Legal Needs for Software-as-a-Service
SaaS companies face unique challenges — from data privacy compliance to enterprise customer contracts. Getting the legal foundation right means fewer disputes, faster deal cycles, and more investor confidence. From formation to IP protection, every layer of your SaaS legal stack matters.
Common Needs
Formation
Build the right foundation, set yourself up for growth
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Protect your personal assets
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Position your business to scale
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Avoid founder disputes
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Properly handle corporate governance and assign equity
Contracts
Define the work, set expectations
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Data privacy compliance (GDPR/CCPA)
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Enterprise agreements that scale
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Clearly scoped implementation and support services
Hiring
Build your bench, protect your IP
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Protect proprietary and confidential information
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Avoid misclassification issues
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Clearly define expectations
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Ensure intended IP ownership
Intellectual Property
Protect your brand, protect your code
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Clear your trademark for use
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Compliant use of proprietary and open source software
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Ensure code is propertly licensed and/or assigned
Solutions for Software-as-a-Service Companies
Explore our services optimized for SaaS
Epic Advisor
Save Time and Money With All-in-One Legal Services for Growing SaaS Companies
Epic Advisor is a 90-day, customized plan to complete all of your most pressing legal backlog.
We work with you to identify your priorities and build a tailored plan — whether that means formation, contracts, assessments, consultations, or ongoing support.
🧩 Legal Assessments
Structured legal, contract, and IP assessments to prioritize next steps.
🏢 Formation & Governance
Incorporation, bylaws, governance docs, and founder agreements.
📄 Full Stack Contract Drafting
Get up and running with a full stack of custom and templated contracts.
🗣️ Consultations
Direct access to an attorney for strategy sessions, questions, or negotiations.
📘 Access to TechDocs
Access to attorney-designed resources, workbooks, and contracts.
Common Risks for Software-as-a-Service Companies
SaaS businesses face unique risks around data, customer agreements, and compliance. Templates or generic contracts won’t cut it — and mistakes here can cost you customers, funding, or both.
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⚠️ Weak Customer Agreements – Missing terms on service levels, uptime, or liability expose you to disputes.
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⚠️ Data Privacy Issues – Without proper privacy policies and DPAs, you risk regulatory fines and lost trust.
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⚠️ Unclear IP Ownership – Gaps in contractor or developer agreements can undermine your IP rights.
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⚠️ Missed Compliance – Overlooking requirements for GDPR, CCPA, or SOC-2 can block enterprise deals.
SaaS Agreement
Dev Counsel Origin Story
"Dev" Stands for Development
We help SaaS companies protect their revenue streams, secure customer relationships, and stay compliant. Our services go beyond templates, combining legal expertise with tech-savvy processes to keep pace with your business.
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⚖️ Tech-Focused Attorneys – We understand development agreements, SaaS models, and licensing.
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💻 Practical Experience – Contracts we draft and review are road-tested in real enterprise SaaS deals.
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🧩 Flat-Fee Services – Transparent pricing that scales with your needs.
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⚡ Agile Approach – Plain-English advice, fast turnaround, and iterative collaboration.
Legal Support by Stage
SaaS legal needs evolve quickly — from launching with simple customer terms to negotiating enterprise contracts. Dev Counsel helps build the right legal stack for each stage.
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🏁 Formation Stage – Incorporation, bylaws, founder agreements, and governance docs.
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👥 Team Building – Contractor and employment agreements, advisor agreements, and IP assignments.
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🔒 Enterprise Ready – Complex licensing, compliance support (GDPR, SOC-2), and contract negotiation.
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🔒 Maturity – Trademark registrations, IP protection, and ongoing contract support.
