Software As A Service (SaaS) Agreements

Expert legal guidance for your Software as a Service agreements

Software as a Service (SaaS) has become a cornerstone of modern business.
Well-drafted Software as a Service Agreements define how software is delivered, accessed and supported, setting out clear responsibilities and protections for both parties.

We prepare, review and negotiate SaaS contracts that protect your business interests, reduce risk and help deals complete efficiently. Our technology lawyers focus on plain language and commercial outcomes, giving you clarity and confidence before you sign.

    Request a consultation

    Simply complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch





    Key Considerations In Software As A Service Agreements

    Every SaaS contract is different, but the same key areas often need attention.
    We focus on these early to keep your negotiations smooth and proportionate.

    Intellectual Property and Licensing

    • Intellectual property (IP) ownership and licensing determine who controls the software and related materials. We clarify these rights from the outset so there’s no uncertainty later.
    • Software providers usually retain ownership of their existing IP and may also want to own any new developments created while providing the service. Businesses using the software often expect to own those new elements or, at least, receive a licence wide enough to use them fully.
    • We ensure your agreement reflects the right balance between ownership and use. If the provider keeps the IP, your business still has a practical licence that allows day-to-day operation without restriction. We also check that any third-party components are properly licensed to prevent future disputes.
    • Our Intellectual Property Lawyers can also help protect your wider rights, including trademarks, brand assets and technical know-how, ensuring your business remains fully protected beyond the SaaS agreement itself.

    Data Protection, Service Levels and Liability

    • Most SaaS arrangements involve data handling, which means compliance with UK GDPR and privacy regulations. We include Data Processing Agreements that set out responsibilities for storage, transfer, access and breach reporting.
    • Service levels matter as much as legal wording. We define uptime targets, response times and remedies for missed performance so expectations are measurable and achievable.
    • Liability and indemnity clauses allocate risk. We make sure caps are fair, exclusions comply with English law, and insurance provisions match the scale of your project. Our background in Corporate and Business Law ensures your SaaS contracts integrate smoothly with your wider commercial agreements and operations.

    Our approach

    We advise businesses that develop, buy or integrate SaaS solutions, tailoring each contract to suit your technical and commercial needs. Our approach is collaborative and focused on helping you reach an agreement quickly and securely.

    We:

    • Draft and review bespoke Software as a Service (SaaS) Agreements and End User Licence Agreements (EULAs), including clickwrap terms.
    • Highlight key risks early, before they slow down your deal.
    • Negotiate balanced positions that protect your commercial goals.
    • Write contracts that are practical and easy for your team to manage.

    Our goal is to create agreements that work in practice, not just on paper.

    How we help protect your business

    Working with our technology team

    We advise start-ups, growing tech businesses and established organisations that deliver or depend on SaaS platforms. Whether you need a rapid review of a third-party contract or complete documentation for your own software product, our team delivers clear, practical advice.

    Commercial Lawyers Manchester

    We can help with:

    • Drafting and reviewing Software as a Service (SaaS) Agreements
    • Negotiating licences, service levels and EULAs
    • Risk assessment and mitigation
    • Advising on data protection and confidentiality
    • Preparing SLAs and compliance documentation
    • Managing renewals and termination rights
    • Supporting cross-border data transfers
    • Dispute resolution and mediation

    We combine legal precision with commercial understanding, ensuring your contracts support long-term growth and stability.

    Ready to discuss your SaaS agreement?

    Whether your business develops software or depends on cloud-based systems, a well-drafted agreement safeguards your interests and keeps your operations running smoothly.

    Get in touch with mlplaw’s Altrincham solicitors today for clear, commercially focused advice on your Software as a Service agreements. Call us on 0161 926 9969, email enquiries@mlplaw.co.uk or fill out the form below.

    Request a consultation
    Commercial Lawyers Manchester

    Read more of our articles on Commercial Law

    AI Hallucinations & Haunted Brands: The Legal Risks of AI-Generated Content This Halloween
    AI Hallucinations & Haunted Brands: The Legal Risks of AI-Generated Content This Halloween 🎃
    28th Oct 2025

    As the nights grow darker and the pumpkins glow brighter, businesses are...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Case Study: Steering a Complex Multi-Site, Multi-Party, Hospitality Acquisition to Success
    13th Oct 2025

    mlplaw recently completed work on a landmark acquisition project involving 21 hospitality...

