Software licensing law is a key component of modern IT and digital strategies. Companies today use complex licensing models – ranging from traditional on-premises licences and SaaS models to open-source components. Errors in licensing can entail significant financial and legal risks, for example through under-licensing, unauthorised distribution or breaches of licence terms. Added to this are copyright issues, compliance requirements and international aspects relating to the global distribution of software. Sound legal advice on software licensing law creates transparency in this area and protects against costly disputes.
Our firm assists companies in the legally compliant drafting, review and negotiation of software licence agreements. Our lawyers possess in-depth expertise in copyright law, IT law and contract law, combining legal know-how with technical understanding. We support you both in developing your own licensing models and in using third-party software – proactively to ensure licence compliance and, in the event of a dispute, in dealings with manufacturers, distributors or licensors. The aim of our legal advice is to ensure that your software strategy is legally sound and economically efficient.
Drafting and negotiating software licence agreements (on-premises, SaaS, cloud)
Review and optimisation of existing licence structures
Advice on open-source software and open-source compliance
Development of bespoke licensing and marketing models
Support with software audits and licence reviews carried out by manufacturers
Legal assessment of sub-licensing, redistribution and transfer rights
Advice on copyright protection and usage rights for software
Drafting of maintenance, servicing and support contracts
Representation in licence disputes and claims for damages
Advice on international licensing structures and cross-border software marketing
Ensure your licensing strategy is legally sound. Our lawyers provide comprehensive advice on software licensing law and develop bespoke solutions to ensure the legally compliant and sustainable use of your software.
