Custom legal document

API license-agreement drafting

Have it drafted, amended, or reviewed by our legal experts and/or lawyers starting from 99
SME Lawyers

Don't take a gamble on this: holes in a self-made document have major consequences.
Have a lawyer review it and save yourself doubt, setbacks, and exorbitant costs.

  • Truly Tailor-Made Legal Solutions
  • Fixed rates
  • Pay later after draft
  • Free adjustment round
  • Delivered within 5 working days
  • Express delivery possible
  • Available in Dutch and English

How does it work?
Our services include a free consultation, a draft document, a revision round, and a final document. We invoice after sending the draft document.

Experience with legal services for entrepreneurs since 2001
Lawyers and legal professionals.Direct contact with a specialist who thinks practically.
Fixed rates.Where possible, clarity regarding costs in advance.
Within 4 hoursWe respond quickly to your request.
  • We worked for, among others:
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner
  • MKBjuristen.nl partner

We worked for, among others:

An incorrect document often provides a false sense of security.
You think everything is taken care of, but only discover whether the document actually works during a conflict or claim.

1

Free intake

We discuss your company, the purpose of the document, and the key risks.

2

Draft or check

We draft a custom document or review your existing document legally.

3

Final version

You will receive a final version with instructions on correct usage.

Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Mr. Jaime Boogaers
Corporate Law
Attorney, 16 years of experience

A legal document must not only be legally correct. Above all, it must align with how the entrepreneur will actually use the document

  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Active since 2001
  • Affordable custom legal services
  • Always focused on practical use

Choose Tailored Legal Solutions

Choose whether you want to have the document drafted, checked, or modified. Prices and options vary per document.

From 99
Customization
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

from 249.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

About us

Our expertise

Our lawyers and in-house counsel specialize in drafting, reviewing, and amending legal documents and contracts. We look not only at the legal text but also at how you use the document in practice.

Custom solutions for your industry

Every business operates differently. That is why we take your industry, customers, working methods, and specific risks into account.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Fixed rates in advance
  • Tailored legal solutions for entrepreneurs
  • Thousands of agreements per year
  • Customization
  • About us
from 99.- per document

Do you already have a document, but are unsure if it is still correct? We check content, risks, and practical usability.

  • Our legal expert spends 0.5 to 1.5 hours on the check
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Checks on content, risks, and practical usability
  • Attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Concrete points for improvement and legal advice
  • Delivered within 3 working days, express delivery possible
from 249.- per document

Is your document outdated, copied, generated with AI, or no longer suitable? We check and adjust the document.

  • Our legal expert spends 1.5 to 2.5 hours checking and making adjustments
  • Telephone intake with a lawyer
  • Verification of the existing document
  • Adaptation to your business and working methods
  • Suitable for new services, customers, or risks
  • Delivered within 5 working days, express delivery possible

About us

Our expertise

Our lawyers and in-house counsel specialize in drafting, reviewing, and amending legal documents and contracts. We look not only at the legal text but also at how you use the document in practice.

Custom solutions for your industry

Every business operates differently. That is why we take your industry, customers, working methods, and specific risks into account.

Our facts

  • Active since 2001
  • Lawyers and in-house counsel
  • Fixed rates in advance
  • Tailored legal solutions for entrepreneurs
  • Thousands of agreements per year

Reviews (21)

Jeroen

Excellent communication and a carefully drafted document. We received a clear explanation of the risks. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Wouter

They really thought along with our situation. The empathy and understanding of the lawyer made this a very pleasant collaboration. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Robert

The communication was smooth and professional. The final document looked professional. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Mohamed

We encountered a complex contractual issue but were helped promptly. We appreciated the honesty when it turned out that a specific request of ours was legally unfeasible. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Melissa

Practical advice that we could use immediately. The lawyer's empathy and understanding made this a very pleasant collaboration. A reliable partner who strives for perfection in their documents.

Jihane

We needed tailored legal advice quickly and received excellent assistance. We received a clear explanation of the risks. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Freek

We were given the space to tell our entire story without being interrupted. The process was completely digital and frictionless, which saved us a lot of time. The quality fully met our expectations.

Lieke

The consultation provided immediate clarity. The lawyer needed only half a word to create the right context. A party that delivers on what it promises on its website.

