SDK clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
An SDK clause governs how software development kits (SDKs) provided under a contract can be used, modified, distributed, or integrated by the receiving party. SDK clauses help protect intellectual property, ensure proper use, and clarify responsibilities around software tools that interact with systems or platforms.
Below are templates for SDK clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.
Standard SDK clause
This version sets general use terms.
The [Provider] may make a software development kit (SDK) available to the [Customer] for integration purposes. The [Customer] shall use the SDK solely in accordance with the documentation provided and for the purpose of accessing the [Provider]’s services.
SDK clause with usage limitation
This version restricts usage to specific purposes.
The SDK is licensed solely for use in connection with the services described in this Agreement. The [Customer] shall not use the SDK for development of competing products or for any unrelated commercial purposes.
SDK clause with modification restriction
This version prevents alteration of SDK code.
The [Customer] shall not modify, alter, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the SDK unless expressly permitted in writing by the [Provider].
SDK clause with redistribution prohibition
This version prevents sharing or distributing the SDK.
The [Customer] shall not sublicense, distribute, or make the SDK available to any third party without the [Provider]’s prior written consent.
SDK clause with open-source component disclaimer
This version addresses embedded open-source elements.
The SDK may include components subject to open-source licenses. The [Customer] shall comply with the applicable license terms for any such components, as specified in the SDK documentation.
SDK clause with internal use restriction
This version limits usage to the customer’s organization.
The SDK is provided solely for internal use by the [Customer] and may not be used by affiliates, subsidiaries, or external parties without written approval from the [Provider].
SDK clause with update and patch notification
This version requires regular updates.
The [Customer] shall promptly implement all SDK updates, patches, or fixes released by the [Provider] to ensure compatibility and security.
SDK clause with audit rights for usage
This version allows provider oversight.
The [Provider] may audit the [Customer]’s use of the SDK to verify compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the applicable license.
SDK clause with termination-based revocation
This version ends rights upon contract termination.
Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, the [Customer] shall immediately discontinue use of the SDK and delete all associated files, copies, and integrations.
SDK clause with documentation compliance requirement
This version enforces technical best practices.
The [Customer] shall implement the SDK strictly in accordance with the [Provider]’s documentation and may not use undocumented functions or methods.
SDK clause with non-exclusivity provision
This version clarifies that other users may access the SDK.
The SDK is provided on a non-exclusive basis, and the [Provider] may distribute it to other customers or partners without restriction.
SDK clause with reverse engineering prohibition
This version protects SDK architecture.
The [Customer] shall not reverse engineer, analyze, or attempt to discover the underlying structure or source code of the SDK.
SDK clause with technical support limitations
This version clarifies service levels.
The [Provider] shall offer technical support for SDK-related issues during business hours only. Enhanced support may be subject to additional fees.
SDK clause with language-specific availability notice
This version accounts for different SDK languages.
The [Provider] may offer SDKs in specific programming languages, and the [Customer] acknowledges that not all features may be available in each version.
SDK clause with SDK integration testing requirement
This version mandates test phase before production.
The [Customer] shall perform integration testing in a non-production environment before deploying any SDK-enabled functionality to production systems.
SDK clause with license scope limitation
This version restricts scope of use.
The SDK license granted under this Agreement is limited to use with the [Customer]’s internal systems and may not be extended to external-facing products.
SDK clause with confidentiality of SDK structure
This version protects design details.
The [Customer] shall treat the structure, interfaces, and documentation of the SDK as confidential information and shall not disclose it to unauthorized individuals.
SDK clause with intellectual property ownership reservation
This version reaffirms IP rights.
All intellectual property rights in and to the SDK remain the sole property of the [Provider], including all updates, improvements, and derivative works.
SDK clause with attribution requirement
This version requires acknowledgment.
Where applicable, the [Customer] shall include the [Provider]’s attribution notice in any publicly released application that uses the SDK.
SDK clause with API dependency disclaimer
This version separates SDK from service performance.
The [Provider] shall not be liable for performance issues related to the SDK that are caused by underlying API latency or outages.
SDK clause with automated data access restrictions
This version limits automated behavior.
The SDK may not be used to automate or simulate system interactions at a rate exceeding documented limits or best practices.
SDK clause with conflict check responsibility
This version places the burden on the customer.
The [Customer] is responsible for ensuring that use of the SDK does not conflict with existing software systems or licensing terms.
SDK clause with usage telemetry collection
This version allows SDK behavior monitoring.
The [Provider] may collect anonymized telemetry data from SDK usage to improve product performance and user experience.
