Contracts built for Software Engineers
Technical consulting and development contracts that define scope clearly, protect your code, and set boundaries on post-project support — so you can build without surprises.
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Contract templates for Software Engineers
Every template is customized to your specific situation — not a generic fill-in-the-blank form.
Software Development Agreement
Covers custom software development projects from spec to delivery.
- Acceptance criteria and testing process
- IP ownership — code, libraries, and third-party components
- Bug fix warranty period post-delivery
Technical Consulting Agreement
For hourly or retainer-based technical consulting, architecture review, and advisory work.
- Billing rate and invoicing schedule
- Non-disclosure of client technical information
- Non-solicitation of client employees
NDA for Software Projects
Protect technical specifications, architecture decisions, and proprietary systems before starting a project.
- Protection of source code and technical documentation
- Third-party disclosure restrictions
- Return or destruction of materials upon termination
SaaS Development Contract
For teams building SaaS products under contract — covers milestones, source code escrow, and post-launch support.
- Milestone-based payment and delivery schedule
- Source code handover and repository access
- Post-launch maintenance scope and pricing
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Common questions from software engineers
- Who owns the code I write as a contractor?
- It depends on your contract. Without a written agreement, the law varies by jurisdiction — in many places, a contractor retains copyright unless it's explicitly assigned. Most client contracts will require full IP assignment. Read the IP clause carefully: it may also try to claim ownership of any related tools, libraries, or frameworks you develop, which you should narrow in scope.
- How do I protect myself from scope creep?
- Define the scope in precise, technical terms — features list, user stories, acceptance criteria, and explicit exclusions. Include a change order clause requiring written approval and additional compensation for anything outside the defined scope. Attach a statement of work as an exhibit to your contract.
- What's a reasonable warranty period for software?
- 30–90 days post-delivery is standard for freelance software projects. The warranty should cover bugs in the original deliverables — not feature additions, environmental changes, or third-party dependency updates. Define 'bug' clearly (a deviation from agreed specifications) to avoid scope creep through the back door.
- Should I use open source libraries in client projects?
- Yes, but disclose it. Your contract should list any open source components used and their licenses. Be particularly careful with copyleft licenses (GPL, AGPL) — they can affect the client's ability to commercialize the software. MIT and Apache 2.0 are generally safe for commercial projects.
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