A Developer–Owner Agreement is a legally binding contract between a business owner (or project owner) and a developer (individual or agency) engaged to build a website, software application, or digital product. This agreement outlines the scope of work, intellectual property rights, timelines, payments, and confidentiality obligations to ensure transparency and legal protection for both parties.
Customised drafting of Developer–Owner Agreements for software, web, app, and digital projects.
Clear definition of IP ownership, licensing terms, usage rights, and post-development support.
Structuring milestone-based payment schedules and delivery timelines.
Inclusion of confidentiality, non-compete, and data protection clauses.
Legal review and revision of existing agreements with advisory on code access, maintenance liability, and termination rights.
Get in Touch – Developer–Owner Agreement Services
In the software and digital product domain, a Developer–Owner Agreement acts as a foundational legal contract. It ensures that:
- The developer clearly understands the specifications, scope, and expectations
- The owner retains or acquires the full rights to the product being developed
- Payment and delivery are aligned to timelines and milestones
- Confidentiality and non-disclosure are enforced
- Disputes can be resolved legally through predefined procedures
Business or project overview from the Owner.
Scope of work or technical requirements document.
Developer’s business profile or engagement details.
Timeline and milestone plan.
Payment structure or agreed budget.
Details of any third-party services or tools involved.
Preferred legal jurisdiction or arbitration preference.
| Clause | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope of Work | Detailed deliverables, features, and technical requirements of the development project |
| Payment Terms | Payment milestones tied to project phases or completion timelines |
| Timelines & Deadlines | Delivery schedule with penalty clauses for undue delays |
| Intellectual Property Rights | Confirms whether the final product and source code are fully transferred to the owner |
| Use of Third-Party Tools | Clarifies the use of open-source or licensed components, and their licensing implications |
| Code Ownership and Access | Ensures the owner gets access to source code, credentials, and documentation upon delivery |
| Confidentiality Clause | Prohibits disclosure of sensitive business information and project details |
| Warranty & Support | Post-delivery maintenance, bug fixing window, or upgrade terms (if applicable) |
| Termination Clause | Conditions under which either party can exit the agreement |
| Dispute Resolution | Specifies arbitration, mediation, or legal jurisdiction in case of conflict |
Requirement Gathering
We begin by understanding the project scope, parties involved, payment structure, intellectual property expectations, timelines, and preferred legal jurisdiction.Drafting the Agreement
Our team prepares a comprehensive, legally sound contract tailored to your project and aligned with industry best practices.Review and Feedback
The draft agreement is shared with both parties for review, and revisions are incorporated based on comments to ensure clarity and mutual consent.Finalisation and Execution
The final agreement is delivered in an editable format, ready for signing. Optional support for e-signature or notarisation is available to formalize the contract.
At CoreCatalyst, we provide expert legal guidance to ensure your Developer–Owner Agreements are precise, enforceable, and tailored to your project needs. Our team focuses on protecting intellectual property, clarifying responsibilities, and preventing disputes.