Dennis

We needed a custom solution, and that was handled well. The feedback we received on our own concept was incredibly insightful and useful. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Bilal

Our company's specific needs were listened to carefully beforehand. The document was clearly tailored to our working methods. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Fouad

I couldn't see the wood for the trees, but the first meeting immediately provided clarity. The corrections were implemented lightning-fast in the new version every time. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Wilco

The friendly approach immediately put us at ease. We received not only a document, but also a corresponding manual for its use. The document was flawlessly accepted by our investors.

Inaya

It is clear that they know what they are talking about, right from the first word. It was pleasant that what was important was explained in plain language. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Rana

Clear agreements and a neat delivery. The price-quality ratio was good. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Moad

We were immediately reassured after a worrying situation. The proactive attitude while waiting for feedback from our counterparty was very pleasant. The quality fully met our expectations.

Ilyas

I received a call back within half an hour of my online request. There was room for our specific wishes. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Nathalie

There was immediate room for our own input and ideas. The explanation made the document understandable. Our business partners were impressed by the professionalism of the contracts.

Tessa

A lot of time was saved thanks to the efficient intake. The translation of our core values ​​into the code of conduct was incredibly successful. It is clear that they have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Loubna

The lawyer took a practical approach with our company. There was no unnecessary fuss about minor changes outside the scope. Fantastic value for money for this level of expertise.

Laurens

I am extremely pleased with the quick and adequate initial response. The process was organized in such a way that we achieved maximum output with minimal effort. The document was accepted flawlessly by our investors.

Priscilla

Good service and a clear working method. A perfect balance was struck between protecting our company and not scaring off customers. These documents will undoubtedly save us a lot of headaches in the future.

Meet our office

Our ContractCheck, simply explained what can all go wrong.

Why MKB Juristen?

Since 2001, we have been active as a no-nonsense legal firm for entrepreneurs. We quickly get to the heart of the matter: with a thorough assessment, clear answers, and a document that works practically.

  • Nationwide coverage
  • First consultation free and without obligation
  • Fixed rates where possible
  • Affordable legal advice from lawyers and legal experts
  • Always a response within 4 hours

First, see how we work

A legal document requires trust. You see immediately who we are, how we help entrepreneurs, and why we do not work with standard templates.

  • You can view our working method before submitting an application
  • You will get a feel for the office and the people faster
  • The video supports the choice for customized legal solutions
  • After that, you can immediately request a quote or intake

What you can expect from us

We translate your situation into a legal document that you can actually use. You won't receive a loose template, but a document tailored to your business, agreements, and risks.

  • A clear roadmap: intake, concept, revision round, and final version
  • Practical explanation on how to use the document
  • Legal attention to liability, payment, and termination
  • Where possible, provide clarity in advance regarding price and delivery time
Are you unsure whether you should have the document drafted, checked, or amended?
During the initial consultation, we will determine the sensible course of action together. Afterward, you will know exactly where you stand.

Why customization?

A legal document only works well if it aligns with your business, agreements, risks, and industry. That is why we do not work with a standard generator, but with legal experts who assess your situation.

  • Prepared for your company
  • Telephone consultation included
  • No standard template
  • Review by legal specialists

What do you get?

You will receive a legal document that is practical and aligns with the agreements you wish to make.

  • Draft document or legal review
  • One adjustment round
  • Clear explanation where necessary
  • Fixed price where possible

The founders of MKB Juristen

Our organization consists of several small teams working within various legal fields. Each legal field has its own senior in-house counsel and/or lawyers.

Denian Wielhouwer

Corporate lawyer in corporate law & business expert

Denian Wielhouwer

Annelore Hendriks

Corporate lawyer, corporate law, administrative law

Annelore Hendriks

Ilja van Driel

Corporate law attorney, employment law

Ilja van Driel

Jaime Boogaers

Corporate law, ICT & privacy law, energy law attorney

Jaime Boogaers
Custom choices

Which choices determine the content?

The content of your agreement is primarily determined by a few key choices regarding the nature of the API and its intended use. The questions below will help you clarify those choices before the document is drafted.

Choice or question Why this matters legally
Is the API free or paid? With a paid API, you define rates, billing, and the consequences of non-payment; with free use, you limit liability and warranties more strongly.
Does the API disclose personal data? If so, you determine the GDPR role of the parties and arrange for security and, if applicable, a separate data processing agreement.
May the purchaser resell or sublicense? This choice determines whether you allow or exclude sublicensing and commercial reuse to protect your market.
How critical is availability? For business customers, you define uptime and maintenance; for a test environment, a lighter best-effort agreement suffices.
Do you want to be able to revoke access quickly? In the case of sensitive data or a risk of misuse, include ample grounds to be able to block API keys and access immediately.
Clauses and provisions

Which components belong in an API license agreement?

