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

Introduction

A solid Master Services Agreement (MSA) is crucial for Software Developers, especially when handling complex, multi-phase projects. This agreement outlines the terms of work, approvals, and handoffs, creating efficiency and transparency throughout your collaboration. To get started, customize your Master Services Agreement now.

Legal Terms: What Matters Most for Software Developers

IP Ownership

• Specify that intellectual property (IP) ownership transfers only upon payment of fees. This ensures you retain rights until fully compensated.
• Prohibit clients from using your work product in AI training models without consent to protect your creations.
• Include conditions for attribution whether you want to be recognized in the client's usage or portfolio.

Revision Limits and Payment Milestones

• Establish clear limits on the number of revisions included in the initial pricing. For example, you might offer two free revision rounds.
• Define acceptance criteria for project phases to ensure both parties agree on what “done” means before moving forward.
• Implement a milestone schedule tied to payments, allowing payments to be released as you deliver work, thus managing cash flow effectively.

Scope Creep and Change Orders

• Identifying triggers for change orders prevents misunderstandings later. Write down what constitutes a change and how clients can request it.
• Offer pricing guidance for additional work outside the initial scope, ensuring clients know what to expect.
• Be upfront about how changes affect the project timeline to reduce friction and enable strategic planning.

Other Helpful Clauses for Software Developers

• **Portfolio Rights**: Retain the ability to showcase the work in your portfolio, which is crucial for future client acquisitions.
• **Limitation of Liability**: Set clear limits on liabilities, protecting yourself from unforeseen claims or damages beyond your control.
• **Confidentiality**: Ensure client information remains confidential, reinforcing trust throughout your partnership.

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 retain for my work once the project is complete?
• How should I handle requests for revisions beyond the agreed limits?
• What should I do if the project scope changes significantly after we start?

Closing CTA

Ready to create your Master Services Agreement and pair it with SOWs? Customize your Master Services Agreement now.