Developing and using digital products today is unimaginable without a well-structured legal framework. The experts at SimpLEGAL cover the full spectrum of IT legal advice: software development agreements, usage (license) contracts, open-source compliance, data protection, contractual and intellectual property law advice – delivered clearly and with business sense.
Whether it’s developing a new application, launching an existing SaaS platform, or integrating open-source components for commercial purposes, our team ensures that appropriate contractual and legal frameworks are in place from the very start of your project.
How can we help?
- Preparation of software development and usage (license) agreements, tailored to agile and waterfall development models if needed, with protection of intellectual property rights
- Compliance reviews of open-source licenses (e.g., MIT, GPL, Apache, etc.) – especially concerning incorporation into commercial products to avoid legal disputes and legal risks
- Intellectual property and data protection legal advice – to ensure a clear and lawful framework for client-developer relationships
- Supporting legal compliance of AI systems – including contract support related to the development and operation of AI systems
- Flexible contracting solutions tailored to your company, from startups to international tech corporations
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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The development involved subcontractors – how can I ensure that intellectual property rights remain with the client?
In practice, many development collaborations rely on brief contractor or mandate agreements that often lack proper provisions regarding the transfer of intellectual property rights and usage licenses. Concerning source code, documentation, database structures, and other intellectual creations, it is essential to clearly define who is entitled to what – otherwise, legal uncertainty arises, posing significant risks. SimpLEGAL’s lawyers have extensive experience in drafting software development contracts that protect client rights.
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What license model best fits a SaaS service?
For SaaS (“software as a service”) offerings, it is crucial to clearly define the scope and conditions of services and related support. This includes clear service-level agreements (SLA), oversight and subcontractor rights, and technical and legal limits on usage. Additionally, a well-structured data processing notice and clear rules on personal data processing and relevant liability are essential.
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What happens if open-source code or solutions are incorporated into the software?
Open-source software components, code, and solutions are often used in software development projects, becoming part of new or enhanced software. Different open-source license terms apply to such use and related developments. Some licenses – like GPL – require the resulting software to be open source, while others are more permissive, allowing proprietary software development. It is especially important for both clients and developers to clearly understand these terms, particularly if the new solution is to be sold, invested in, or integrated with an external partner. Poorly planned open-source use can lead to contract breaches or restrict intended software usage.
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The company is releasing a new software version – what legal aspects should be reviewed beforehand?
Before release, it is advisable to review used components, related license terms, the legal status of third-party APIs, and the data processing and usage conditions of new features. A well-timed legal review can significantly help avoid future legal disputes.
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When is it advisable to request a legal audit of software, IT services, or AI systems?
As early as possible. Ideally, at the start of a new product, service, or system development to prevent contractual breaches by the developer or legal obstacles to development. The audit identifies contractual, licensing, data protection, and other regulatory risks and offers recommendations to eliminate or minimize them.
Why choose SimpLEGAL team for these tasks?
Drawing on extensive experience supporting successful IT projects, we speak the language of developers, product owners, and technology investors. We are familiar with leading development models, release processes, and DevOps issues, allowing us to provide fast, targeted legal advice tailored to your specific product, solution, and operating model.
🚀 Interested in legal advice on AI system compliance? Request a consultation with our IT and software law specialist!
You can also download sample confidentiality agreements, confidentiality statements, and data processing agreements through our webshop.