A complete API license agreement describes not only what the customer is permitted to do, but also the technical and legal limits thereof. The components below together form a workable whole. Which components carry more weight for you depends on the type of API and the sensitivity of the data being exposed.

Provision Relevant to Legal point of attention
Description of the API and the scope Always Specify which endpoints, data, and functionality fall under the license, so that it is clear where the right of use ends.
Nature and scope of the right of use Always Determine whether the license is non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable, and whether sublicensing is permitted.
Technical usage limits For production APIs State rate limits, quotas, and fair-use rules to prevent overloading and misuse.
API keys and authentication With secured access Rules regarding the issuance, revocation, and confidentiality of API keys and the responsibility of the customer in the event of leaks.
Availability and maintenance For business use Make agreements regarding uptime, maintenance windows, and changes or the phasing out of API versions.
Liability and indemnification Always Limit your liability for malfunctions and consequential damages and arrange for indemnification in the event of misuse by the customer.
Data protection and GDPR Regarding personal data Define the roles of the parties and refer to a data processing agreement when you process data on behalf of the customer.
Term, termination and consequences Always Determine the duration, notice period, and what happens to access, copied data, and API keys after termination.
Use in practice

How do you use this document correctly?

An agreement only works when you use it at the right moments and technically enforce the arrangements. The steps below help you use the document correctly.

Situation What should you do? Point of attention
For first-time entry Have the customer accept the agreement before you issue API keys. In this way, the right of use and liability are regulated from the first use.
Upon commissioning Document the agreed scope, rate limits and version of the API. This makes it demonstrable later what is permitted and allows you to address deviations.
During the term Monitor consumption and contact the customer if limits are exceeded. Timely enforcement prevents overload and provides a file in the event of disputes.
Upon termination Revoke the API keys and confirm the obligation to delete copied data. This prevents the customer from retaining access or continuing to use data after the expiration.
Common mistakes

Common mistakes

With API licenses, things often go wrong at points that seem harmless at first, but later lead to conflicts or damage. You see the errors below most frequently in practice.

Wrong Consequence Better approach
Do not set technical usage limits A consumer overloads the API and affects other users. Include rate limits, quotas, and fair-use rules with consequences for exceeding them.
Do not limit liability In the event of a malfunction, the customer claims all consequential damages. Exclude consequential damages and establish a clear liability ceiling.
Do not mention GDPR role It is unclear who is responsible for personal data. Define the roles of the parties and, if necessary, conclude a data processing agreement.
No grounds for revocation of access You cannot stop abuse quickly. Include broad grounds to block API keys and access immediately.
Forgot version control A change breaks the customer's integration. Rule regarding the announcement of changes and a reasonable transition period for old versions.
Risk profile

What is your situation and what do you pay attention to?

The proper structuring of your agreement depends on your position and the type of API you offer or purchase. If you recognize your situation below, you know what to pay extra attention to.

Risk profile Example Focus in the document
You offer a public API Many unknown customers use your API independently. Pay attention to clear fair-use rules, a quick ground for revocation, and a strong limitation of liability.
You provide an API with personal data Your API provides access to personal data. Pay attention to the GDPR division of roles, security agreements, and a corresponding data processing agreement.
You purchase an API yourself You build your service on a vendor's API. Pay attention to guaranteed availability, version control, and the consequences of cancellation for your continuity.
You allow the API to be resold Partners offer your API to their customers. Pay attention to clear sublicense conditions, transfer of obligations, and control over end-use.
Additional documents

When is this document not enough?

An API License Agreement covers access to and use of your API, but not every situation surrounding it. In the following cases, you will need additional or different documents.

Situation Supplementary document Why
Your API processes personal data on behalf of the customer Data Processing Agreement The GDPR then requires separate agreements regarding processing, security, and retention periods.
You share confidential information during a trial or integration Confidentiality Agreement This protects technical details and business-sensitive data before the license takes effect.
You collaborate structurally on a joint product Cooperation Agreement For shared investments, division of roles, and ownership of results, you need broader agreements.
Explanation of this document

Drafting an API license agreement, why?

Not every entrepreneur knows exactly what API license agreements are, when they are needed, and which risks they must cover. Therefore, we explain below what this document entails, what to look out for, and why customized legal solutions are important.

