Solid software escrow agreements for system resilience
Software resilience isn't built on hope or handshakes. Without a clear, enforceable agreement, your software — and the business that depends on it — is vulnerable to delays, disputes, and risk.
What is a software escrow agreement?
This protects everyone involved in the relationship:
It’s a legal arrangement — but not one your team is built to handle
Let Codekeeper eliminate your risk with simple, solid software escrow agreements
Bipartite, tripartite, and multi-party arrangements
Release terms designed to protect all parties involved
Legal SLAs aligned with your compliance, security, and legal needs
We guard your software, your rights, and your resilience
Ready-to-use software escrow agreement templates for every scenario
Need a custom escrow agreement? We'll draft it for you.
From risk to resilience in 3 simple steps
Choose your agreement type
Start with a template or request a fully custom draft based on your situation.
Set up your release triggers
We help you define the release conditions, confirm roles, and get signoff from all parties.
Make your deposits & activate your escrow
We keep your source code or other agreed-upon assets safe in our digital vaults.
Fully annotated software escrow agreement
Explore our escrows by system type
Good questions to ask first.
What is a software escrow agreement?
A software escrow agreement is a contract between a software provider, their client, and a neutral third party. It defines when and how key software assets, like source code or documentation, can be accessed if something changes in the business relationship.
What are some common trigger events for a source code release?
Common escrow release triggers include missed support obligations, bankruptcy, or an acquisition that affects ongoing access. You define these when setting up your escrow terms.
Do I need a lawyer to draw up my escrow agreement?
No. Codekeeper provides the legal framework and guides you through an escrow setup. You don't need outside counsel unless you prefer it.
Can I customize the terms and conditions of my escrow agreement?
Yes. You can define release triggers, add parties, or align the agreement to meet compliance or operational needs.
Can I include multiple parties in the same agreement?
Yes. Codekeeper supports multi-vendor and multi-client setups, which means you can add more than one beneficiary to a single escrow agreement. These kinds of arrangements are ideal for complex deals, partner networks, or shared platforms.
What makes Codekeeper secure?
Codekeeper operates in accordance with ISO 27001 security standards. All deposits are encrypted using AES256, access is tightly controlled with MFA, and our infrastructure meets global compliance benchmarks.
Can I transfer my existing software escrow agreement to Codekeeper?
Yes, you can transfer your existing software escrow agreement to Codekeeper. We’ll review your pre-existing agreement, make updates if needed, and implement any additional changes needed during the move.
How much does a software escrow agreement cost?
Most software escrow agreements fall between $50 and $5,000 per year, depending on how many applications are covered and whether verification is included. For a single application, Codekeeper plans start at around $139 per month. You can view all plans and options on our pricing page.