Free Software Development Contract Template

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT This Software Development Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date"), BETWEEN: [Developer Name], with a principal place of business at [Developer Address] (the "Developer"); AND [Client Name], with a principal place of business at [Client Address] (the "Client"). The Developer and the Client may be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties." 1. PROJECT SCOPE AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS The Developer will build: [Project Description], conforming to [Technical Specifications] and acceptance criteria in Exhibit A. 2. DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES AND SPRINTS Delivery follows [Milestone Schedule]. Client provides feedback within [Review Period] business days of each milestone demo. 3. TECHNOLOGY STACK AND ARCHITECTURE Stack: [Technology Stack]. Architecture decisions documented in [Architecture Document Reference]. Open-source components comply with their licenses. 4. TESTING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE The Developer performs [QA Process], including unit/integration tests and remediation of critical defects before milestone acceptance. 5. PAYMENT SCHEDULE Total fee: [Total Project Fee], tied to milestones: [Payment Schedule]. Client payment is due within [Invoice Due Days] days of milestone acceptance. 6. SOURCE CODE AND IP OWNERSHIP Upon full payment, IP ownership: [IP Ownership Terms]. Developer retains pre-existing libraries and general know-how. 7. BUG FIXES AND WARRANTY PERIOD For [Warranty Period] after final acceptance, the Developer will fix reproducible defects in delivered code at no charge, excluding change requests and third-party issues. 8. HOSTING, DEPLOYMENT, AND HANDOFF Deployment: [Hosting and Handoff Details]. Handoff includes source repository access, documentation, and [Training Hours] hours of knowledge transfer. 9. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing Law / Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The courts located in [Governing Law / Jurisdiction] will have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement, unless the Parties agree in writing to mediation before litigation. 10. GENERAL (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning its subject matter and supersedes prior or contemporaneous agreements on that subject. (b) Amendments. Modifications must be in writing and signed by both Parties. (c) Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. (d) Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the other Party's prior written consent, except to a successor in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets. (e) Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including electronic signatures, each of which will be deemed an original. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date. DEVELOPER Name: [Developer Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ CLIENT Name: [Client Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________