Software development agreements
Commission custom software: scope, stages, acceptance, changes, ownership and what is handed over.
Set the terms for building software for a client.
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Key features
Scope and requirements
What the software is for, where the requirements are written, what is out of scope, and named representatives who meet at agreed intervals.
Stages table
Four rows for stage, what it delivers and a date, and dates that move if the client is late with what it must provide.
Acceptance and written changes
A testing period for each delivery, putting right what does not meet requirements, and no work on a change until both agree what it costs and does to the dates.
Ownership, tools and components
Who owns the software and from when, the developer keeping its own tools with a permission for the client, and open-source and third-party components listed with their licences.
Handover, security and defects
What is delivered and where, security practices and incident reporting, and fixing defects for a period after acceptance.
About this document
A software development agreement is between a client who wants software built and a developer who will build it. It records what is being built and what is outside scope, how the work is organised, the stages and dates, what the client provides, how each delivery is accepted, how changes are agreed, the price and who owns the result.
This blank form is completed by hand and signed by both sides. It leaves every price, date and period for the parties. It deals with ownership of the software and the developer's own tools, open-source components, source code and handover, security, defects after delivery and support. How ownership and licensing interact in a given project is worth a lawyer's attention.
Is this document right for you?
Useful when
- You are commissioning an app, website back end or internal tool
- You are a developer taking on a project and want terms fixed
- You want ownership and source-code handover settled before work starts
Commonly used by
- Businesses commissioning software
- Freelance developers and small agencies
- Start-ups building a first product
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Alternatives
These are separate documents, for different jobs.
- Software licensing agreementsSet the terms others can use your software on.View document
- Independent-contractor agreementsSet the terms of work with an independent contractor.View document
- IP assignment agreementsMake sure the IP someone creates belongs to the right owner.View document
- Computer Services AgreementSet the terms for computer and IT services.View document
When to use this
- A start-up hires a developer to build a mobile app in stages
- A company commissions an integration with a fixed scope
- A developer keeps its libraries and licenses them to the client
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More in Technology & Website
- SaaS agreementsSet the terms customers use your software service on.View document
- Software licensing agreementsSet the terms others can use your software on.View document
- Website terms and conditionsThe rules visitors agree to when using your website.View document
- Platform terms of useThe rules users agree to on your platform or app.View document
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Questions
About the software development agreements
The form has a blank for who and from when, for example on payment in full. The developer's pre-existing tools stay the developer's, with a permission for the client to use them as delivered.
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