Product development contract

About this high security product development contract

This is a high level product development agreement for use in any business, but particularly where data is ultra-sensitive. The development could relate to anything at all. Examples: draw new legal document templates; work on chemical formulae; scan sensitive information, write software; or any other.

The agreement is drawn for signature by every person connected with the contract developer on any particular project. It is worded so as to include both past and future work.

Insofar as any contractor is concerned, ownership of new intellectual property is a matter for the contract terms. But the contract terms bind the contractor, not his staff. For best protection, you should make sure this agreement is signed by every person who could steal or misuse your intellectual property. That way, you are not left with a claim against a company that no longer exists while its former employee earns $millions from selling your IP.

The law relating to ownership of intellectual property in newly created rights varies from country to country, so it is particularly important to use this agreement as part of any arrangement for supply from outside the Republic of Ireland.

Within the Republic of Ireland, work done as an employee would usually be regarded as the property of the employer. Conversely, created work made by an employee in the USA usually belongs to the employee.

This agreement covers all variations and situations by absolute clarity of the proposition that the employer or client owns all the IP rights he has paid for. This is enforced by a long-stop provision for the legal transfer of whatever rights could slip through the net.

The agreement moves seamlessly through confidentiality, particular projects, “work for hire” and past and future intellectual property.

Key features

• Professionally drawn, tough law
• Easy to edit (as always with Net Lawman documents)
• Thorough coverage of legal areas
• Practical, alternative business provisions
• No requirement for you to be your own lawyer

Alternatives to this high security product development contract

Net Lawman offers around 20 licence agreements and assignments relating to intellectual property in addition to those in website terms and conditions.

You can find the full selection at:

• Basic contracts for creative work
• Assignment, sale and transfer
• IP licences by creator or owner
• Software and other development contracts

Contents of this high security product development contract

Here is a list of the major subjects covered in this agreement:

• Definitions and interpretation
• Warranties
• Contract work
• New intellectual property
• Payment
• Security provisions
• Use of sub-contractors
• Confidential information
• Indemnities by contractors
• Indemnification process
• Insurance
• Termination provisions
• Other matters relating to enforcement and other legal issues