Free Law Firm Project Contract Template
Law Firm Project Contract
This Project Contract ("Contract") is entered into as of [Date], by and between [Your Company Name], a professional legal corporation with its principal place of business at [Your Company Address] (hereinafter referred to as "the Firm"), and [Client Name], a corporation with its principal office at [Client Address] (hereinafter referred to as "the Client").
WHEREAS, the Client desires to engage the Firm to provide legal services for the specific project of acquiring intellectual property rights and handling related legal matters for the development of new software technologies;
WHEREAS, the Firm agrees to provide these legal services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein, utilizing its expertise and resources to accomplish the objectives of the specified project within the agreed timeline;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree to enter into this Contract to outline the scope of legal services, performance expectations, compensation details, and other terms relevant to the successful completion of the project.
I. Scope of Services
A. Intellectual Property Acquisition: The Firm will provide comprehensive legal services to assist the Client in acquiring intellectual property rights, including patents and trademarks, for new software technologies. Services include conducting due diligence, filing necessary applications, and negotiating with third parties.
B. Legal Documentation: The Firm will draft, review, and finalize all legal documents necessary for the acquisition and protection of intellectual property, including licenses and non-disclosure agreements.
C. Legal Consultation: The Firm will provide ongoing consultation to the Client regarding best practices in intellectual property management and compliance with related laws and regulations.
D. Dispute Resolution: The Firm will represent the Client in any disputes related to the intellectual property rights of the software technologies, including litigation if necessary.
II. Fees and Compensation
A. Fixed Fee for Service: The Client shall pay the Firm a fixed fee of $50,000 for the intellectual property acquisition services. This fee covers all standard services listed in subsections A and B and is payable in two installments: $25,000 due upon signing this Contract and $25,000 upon filing the intellectual property applications.
B. Hourly Fees for Additional Services: Any services outside the scope outlined in Section I, such as additional legal representation in disputes, will be billed at an hourly rate of $350. These services will be pre-approved by the Client and invoiced monthly.
C. Expenses: The Client will reimburse the Firm for out-of-pocket expenses related to the project, including but not limited to filing fees, travel expenses, and third-party consultancy fees. These expenses will be pre-approved by the Client and invoiced separately.
D. Late Payments: Payments not received within 30 days of the invoice date will incur a late fee of 2% per month on the outstanding balance.
III. Performance Standards
A. Timeliness: The Firm is committed to meeting all project deadlines. Key deliverables such as filing intellectual property applications will be completed within 90 days from the signing of this Contract.
B. Quality of Service: All work performed by the Firm will adhere to the highest professional standards, ensuring that all documents are accurate, legally compliant, and effectively protect the Client’s interests. The Firm will correct any errors in its work at no additional cost to the Client.
C. Communication: The Firm will provide updates to the Client on the progress of the project every two weeks. Immediate notification will be given for any issues that might impact the timeline or quality of the deliverables.
D. Client Satisfaction: The Firm aims to achieve at least 95% client satisfaction by the end of the project. Feedback will be solicited at the completion of the project to measure satisfaction and address any concerns.
IV. Client Responsibilities
A. Provision of Information: The Client must provide all necessary information and documentation related to the intellectual property to be acquired promptly. Delays in providing essential information may result in project delays.
B. Timely Responses: The Client agrees to respond to requests for approvals, decisions, or feedback within five business days to maintain the project timeline.
C. Payment of Fees: As outlined in Section II, the Client is responsible for timely payment of all fees and reimbursement of expenses. Delays in payments may result in a suspension of services.
D. Compliance with Advice: The Client agrees to adhere to legal advice provided by the Firm, particularly in matters of intellectual property management and compliance with relevant laws.
V. Confidentiality
A. Obligation of Confidentiality: The Firm agrees to keep all information provided by the Client or developed during the execution of this project confidential. This includes non-public business information, technological data, and any other sensitive information disclosed during the course of the project.
B. Duration of Confidentiality: The confidentiality obligations shall remain in effect for a period of five years following the completion or termination of this Contract.
C. Exceptions to Confidentiality: Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that is publicly known, legally acquired from another source, or independently developed without access to the Client's confidential information.
VI. Intellectual Property
A. Ownership of Created Intellectual Property: Intellectual property rights in any works, inventions, or other outcomes specifically created by the Firm for the Client under this Contract shall be owned by the Client upon full payment of all fees due under this Contract.
B. Pre-Existing Intellectual Property: Intellectual property rights owned by the Firm prior to entering into this Contract, or developed independently of this engagement, shall remain the property of the Firm. The Client will have a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such pre-existing intellectual property as necessary for the purposes of the project.
C. Third-Party Intellectual Property: If the incorporation of third-party intellectual property is necessary for the completion of the project, the Firm will obtain the appropriate licenses and permissions. Any associated costs will be approved by the Client in advance and reimbursed as outlined in Section II, Fees and Compensation.
VII. Dispute Resolution
A. Initial Mediation: In the event of any disputes arising from or related to this Contract, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through mediation. Mediation sessions shall be held in [City, State] and be scheduled within 30 days of the dispute being raised.
B. Binding Arbitration: If mediation fails to resolve the dispute, both parties agree to submit the dispute to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration will take place in [City, State] and the decision of the arbitrator shall be final and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction.
VIII. Termination
A. Termination for Cause: Either party may terminate this Contract for cause if there is a material breach that is not cured within 30 days after written notice of such breach.
B. Termination for Convenience: The Client may terminate this Contract at any time without cause by providing 60 days written notice to the Firm. Upon such termination, the Client shall pay for all services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.
C. Effect of Termination: Upon termination, all confidential information must be returned or destroyed as per the confidentiality terms in Section V. Any provisions of this Contract that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect, including confidentiality, dispute resolution, and intellectual property provisions.
IX. Miscellaneous Provisions
A. Governing Law: This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [State].
B. Severability: If any provision of this Contract is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable.
C. Amendments: Any amendments to this Contract must be in writing and signed by both parties.
D. Notices: All notices required or permitted under this Contract shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered when delivered in person or three days after being sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses stipulated in this Contract.
Signatures
This Contract is executed by the duly authorized representatives of the parties as of the date first above written.
Law Firm
[Name]
[Date]
Client
[Name]
[Date]
