Commissioning a VTuber model without a contract is one of the biggest risks in the VTuber industry.
Every year, creators lose:
- Ownership of their own model
- Commercial rights
- Usage permissions
- Refund eligibility
- Control over future edits
Because they trusted:
- Verbal agreements
- Discord messages
- Incomplete invoices
- “Friendly deals”
This guide provides:
- A professional VTuber model commission contract template structure
- Legal explanations in simple language
- Clauses every creator MUST include
- Artist protection sections
- Ownership and copyright safeguards
- Internal link strategy for your legal cluster
If you are paying real money for a model, this article protects your career.
Related legal foundation:
👉 vtuber model ownership copyright and commercial use
👉 vtuber contract basics explained
Why a VTuber Model Commission Contract Is Mandatory
A VTuber model is:
- Your identity
- Your brand
- Your monetization engine
- Your long-term IP asset
Without a contract:
- Artist may retain ownership
- You may lose commercial rights
- Resale becomes illegal
- Modifications can be blocked
- Agencies may reject your model
Common disasters:
- Model reclaimed after debut
- Artist resells your character
- Copyright strikes on your own streams
- Agency onboarding failure
A proper contract prevents all of this.
What Is a VTuber Model Commission Contract?
A VTuber model commission contract is a written legal agreement between:
- Client (VTuber / buyer)
- Artist / rigger (creator)
It defines:
- Ownership rights
- Commercial usage
- Modification permissions
- Payment structure
- Deadlines
- Refund policies
- Confidentiality
- Dispute resolution
This is different from:
- General art contracts
- Fan commissions
- Non-commercial artwork
Related commissioning:
👉 vtuber model commissions guide
👉 vtuber model hidden costs
The 10 Critical Sections Every VTuber Model Contract Must Include
Section 1: Parties & Identification
This defines who is legally bound.
Must include:
- Legal names
- Online handles
- Email addresses
- Country of residence
Why it matters:
- Jurisdiction
- Enforcement ability
- Payment disputes
Section 2: Scope of Work (Model Specifications)
This section prevents scope abuse.
Include:
- Model type (Live2D / 3D)
- Full body or half body
- Rigging level
- Expressions count
- Physics included
- Outfit variations
- File formats delivered
Example clauses:
- “One Live2D full-body model with standard facial rigging and idle animation.”
- “Includes PSD, JSON, moc3, texture files.”
Related technical:
👉 vtuber model file types & export guide
Section 3: Timeline & Delivery Milestones
Prevents endless delays.
Include:
- Start date
- Draft deadline
- Revision windows
- Final delivery date
Best structure:
- Concept approval
- Base art delivery
- Rigging delivery
- Final export
Protection clause:
“Failure to deliver within 30 days allows partial or full refund.”
Section 4: Payment Terms & Refund Policy
Never pay without written terms.
Include:
- Total price
- Deposit percentage
- Milestone payments
- Final payment trigger
- Accepted methods
Refund rules:
- Before sketch → full refund
- After base art → partial refund
- After rigging → no refund
Related budgeting:
👉 vtuber model budget planning
👉 vtuber setup cost
Section 5: Ownership & Copyright Transfer (MOST IMPORTANT)
This is where most VTubers fail.
Without this clause:
- Artist owns your character
- You only receive a license
- Commercial use may be restricted
You must define:
Option A: Full Ownership Transfer (Recommended)
Clause:
“All copyrights and ownership of the commissioned model transfer to the client upon full payment.”
This gives you:
- Full commercial rights
- Agency eligibility
- Merch rights
- Long-term control
Option B: Exclusive Commercial License
If full transfer not possible:
Define:
- Commercial use allowed
- No resale by artist
- No reuse of assets
- Exclusive character rights
Related protection:
👉 vtuber model ownership copyright and commercial use
Section 6: Commercial Usage Rights
Always define monetization clearly.
Include rights for:
- Streaming
- YouTube monetization
- Donations
- Memberships
- Sponsorships
- Merchandising
Critical clause:
“Client may use the model for all monetized streaming, video, merchandise, and promotional purposes worldwide.”
