Technology, Internet, Privacy & AI · European Union
License Your Software — or License It In — With Terms That Fit
A software licence defines what the buyer may do, what the seller must deliver and what happens when the software fails. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted software licensing lawyer across Europe who drafts and negotiates these terms every day, whether you are licensing your product out or bringing one in.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
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Who this is for
For software vendors, licensees and anyone whose product runs on code
Software licensing is the legal mechanism by which software is made available for use rather than sold outright. A licence sets out the permitted scope — how many users, which devices, what rights to modify, copy or redistribute — along with fees, warranties, audit rights and liability. It cuts across every kind of software business. Vendors need licence terms that protect their intellectual property, generate predictable revenue and hold up when challenged. Businesses licensing software in need to know precisely what they may and may not do, and what obligations they are inheriting. Open-source licensing adds a further layer, where the choice of licence determines what downstream users and competitors can do with the code. Our network connects you with lawyers who specialise in software licensing across the EU and EEA, so every licence you grant or accept is fit for purpose.
Why licences go wrong
A licence is a legal instrument,
not just a permission slip
The scope, restrictions and obligations buried in a licence determine the value of the software — and the risks, if they are misunderstood.
Scope that doesn’t match your use
Licences restrict users, devices, sites and distribution in ways that are easy to miss. Using software beyond the licensed scope can trigger compliance disputes, unexpected fees or legal claims — often discovered only in an audit.
Restrictions you didn’t understand
Clauses on modification, reverse engineering, transfer and resale can prevent the very things you bought the software to do. Signing first and understanding later usually means accepting limits you never intended.
Open-source terms with hidden strings
Choosing or consuming open-source code means accepting the obligations of its licence, which can include requiring you to release your own code. Picking the wrong licence can undermine a commercial product’s value permanently.
What you get
A software licensing lawyer who gets the terms right on both sides
We only match you with lawyers who handle software licences, open-source and distribution rights regularly in your jurisdiction.
Licences that protect your IP
Vendor terms that define scope, restrictions and liability to safeguard your code while supporting your revenue model, from per-seat to enterprise licences.
Terms that fit how you’ll use it
For licensees, a review that confirms the software can be used, modified and deployed the way you planned — with restrictions and obligations surfaced before you sign.
Open-source strategy decided properly
Guidance on choosing the right licence for your code and auditing the open-source components you consume, so obligations are understood rather than triggered by accident.
Audit and compliance handled
Advice on audit rights and software-asset compliance, so a vendor audit or a usage dispute is managed on solid footing instead of becoming an expensive surprise.
Coverage
Software licensing specialists across Europe
Software licensing rests on national copyright and contract law, so the right lawyer practises in the governing jurisdiction. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Software licensing — common questions
What is a software licence?
A software licence grants permission to use software under defined terms rather than transferring ownership. It sets out scope, permitted users and devices, modification and redistribution rights, fees, warranties and liability, and it governs the entire relationship with the software.
What is the difference between proprietary and open-source licences?
Proprietary licences restrict use, copying and modification to protect the vendor’s rights, while open-source licences permit broader use but impose their own conditions. Some open-source licences require you to share modifications, so the choice materially affects what you can do.
What are the main types of software licences?
Common models include perpetual licences, subscription or SaaS licences, per-seat or per-user licences, and site licences, each with different scope and pricing. A lawyer can help you choose the model that fits how the software will actually be used.
Can I transfer or resell a software licence?
It depends on the licence terms. Many licences restrict or prohibit transfer and resale, though some jurisdictions grant certain rights to resell. A review of the specific terms — and the applicable law — determines what is permitted.
What is copyleft?
Copyleft is a condition in some open-source licences requiring that derivative works be distributed under the same licence, which can mean releasing your own source code. Understanding whether a component carries copyleft obligations is critical before you build on it.
How can I avoid software licence compliance problems?
Track what software and open-source components you use, understand the terms of each, and keep records of entitlements. A licensing lawyer can audit your position and put the documentation in place before a vendor or regulator asks for it.
Free case review
Get your licensing terms right, whichever side you’re on
Tell us whether you’re licensing software out or in, and we’ll connect you with a licensing lawyer who handles these terms in your jurisdiction — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.