What is an API license agreement?
An API license agreement is the agreement by which a software company or platform grants external developers, business customers, or partners the right to access the functionalities or data of their system via an Application Programming Interface — a standardized link. The API provider does not grant ownership of the software or data, but rather a limited, controlled right of use subject to conditions to be set by them. That right of use — the license — must be precisely defined contractually: which endpoints may be used, how many requests per unit of time, for what purpose, in which products or services of the licensee, and what the consequences are in the event of misuse or violation. For many software companies, an API is the core of their commercial model. A poor license agreement leads to misuse, loss of revenue, and legal uncertainty. Our lawyers draft an API license agreement for you that protects your intellectual property, establishes your terms of use in a legally enforceable manner, and limits your liability for malfunctions and misuse — for both open and commercial APIs.
What is the legal difference between an API license and a SaaS agreement?
This distinction is legally relevant because it determines the scope of your obligations and liability. In a SaaS agreement , you grant an end user access to a complete software package that you manage and maintain — the customer uses your product directly. In an API license , you grant a developer or company access to an interface layer with which they build their own products or services based on your functionalities or data. The licensee is not your end user but an intermediary who develops their own product or service for their own customers. This has implications for your liability: in the event of an API failure, damage is suffered not only by the licensee but also by the end users of the products built on your API. Your license agreement must contractually address the impact of failures on end users and expressly exclude liability for consequential damages in the chain. Our lawyers advise you on the appropriate contract structure for your API model.
Which usage restrictions must you include in an API license agreement?
The core of an API license agreement is the precise description of the permitted use. Without clear usage restrictions, a licensee could use your API in ways you did not intend, did not price, and did not foresee. The most essential restrictions are the following: A rate limit — the maximum number of API requests per unit of time — that corresponds to your pricing structure and technical capacity. A purpose restriction — the API may only be used for the agreed purpose and not for competing services, data harvesting, or resale to third parties. A reverse engineering prohibition — the licensee may not attempt to ascertain the underlying source code or business logic via the API output. A pass-through prohibition — the licensee may not make its API access available to third parties. And a trademark clause governing how the licensee may use your name or logo in products built on your API. Our lawyers will draft a usage restrictions clause for you that is commercially realistic and legally enforceable.
How do you manage availability, SLA, and liability in the event of failures?
An API is typically a critical infrastructure component for your licensees' products. One hour of API downtime can result in significant revenue loss and reputational damage for your licensee among their own customers. Consequently, your liability for API failures can far exceed the volume of your licensing revenue. Your license agreement must contain or refer to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that establishes the availability guarantee—typically expressed as a quarterly uptime percentage—and the remedies for failure to meet that level: usually a service credit, never unlimited damages. Liability for consequential damages, revenue loss, and indirect damages resulting from failures must be expressly excluded. A force majeure clause must cover Internet outages, cloud provider incidents, and cyberattacks. Our lawyers will draft a liability structure for you that provides protection in the event of serious failures.
How do you protect the data processed or exchanged via your API?
APIs almost always process data — sometimes the provider's own data, sometimes the licensee's data, and sometimes personal data of end users. The data protection clause in your license agreement must clearly define who is the controller for which data, what security requirements apply to the use of the API key, how data theft or unauthorized access is handled, and how long data processed via your API is retained. If your licensees process personal data of their end users via your API, you may be a processor within the meaning of the GDPR and a data processing agreement must be concluded. If your API also processes personal data itself, your license agreement must clearly define the relationship between the controllers. For international APIs, the transfer of personal data outside the EEA also plays a role. Our lawyers ensure that your API license agreement is GDPR-compliant.
How do you manage the price structure and rate changes in an API license agreement?
APIs are typically priced based on usage — the number of requests, the data volume, or the functionalities used. Your license agreement must clearly define the pricing structure : which rates apply to which volumes, how overruns are billed, how rates may be changed and with what notice, and what the consequences of non-payment are. A particular point of attention for API licenses with a freemium model is that the boundary between free and paid usage must be precisely defined contractually, including the consequences of exceeding the free limits. Rate changes are sensitive for recurring API licenses: a significant price increase can lead to termination by the licensee at a time when you have become technically or commercially dependent. Your license agreement must align the rate change procedure with the notice period. Our lawyers advise you on a pricing structure that is commercially flexible and legally sound.
How do you handle the termination of the API license and the consequences for products built on your API?
The termination of an API license has far-reaching consequences for the licensee if their product or service is built entirely on your API. Your license agreement must carefully structure the termination arrangement . In the case of regular termination, a reasonable notice period must be applied—at least three to six months for critical API integrations—to give the licensee time to adapt their products. In the event of termination due to non-performance—abuse, non-payment, violation of terms of use—the period may be shorter. Your license agreement must also regulate what happens to the data stored or processed by the licensee via your API after termination: are they entitled to an export period, and how long does it last? Our lawyers will draft a termination arrangement for you that preserves your flexibility as a provider without placing your licensees in an impossible position.
What are the most common mistakes in API license agreements?
In practice, our lawyers consistently observe the same shortcomings at API providers. The first is the absence of a rate limit and purpose restriction, allowing the licensee to use the API without restriction and for unforeseen applications. The second is a limitation of liability that does not exclude consequential damages in the chain. The third is the absence of an SLA with an uptime guarantee and service credits as a remedy for non-compliance. The fourth is a rate change clause without a notice period, allowing price increases to be implemented immediately. The fifth is a data protection clause that does not address the GDPR processor relationship. And the sixth is the absence of a deprecation policy —a regulation that determines the notice period required to phase out outdated API versions, leaving licensees facing an unexpected migration.
How does it work at MKBjuristen?
After a brief intake, our lawyers map out your API architecture, your licensing model—open, commercial, or freemium—your licensee profile, and your risks. Based on this, we draft an API license agreement that protects your intellectual property, establishes enforceable usage restrictions, includes an SLA with a liability structure, and is GDPR-compliant. We also advise you on aligning your license agreement with your general terms and conditions and your privacy policy. Do you have an existing API license agreement or terms of use that you would like to have reviewed? We will then assess them for completeness and legal validity.
Are you unsure whether your document is legally correct? We would be happy to assess the sensible course of action: drafting, reviewing, or amending.
Request a quote

