Legal Needs for Software Development
Software development companies juggle complex projects, subcontractors, and client demands. The right legal foundation prevents disputes, secures your intellectual property, and ensures you get paid on time. From formation to ongoing support, every contract matters when your business builds technology for others.
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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Accurately assign or license intellectual property
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Protect your right to be paid
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Draft clear software specifications
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Avoid costly customer disputes
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 Development Companies
Explore our services optimized for Software Dev
Epic Advisor
Save Time and Money With All-in-One Legal Services for Growing Dev 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 Development Companies
Software developers face unique risks that templates or DIY approaches often miss. Without the right protections, you could face disputes, compliance issues, or even lose control of your own IP.
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⚠️ Scope Creep & Unpaid Invoices – Without clear contracts, you risk project overruns and payment delays.
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⚠️ IP Ownership Disputes – Contractors or clients may claim rights to code or deliverables.
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⚠️ Compliance Risks – Using third-party software without respecting license terms can trigger liability.
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⚠️ Governance Gaps – Missing bylaws or founder agreements lead to disputes down the road.
Software Development Agreement
Dev Counsel Origin Story
"Dev" Stands for Development
We’ve helped countless software development companies handle formation, contracts, IP, and growth. Our services are built for tech companies — fast, flat-fee, and focused on what actually matters to 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 software 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
Whether you’re just forming your company or negotiating enterprise licensing deals, Dev Counsel helps software developers build the right legal stack at the right time.
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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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🚀 Growth Stage – Master service agreements, statements of work, customer contracts, and licensing.
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🔒 Maturity – Trademark registrations, IP protection, and ongoing contract support.
