IP in Software Agreements - Drafting, Negotiating & Protecting Ownership

Introduction

Protecting intellectual property is often the most valuable aspect of any software agreement, yet IP clauses are too often overlooked or treated as standard boilerplate. As software development becomes increasingly collaborative, cross-border and AI-assisted, poorly drafted agreements can expose clients to costly disputes over ownership, licensing rights and commercial exploitation.

This practical new virtual classroom seminar focuses on the intellectual property issues that matter most when negotiating software development, SaaS and other technology agreements. Rather than revisiting the fundamentals of software contracts or open-source licensing, it examines the commercial risks solicitors and in-house counsel encounter in practice, providing clear guidance on identifying, negotiating and drafting robust IP provisions.

The session will explore practical drafting techniques, effective negotiation strategies and the latest legal developments affecting intellectual property ownership in modern software transactions.

You will leave with greater confidence in protecting your clients' intellectual property, negotiating commercially effective technology agreements and managing the evolving risks created by AI-assisted software development.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Differentiate between intellectual property ownership, assignment and licensing models in software agreements
• Identify and address ownership issues involving employees, consultants, founders, outsourced developers and cross-border teams
• Draft effective IP provisions to protect software assets throughout the development lifecycle
• Manage the legal and commercial risks associated with AI-assisted development, third-party code and open-source software
• Negotiate robust warranties, indemnities and liability provisions relating to software intellectual property
• Protect confidential information, source code and proprietary know-how in technology transactions
• Avoid common drafting mistakes that can result in ownership disputes and litigation
• Apply practical drafting techniques to software development, SaaS and technology licensing agreements

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.