Simple Software Development Agreement for the United States

Simple Software Development Agreement Template for United States

A Simple Software Development Agreement is a legally binding contract used in the United States that establishes the terms and conditions under which software development services will be provided. It covers essential elements including project scope, deliverables, timeline, payment terms, intellectual property rights, and confidentiality provisions. This agreement is designed to protect both parties' interests while maintaining clarity and simplicity in its terms, making it suitable for straightforward development projects under U.S. jurisdiction.

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What is a Simple Software Development Agreement?

The Simple Software Development Agreement is designed for use in situations where a clear, straightforward agreement is needed for software development projects in the United States. This document is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized projects where the scope and deliverables are well-defined. It includes essential provisions for intellectual property rights, payment terms, project timelines, and acceptance criteria, while remaining more accessible than complex master service agreements. The agreement is structured to comply with U.S. contract law and intellectual property regulations, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to formalize their software development arrangements without excessive complexity.

What sections should be included in a Simple Software Development Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the parties entering into the agreement, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement and brief description of why the parties are entering into it

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement and their specific meanings

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of the software development services to be provided

5. Project Timeline: Development schedule, milestones, and delivery dates

6. Payment Terms: Fees, payment schedule, and payment conditions

7. Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and licensing of developed software and related materials

8. Confidentiality: Protection of proprietary information and trade secrets

9. Term and Termination: Duration of agreement and conditions for termination

What sections are optional to include in a Simple Software Development Agreement?

1. Change Management: Process for handling changes to project scope or requirements

2. Acceptance Testing: Criteria and procedures for accepting deliverables

3. Service Level Agreement: Performance standards and metrics for ongoing maintenance or support

4. Source Code Escrow: Terms for source code protection and access arrangements

5. Insurance Requirements: Required insurance coverage and limits for high-value or high-risk projects

What schedules should be included in a Simple Software Development Agreement?

1. Statement of Work: Detailed technical specifications and requirements

2. Project Timeline Schedule: Detailed project schedule with milestones and deliverables

3. Price Schedule: Detailed breakdown of costs and payment schedule

4. Technical Requirements: Specific technical requirements and standards

5. Testing Procedures: Detailed acceptance testing protocols and criteria

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Cost

Free to use
Industries

Copyright Act: Federal law (17 U.S.C.) governing copyright protection for original works of authorship, including software code and documentation

Patent Act: Federal law (35 U.S.C.) protecting novel, non-obvious inventions and technological innovations that may be present in the software

Defend Trade Secrets Act: Federal law providing protection for trade secrets and confidential business information in software development

Federal Trademark Act: Also known as the Lanham Act, protecting brands, logos, and other marks associated with the software

State Contract Laws: State-specific laws governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation

Uniform Commercial Code: Standardized set of laws governing commercial transactions, including software licensing and sales

E-SIGN Act: Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, ensuring legal validity of electronic signatures and records

State Privacy Laws: State-specific laws governing data protection and privacy (e.g., CCPA in California)

Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal law establishing standards for employment, including minimum wage and overtime requirements

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Federal law addressing computer-related crimes and unauthorized access to computer systems

Federal Trade Commission Act: Federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive trade practices in commerce

Independent Contractor Regulations: Federal and state laws governing the classification and treatment of independent contractors

IP Rights Provisions: Contract provisions specifying ownership and transfer of intellectual property rights in developed software

Scope of Work Provisions: Contract provisions defining specific deliverables, features, and functionality of the software to be developed

Payment Terms Provisions: Contract provisions specifying payment schedules, amounts, and conditions for software development services

Acceptance Criteria Provisions: Contract provisions defining standards and procedures for accepting delivered software components

Warranty Provisions: Contract provisions specifying guarantees and warranties regarding software functionality and performance

Limitation of Liability Provisions: Contract provisions limiting parties' liability and defining indemnification obligations

Confidentiality Provisions: Contract provisions protecting confidential information and trade secrets shared during development

Dispute Resolution Provisions: Contract provisions specifying procedures for resolving disputes between parties

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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