SDK clause with high-volume usage restrictions
This version limits scaling scenarios.
The [Customer] shall not use the SDK to support high-volume systems or enterprise-scale deployments unless separately licensed.
SDK clause with sandbox usage limitation
This version restricts testing environments.
The SDK may be used in sandbox environments for development and testing only. Production use requires separate configuration and approval.
SDK clause with SDK retirement and replacement clause
This version handles lifecycle changes.
The [Provider] reserves the right to retire or replace the SDK with an updated version and shall provide reasonable transition assistance.
SDK clause with third-party SDK component responsibility waiver
This version limits provider responsibility.
The [Provider] shall not be responsible for third-party libraries bundled with the SDK or for any updates to those libraries outside its control.
SDK clause with localized SDK adaptation restrictions
This version prevents language or region changes.
The [Customer] shall not modify or translate the SDK into other languages or regional formats without prior approval from the [Provider].
SDK clause with code injection prohibition
This version limits unauthorized extensions.
The [Customer] shall not inject code or wrappers into the SDK to alter its behavior or extend its functionality beyond documented capabilities.
SDK clause with performance tuning recommendation
This version offers best practice guidance.
The [Customer] is encouraged to monitor SDK performance and implement recommended configuration settings to optimize efficiency and reduce resource consumption.
SDK clause with no warranty disclaimer
This version disclaims functionality guarantees.
The SDK is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose or error-free operation.
SDK clause with SDK upgrade timeline obligation
This version sets transition windows.
The [Customer] shall upgrade to the latest SDK version within [60 days] of release unless otherwise agreed in writing by the [Provider].
SDK clause with non-commercial use restriction
This version limits to personal or internal use.
The [Customer] may not use the SDK in any commercial application unless licensed under a commercial use agreement.
SDK clause with SDK deployment audit trail requirement
This version promotes traceability.
The [Customer] shall maintain an internal audit trail of SDK deployments and integration changes for compliance and support purposes.
SDK clause with SDK key or token requirement
This version ties usage to secure credentials.
Use of the SDK requires a valid SDK key or token issued by the [Provider], and access may be suspended if credentials are compromised or misused.
SDK clause with SDK license revocation rights
This version allows the provider to revoke use.
The [Provider] may revoke the SDK license at any time in the event of breach, misuse, or suspected violation of the terms set out herein.
SDK clause with SDK compatibility disclaimer
This version limits responsibility for environment conflicts.
The [Provider] makes no representation that the SDK will function as expected in all hardware, software, or network environments.
SDK clause with SDK cloning prohibition
This version prohibits replication.
The [Customer] shall not attempt to copy, fork, or create a derivative SDK that mimics the functionality or structure of the [Provider]’s SDK.
SDK clause with custom wrapper limitations
This version governs external abstractions.
Any custom wrapper or abstraction layer built on the SDK shall comply with the [Provider]’s SDK wrapper guidelines and may not extend restricted functionality.
SDK clause with SDK license renewal condition
This version ties SDK access to agreement renewal.
Continued access to the SDK is contingent upon active renewal of the underlying service agreement between the parties.
SDK clause with source code access disclaimer
This version clarifies code visibility.
The [Provider] shall not provide source code access to the SDK and the [Customer] shall not attempt to reconstruct or simulate such source code.
SDK clause with SDK certification requirement
This version requires usage vetting.
The [Provider] may require SDK certification for certain integrations to verify that the [Customer] has implemented the SDK correctly and securely.
SDK clause with SDK usage analytics dashboard
This version provides visibility.
The [Provider] may offer a usage dashboard showing SDK activity, version history, and integration health to assist the [Customer] in monitoring deployments.
SDK clause with SDK encryption standard compliance
This version enforces security protocols.
The [Customer] shall ensure that any data transmitted using the SDK adheres to the encryption standards defined by the [Provider].
SDK clause with prior approval for public SDK references
This version governs branding.
The [Customer] shall not publicly reference or promote use of the SDK without prior written approval from the [Provider].
SDK clause with SDK-supported integration limitation
This version prevents off-platform usage.
The SDK shall only be used to build integrations with the [Provider]’s systems and may not be used with third-party systems without authorization.
SDK clause with licensing fee adjustment clause
This version allows future price changes.
SDK licensing fees may be adjusted upon renewal to reflect added features, enhanced support, or platform expansion.
SDK clause with SDK support lifecycle notice
This version sets minimum support windows.
The [Provider] shall support each SDK version for a minimum of [12 months] from its release date before marking it as end-of-life.
SDK clause with third-party code library compatibility
This version limits interoperability assurances.