    Read

    4 mins read

    How Franchise IP Works in Practice Who Owns What, and Why It Matters
    How Franchise IP Works in Practice – Who Owns What, and Why It Matters
    23rd Jul 2025

    When people think about franchising, they often focus on the operational side,...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Why Your Business Terms and Conditions Matter More Than You Think
    Why your Business Terms and Conditions matter more than you think
    10th Jun 2025

    When running a business, having clearly written Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) isn’t...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Business Powers of Attorney – What You Need to Know
    Business Powers of Attorney – What You Need to Know
    5th Jun 2025

    A guide to business powers of attorney A Lasting Power of Attorney...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Boosting revenue for mlpflex
    Case Study: Boosting Revenue with mlpflex
    3rd Mar 2025

    In this Case Study, we outline the power of mlpflex and the...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Single Multi-Site Franchise Agreement
    Case Study: Legal support in transitioning to a Single Multi-Site Franchise Agreement
    25th Feb 2025

    Our client, a franchisee operating multiple UK locations under a globally recognised...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Transferring contracts between companies
    How to transfer contracts between companies in the UK
    17th Dec 2024

    In the fast-paced world of business, companies often need to transfer contracts...

    Read

    5 mins read

    EU GPSR
    The EU GPSR: A New Era for Product Safety – What UK Businesses Need to Know
    12th Dec 2024

    Product safety might not be the hottest topic in your business strategy...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Changes in Employee Ownership Trusts
    Key UK budget changes to Employee Ownership Trusts and what they mean for your business
    4th Nov 2024

    The UK government’s recent budget announcement introduced important updates to the rules...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Intellectual Property transfer in the UK
    How to Transfer Intellectual Property Between Companies in the UK
    22nd Oct 2024

    Intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets a company...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Intellectual Property Textile Design
    Protecting Creativity: How Intellectual Property Shapes the Textile Design Industry
    17th Oct 2024

    Featuring Our Collaboration with Urban Eccentric In the vibrant world of fashion...

    Read

    6 mins read

    Green leases for Commercial Property
    Green leases for commercial property
    8th Oct 2024

    It is often said that real estate is responsible for 40% of...

    Read

    5 mins read

    Oil pumping station
    Supply Chain Issues Arising from Resource Scarcity
    20th Jun 2024

    In this blog, we discuss the legal implications and challenges related to...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Solar panels on the background of the skyscrapers
    The Rise of Ethical Clauses in Supply Chain Contracts
    5th Jun 2024

    In this blog, we will explore the growing trend of incorporating ethical...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Two ladies sat next to each other sharing ideas and working
    Moving Assets from One Company to Another: The Facts
    29th Apr 2024

    The process of transferring assets from one company to another is a...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Case Study: Domain Squatting Claim
    1st Mar 2024

    Stephen Attree and Amelia Denton of mlplaw’s Intellectual Property Team represented Imperative...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Legal Considerations for Hospitality Businesses
    7th Feb 2024

    Following the recent surge in popularity surrounding the song ‘Murder on the...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Case Study: mlplaw Facilitated the Sale of Three Different Insurance Brokers Businesses
    29th Jan 2024

    mlplaw’s Corporate Team, led by Rachel Owen, had the privilege of representing...

    Read

    2 mins read

    From Villa to Viral
    17th Jan 2024

    In the world of Love Island, where romantic entanglements unfold onscreen, the...

    Read

    2 mins read

    New Year – New start: Setting up a business in the UK
    12th Jan 2023

    Living in a post pandemic world, coupled with the effects of recession,...

    Read

    3 mins read

    What is the ‘UKCA mark’ and does it affect you?
    29th Mar 2021

    As of 1st January 2021, the ‘UKCA’ (UK Conformity Assessed) product marking replaced...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Families in Business and Family Businesses Post Lockdown – What Now?
    23rd Apr 2021

    Welcome to our series of blogs, addressing post-lockdown issues from a legal...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Data Protection In a Post Lockdown Workplace: Are You Prepared?
    10th Jun 2021

    As we contemplate a return to the office, we have noticed that...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Protecting your copyright
    8th Dec 2020

    Copyright is a type of intellectual property, which allows the owner to...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Unsolicited marketing: we all moan about it…but is it a case of Pot, Kettle, Black when it comes to your approach to marketing?
    17th Nov 2020

    Most of us at some stage have expressed frustration about receiving unwanted...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Read

    3 mins read

    Lessons for business people from the Vaccine supply headlines…
    4th Feb 2021

    Here at MLP Law, we have been fascinated with the recent supply...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Supplier Contract Negotiations
    6th Jan 2022

    In the current climate, suppliers may not be able to commit to...

