> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/sections/16.-credit-ownership.md).

# 16. Credit Ownership

To prevent double counting, only one organization can have the ownership of credits initially issued from a project. Projects must provide evidence that they have the right to all carbon credits issued from the project activity, either by (a) proving sole ownership of a project or (b) contractual agreements between the Project Developer and other Project collaborators.

If there are benefit sharing mechanisms, this must be legally agreed upon during the project proposal. Every methodology must establish any steps necessary to ensure that risks of double issuance are addressed (meaning more than one credit is not attached to the same ton of CO<sub>2</sub>e).&#x20;

*<mark style="color:$info;">Default text:</mark>*

<mark style="color:$info;">`“Projects must provide evidence that they have the right to all carbon credits issued from the project activity. Each Project must have one main Project Developer, who will take legal ownership of issued credits. Additional project collaborators should be included in the project proposal, but will not have legal claim to credit ownership to avoid double counting and double issuance.”`</mark>

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