The Tech Contracts Handbook: Software Licenses and Technology Services Agreements for Lawyers and Businesspeople [Paperback]

David Tollen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 16, 2011

This is a practical and accessible reference book and training manual on IT contracts. It's a clause-by-clause "how to" guide on software licenses and technology services agreements, covering the issues at stake and offering negotiation tips and sample contract language.

This handbook is for both lawyers and businesspeople, including contract managers, procurement officers, corporate counsel, salespeople, and anyone else responsible for getting IT deals done. Perhaps most important, this book uses simple English, like a good contract.

Topics covered include:

•     Software as a service (SaaS) and cloud computing agreements
•     Warranties
•     Indemnities
•     Open source software
•     Service level agreements
•     Nondisclosure agreements
•     Limitations of liability
•     Internet and e-commerce contracts
•     Software escrow
•     Data security
•     Copyright licensing
•     And much more

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... an invaluable deskbook resource for both businesspeople and lawyers responsible for software and technology licenses."
-- Ian Ballon, author of E-Commerce and Internet Law, Executive Director of the Stanford Center for E-Commerce

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: American Bar Association (May 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604429828
• ISBN-13: 978-1604429824
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Law > Legal Theory & Systems > Science & Technology
  • #4 in Books > Law > Intellectual Property > Patent, Trademark & Copyright
  • #7 in Books > Law > Business > Contracts

More About the Author

David Tollen is an attorney and author, as well as a founder of Adeli & Tollen LLP, a technology and intellectual property law firm with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Silicon Valley. His practice focuses on intellectual property and information technology agreements, including software licenses, cloud computing agreements, and Internet and e-commerce contracts. He speaks and teaches on the same subjects. Mr. Tollen works in San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. He has published two books: THE TECH CONTRACTS HANDBOOK (published by the American Bar Association) and THE TECH CONTRACTS POCKET GUIDE (an earlier version of the HANDBOOK).

For more information, please visit www.TechContracts.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful as an Introduction, but Priced Far Too High for What is Provided May 16, 2012

By DigDug

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Handbook is well-written and the information provided is useful. However, for a price-tag of $50 I was expecting a more in-depth treatment and analysis of the gamut of technology agreements. Most of the provisions discussed aren't discussed for more than a couple paragraphs, certainly enough to acquaint a layperson with the general idea of a particular provision, but - to me - not nearly enough to serve as a negotiating resource of any real measure. Many of the descriptions provide a level of analysis that any transactional lawyer would him or herself be able to figure out from a cold reading of the discussed provision.

Again, David does write well, and I would love to see him offer a more in-the-weeds analysis of some sample contracts.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Resource! July 5, 2011

By Bruce Belton

Format:Paperback

This book is a great resource for legal professionals and contract administrators. I've used this volume a resource since its first edition and it gives me the necessary background to intelligently discuss and negotiate tech contract points with the many vendors with whom my company does business. It also allows me to more effectively hire and manage outside counsel for this work so that I can give them clear direction on what our company needs for contract consistency and fairness (for both sides). I cannot recommend this highly enough to anyone who is required to read and understand tech contracts and software licenses. This is unique area of contract law and Mr. Tollen has done a wonderful job making this material accessible.

Bruce Belton, General Counsel, Tri Counties Bank

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource For Non-Lawyers in the Tech Sector June 2, 2011

By Robin Winning

Format:Paperback

This is an excellent guide to all the elements to be found in basic technology contracts, written in a clear, concise manner, and well-organized so that it can be used as a handy desk reference.

What makes this book stand apart is the sheer generosity of the author who, rather than hiding his legal know-how behind an expensive hourly-rate paywall, readily shares what he knows, including extensive boilerplate and sample contract language, and access to his website, which contains even more information.

As a project manager at a tech start-up on a tight budget, my ongoing challenge when dealing with contracts is to know when to refer to an outside attorney for additional guidance. This book helps me to navigate those waters. Tollen makes it clear that his book is not a substitute for legal advice on the specific elements of unique contracts, but he provides the conceptual grounding that allows me to have a productive discussion with outside counsel, saving my company time and money.