The [Provider] does not guarantee compatibility between the SDK and third-party code libraries unless otherwise documented.
SDK clause with SDK rollback procedure
This version supports emergency recovery.
The [Customer] shall maintain rollback procedures to revert SDK version changes in case of unexpected errors or performance issues.
SDK clause with jurisdiction-specific SDK restrictions
This version limits use by region.
The [Customer] shall not deploy the SDK in jurisdictions where such use is restricted by applicable export control, trade, or data protection laws.
SDK clause with pre-production testing mandate
This version enforces early-stage validation.
The [Customer] shall conduct pre-production testing of all SDK-enabled features to ensure compatibility with its systems prior to deployment in a live environment.
SDK clause with SDK deactivation trigger events
This version defines automatic revocation conditions.
The [Provider] may deactivate the SDK if the [Customer] violates usage policies, fails to comply with update requirements, or exceeds permitted integration thresholds.
SDK clause with SDK dependency disclosure requirement
This version requires transparency.
The [Customer] shall disclose all external dependencies introduced through SDK integrations, especially those impacting system performance or data security.
SDK clause with SDK-based user authentication governance
This version governs auth flows built via SDK.
Where the SDK facilitates user authentication, the [Customer] shall implement industry-standard access controls and secure credential storage practices.
SDK clause with SDK onboarding process requirement
This version formalizes implementation.
The [Customer] shall follow the onboarding process outlined by the [Provider], including required workshops, configuration reviews, and documentation walkthroughs.
SDK clause with SDK end-to-end integration logging
This version enforces auditability.
The [Customer] shall maintain complete logs of all system events linked to SDK operations, including API calls, error handling, and exception flows.
SDK clause with SDK performance benchmarking right
This version allows usage testing.
The [Provider] reserves the right to conduct SDK performance benchmarking under simulated load conditions to assess integration efficiency.
SDK clause with SDK access limitation by business unit
This version enforces internal segmentation.
The [Customer] shall restrict SDK access to designated business units and shall not share SDK files or credentials across departments without approval.
SDK clause with SDK breach reporting requirement
This version mandates incident notification.
The [Customer] shall notify the [Provider] within [48 hours] of any suspected breach, misuse, or compromise involving SDK components or credentials.
SDK clause with SDK coexistence with legacy systems
This version covers compatibility handling.
The [Customer] is responsible for ensuring that the SDK does not conflict with or degrade performance of existing legacy systems.
SDK clause with SDK integration partner compliance
This version covers third-party implementers.
Any third-party system integrator or contractor using the SDK on behalf of the [Customer] must comply with the terms of this Agreement.
SDK clause with SDK rollback support clause
This version provides a contingency path.
The [Provider] shall offer support for rollback to prior SDK versions in the event that newer releases cause service disruption or compatibility issues.
SDK clause with SDK-supported component isolation
This version encourages modular architecture.
The [Customer] shall deploy SDK-powered modules in isolated components to reduce systemic impact in the event of SDK malfunction.
SDK clause with SDK connection limit threshold
This version sets technical caps.
The [Provider] may impose limits on the number of concurrent connections established via the SDK to protect system stability.
SDK clause with SDK usage feedback mechanism
This version supports user experience improvement.
The [Customer] shall provide feedback on SDK usage and performance to support continuous improvement efforts by the [Provider].
SDK clause with SDK credential sharing prohibition
This version restricts token handling.
The [Customer] shall not share SDK credentials across environments or users and must maintain credential integrity according to the [Provider]’s security guidelines.
SDK clause with SDK patch urgency categorization
This version defines severity levels.
SDK updates shall be classified by urgency level, and critical patches must be applied within [72 hours] of release.
SDK clause with SDK-driven feature disclosure
This version promotes usage transparency.
The [Customer] shall inform the [Provider] if SDK features are used in applications exposed to end users or customers.
SDK clause with SDK-injected data limitation
This version governs injected content.
The [Customer] shall not inject dynamic or unverified data directly into SDK processes that could expose the system to security or performance risks.
SDK clause with SDK sandbox expiration control
This version governs development environments.
SDKs made available in sandbox environments shall expire after [X days] unless a formal request for extension is approved by the [Provider].
SDK clause with SDK auto-upgrade enablement
This version allows version automation.
The [Provider] may automatically upgrade SDK versions for customers with active auto-update features, subject to prior notification.
SDK clause with SDK termination data wipe obligation
This version ensures post-termination cleanup.
Upon termination of the Agreement, the [Customer] shall delete all SDK-related files, configurations, and caches from its systems.
