Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Software Development Agreement
"I need a software development agreement for a 12-month project with a $150,000 budget, including milestones every 3 months, IP ownership transfer upon completion, and a 30-day termination notice period."
What is a Software Development Agreement?
A Software Development Agreement sets out the legal terms when a client hires a developer to create custom software in Saudi Arabia. It details what the software needs to do, when it must be delivered, and how much it will cost - protecting both parties under local commercial laws and the Electronic Transactions Law.
The agreement covers key elements like intellectual property rights, payment schedules, testing requirements, and maintenance support. It also addresses Islamic finance compliance and data protection requirements under Saudi regulations, particularly for projects involving government entities or sensitive sectors like healthcare and banking.
When should you use a Software Development Agreement?
Use a Software Development Agreement when hiring external developers or tech firms to build custom software solutions in Saudi Arabia. This agreement becomes essential before starting any significant development work, especially for projects involving sensitive data, government systems, or critical business operations regulated by CITC guidelines.
The timing is crucial - put this agreement in place during initial negotiations, before any code development begins. This protects intellectual property rights, establishes clear deliverables, and ensures Sharia compliance for payment terms. It's particularly important for projects requiring regulatory approval or those involving multiple stakeholders across different ministries.
What are the different types of Software Development Agreement?
- Software Development Service Agreement: Standard agreement for ongoing development services, covering multiple projects and maintenance
- Software Development Consulting Agreement: Focuses on advisory services and technical guidance rather than direct development
- Software Development Services Contract: Comprehensive contract for large-scale enterprise projects with detailed service level agreements
- NDA For App Development: Specialized confidentiality agreement for mobile app development projects
- NDA For Software Development: Protects proprietary information during general software development processes
Who should typically use a Software Development Agreement?
- Software Companies: Both local Saudi tech firms and international developers operating under CITC regulations, responsible for delivering custom software solutions
- Corporate Clients: Organizations commissioning software projects, from government ministries to private sector businesses needing customized applications
- Legal Departments: In-house counsel and external law firms who draft and review agreements to ensure Sharia compliance and protect client interests
- Project Managers: Oversee implementation, monitor deliverables, and ensure adherence to agreement terms
- Technical Consultants: Advise on technical specifications and verify that deliverables meet agreed standards under Saudi technical regulations
How do you write a Software Development Agreement?
- Project Scope: Document detailed software requirements, features, and functionalities aligned with Saudi technical standards
- Timeline Details: Map out development phases, testing periods, and final delivery dates considering local business calendars
- Budget Planning: Outline payment terms, milestone payments, and ensure Sharia-compliant financial arrangements
- Technical Specifications: Gather system requirements, integration needs, and compatibility requirements with Saudi platforms
- Compliance Check: Review CITC regulations, data protection requirements, and sector-specific rules
- Team Information: List key personnel, roles, and responsibilities for both developer and client sides
- Documentation Plan: Specify required technical documentation, user manuals, and training materials in Arabic and English
What should be included in a Software Development Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, commercial registration numbers, and authorized signatories under Saudi law
- Scope Definition: Detailed description of software deliverables, functionality, and technical specifications
- Payment Terms: Sharia-compliant payment schedule, milestone payments, and currency specifications
- Intellectual Property: Clear ownership rights transfer and licensing terms following Saudi IP laws
- Data Protection: Compliance with Saudi data protection regulations and CITC requirements
- Delivery Timeline: Specific milestones, acceptance criteria, and testing procedures
- Dispute Resolution: Saudi court jurisdiction or approved alternative dispute resolution methods
- Termination Rights: Clear conditions for contract termination and post-termination obligations
What's the difference between a Software Development Agreement and a Software Maintenance Agreement?
A Software Development Agreement differs significantly from a Software Maintenance Agreement in both scope and purpose. While both are essential for technology projects in Saudi Arabia, they serve distinct functions in the software lifecycle.
- Primary Purpose: Development agreements focus on creating new software from scratch, while maintenance agreements cover ongoing support, updates, and bug fixes for existing software
- Timeline Structure: Development agreements typically have specific project milestones and an end date, whereas maintenance agreements are usually ongoing with renewable terms
- Payment Terms: Development agreements often use milestone-based payments under Sharia principles, while maintenance agreements typically involve regular periodic payments
- Intellectual Property Rights: Development agreements must address original code ownership and transfer rights, but maintenance agreements focus on limited modification rights to existing software
- Technical Requirements: Development agreements specify detailed feature requirements, while maintenance agreements outline service levels and response times
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security:
You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it