23+ IT and Software Legal Templates in Google Docs

How to Create an IT and Software Legal Document in Google Docs

Today's IT industry is a far cry from what it was two decades ago when computers and mobile devices were merely a luxury rather than a necessity. Research and advisory company, Gartner, reveals the Global IT spending in 2018 was at $3.7 trillion. Like what Uncle Ben from Spiderman says, "With great power comes great responsibility." Because of the IT sector's power, its market is most vulnerable to legal threats and related issues. Thus, you must never overlook the importance of having proper legal documents. Listed below are a few guidelines for drafting these documents that you might want to keep in mind.

1. Develop a Clear Plan

Drafting a legal document isn't easy, which is why you must establish a strong foundation when you begin. With a development plan, you can determine the terms and conditions that the document must cover, along with other technical details that need emphasis.

2. Make It Brief and Concise

Constructing statements and clauses with legal grounds can be tricky, not to mention risky when used for a business agreement. It's easy to misinterpret vague or complicated language, especially with wrong wording. Thus, be sure to keep your sentences short and to define any technical terminology used.

3. Keep Information as Accurate as Possible

You don't want to get in trouble with the law. Hence, all contents of the document must remain accurate and detailed to avoid problems. Most business contracts, for instance, need to be notarized for it to be enforceable. Otherwise, you may have to face the doubts surrounding the validity of the document.

4. Ensure Consistency

Consistency is vital, even for legal documents. The last thing you want is to confuse readers with variations of a word or phrase. If it means the same thing, don't think twice about keeping your descriptions consistent. This rule goes for transfer letters, proposals, agreements, and the like.

General FAQs

• What are legal documents?

  Legal documents, or legal instruments, are formally written documents that record and express any legally enforceable act by providing evidence of the agreement made between parties. It can be a contractual duty, obligation, right, or process that the parties concerned may be familiar with. 

• What are the different types of legal documents?

  Some examples of legal documents include corporate bylaws, affidavits, amendments, nondisclosure agreements, legal forms, and licenses. These documents are generally categorized according to nature and function. You're likely to encounter these documents on a daily basis, particularly in a business setting. 

• Why are legal documents important in the IT and software industry?

  When conducting business with clients, whether it's selling software or building partnerships, legal documents serve as proof of the relationship to help address disputes. These documents play a crucial role in court cases and business transactions, ensuring the safety and security of those involved. 

• How do you make a document legally binding?

  For these documents to be legally binding, there must be a clear acceptance of its terms. A signature typically denotes this by proving that the signed parties have read, acknowledged, and agreed to the contents of the document. 

• How long is a signed document valid for?

  In most cases, these documents have a termination date indicated in their content. Otherwise, the relationship can only end upon the completion of its terms or if either party terminates it through a written amendment.