.
Under American law the mere act of creating a piece of writing bestows basic copyright protection. See this helpful page from Poets & Writers, as well as this one from Morse Law, for more information and resources on copyright protection.
Ogma Editing 