    Read

    2 mins read

    business succession planning
    Business Succession Planning: Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail
    2nd Dec 2021

    The demands of running an owner-managed or family business can be great...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Intellectual Property Lessons from the Colin vs Cuthbert Cake Battle
    2nd Feb 2022

    The Battle Royale between Colin and Cuthbert (M&S and Aldi) has reached...

    Read

    1 min read

    Injury to Feelings Compensation in Discrimination Claims
    7th Apr 2022

    In light of the recent inflationary increase in compensation levels for injury...

    Read

    4 mins read

    The Principle of Horseplay and Vicarious Liability
    29th Mar 2022

    In the recent case of Chell v Tarmac Cement and Lime Limited...

    Read

    2 mins read

    The allocation of shares and the importance of significant control
    22nd Feb 2022

    The allocation of shares amongst shareholders might not immediately seem like a...

    Read

    3 mins read

    The impact on directors’ duties and climate change
    18th Aug 2021

    Over the course of the last decade we’ve seen a shift from...

    Read

    1 min read

    AI in law- Could Robot Lawyers be the future?
    1st Sep 2021

    The growing prominence of technology is undeniable in modern day society a...

    Read

    3 mins read

    What is Intellectual Property and how do I protect it-webp
    What is Intellectual Property and how do I protect it?
    15th Nov 2018

    Intellectual Property (IP) is a term used to describe a range of...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Happy GDPR –Versary!
    10th Jun 2019

      The GDPR has now been in force for over a year–...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Liquidation & Administration – Top 7 Tips
    25th Mar 2019

    Liquidation & Administration – Top 7 Tips Purchasing from a company in...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Do you know about .eu?
    19th Sep 2018

    As the UK has voted to leave the EU, organisations and businesses...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Contact-tracing app: Dangerous tool or necessary evil? Data Protection and Privacy Vs “the greater good”
    14th May 2020

    Introduction Zoom quizzes, lockdown, social distancing, furlough: just a few of the...

    Read

    3 mins read

    UPDATE: Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
    6th Apr 2020

    The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) became live on 23 March...

    Read

    2 mins read

    The importance of updating Shareholders’ Agreements
    30th Jul 2020

    Shareholders’ Agreements – is your house in order? As we now start...

    Read

    2 mins read

    WOULD YOU WANT TO CARRY ON SUPPLYING A CUSTOMER WHO COULDN’T PAY YOU?
    17th Aug 2020

    Covid Regulations for businesses mean that you may be required to continue...

    Read

    4 mins read

    Succession Planning for Business Owners Part 2 – Issues to Consider
    19th Aug 2020

    When owners of a business are looking for exit options, there are...

    Read

    3 mins read

    GDPR and sharing personal data: are you sufficiently protected in a post-Brexit world?
    9th Sep 2020

    Despite Brexit being all we seemingly heard about towards the latter end...

    Read

    4 mins read

    TRADING TERMS – SIMPLE STEPS TO AVOID TRAPS FOR THE UNWARY
    28th Jul 2020

    How long has it been since you last reviewed your Terms & Conditions...

    Read

    5 mins read

    Battle of the forms- How to ensure it’s your terms that prevail
    8th Nov 2019

    A “Battle of the forms” arises when two businesses are negotiating the...

    Read

    2 mins read

    UK Intellectual Property Rights – Infringement, Defence and Remedy-webp
    UK Intellectual Property Rights – Infringement, Defence and Remedy
    21st Oct 2019

    Broadly speaking, IP infringement is a breach of your intellectual property rights...

    Read

    5 mins read

    Is Your Business Brexit Ready? – An Updated Briefing
    16th Jul 2019

    Away from the race to find our next Prime Minister, the key...

    Read

    4 mins read

    GDPR Fines – Should I be worried?
    18th Jul 2019

      Speed Read Summary   Mitigate the risks to you and your...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Intellectual Property Rights
    Intellectual Property Rights
    5th Aug 2019

    What are UK Intellectual Property Rights? UK Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) can...

    Read

    5 mins read

    MLP Law’s Brexit Business Checklist
    11th Sep 2019

    Whilst we may be personally feeling bombarded around the discussions, arguments and...

    Read

    2 mins read

    Entrepreneurs’ Relief following the 2020 Budget
    12th Mar 2020

    Changes to Entrepreneurs’ Relief made by the Chancellor in the Budget could...

