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Freelance Software Developer Contract Template for New Zealand

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Freelance Software Developer Contract

"I need a Freelance Software Developer Contract for a 6-month web application development project starting March 2025, with strong IP protection clauses and milestone-based payments."

Document background
The Freelance Software Developer Contract is designed for use in New Zealand business environments where organizations or individuals need to engage independent software developers for specific projects or ongoing development work. This document is essential for establishing clear parameters of the contractor relationship, protecting intellectual property rights, and ensuring compliance with New Zealand legislation including the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 and relevant tax regulations. It includes comprehensive provisions for project scope, deliverables, payment terms, and dispute resolution, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate various development methodologies and project requirements. The contract is structured to clearly differentiate the contractor relationship from employment, addressing key considerations under New Zealand law regarding independent contractor classifications.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the contracting parties - the client and the freelance software developer, including full legal names, addresses, and company details if applicable

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including the client's need for software development services and the developer's confirmation of capability to provide such services

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, including technical terms, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and other relevant terminology

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of the software development services to be provided, including any specific methodologies or frameworks to be used

5. Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement, renewal terms, and circumstances under which either party may terminate the agreement

6. Payment Terms: Fee structure, payment schedule, invoicing requirements, and payment methods

7. Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and transfer of IP rights in developed software, including pre-existing IP and third-party components

8. Confidentiality: Protection of confidential information, trade secrets, and client data

9. Warranties and Representations: Developer's warranties regarding service quality, code quality, and compliance with specifications

10. Limitation of Liability: Caps on liability and exclusions of certain types of damages

11. Independent Contractor Status: Clear statement of contractor status and not employee relationship

12. General Provisions: Standard contract clauses including governing law, dispute resolution, and entire agreement

Optional Sections

1. Source Code Escrow: Provisions for source code escrow arrangements, used when the client requires additional security for access to source code

2. Service Level Agreement: Specific performance metrics and response times, used for ongoing maintenance or support services

3. Data Protection and Privacy: Detailed data handling requirements, necessary when personal or sensitive data processing is involved

4. Change Control Process: Procedures for managing changes to project scope or requirements, important for larger or complex projects

5. Testing and Acceptance: Detailed testing procedures and acceptance criteria, important for fixed-scope projects

6. Disaster Recovery: Procedures for backing up and recovering code and data, important for critical systems

7. Non-Compete: Restrictions on working with competitors, used when developer will have access to sensitive competitive information

8. Insurance Requirements: Specific insurance coverage requirements, important for high-value or high-risk projects

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1: Project Specifications: Detailed technical specifications, functionality requirements, and project deliverables

2. Schedule 2: Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of fees, rates, and payment milestones

3. Schedule 3: Project Timeline: Project phases, milestones, and delivery dates

4. Schedule 4: Acceptance Testing Criteria: Specific criteria and procedures for accepting deliverables

5. Schedule 5: Technical Requirements: Development environment, programming languages, frameworks, and technical standards

6. Appendix A: Code Documentation Standards: Required documentation format and standards for code documentation

7. Appendix B: Security Requirements: Security standards, protocols, and requirements for the development process and deliverables

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ tiktok³ÉÈ˰æ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Relevant legal definitions






































Clauses








































Relevant Industries

Information Technology

Software Development

Digital Services

E-commerce

Financial Services

Healthcare Technology

Education Technology

Manufacturing

Retail Technology

Professional Services

Telecommunications

Media and Entertainment

Relevant Teams

Legal

Human Resources

Procurement

Information Technology

Software Development

Project Management

Operations

Finance

Risk Management

Compliance

Relevant Roles

Software Developer

Full Stack Developer

Frontend Developer

Backend Developer

Mobile App Developer

DevOps Engineer

System Architect

UI/UX Developer

Database Developer

Quality Assurance Engineer

Project Manager

Technical Lead

CTO

IT Director

Procurement Manager

Legal Counsel

HR Manager

Industries









Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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