Cloud contracts for start-ups

For start-ups, cloud services offer enormous advantages in terms of scalability, cost efficiency and flexibility. However, the use of cloud services also brings complex legal challenges, particularly when it comes to drafting service level agreements (SLAs) and data protection agreements. As a lawyer with many years of experience as an entrepreneur in the tech sector, I understand the importance of these contracts for the business success and compliance of your startup.

Core elements of cloud contracts

1. service level agreements (SLAs)
SLAs define the quality and availability of cloud services. Important aspects are:
– Availability guarantees (e.g. 99.9% uptime)
– Response and recovery times in the event of disruptions
– Performance metrics (e.g. latency times, throughput)
– Penalties for non-compliance with SLAs

My experience will help you negotiate SLAs that meet your business needs while being realistic and enforceable.

2. data protection agreements
In light of the GDPR, robust data protection agreements are essential. Important points:
– Definition of responsibilities (order processing vs. joint responsibility)
– Technical and organizational measures for data protection
– Regulations on international data transfers
– Support obligations for the fulfillment of data subject rights

As an experienced IT contractor, I can help you draft data protection agreements that ensure compliance and strengthen the trust of your customers.

3. rights of use and licensing
Clear regulations on rights of use are crucial:
– scope of the rights of use granted
– restrictions (e.g. geographical or by number of users)
– regulations for customer-specific adaptations
– rights to generated data and analyses

My expertise helps you to protect your rights while maintaining the necessary flexibility for your business model.

4. liability and warranty
The liability provisions in cloud contracts require special attention:
– Limitations and exclusions of liability
– Warranty for the services
– Indemnification agreements (e.g. in the event of infringement of third-party rights)
– Provisions for data loss or damage

As a lawyer, I support you in negotiating balanced liability regulations that protect your interests.

Special challenges for start-ups

1. negotiating power vis-à-vis large cloud providers
Startups often have a weak negotiating position. I will show you strategies on how you can still achieve important adjustments.

2. scalability and flexibility
Your contracts must be able to grow with your startup. I help you to create flexible structures that adapt to changing business requirements.

3. compliance and certifications
Depending on your industry, specific compliance requirements may apply. I can support you in taking these into account in your cloud contracts.

4. exit strategies
The possibility of a change of provider must be considered from the outset. I will help you to agree clear regulations for data portability and support during the change.

5. multi-cloud and hybrid cloud scenarios
Complex cloud architectures require carefully coordinated contracts. My experience helps you to establish consistent regulations across different providers.

Practical tips for start-ups

1. due diligence: Conduct a thorough review of potential cloud providers, especially with regard to security and compliance.

2. prioritization: Identify the aspects that are critical to your business model and focus on them in negotiations.

3. documentation: Keep careful documentation of all agreements and changes.

4. regular review: Check your cloud contracts regularly to ensure they are up to date and appropriate.

5. contingency planning: Develop contingency plans for scenarios such as service outage or insolvency of the provider.

As a lawyer with extensive experience as an entrepreneur in the tech sector, I offer you a unique perspective on drafting cloud contracts. I understand not only the legal intricacies, but also the technical and business implications of each contractual clause.

My goal is to develop cloud contracts that legally protect your startup, support your business goals and ensure compliance at the same time. By combining my legal expertise with practical business experience, I can help you use cloud contracts as a strategic tool for your business success.

Let’s work together to design cloud contracts that position your startup for future growth and success. My holistic approach ensures that we consider and harmonize all aspects – from legal requirements to technical specifications.

Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.