Master Services Agreement for Freelance Software Engineers: What to Include (Customizable Template)

Introduction

A clear Master Services Agreement is crucial for freelance software engineers working on multi-phase projects. It sets the stage for approvals and handoffs while protecting your creative work. Ready to get started? Customize your Master Services Agreement now.

Legal Terms: What Matters Most for Freelance Software Engineers

IP Ownership

• Make it clear that you retain ownership of your intellectual property until you receive payment. This protects your work and ensures you're compensated fairly.
• Include clauses that prevent clients from using your work in AI models without permission. This is important to maintain your work's integrity.
• Consider how you want to handle attribution. It might be beneficial to keep source files and allow for portfolio rights unless the client requests otherwise.

Revision Limits

• Set clear limits on the number of revisions allowed to prevent endless changes and delays. For example, consider capping revisions to three rounds per milestone.
• Define what constitutes acceptance criteria for your work to avoid misunderstandings about what the client expects.
• Implement payment milestones that align with project phases so that you get paid as you progress.

Scope Creep and Change Orders

• Clearly define what constitutes a change order to easily identify when the project scope changes. This makes it easier to handle additional requests smoothly.
• Provide guidance on pricing for change orders so clients understand the costs involved, helping avoid disputes.
• Include language that outlines how changes may impact the project schedule, keeping everyone aligned on timelines.

Other Helpful Clauses for Freelance Software Engineers

• **Portfolio Rights**: Ensure you retain the right to showcase your work in your portfolio, as this can be pivotal for future opportunities.
• **Confidentiality**: Include a confidentiality clause to safeguard any sensitive information exchanged during the project. This builds trust and professionalism.

How Counsel Club Helps

Counsel Club re-imagines legal for startups, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. Our platform allows you to search for lawyer-drafted forms for startups, freelancers, content creators, and other creative entrepreneurs. Our platform guides you through modifications, both to the contract and the scope of work. Counsel Club has the most sophisticated drafting tool on the market, and it was designed and developed by lawyers. If you want more help, reach out to a Counsel Club lawyer through our Concierge program. Our legal agent, Amicus, was trained on proprietary legal data to be your best legal assistant. Finally, legal for today, that is fast, protective, and cost effective.

Questions to Ask Amicus

• What rights do I have regarding the work I create?
• How can I handle requests for revisions effectively?
• What should I consider when defining the project scope?

Closing CTA

It's time to create your Master Services Agreement and pair it with your SOWs for a more structured approach to your freelance projects. Ready to get started? Customize your Master Services Agreement now.