Technology, Internet, Privacy & AI · European Union
Get Software Development Agreements That Deliver What You Paid For
A development project lives or dies by its contract — the scope, the milestones, who owns the code and how acceptance works. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted software lawyer across Europe who drafts these agreements every day, so your next build finishes with the rights, quality and outcome you actually agreed to.
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Who this is for
For anyone commissioning or delivering custom software
A software development agreement is the contract that governs a custom build: the specification, delivery milestones, acceptance criteria, intellectual property ownership, warranties and liability. It matters on both sides. If you are commissioning software — a founder hiring an agency, a company building an internal tool, or a business developing a new product — the contract decides whether you get working software, who owns the code, and what you can do when things go wrong. If you are a developer or agency, the same agreement defines your scope, your payment security and where your liability ends. Development projects are especially prone to dispute because requirements evolve, quality is subjective and code ownership is easy to get wrong. Our network connects you with lawyers who specialise in development contracts across the EU and EEA, so the agreement protects you from day one to final delivery.
Why development projects go wrong
The contract is usually the first casualty
of a development project
Vague scope, silent ownership and unclear acceptance create the very disputes a well-drafted agreement is meant to prevent.
Scope that drifts out of control
Without a clear specification and a defined process for changes, features creep, timelines slip and costs climb. Both sides end up arguing over what was actually agreed rather than building software.
Ownership left to chance
If the agreement doesn’t assign intellectual property in writing, the developer may retain rights to the code — even where the client paid for it. That gap can block a sale, investment or further development later.
Acceptance that never actually happens
When acceptance criteria are vague, the client can be left with software that doesn’t meet expectations yet still owes payment — while the developer faces endless, unpaid revision requests. Both sides lose.
What you get
A software lawyer who drafts development deals that finish cleanly
We only match you with lawyers who handle bespoke development contracts and IP regularly in your jurisdiction.
A clear, testable specification
Scope, deliverables and acceptance criteria defined precisely, so both parties know exactly what ‘done’ means and disputes over expectations are avoided before they start.
IP ownership secured in writing
Explicit assignment of code, designs and improvements to the commissioning party, with any retained rights or licences spelled out — so ownership is never left to inference.
Milestones and payment protection
Delivery milestones tied to payment and acceptance, giving the client leverage over quality and the developer security over being paid for work actually delivered.
Change and dispute handling built in
A defined process for change requests, delays and termination, so scope changes and disagreements are managed by the contract rather than escalating into litigation.
Coverage
Software development agreement specialists across Europe
Development agreements sit on national contract and IP law, so the right lawyer practises in the governing jurisdiction. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Software development agreements — common questions
What is a software development agreement?
It is the contract governing a custom software build, covering scope, specification, milestones, acceptance criteria, intellectual property ownership, warranties and liability. It defines what will be delivered, when, and who owns the result.
Who owns the code in a development project?
It depends on the contract and the jurisdiction. Without an explicit assignment, the developer may retain copyright even where the client paid for the work, so a written transfer of intellectual property is essential to secure ownership.
What should acceptance criteria look like?
Acceptance criteria should be specific, testable and agreed before development begins, so ‘done’ is objective rather than a matter of opinion. Clear criteria protect the client from substandard delivery and the developer from endless unpaid revisions.
How are changes to scope handled?
A good agreement sets out a change-control process for new features, timelines and costs, so scope changes are agreed, documented and priced rather than absorbed into the original fixed fee or timeline.
Should I use a fixed price or time-and-materials contract?
Each suits different situations. Fixed price suits well-defined projects with clear requirements, while time-and-materials suits evolving scope. A lawyer can help you choose the model that matches your project’s uncertainty.
What if the developer doesn’t deliver?
Your remedies depend on the contract’s milestones, acceptance and termination clauses. If the work is late or defective, these provisions determine whether you can withhold payment, require fixes or end the agreement and recover costs.
Free case review
Put the contract in place before the build begins
Tell us about your project — whether you’re commissioning or delivering — and we’ll connect you with a software lawyer who drafts development agreements in your jurisdiction, free of charge and with no obligation.