Contract templates · Online Business & Tech
Selling downloadable or on-premise software means the customer holds a copy. The licence controls how many people use it, where it can run and what happens to updates.
A software licence agreement grants a customer the right to use software subject to restrictions on users and installations, sets fees, support and updates, warranties, confirms the developer keeps ownership and sets termination terms.
When you need one
- Selling downloadable or on-premise software
Key clauses in a Software Licence Agreement
These are the clauses the template includes, and what each one does for you.
Licence grant and restrictions
Grants a licence to use the software and lists prohibited uses.
Users and installations
Limits the number of users, devices or installations.
Fees
Sets one-off or recurring licence fees.
Support and updates
Explains what support and updates are included and for how long.
Warranties
Gives limited warranties about performance.
IP ownership
Confirms the developer keeps all rights in the software.
Termination
Ends the licence on breach and requires uninstalling.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Selling 'lifetime' licences with undefined support obligations.
- No restriction on reverse engineering or sublicensing.
- Forgetting open-source components with their own licence terms.
How to use the template
Download the Word file
Buy the Software Licence Agreement template on My Contract Lawyer and download the editable .docx straight after checkout.
Fill in the brackets
Add names, dates, fees, scope and governing law, and delete optional clauses that do not apply to your deal.
Check it against local law
Rules differ between US states, the UK and EU countries, especially for employment, consumer and property contracts. Have a lawyer review high-value or unusual deals.
Sign and keep a copy
Sign on paper or with any e-signature tool, and store the final version where both sides can find it.
Get the Software Licence Agreement template
Lawyer-drafted and ready to edit in Word, Google Docs or Pages. One-time payment of $29, no subscription, instant download from My Contract Lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Licence or SaaS terms?
Use a software licence when the customer installs the software; use SaaS terms when you host it.
Perpetual or subscription licence?
Perpetual licences are paid once, often with paid maintenance; subscriptions renew periodically.
Does open-source code affect my licence?
Yes. Some open-source licences impose conditions that must be respected.
Related contract templates
Templates are a starting point, not legal advice, and using one does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Contract law differs between countries and states, so check the finished document against local law.