    Read

    3 mins read

    Coronavirus: Support for SMEs
    20th Mar 2020

    In the Budget, the Chancellor set out a package of measures aimed...

    Read

    3 mins read

    FAQs – Software as a Service Agreements

    1. What is included in a Software as a Service (SaaS) agreement?

      It defines how the software is accessed and used, who owns the IP, how data is handled and what service levels and protections apply.

    2. How long do SaaS agreements take to draft or negotiate?

      Straightforward agreements can be completed quickly once terms are aligned. Complex arrangements involving integrations or data transfers take longer. We confirm timelines at the start.

    3. Who owns the intellectual property in a SaaS contract?

      The software provider usually owns the platform, while your business owns its data and bespoke configurations. We make sure ownership and licence rights are clearly stated.

    4. Do I need a lawyer for a SaaS agreement?

      Yes. SaaS contracts contain detailed terms on IP, data, liability and service levels. Legal review ensures these clauses protect your position and comply with UK law.

    5. What are common risks in Software as a Service agreements?

      Unclear data ownership, limited SLAs, unfair liability caps and missing exit clauses are typical. We identify and fix these before the contract is signed.

    6. How is data protection handled in SaaS agreements?

      The contract should include a Data Processing Agreement covering access, transfer and security. We ensure your terms meet UK GDPR standards and any applicable international requirements.

    7. What service levels should be in a SaaS agreement?

      Service levels generally cover uptime, support hours and response times. We ensure they match your operational requirements and include meaningful remedies.

    8. How can my business manage risk in a SaaS contract?

      We help you set appropriate caps on liability, ensure insurance coverage aligns with exposure, and add warranties or indemnities where needed.

    9. What happens when a SaaS agreement ends?

      The contract should state how data is returned or deleted, whether transition assistance is available, and how fees are handled. We draft clear exit procedures for both parties.

    10. How much does it cost to have a SaaS agreement drafted or reviewed?

      Fees depend on the scope and complexity of work. We provide upfront estimates and keep you informed at every stage.

    11. Can SaaS agreements cover emerging technologies?

      Yes. We ensure your agreements account for new tools, integrations and compliance requirements, helping you stay ahead of regulatory and market changes.

    12. What should I review before signing another party’s SaaS terms?

      Check licence scope, data handling, renewal terms, liability caps and exit rights. We review and negotiate these points to secure balanced terms.

    Meet our Team

    Stephen-Attree - Commercial Law expert

    Stephen Attree

    Managing Partner - Corporate, Commercial, IP and Disputes specialist
    Rachel Owen - Partner and Corporate Law expert

    Rachel Owen

    Partner - Corporate

    Max McGenity

    Solicitor – Corporate
    Amelia Denton - Corporate, Commercial and IP

    Amelia Denton

    Solicitor - Commercial and IP
    Karen Delamore - Partner Corporate and Commercial - mlplaw

    Karen Delamore

    Partner - Corporate and Commercial

    Casey-Joyce Wilson

    Legal Assistant

    Stephen Attree

    Managing Partner - Corporate, Commercial, IP and Disputes specialist

    Stephen is the Managing Partner of mlplaw and has over 25 years’ experience advising on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious business law and business ownership. Recommended in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, Stephen is renowned for his ability to quickly identify a client’s successful outcome and to then relentlessly pursue that outcome.

    Stephen has developed a particular specialism in digital, technology, healthcare and family owned businesses. He covers all areas of business law and ownership, including commercial litigation and private disputes, and together with his corporate and commercial team provides advice on all aspects of the law relating to mergers, acquisitions, financing, re-structuring, complex commercial contracts, standard trading terms, share options, shareholder and partnership agreements, commercial dispute resolution, joint venture and partnering arrangements, IT and Technology law, Intellectual Property, EU and competition law, Brexit, Data Protection and GDPR.

    Stephen spent over 10 years at a leading city firm before moving to mlplaw which he acquired through a MBO in 2014. He continued to develop the firm as a boutique corporate and commercial firm with a specialist private client offering renowned for the quality of its people and its first class client service. During that time Stephen has published a book “Family Business Succession – the options and pitfalls” and raised significant amounts of money for charity.

    Stephen works closely with mlplaw’s leadership team to implement improvements and innovations that enhance the service we provide to clients and that make mlplaw an even greater place to work.  This includes a collaborative and innovative approach to pricing including aligning our charges to the outcomes delivered for clients and monthly retainers that covers all our services and a full commitment to hybrid and flexible working and an impressive, flexible, benefits package.  He champions our “Do the Right Thing” initiatives especially our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion efforts and supporting our chosen social enterprises and charities with free advice.

