Technology, Internet, Privacy & AI · European Union
Protect What You Build With a Software Law Specialist
Every line of code you write or buy is wrapped in legal questions — who owns it, who may use it, and what happens when it fails. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted software lawyer across Europe who handles licensing, development and intellectual property every day, so the value of your software is secured rather than assumed.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For software creators, buyers and everyone in between
Software law governs the legal treatment of software itself: ownership and intellectual property, licensing, development agreements, open-source obligations, warranties and liability. It matters whether you are a founder building a product, a developer contracting as a freelancer, a company commissioning bespoke software, or a business buying licences to run its operations. The core risk is rarely the code — it is the legal framework around it. Unclear ownership means a contractor or former employee may hold a claim over your product; a poorly drafted licence can restrict how you may use or resell software; and open-source components carry obligations that are easy to miss. Our network connects you with lawyers who specialise in software law across the EU and EEA, so the assets you build and the licences you sign are understood, protected and properly documented.
Why software projects unravel
The code works,
but the legal framework doesn’t
Ownership gaps, vague licences and missed open-source obligations quietly undermine software that otherwise performs perfectly.
Unclear ownership of the code
When developers, contractors or agencies contribute code without written assignment, the question of who owns the result is often unresolved. That ambiguity can surface years later, at funding, sale or a dispute, when it is hardest to fix.
Licences that restrict what you can do
Software licences define scope, users, modification rights and redistribution. Signing a licence you don’t fully understand can prevent you from using the software the way you planned — or expose you to unexpected fees and audits.
Open-source obligations overlooked
Incorporating open-source components can impose licence conditions on your own code, including copyleft obligations to release source. Most teams unknowingly rely on such components without realising the legal strings attached.
What you get
A software lawyer who secures your code and your licences
We only match you with lawyers who handle software licensing, development and IP regularly in your jurisdiction.
Ownership locked down
Clear assignment and contributor terms so that code, designs and improvements belong to the right party — and you can prove it when it matters, from funding to exit.
Licences that fit your use
A review of licence scope, restrictions, audit rights and liability, negotiated so the software actually works for how you intend to use and distribute it.
Open-source compliance
An audit of your components and their licences, with guidance on the obligations each one carries, so you avoid unknowingly triggering source-disclosure requirements.
Development agreements that protect you
Clear specifications, acceptance criteria, IP transfer and liability terms in bespoke development contracts, so projects finish with the rights and quality you paid for.
Coverage
Software law specialists across Europe
Software law sits on national contract and IP rules, with EU-wide instruments on top, so the right lawyer practises in your jurisdiction. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Software law — common questions
Who owns the software when I hire a developer?
Ownership depends on the agreement and, in some countries, default copyright rules that may favour the author. Without a clear written assignment of intellectual property, you may not own the code you paid for, so the contract terms are critical.
What is a software licence?
A software licence is permission to use software under defined terms, setting out scope, number of users, modification rights, redistribution and fees. The licence terms — not the price — determine what you are actually allowed to do with the software.
What are open-source licence obligations?
Open-source licences vary widely: some are permissive, while others impose conditions such as releasing your own source code if you distribute a derivative work. Understanding which components you use and what each licence requires is essential to stay compliant.
Can I modify software I have licensed?
It depends on the licence terms. Some licences allow modification, others prohibit it or require you to license your changes back. A lawyer can review your licence and confirm what you may and may not do with the software.
What should a software development agreement include?
Typically it should cover the specification, acceptance criteria, intellectual property ownership, warranties, liability and payment milestones. Getting these terms clear up front prevents disputes over what was delivered and who owns it.
What happens if software I bought fails?
Your remedies depend on the contract’s warranty and liability provisions, which are often limited. A software lawyer can review what protection you actually have and advise on your options when a supplier’s software underperforms.
Free case review
Secure the legal side of your software before it matters
Tell us what you build, buy or license, and we’ll connect you with a software lawyer who handles licensing and IP in your jurisdiction — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.