Why not use a standard document?

A standard document often seems like a quick solution, but usually does not fully align with your company, agreements, risks, and way of working. Our legal experts draft documents that fit your situation.

Standard document
SME Lawyers
Not tailored to your business
Tailored to your company, industry, and working methods
No control over your specific situation
Consultation with a lawyer and assessment of your risks
Possibly outdated or incomplete
Verification of current and practical provisions
No personal explanation
Explanation regarding the use of the document

A standard document seems cheap, until it doesn't fit your situation properly. That is why we provide custom legal solutions tailored to your business.

Custom solutions per industry and company

Every business operates differently and faces different legal risks. Therefore, we tailor the document to your industry, customers, agreements, and way of working.

Webshops & e-commerce

Focus on online sales, delivery, returns, complaints, payment, digital products, and consumer regulations.

Business services

Attention to the assignment, additional work, liability, payment, termination, and reliance on client information.

Construction, installation & execution

Attention to planning, delivery, warranties, additional work, materials, delays, and liability risks.

Software, SaaS & digital services

Attention to licenses, availability, support, updates, data, intellectual property, and limitation of liability.

Trade, supply & wholesale

Attention to delivery, transport, payment, retention of title, warranties, delivery times, and international agreements.

Consultants, freelancers & advisors

Attention to scope, best efforts obligations, cancellation, payment, liability, and confidential information.


A legal document only has value if it suits your practice. That is why we look not only at the text, but also at how you use the document in your business.

Common mistakes with legal documents

A legal document often seems simple, but small errors can have major consequences later on. In practice, we see that entrepreneurs run the greatest risk when a document does not align well with their business, agreements, or way of working.

  • Using a standard document that does not suit the company
  • Forgot important agreements regarding payment, delivery, liability, or termination
  • Have a document generated without legal review
  • Continuing to use old documents while the company has changed
  • Not knowing how the document should be used correctly in practice

A legal document only prevents problems if it suits your situation. That is why we look not only at the text, but also at your company, agreements, and risks.

Why is a standard document often not enough?

Because a standard document does not take into account your industry, customers, risks, and specific agreements, important provisions may be missing or not align well with your practice.

Can I create a legal document myself using AI?

AI can assist in creating text, but does not independently assess whether the document is legally appropriate, complete, and usable for your business. Legal review therefore remains important.

When do I need to have my document checked?

Have your document checked if your business has changed, you have new customers or services, you have doubts about existing agreements, or the document has not been updated for a long time.

Will I also receive an explanation about the use of the document?

Yes. We explain how to use the document in practice, what to look out for, and which steps are important to prevent disputes afterwards.

Contact us

Annelore Hendriks

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SME Lawyers at the Chamber of Commerce Source: Chamber of Commerce 2019
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