All You Need To Know About EULA – End User License Agreement

Having software has gradually become an indispensable asset for enterprises across all industries globally. Today being tech-enabled is not only working in favor of individuals but also all types and forms of businesses. The use of technology such as customized software, applications, CRMs, etc enhances the efficiency and agility of a business. With that said, it is also a known fact that the person/entity that develops software in most situations is not going to be its end-user. Further, since the users of software are not its creators, they do not get ‘ownership rights’ to the software. In most cases, when the end user of any software or application is different from its owner, the user has been ‘licensed the right to use’ the said material. End User License Agreement (EULA) is the legal document that governs all the terms and conditions of licensing of the application or software.

Many online legal drafting services providers can help you in drafting and reviewing your end user license agreement. Further, when you consider, it is quite evident that an effective EULA is a must for software developers to protect their rights. Through this blog, you can get a better idea of the EULA meaning, its purpose, and the key components of an end-user license agreement. 

What is EULA?

The EULA meaning the End User License Agreement is a legal document that sets the terms of usage between the licensor and licensee of a mobile/desktop application or software. The basic need for a EULA arises from the fact that, unlike the sale of regular property or assets, the purchase of software does not entitle its user to its ownership. But rather, the right to use the particular asset is transferred. 

Who can be parties to an end-user license agreement?

The parties to an End user license agreement include the following: 

• Software Developer (Licensor)

The software developer might be any freelance individual or a business entity that you hire for your tech needs. The software developer is the original owner of the software or application. 

• An individual (Licensee)

Any person that downloads any different kind of software or mobile application for any purpose, becomes the licensee to its EULA. Almost all software and applications have embedded end-user license agreements, that any individual wanting to use it needs to agree to before being able to use said software; or 

• A Business (Licensee)

Apart from personal needs, a business entity also needs access to software. For example, most corporate offices have Client Relationship Management (CRM) software that makes the entire standard operations process run smoothly. Hence, when a business hires a software developer for their needs, they too become a licensee to EULA. 

What is the scope of EULA?

The end-user license agreement sets out the responsibilities and terms of the ‘right of usage’ transferred to the user of the software. Sometimes, inter-changed by the terms software licensing agreement or the software terms of use, it is one of the most important agreements for any software vendor to have.

The scope or purpose of any legal document is to safeguard the rights of a party. When it comes to the EULA or any other licensing agreement, the main idea is to protect the rights of the original creator of the product, i.e., the software developer in this case. An ideal EULA also covers the terms & conditions of the use of software. Apart from that an effective EULA also sets the terms for the following aspects: 

• The extent of transfer of licensing rights; 
• The restrictions on the user; 
• Limitation of liability of the owner; 
• Information about the software and its maintenance and updation terms; and
• Lastly, but most importantly, it creates a shield of protection for the developer in case of any act done post-transfer of license to the licensee. 

Further, it is a known fact that the purchase of software is the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between the developer and the user. It is not a one-time transaction since all things tech need support and maintenance. Hence, this wide yet defined scope of an EULA shows how important it is to draft an effective EULA for your business.

What is the difference between an EULA and a software development agreement?

A software development agreement is a legally binding contract, duly signed and executed between one party that hires a developer for their software development requirement and the developer. Hence, it is an agreement that sets out the terms and expectations of the development process of any software. 

Whereas, the EULA or end user license agreement is applicable after the development process is complete and the end user finally purchases the software and the right to use is being licensed to the user. 

Both are equally important, yet the former focuses more on the protection of the owner who is hiring the software developer and the latter is from the perspective of the licensor, i.e. the software developer. 

Key components of End User License Agreement

The components of an end-user license agreement vary depending on the licensor, licensee, and the type of software in question. However, for any agreement to be effective, you need to cover certain important points. These are the key components that all EULAs must have to make the use of the software easy and hassle-free: 

Copyright Notice

The source code of the software is a literary type of work in copyright. Further, since the licensor is the party that retains ownership of the software, they must state it clearly in the EULA by way of giving notice of copyright. This section will ensure that the user is aware that they are not entitled to the copyrights to a software, just because they are using it. 

Acknowledgment of Infringement

This section helps in protecting the interest of the developer by acknowledging that once the user accepts the terms of EULA and starts using the software, any infringement of the copyright notice will be assigned to the licensee directly. 

Details of Developer and Software

This component of the end-user license agreement ensures that the licensee is completely aware of all the relevant information about the developer and the software before they start using it. Hence, the basic information of the developer such as their name, the version of the software, etc. must be a part of this component. 

Limitation of Liabilities and Warranties

In an effective EULA, the developer gives a warrant that the EULA is available on an ‘as-is’ basis. Further, the licensor also needs to limit his/her liability from the actions of the user. The warranties and the limitation of liabilities section is one of the most important aspects for the developer.

Maintenance and support activities

Developing software is not a one-time thing. Hence, the developer has to mention details regarding the scheduled maintenance, support in case of any bugs, etc. So that the user has a clear idea of what they are getting themselves into. 

Grant of License

The developer must expressly mention that they are granting the license of using software to the user. 

Information of other agreements

A software also needs other legal documents to comply with laws. These can include the digitized privacy policy, or any terms of use, etc. Hence, the developer needs to provide proper links to the other policies.

Restrictions to Use

Since the developer retains ownership of the software, they can impose certain restrictions on the use of the software. Such as restricting the sub-licensing, etc. However, the developer needs to mention all restrictions in the EULA, so that the user can be aware. 

Termination of end user license agreement

The developer also retains the right to revoke the license that they grant to users under certain circumstances. These circumstances must be explicitly mentioned in the EULA. 

What is the importance of an EULA?

At first glance, it seems that the EULA is important for the developer only. However, it is important from both perspectives. Let’s see how 

Developer’s Perspective

• An effective end-user license agreement allows the developer to take legal recourse. This can include any unforeseeable circumstances such as copyright infringement, reverse engineering for software, misuse of the application, etc. 
• EULA gives them the right to revoke their license at any point in time at their sole discretion;
• Limits the liability of the developer for actions of the user; and 
• Allows the developer to give a warranty for the functionality of the software.

Also Read: How to start a software company in India?

End-User Perspective

• Sets out the expectations of the parties from the start itself; 
• Gives them an idea about the support activities they are entitled to; and
• When the terms are defined by parties, it allows for optimized use of the software.

Conclusion

From all this, it is quite evident that EULAs are a backbone to the protection of the software developer’s interests. Moreover, the EULA allow users to make an informed decision about the software they are going to engage with. Hence, it is equally important for both parties to read the end user license agreement carefully. To conclude, we can say that EULAs are a step forward in securing business transactions in the digital landscape.