Source Code Escrow

Source code escrow that stays in sync with your codebase

Repository connected, deposits automated, and legal agreement handled — all without changing how you build.
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Airbus
Axxiome
Bayer
BAT
General Motors
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Intuit
Louis Vuitton
NASA
NASCAR
Nestle
European Parliament
PepsiCo
Pfizer
PwC
Siemens
Slate Digital
Airbus
Axxiome
Bayer
BAT
General Motors
Gorenje
Intuit
Louis Vuitton
NASA
NASCAR
Nestle
European Parliament
PepsiCo
Pfizer
PwC
Siemens
Slate Digital
Powered by Codekeeper — the infrastructure behind thousands of enterprise software escrow agreements.
When a client asks for source code escrow, you need it in place fast — without it becoming another thing on your list.
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What is source code escrow?

Source code escrow is a type of software escrow focused specifically on protecting your application's codebase.
It's a legal agreement where your source code is deposited with an independent escrow provider — like Software-Escrow.com — and only released under predefined conditions. Things like vendor insolvency, bankruptcy, or failure to maintain the software.
Your client gets assurance that the code is protected and recoverable if something goes wrong. You keep full ownership and control of your IP — nothing changes about how you build or ship.
For developers, source code escrow usually comes up when a client requires it before signing. It needs to be in place quickly, without interrupting development. 

Your code changes — your escrow has to keep up

Every update to your codebase creates a gap between what you’ve built and what’s stored in escrow.
If you're managing deposits manually, that gap grows with every commit, every sprint, every release.
Keeping escrow current becomes another thing on the list — until it gets missed, the deposit is outdated, and a client asks for proof you can't provide.
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Source code escrow that runs alongside development

Everything your client needs to know their source code is protected — set up and running automatically.
INTEGRATIONS

Connect your repo once. Every commit keeps your escrow current.

Link GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps, or any of 50+ platforms in one go. From there, your source code deposits update automatically with every change — no manual uploads, no catching up after a sprint, no reminding anyone to push an update.
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automated-deposits
Automated deposits

Your escrow reflects exactly what's in your repo. Always.

Every version of your codebase is captured the moment it changes. There's no gap between what you've shipped and what's stored. Your client always has proof of a deposit that's completely current — and your team never has to lift a finger to keep it that way.
Legal agreements

We prepare the agreement. You review and sign — nothing more.

We draw up the source code escrow agreement and handle the negotiations with the client. Standard agreements are ready to sign fast. Custom terms? We deal with it. Your job is to check it over and sign off.
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Security

Your source code is locked down from the moment it's deposited.

Everything in escrow is encrypted with AES-256/512 in transit and at rest. Not even our team has direct access to your materials. You get enterprise-grade security that satisfies even the most demanding client compliance requirements.
VERIFICATION

Verification that proves your deposit is complete and usable.

Need to go beyond the certificate? Our verification service checks that your deposited materials are complete, current, and recoverable. Choose the level that matches what your client needs — from a basic file check right through to a full expert review.
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For a full breakdown of every feature — integrations, verification tiers, security specs, and add-ons — head to the Features page.
View our features

How to set up source code escrow without the extra work

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1. We prepare the agreement
Our team structures the escrow agreement so it's ready for both parties to review and sign. No legal drafting on your end.
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2. You connect your repository
Link your codebase once and your deposits start automatically — no manual uploads needed after that.
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3. Deposits stay current
Every commit is captured and deposited automatically as your code evolves — your escrow always reflects your latest codebase.
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4. Proof is ready when needed
Verification confirms your escrow is active, current, and ready to share with your client as proof.
Set up escrow

When escrow doesn’t keep up with your code

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Deposits fall out of sync with ongoing development.
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Escrow becomes something the team has to keep revisiting.
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Progress slows down when proof is needed and deposits are outdated.

Your escrow always matches your codebase. Exactly.

100% accuracy
Match between your repo and your escrow deposit — no gaps, no outdated files, no manual updates.
50+ integrations
Repository and platform integrations — GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps, and more.
5 minutes
To connect your repository and get source code escrow active — including integrations and legal setup.
Source Code Escrow for developers

Source code escrow in place — before your client even asks.

Get source code escrow set up quickly and without the hassle

Keep deposits current automatically with every commit
Give clients verified proof without any extra effort
Set up escrow
Request a demo
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Frequently asked questions

What is source code escrow?
Source code escrow is an agreement where your application's source code is securely stored with an independent provider like Software-Escrow.com. This legal agreement defines when the code can be released — typically if something happens that prevents you from supporting the software. Your client gets a recovery path. You keep full ownership of your IP.
What gets deposited in source code escrow?
A source code deposit includes your application's codebase as defined in the agreement — typically what's stored in your repository. It focuses specifically on the source code rather than the full software package. If you need to cover additional assets like documentation or build materials, that falls under broader software escrow.
How does source code escrow stay up to date?
With Software-Escrow.com, you connect your repository once and your deposits update automatically as your code changes. Every commit, every release — reflected in escrow without any manual intervention from your team.
When is the source code released?
Only when a predefined release event occurs — things like vendor insolvency, bankruptcy, or a material failure to maintain the software. All release requests are reviewed and verified before anything happens. Your code isn't accessible to anyone unless those specific conditions are met.
Why do clients ask for source code escrow?
When a client depends on your software, they want to know they won't be left without options if something happens to you or your company. Source code escrow gives them a verified recovery path — without requiring you to hand over your code outright.
What proof does source code escrow provide?
Once your escrow agreement is signed and your first deposit is in place, you receive an escrow certificate. This confirms that your source code has been deposited, that the legal agreement is live between all parties, and when the most recent deposit was made. Share it with your client, their procurement team, or any auditors who need proof that source code escrow is in place and current.

Let’s take care of your software escrow.

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