Without this:
- Sponsors may reject you
- Merch becomes illegal
- Agency onboarding fails
Related monetization:
👉 vtuber monetization methods
👉 vtuber sponsorship opportunities
Section 7: Modification & Future Editing Rights
You must control future updates.
Include permission to:
- Change outfits
- Modify hair
- Add expressions
- Switch riggers
- Re-export files
Protection clause:
“Client may modify the model or commission third parties to modify the model without further permission.”
Without this:
- Artist can block all updates
- Re-rigging becomes illegal
Section 8: Artist Credit & Portfolio Usage
Protect both sides.
Define:
- Credit format
- Where credit is required
- Portfolio rights for artist
Standard clause:
“Artist may display the model in portfolio but may not resell, reuse, or modify the character.”
Section 9: Confidentiality & Debut Protection
Prevents leaks.
Include:
- No sharing before debut
- No public previews
- No resale of WIP files
- NDA window
Critical for:
- Debut planning
- Brand protection
- Lore secrecy
Related debut:
👉 vtuber debut planning guide
Section 10: Dispute Resolution & Jurisdiction
Always define:
- Governing law
- Country jurisdiction
- Mediation first
- Arbitration clause
This saves:
- Legal costs
- International disputes
- Platform bans
Professional VTuber Model Commission Contract Template (Core Structure)
Below is a safe professional structure you can adapt.
VTuber Model Commission Agreement (Template)
Parties:
This Agreement is entered between [Client Legal Name] (“Client”) and [Artist Legal Name] (“Artist”).
1. Scope of Work
Artist agrees to create one [Live2D / 3D] VTuber model including:
- [Model type]
- [Rigging level]
- [Expressions]
- [Deliverable files]
2. Timeline
Project begins on [date].
Final delivery no later than [date].
3. Payment
Total fee: $[amount]
Deposit: $[amount]
Final payment upon delivery.
4. Ownership & Copyright
Upon full payment, all copyrights and ownership of the commissioned model transfer to the Client.
5. Commercial Rights
Client may use the model for all monetized streaming, video, merchandise, sponsorship, and promotional purposes worldwide.
6. Modification Rights
Client may modify the model or commission third parties to modify the model without restriction.
7. Artist Credit
Artist shall be credited as: “[Artist Name] – Character Artist / Rigger” where appropriate.
8. Confidentiality
Artist shall not publish or share any part of the model prior to Client’s official debut.
9. Termination & Refunds
Refund conditions apply as follows:
[Define stages]
10. Jurisdiction
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Country].
Signatures
Client: ___________ Date: ___
Artist: ___________ Date: ___
Common Contract Mistakes That Destroy VTuber Careers
Avoid these:
- No ownership clause
- “Personal use only” license
- No commercial rights
- No modification rights
- No confidentiality
- No deadlines
- No refund terms
These cause:
- Lost monetization
- Agency rejection
- Character theft
- Legal disputes
Related risks:
👉 vtuber model hidden costs
👉 vtuber contract basics explained
When You Need a Lawyer vs Template
Use a template if:
- Indie debut
- Budget under $3,000
- Non-agency model
- Simple ownership
Use a lawyer if:
- Agency onboarding
- Corporate model
- Merch franchise
- IP licensing
- Multi-artist pipeline
Final VTuber Model Contract Checklist
Before signing:
✔ Ownership transfer defined
✔ Commercial rights included
✔ Modification allowed
✔ Refund policy clear
✔ Deadlines defined
✔ Confidentiality active
✔ Jurisdiction chosen
✔ Files ownership confirmed
If any item missing — do not sign.
Final Thoughts
Your VTuber model is not art.
It is intellectual property, brand identity, and business asset.
A bad contract can destroy:
- Monetization
- Agency eligibility
- Sponsorship deals
- Long-term growth
A good contract protects:
- Your rights
- Your money
- Your future
Never commission without one.