Get Your End-User License Agreement Online
An end-user license agreement, or EULA, is a contract between the user and the owner of the software. The EULA sets out your rights and obligations in relation to the use of the software. By agreeing to the terms of the EULA, a user is granted a license to use the software in accordance with those terms.
Frequently Asked Question
Why do you need a EULA?
As the owner of the software, a EULA provides you with legal protection against unauthorized use or misuse of your software. It also allows you to set out the terms on which you are willing to grant a license to use your software, such as the duration of the license and the geographical territory in which the software can be used.
What should be included in a EULA?
A EULA should include:
- The names of the parties to the agreement- that is, the software owner and the user.
- A description of the software- this can be either a brief overview or a more detailed description of its features and functionality.
- The scope of the license- that is, what rights the user is being granted in relation to the use of the software. For example, the user may be granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the software for their personal, non-commercial use.
- The duration of the license- that is, how long the user is entitled to use the software. The duration can be unlimited, or it can be set for a specific period of time.
- The geographical territory- that is, the geographical area in which the user is entitled to use the software. This can be global, or it can be limited to a specific country or region.
- The payment terms- that is, how and when the user will be required to pay for the right to use the software. For example, the user may be required to pay a one-time fee upfront, or they may be required to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee.
- The confidentiality provisions- that is, provisions restricting the user from disclosing the software owner’s confidential information to any third parties.
- The warranty and liability disclaimers- that is, provisions excluding or limiting the software owner’s liability in relation to the use of the software.
- The termination provisions- that is, provisions setting out the circumstances in which the license can be terminated by either party and the consequences of such termination.
- The governing law and jurisdiction clause- This clause sets out which country’s laws will govern the EULA and where any disputes under the EULA will be litigated.
If you need assistance drafting a EULA that is specific to your software, our team of experienced lawyers can help. We can tailor-make an agreement that meets your business’s needs and provides you with the legal protection you require. Contact us today for more information.
Is EULA legally binding?
Yes, a EULA is a legally binding contract between the software owner and the user. By agreeing to the terms of the EULA, the user is granted a license to use the software in accordance with those terms. If the user breaches any of the terms of the EULA, the software owner may be entitled to take legal action against them.
What is some common breach of contract remedies?
If a party breaches a contract, the other party may be entitled to seek damages, or monetary compensation, for their loss. In some cases, they may also be entitled to seek an injunction, or court order, preventing the breaching party from continuing to breach the contract.
Other possible remedies for breach of contract include:
- Specific performance- this is where the court orders the breaching party to perform their obligations under the contract. This remedy is usually only available where the breach relates to the sale of land or some other unique asset that cannot be replaced.
- Quantum meruit- this is where the court orders the breaching party to pay the other party for the value of the work they have performed under the contract up to the date of the breach. This remedy is usually only available where there has been an oral contract or where the contract does not specify a price for the goods or services being provided.
- Rescission- this is where the court cancels or voids the contract, and both parties are released from their obligations under the contract. This remedy is usually only available where the breach is material or fundamental in nature.
- Restitution- this is where the court orders the breaching party to restore the other party to the position they were in before they entered into the contract. This remedy is usually only available where the contract has been fully performed by one party, and there has been a total failure of consideration by the other party.
Can I include a liquidated damages clause in my EULA?
Yes, you can include a liquidated damages clause in your EULA. A liquidated damages clause is a provision setting out a predetermined amount of damages that will be payable by the breaching party if they breach certain provisions of the contract.
In order for a liquidated damages clause to be enforceable, the amount of damages specified must be a genuine estimate of the loss that would be suffered by the non-breaching party as a result of the breach. If the court finds that the amount of damages is not a genuine estimate of the loss suffered, they may refuse to enforce the clause and award damages at their discretion.
It is important to note that a liquidated damages clause will only ever apply to breaches of certain specific provisions of the contract. It will not apply to every possible breach of the contract.
If you include a liquidated damages clause in your EULA, it is important to seek legal advice to ensure that the clause is worded correctly and that it will be enforceable.
How can I prevent my EULA from being breached?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent your EULA from being breached. However, there are some steps you can take to try and minimize the risk of breach, including:
- Make sure that your EULA is clear and concise- a well-drafted EULA should be clear and easy to understand. If your EULA is confusing or unclear, it is more likely that it will be breached.
- Ensuring that all relevant parties have signed the EULA- if all relevant parties have not signed the EULA, there may be a dispute about whether the EULA is binding on them.
- Including a choice of law clause- this clause sets out which country’s laws will govern the contract in the event of a dispute. Including this clause can help to minimize the risk of a breach as it provides certainty about which laws will apply.
- Including a dispute resolution clause- This clause sets out how any disputes arising under the contract will be resolved. This can help to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation by providing a mechanism for the parties to resolve their differences without going to court.
- Keeping your EULA up to date- it is important to keep your EULA up to date as your business changes and grows. If you don’t update your EULA, it is more likely that it will be breached.
If you have any concerns about your EULA or about the risk of breach, you should seek legal advice.