The objective of a source code escrow agreement is to provide comfort to the beneficiary that if the software developer is unable or unwilling to support the software, the source code and other critical components such as databases, deployment scripts, and documentation can be released to them.
An escrow arrangement is set up by a neutral third party to hold funds or other assets that will be exchanged in a transaction involving a buyer and seller. In an M&A deal, an escrow account is typically used to ensure that the buyer and seller will fulfil their respective financial and other obligations.
An escrow agreement is a contract that outlines the terms and conditions between parties involved, and the responsibility of each. Escrow agreements generally involve an independent third party, called an escrow agent, who holds an asset of value until the specified conditions of the contract are met.
The escrow agreement will provide the conditions under which you will receive a copy of the source code. The most common release conditions are (1) the software vendor ceases business or goes bankrupt and (2) the software vendor ceases to provide support and maintenance services.
Source code escrow is the deposit of the source code of software with a third-party escrow agent. Escrow is typically requested by a party licensing software (the licensee), to ensure maintenance of the software instead of abandonment or orphaning.
The Escrow Holder: prepares escrow instructions. requests a preliminary title search to determine the present condition of title to the property. requests a beneficiary's statement if debt or obligation is to be taken over by the buyer. complies with lender's requirements, specified in the escrow agreement.