SDK clause with SDK audit record preservation period
This version governs audit data retention.
The [Customer] shall retain SDK-related audit records for a minimum of [12 months] to facilitate post-incident analysis or compliance reviews.
SDK clause with SDK benchmarking limitation
This version restricts public testing.
The [Customer] shall not publish or disclose benchmarking or performance data related to the SDK without prior written consent from the [Provider].
SDK clause with SDK-based analytics usage restriction
This version prohibits internal analytics from SDK data.
The [Customer] shall not extract behavioral analytics or usage insights from SDK telemetry for commercial or competitive purposes.
SDK clause with SDK integrity verification protocol
This version adds validation checks.
The [Customer] shall implement checksum or hash verification during SDK installation to ensure file integrity and prevent tampering.
SDK clause with SDK failover contingency obligation
This version prepares for SDK failures.
The [Customer] shall develop failover processes in case the SDK becomes unavailable or incompatible with core systems.
SDK clause with SDK deprecation roadmap commitment
This version improves transparency.
The [Provider] shall provide a minimum [6-month] roadmap before retiring SDK versions, including migration documentation and support plans.
SDK clause with SDK feature toggle control
This version supports modular adoption.
The SDK may contain optional modules that the [Customer] can enable or disable, and the [Customer] is responsible for managing feature toggles properly.
SDK clause with SDK telemetry opt-out protocol
This version supports data control.
The [Customer] may request to opt out of non-essential SDK telemetry collection, subject to functional limitations.
SDK clause with SDK backup environment access rights
This version improves resilience.
The [Customer] may request SDK access in a designated backup environment for business continuity planning.
SDK clause with SDK concurrency safeguard enforcement
This version protects multithreading behavior.
The [Customer] shall implement concurrency controls to prevent race conditions, lock contention, or execution overlap when using the SDK in multithreaded environments.
SDK clause with SDK performance baseline expectations
This version defines performance floors.
The [Provider] shall use reasonable efforts to maintain SDK performance within documented baselines under normal system load conditions.
SDK clause with SDK change request process
This version formalizes SDK enhancements.
The [Customer] may submit change requests for SDK improvements, which the [Provider] may consider in future roadmap planning.
SDK clause with SDK-triggered API limits clarification
This version links SDK behavior to rate caps.
The [Customer] acknowledges that API calls made via the SDK count toward applicable rate limits and quota restrictions.
SDK clause with SDK integration health check schedule
This version promotes preventive reviews.
The [Customer] shall perform SDK health checks at least once per quarter to verify integration integrity and operational efficiency.
SDK clause with SDK-based customer support diagnostic tools
This version allows support access.
The [Customer] agrees to install SDK-based diagnostics when requested by the [Provider] for technical support investigations.
SDK clause with SDK legacy application compatibility restriction
This version limits backward compatibility.
The [Provider] makes no guarantees regarding SDK compatibility with software versions or platforms older than those listed in official support documentation.
SDK clause with SDK build artifact storage limitation
This version governs archival.
The [Customer] shall not retain SDK build artifacts beyond [X months] after a newer version becomes available, unless required by law.
SDK clause with SDK multi-tenant deployment constraint
This version governs SaaS usage.
The SDK may not be used in multi-tenant SaaS platforms without a separate licensing agreement with the [Provider].
SDK clause with SDK-integrated security scanner requirement
This version mandates scanning.
The [Customer] shall scan all SDK builds with an industry-standard security tool prior to deployment to production environments.
SDK clause with SDK-based content filtering responsibilities
This version governs outbound messaging.
Where the SDK is used to facilitate content delivery, the [Customer] shall ensure outbound messaging complies with applicable filtering standards and policies.
SDK clause with SDK error telemetry notification preference
This version supports proactive alerting.
The [Provider] may enable real-time alerts based on SDK error telemetry to assist the [Customer] in resolving integration issues promptly.
SDK clause with SDK retention control configuration
This version supports data lifecycle management.
The SDK shall allow the [Customer] to configure data retention settings for any temporary files or cached data created during runtime.
SDK clause with SDK version locking mechanism
This version prevents unexpected upgrades.
The [Customer] may use version locking controls to ensure integration stability during major system changes or product updates.
SDK clause with SDK behavioral impact assessment duty
This version enforces risk review.
The [Customer] shall conduct behavioral impact assessments before SDK deployment where usage may affect sensitive workflows or user-facing systems.
SDK clause with SDK key rotation alert system
This version promotes credential hygiene.
The [Provider] shall provide optional alerts to the [Customer] in advance of SDK credential expiration or rotation events.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.