Navigating Intellectual Property in Coaching

Episode Highlights

• [00:01] Meet Angie Boynton, Contract Law Expert
  Angie shares her journey from litigator to contract law specialist—and why she believes contracts are the foundation of every business relationship.
• [06:12] Contracts Are About Clarity, Not Combat
  Contracts aren’t swords or shields—they’re the structure for how two people agree to work together. Angie explains why mission-driven coaches need to shift how they think about legal agreements.
• [10:47] Why “Borrowed Contracts” Can Cost You Everything
  Angie shares real examples of coaches posting online asking for contract templates—even after landing their “dream client”—and why this approach is dangerously short-sighted.
• [13:59] What Happens When a Client Refuses to Sign?
  Ryan and Angie explore how your contract should reflect your values—and how to respond when a prospect won’t agree to your terms.
• [17:03] Scope Creep and the Danger of Overgiving
  The most common boundary violation in coaching: doing more than you agreed to. Angie breaks down how to protect yourself without compromising service.
• [19:45] The Five Clauses Every Coaching Contract Should Include
  Angie walks through her 5 must-haves in every agreement:
  1. Correct Legal Name (and what to do if you use a DBA)
  2. Confidentiality Language (to protect your IP and your client’s privacy)
  3. Force Majeure Clause (what happens when life happens)
  4. Clear Obligations (for both coach and client)
  5. End Date (so you know when your responsibilities are complete)
• [44:52] The Truth About “Lifetime Access”
  Angie shares how to define and limit “lifetime access” in a way that’s legally clear and doesn’t trap you in unrealistic client expectations.

Links Mentioned:

• Free Contract Download + IP Risk Quiz
  Get Angie’s client agreement template and take her copycat risk quiz at: www.happyatlaw.com