APPLICATION DESIGN AGREEMENT

Lawyer-Drafted | Globally Compliant | Customizable in Word/PDF

Before beginning the design of any mobile or web application, protect your creative rights, project expectations, and deliverables with a clear and enforceable Application Design Agreement.

What is an Application Design Agreement?

An Application Design Agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms under which a designer or design agency creates the visual layout, UX/UI elements, wireframes, prototypes, and design assets for a mobile or web application.

It defines project scope, milestones, revision limits, payment terms, intellectual property ownership, confidentiality, and remedies for non-performance.

This agreement ensures both the client and the designer maintain a shared understanding of the creative process, deliverables, deadlines, and ownership rights—reducing misunderstandings and protecting both parties professionally.

Types of Application Design Agreements

·      UI/UX Design Agreement: For interface layouts, user journeys, and experience design.

·      Mobile Application Design Agreement: For iOS and Android app designs, including screens and flows.

·      Web Application Design Agreement: For SaaS platforms, dashboards, landing pages, and responsive designs.

·      Wireframe & Prototype Agreement: For early-stage conceptual layouts and clickable prototypes.

·      Brand-Integrated Application Design Agreement: For apps requiring deep brand alignment, including custom style guides.

Global Legal Recognition of Application Design Agreements

These agreements are widely enforceable across jurisdictions when drafted with clear deliverables and IP rights:

·      United States: Governed by copyright law under the Copyright Act and standard contract law.

·      United Kingdom & European Union: Enforced under IP and commercial law, with GDPR considerations if user data is involved.

·      United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Saudi Arabia: Recognized under civil/commercial law with modern IP protections.

·      Australia & Canada: Enforceable under copyright legislation and contract law.

·      Hong Kong: Governed by contract principles and copyright regulations applicable to digital design.

A well-drafted agreement ensures global protection for designers and clients.

Why You Should Consult a Lawyer Before Using This Template

Design projects often involve intellectual property ownership, proprietary branding, confidentiality concerns, and commercial usage rights.

A lawyer can tailor this agreement to your specific project, ensuring compliance with local laws and safeguarding both creative and commercial interests.

At SolvLegal, our legal experts can review and customize this document within 48 hours to ensure it is accurate, enforceable, and project-ready.

Who Should Use This Template

·      UI/UX designers and design studios

·      App development agencies outsourcing design

·      Startups building a new mobile or web app

·      Businesses redesigning an existing application

·      Freelancers providing app interface and experience design services

How to Download This Template

1.    Click Fill out the Template

2.    Enter project details, design deliverables, and payment structure

3.    Choose governing law and IP ownership terms

4.    (Recommended) Review it with legal counsel

5.    Download in Word or PDF

6.    Sign electronically or execute physically

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this Application Design Agreement valid internationally?

Yes. It follows global contract and intellectual property standards suitable for use worldwide.

2. Who can use this Agreement?

Designers, agencies, app developers, startups, and companies commissioning app design work.

3. Does this Agreement cover UX/UI design for mobile and web apps?

Yes. It is suitable for all types of application design projects.

4. Are electronic signatures legally accepted?

Yes. They are recognized under the ESIGN Act (U.S.), eIDAS (EU), UAE law, and most jurisdictions.

5. What happens if the client wants additional revisions?

The agreement includes revision limits and allows extra revisions for an additional fee.

6. Does this Agreement define ownership of design assets?

Yes. It clearly states whether ownership transfers to the client or remains with the designer.

7. Can this Agreement include milestone-based payments?

Yes. Payments can be structured by phase, screen delivery, or project milestones.

8. Does it include confidentiality and NDA provisions?

Yes. Sensitive information and pre-release designs are protected.

9. Can this Agreement cover brand integration and style guides?

Yes. Branding elements can be included in the design scope.

10. Does it address delivery of open or layered design files (e.g., Figma, PSD)?

Yes. You can specify ownership and delivery of source files.

11. Can it include user testing or prototype creation?

Yes. Wireframes, prototypes, and usability testing can be added as deliverables.

12. Does the Agreement cover late payments or project delays?

Yes. It includes penalties, suspension rights, and adjusted timelines.

13. Are intellectual property rights clearly defined?

Yes. It outlines ownership of final assets, drafts, and rejected designs.

14. Can the designer display the project in their portfolio?

Only if permitted. The agreement includes optional promotional rights.

15. Does the Agreement include termination terms?

Yes. It covers early termination, refunds, and payment for work completed.

16. Can this Agreement be used for fixed-fee or hourly design work?

Yes. It supports flexible payment structures, including hourly, fixed, or hybrid models.

Related Templates You May Need

·      Software Development Agreement – For coding and building the application after design.

·      Brand Identity & Graphic Design Agreement – For logos, branding, and marketing collateral.

·      Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement – For transferring full ownership of design assets.

·      Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – To protect confidential design concepts and plans.