Software development agreement

It has to clearly set out the roles and duties of the parties in the development process. The ultimate goal for the software development has to be clear, milestones on the way there and a process for a flexible and legally watertight adjustment of goals.

It is important to agree on fair remuneration for milestones reached within the development process. The software development agreement ensures that this crucial point is clear before starting the project. Furthermore it is highly important to agree on the rights of use of the developed software and parts of it – including whether the developer has interest in exploiting the developed product or parts of it.

Key points include: the term of the project; liability regulations in case something goes wrong; possibilities for termination; minimum standards for the developed product; and the testing process of the product.

You need to know what timeframe you realistically agree on for the development of the software. It is also crucial to leave space for adjustments of the contract, in case you agree to change the route towards your goal.

We agree the scope and price in writing before we start — so you know exactly what you will pay. For open-ended or iterative mandates we can agree pre-paid hours instead. Either way, there are no billable-hour targets or surprise invoices.

This depends entirely on what the agreement says. Without a clear IP clause, ownership may remain with the developer by default. Our agreements explicitly assign — or license — all code, patents and copyrights to the party you agree on, and regulate confidentiality both during and after the engagement.