Website ownership

Hi,

I created and have been maintaining a website for the past couple of years
for a client who does condo rentals.  He recently sold all his condos, and
he asked me to disable the site temporarily, but leave the files intact in
case he wants to sell the website to the new owner.  I am curious about who
actually owns these files and if he is really legally able to sell the
website to someone else.  I have no contract with this man except for verbal
agreements; we have nothing written down.  On one hand, you could assume
that the website is like any other creation, like a painting or a song, and
whoever buys it then has the right to do with it as he pleases.  But on the
other hand, you could say that my client was only paying me for my time and
services, and if anyone should make a profit off of selling the website to
someone else, it should be me - I would again provide a service to the new
owner.

I am really only asking this question for future reference, since not having
a written contract covering this situation I don't think I can honestly and
in good conscious try to keep my client from selling the website to the new
condo owner.  I would like to hear anyone's experience in this area, as this
is the first time I have dealt with something like this.

Thanks!
Dale Worley
Imagine Computer Services
Website Design and Hosting
PC and Network Support
256-604-9712
www.imaginecomputerservices.com

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