SOURCE CODE ESCROW AGREEMENT

State of Maryland

Governed by the Laws of the State of Maryland

Agreement Number: [________________________________]

Effective Date: [__/__/____]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Parties and Recitals
2. Definitions
3. Deposit Materials
4. Deposit and Update Procedures
5. Verification and Testing
6. Release Conditions
7. Release Procedures
8. Post-Release License Rights
9. Fees and Payment
10. Confidentiality and Security
11. Trade Secret Protections
12. Intellectual Property
13. Warranties and Disclaimers
14. Indemnification
15. Limitation of Liability
16. Term and Termination
17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
18. Maryland-Specific Provisions
19. Miscellaneous
20. Signatures
21. Schedules

1. PARTIES AND RECITALS

THIS SOURCE CODE ESCROW AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of [__/__/____] (the "Effective Date") by and among:

LICENSOR:
Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
State of Organization: [________________________________]
Entity Type: ☐ Corporation ☐ LLC ☐ Partnership ☐ Sole Proprietor ☐ Other: [____]
Authorized Representative: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]

BENEFICIARY:
Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
State of Organization: [________________________________]
Entity Type: ☐ Corporation ☐ LLC ☐ Partnership ☐ Sole Proprietor ☐ Other: [____]
Authorized Representative: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]

ESCROW AGENT:
Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Authorized Representative: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]

Each individually a "Party" and collectively the "Parties."

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Licensor is the owner or authorized licensor of certain proprietary software known as [________________________________] (the "Software Product") and the associated source code, build environments, documentation, and related materials;

WHEREAS, Beneficiary has entered into or contemporaneously herewith enters into a software license agreement, software-as-a-service agreement, or other technology agreement dated [__/__/____] (the "Underlying Agreement") with Licensor;

WHEREAS, Beneficiary desires to ensure continuity of access to the Software Product in the event of certain triggering events;

WHEREAS, Licensor agrees to deposit source code and related materials with Escrow Agent for the benefit of Beneficiary;

WHEREAS, Escrow Agent agrees to accept, hold, and release the deposited materials in accordance with this Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Parties intend this Agreement to be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, the Deposit Materials may constitute trade secrets under the Maryland Uniform Trade Secrets Act (Md. Code Com. Law §§ 11-1201 to 11-1209) and the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 1836-1839).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and for other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 "Affiliate" means any entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a Party, where "control" means ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of voting securities.

2.2 "Bankruptcy Event" means the filing of a voluntary or involuntary petition under the Bankruptcy Code, appointment of a receiver or trustee, or a general assignment for creditors' benefit with respect to Licensor.

2.3 "Build Environment" means all hardware specifications, operating system requirements, compilers, interpreters, libraries, frameworks, and tools necessary to compile, build, and deploy the Software Product.

2.4 "Business Day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or a day banking institutions in Maryland are authorized to close.

2.5 "Confidential Information" means all non-public information disclosed in connection with this Agreement, including Deposit Materials, financial data, business plans, and technical data.

2.6 "Deposit Materials" means the Source Code, Build Environment specifications, Documentation, Third-Party Components, and all other deposited materials.

2.7 "Documentation" means technical documentation, user manuals, system administration guides, API documentation, database schemas, architecture diagrams, and deployment guides.

2.8 "Force Majeure Event" means any event beyond reasonable control, including acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, epidemic, pandemic, war, terrorism, government action, labor strikes, or power failures.

2.9 "Intellectual Property Rights" means all worldwide intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, know-how, and moral rights.

2.10 "Major Release" means a version with a new whole number or substantial new features.

2.11 "Minor Release" means a version with a new decimal number introducing incremental improvements.

2.12 "MODPA" means the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act, enacted May 9, 2024, effective October 1, 2025, which establishes comprehensive data privacy requirements for controllers and processors of personal data of Maryland residents.

2.13 "Personal Information" means personal information as defined under the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act (Md. Code Com. Law § 14-3501) and the MODPA.

2.14 "Release Conditions" means the conditions in Section 6 triggering entitlement to Deposit Materials.

2.15 "Source Code" means the human-readable programming code, including all modules, subroutines, scripts, comments, and related materials.

2.16 "Third-Party Components" means software libraries, frameworks, or components by others incorporated into or required for the Software Product.

2.17 "Underlying Agreement" means the software license, SaaS, or technology agreement identified in the Recitals.

