Software Licensing Solicitors | Expert IP & Technology Licensing

Software licensing governs how software can be used, distributed, and modified. Whether you're licensing software to customers, using third-party software, or managing open source compliance, licensing issues can create significant legal and commercial risks. Our specialist software licensing solicitors provide expert guidance on all licensing matters.

What Our Software Licensing Solicitors Can Help With

• Commercial Software Licensing: End-user licenses and distribution agreements
• Open Source Compliance: GPL, MIT, Apache license compliance and auditing
• IP Protection: Software copyright protection and trademark registration
• Distribution Agreements: Software reseller and channel partner contracts
• Patent Licensing: Software patent licensing and cross-licensing deals
• Source Code Licensing: Code sharing and collaborative development agreements
• License Audits: Compliance reviews and audit defense
• Licensing Disputes: Breach claims and infringement defense

Types of Software Licenses

Proprietary Licenses:

• End-User License Agreements (EULAs): Terms for software use and restrictions
• Enterprise Licenses: Volume licensing for business customers
• OEM Licenses: Software bundling with hardware products
• SaaS Licenses: Subscription-based software access rights

Open Source Licenses:

• Copyleft Licenses: GPL, LGPL requiring derivative works to be open source
• Permissive Licenses: MIT, Apache, BSD allowing commercial use
• Creative Commons: Flexible licensing for creative works
• Dual Licensing: Commercial and open source versions

Software License Key Terms

Usage Rights:

• Number of users, devices, or installations permitted
• Geographic restrictions and territory limitations
• Permitted use cases and prohibited activities
• Modification and customization rights

Distribution Rights:

• Right to redistribute and sublicense software
• Requirements for distribution (source code, notices)
• Revenue sharing and royalty obligations
• Support and maintenance responsibilities

IP Protections:

• Copyright ownership and licensing scope
• Patent grants and defensive termination clauses
• Trademark usage guidelines
• Trade secret protection requirements

Open Source Compliance

Open source software usage requires careful compliance management:

• License Identification: Cataloging all open source components
• Obligation Analysis: Understanding requirements for each license
• Source Code Disclosure: When and how to provide source code
• Attribution Requirements: Proper crediting and notice obligations
• Copyleft Compliance: Managing GPL and LGPL requirements
• Commercial Risk: Avoiding unintended open sourcing of proprietary code

License Audit Defense

Software vendors increasingly audit customer compliance:

• Audit Preparation: Reviewing licensing positions and documentation
• Response Strategy: Managing audit requests and information provision
• Compliance Assessment: Identifying potential violations and remedies
• Settlement Negotiation: Resolving compliance issues commercially
• Ongoing Compliance: Implementing systems to prevent future issues
• License Optimization: Right-sizing licenses to actual usage

Software Licensing Costs

License Drafting:

• Standard EULA: £500-£1,500
• Commercial licensing agreement: £1,000-£3,500
• Distribution agreement: £1,500-£5,000
• Open source policy: £800-£2,500

Compliance Services:

• Open source audit: £2,000-£10,000
• License compliance review: £1,000-£5,000
• Audit defense: £2,500-£15,000
• IP clearance: £1,500-£7,500

Licensing Strategy Considerations

Business Model Alignment:

• Revenue model and pricing strategy
• Customer segment and usage patterns
• Competitive landscape and market positioning
• Technology roadmap and product evolution

Risk Management:

• IP infringement exposure and mitigation
• Open source compliance risks
• License breach consequences
• Enforcement and audit strategies

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Software Licensing

• Technical Understanding: Solicitors with software development knowledge
• IP Expertise: Specialized intellectual property law experience
• Commercial Awareness: Understanding software business models
• Compliance Focus: Proactive compliance management approach
• Industry Connections: Network of software industry professionals
• Global Perspective: International licensing and compliance experience

Proper software licensing protects your intellectual property while ensuring compliance with third-party software obligations.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.