Source Code Escrow Agreement Template for Canada

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Source Code Escrow Agreement

"I need a Source Code Escrow Agreement for a healthcare software application, where we're the beneficiary and require enhanced verification testing procedures due to regulatory compliance requirements, with the agreement taking effect from March 1, 2025."

Document background
The Source Code Escrow Agreement serves as a critical risk management tool in software licensing and development relationships. This document becomes necessary when a business relies heavily on custom or licensed software for its operations and needs to ensure continued access to source code if the developer becomes unable to support the software. Under Canadian law, this agreement establishes a trusted third-party escrow agent to hold the source code and related materials, defining specific conditions under which these materials can be released to the beneficiary. The agreement typically follows a software license or development agreement and includes technical specifications for deposits, verification procedures, and release mechanisms. It's particularly relevant in regulated industries or when dealing with mission-critical software applications where business continuity is essential.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the Software Developer (Depositor), Beneficiary, and Escrow Agent

2. Background: Context of the agreement, reference to the underlying software license or development agreement

3. Definitions: Definitions of key terms including Escrow Materials, Release Conditions, Verification Tests

4. Deposit of Escrow Materials: Procedures and timing for depositing source code and related materials

5. Verification of Deposit: Basic verification procedures to ensure completeness of deposited materials

6. Release Conditions: Specific circumstances under which the escrow materials will be released

7. Release Procedures: Process for requesting and executing a release of materials

8. Depositor's Rights and Obligations: Ongoing responsibilities of the software developer

9. Beneficiary's Rights and Obligations: Rights and responsibilities of the beneficiary

10. Escrow Agent's Rights and Obligations: Duties and standards of care for the escrow agent

11. Fees and Payment: Fee structure and payment responsibilities

12. Confidentiality: Confidentiality obligations for all parties

13. Term and Termination: Duration of agreement and termination provisions

14. General Provisions: Standard legal provisions including notices, governing law, dispute resolution

Optional Sections

1. Multiple Beneficiaries: Additional provisions for agreements with multiple beneficiaries, including voting rights and release request procedures

2. Enhanced Verification Testing: Detailed technical verification procedures for complex software deposits

3. Update Requirements: Specific requirements for periodic updates of escrow materials

4. Source Code License: License terms for use of released materials

5. Insurance Requirements: Specific insurance obligations for parties

6. Security Measures: Enhanced security requirements for highly sensitive source code

7. Disaster Recovery: Provisions for backup and recovery of escrow materials

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule A - Escrow Materials: Detailed list of all materials to be deposited, including source code, documentation, and build instructions

2. Schedule B - Deposit Procedures: Technical specifications for deposit format, media, and delivery method

3. Schedule C - Verification Tests: Detailed procedures for verification testing of deposited materials

4. Schedule D - Release Conditions: Comprehensive list of release triggers and required evidence

5. Schedule E - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of all fees and payment terms

6. Schedule F - Contact Information: Designated contacts and notice information for all parties

7. Appendix 1 - Technical Requirements: Technical specifications for deposit format and media

8. Appendix 2 - Service Level Agreement: Performance standards and response times for the escrow agent

Authors

Alex Denne

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

Relevant legal definitions
Relevant Industries

Information Technology

Software Development

Financial Services

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Telecommunications

Government/Public Sector

E-commerce

Banking

Insurance

Automotive

Aerospace

Defense

Energy

Utilities

Relevant Teams

Legal

Information Technology

Software Development

Procurement

Risk Management

Information Security

Compliance

Vendor Management

Corporate Development

Operations

Relevant Roles

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Information Officer

Legal Counsel

IP Attorney

Software Development Manager

Procurement Manager

Risk Manager

Information Security Officer

Contract Manager

Business Development Director

Technical Director

VP of Engineering

Chief Legal Officer

Software Architect

IT Director

Compliance Officer

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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