    Email: stephena@mlplaw.co.uk
    Phone: 0161 926 1524

    Rachel Owen

    Partner - Corporate

    Rachel is a highly experienced Corporate lawyer who joined mlplaw in 2019 from a national law firm and now leads the Corporate Team.

    Rachel’s main area of work is mergers and acquisitions covering share and asset acquisitions and disposals, but includes management buy-outs, investments, group re-organisations, demergers, joint ventures, shareholders agreement, articles of association, cross options, share capital arrangements, corporate governance, employee ownership schemes and share incentive schemes.

    She has a pragmatic approach and understands client’s priorities and objectives. She assists with the day to day needs of business clients.

    Rachel has gained particular experience in the Insurance and Healthcare sectors, but acts for clients from across the spectrum.

    Email: rachelo@mlplaw.co.uk
    Phone: 0161 926 1579

    Max McGenity

    Solicitor – Corporate

    Max is a Solicitor in the Corporate team and works with a variety of clients such as owner-run businesses, national corporations and private individuals.

    Having joined mlplaw as a Corporate Paralegal in November 2021, Max has built up experience in this area and hopes to continue developing his Business Services skillset.

    Max graduated from the University of Oxford in 2014 and has since been a manager at a national education charity and started his own business as a Personal Trainer and Yoga Teacher. He completed his LPC and LLM at BPP University Manchester, having gained legal work experience at both a mid-sized Liverpool practice and a large London firm.

    Having stepped away from the fitness industry to return to the law, Max’s love of exercise continues outside of work; he is a regular gym-goer and a fan of physical challenges. He also enjoys live music and comedy, and a good pub quiz.

    Phone: 0161 926 1523

    Amelia Denton

    Solicitor - Commercial and IP

    Amelia is a Solicitor in the Commercial and Intellectual Property team at mlplaw, having joined the firm in 2021 as a paralegal. During her training, she gained a broad range of legal experience, completing seats in Commercial and Intellectual Property, Corporate, Employment, and Litigation. This diverse background allows her to provide both contentious and non-contentious advice with a strong commercial focus.

    Prior to joining mlplaw, Amelia worked in-house at a construction company and a tech start-up, developing a deep understanding of legal issues from a business perspective. In addition, she gained legal work experience in private practice at a national law firm and small to mid-sized regional firms, offering insight into various legal environments and client needs.

    Amelia is committed to delivering pragmatic, commercially focused legal solutions that align with clients’ strategic business objectives.

    Outside of work Amelia enjoys trying different restaurants, live music and comedy, country walks and spending time with family and friends.

    Email: ameliad@mlplaw.co.uk
    Phone: 0161 926 1528

    Karen Delamore

    Partner - Corporate and Commercial

    Karen has broad and extensive experience in corporate and commercial law and particular expertise in equipment leasing and asset finance, both working in law firms and in- house positions.

    Karen studied French and Russian at Oxford University before attending Chester law school and training in a London law firm. She relocated, shortly after qualifying, to Paris and spent several years working in the Paris branch of the London law firm, specialising in shipping and aviation finance where her clients included French banks ,a leading Irish aircraft lessor and a major French shipping company. She returned to the UK in 1998 and spent 12 years as senior counsel in GE Capital’s European equipment leasing business and (after its sale from GE ) 4 years for TIP Trailer Services working on major customer leasing transactions and disposals and acquisitions of related businesses . Prior to joining MLP Karen was a partner in a national law firm. In her spare time Karen enjoys golf, yoga, dancing and learning Spanish.

    Email: karend@mlplaw.co.uk
    Phone: 0161 926 9969

    Casey-Joyce Wilson

    Legal Assistant

    After graduating college with a distinction star in applied law, Casey-Joyce knew she wanted to pursue it as a career. Although new to the field, she is a highly motivated worker, enthusiastic, with a strong ambition to develop her skills and become a crucial asset in providing excellent support to the team. In her free time, Casey-Joyce enjoys going to concerts, listening to music, watching Manchester City, rock climbing and playing the guitar.

    Phone: 0161 926 9969

    Ask an expert


    Let’s start by getting to know you and your business – either on the phone or in person. Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch shortly.

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      • mlplaw is a member of Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
      • mlplaw is accredited Conveyancing Quality by The Law Society
      • mlplaw is Legal 500 accredited Legal Services provider