Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing intellectual property rights in software development, including copyright protection for source code, documentation, and related materials
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legislation governing the processing, storage, and protection of personal data, including requirements for data security and privacy in software development
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Legislation relevant when software development services are provided to consumers (B2C), establishing quality standards and consumer protection measures
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982: Establishes implied terms for the supply of services, including that services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Governs how third parties may enforce terms of a contract, relevant for software projects involving multiple stakeholders or end-users
Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002: Regulations governing electronic transactions and online service provision, including requirements for electronic contracting
Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018: Legislation focusing on cybersecurity requirements and network security standards that may affect software development projects
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations: Specific regulations governing electronic communications and privacy, particularly relevant for software involving communications features
IR35 Legislation: Tax legislation affecting contractors and freelancers in software development, determining employment status for tax purposes
Employment Rights Act 1996: Relevant when dealing with contractors or employees involved in software development projects, establishing basic employment rights
Common Law Contract Formation: Legal principles governing contract formation including offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations
Common Law Remedies: Legal principles establishing remedies for breach of contract, including damages and specific performance
ISO/IEC Standards: International technical standards for software development that may need to be referenced in the scope of work
BSI Guidelines: British Standards Institution guidelines providing industry-specific standards and best practices for software development