3. DEPOSIT MATERIALS

3.1 Scope. Licensor shall deposit:

(a) Complete Source Code for the current production version and two (2) preceding versions;

(b) Build Environment specifications with version numbers;

(c) Complete Documentation;

(d) Third-Party Components with licenses, or identification list where deposit is restricted;

(e) Database schemas, data models, stored procedures, and migration scripts;

(f) Configuration files, environment variables, and deployment parameters;

(g) Complete file inventory with hash values (SHA-256); and

(h) Additional materials per Schedule B.

3.2 Format. Industry-standard, machine-readable formats in at least two (2) delivery methods with logical directory structure and top-level README.

3.3 Completeness. Licensor warrants materials are sufficient for reasonably skilled developers to compile, build, deploy, operate, maintain, and modify the Software Product.

4. DEPOSIT AND UPDATE PROCEDURES

4.1 Initial Deposit. Within [____] calendar days of the Effective Date.

4.2 Update Deposits. (a) Within [____] days of each Major Release; (b) within [____] days of each Minor Release; (c) no less than every [____] months; and (d) within [____] days of material environment or dependency changes.

4.3 Deposit Confirmation. Escrow Agent shall within five (5) Business Days: (a) acknowledge receipt; (b) verify integrity and readability; (c) maintain deposit log; (d) assign unique ID; and (e) store per Section 10.

4.4 Rejected Deposits. Notification within five (5) Business Days; replacement within ten (10) Business Days.

4.5 Supplemental Deposits. Beneficiary may request; Licensor shall comply within thirty (30) calendar days.

5. VERIFICATION AND TESTING

5.1 Verification Levels.

Tier 1 — Inventory Verification: File count, hash verification, readability, directory structure, README confirmation.

Tier 2 — Technical Review and Compilation: All Tier 1 plus compilation attempts, dependency verification, documentation review, and database schema testing.

Tier 3 — Full Build and Functional Verification: All Tier 1 and 2 plus complete clean-environment build, automated testing, functional verification, deployment testing, and detailed reporting.

5.2 Verification Requests. Up to [____] per level per year. Commencement within fifteen (15) Business Days.

5.3 Verification Reports. Written report to both Parties within ten (10) Business Days.

5.4 Deficiency Remediation. Cure within [____] calendar days. First follow-up at no cost to Beneficiary.

5.5 Costs. ☐ Beneficiary; ☐ Licensor; ☐ Shared; ☐ Per Schedule A. Licensor reimburses if material deficiencies found.

6. RELEASE CONDITIONS

6.1 Release Events. Beneficiary is entitled to Deposit Materials upon:

(a) Bankruptcy Event with failure to continue obligations for [____] consecutive Business Days, subject to 11 U.S.C. § 365(n);

(b) Cessation of Business without successor within [____] calendar days;

(c) Material Breach uncured for [____] calendar days after written notice;

(d) Extended Service Unavailability for [____] consecutive or [____] cumulative calendar days within [____] months;

(e) Failure to Deposit or Update continuing [____] calendar days after notice;

(f) Assignment Without Consent where assignee fails to assume;

(g) Dissolution or Liquidation of Licensor;

(h) Regulatory Action for [____] consecutive calendar days;

(i) Failure to Cure Verification Deficiencies; and

(j) Additional Triggers per Schedule D.

6.2 Exclusions. Mergers, acquisitions, or changes of control where successors assume obligations are not Release Conditions.

6.3 Bankruptcy Protections. Rights consistent with 11 U.S.C. § 365(n). Source Code constitutes "intellectual property" under 11 U.S.C. § 101(35A).

7. RELEASE PROCEDURES

7.1 Release Request. Written request to Escrow Agent with copy to Licensor, including: (a) Release Conditions; (b) factual description with evidence; (c) sworn statement; and (d) Licensor notification confirmation.

7.2 Notice to Licensor. Escrow Agent transmits within two (2) Business Days.

7.3 Licensor Objection. Within [____] Business Days with grounds, evidence, and sworn statement.

7.4 Release Without Objection. Release within five (5) Business Days after the objection period expires.

7.5 Disputed Release. Escrow Agent holds pending resolution. Fifteen (15) Business Days negotiation, then arbitration or court proceedings per Section 17.

7.6 Emergency Interim Access. For catastrophic outages of [____] or more consecutive Business Days, read-only access within twenty-four (24) hours.

7.7 Partial Release. Upon agreement of Licensor and Beneficiary.

8. POST-RELEASE LICENSE RIGHTS

8.1 License Grant. Upon valid release, Beneficiary receives a non-exclusive, non-transferable (except per Section 8.3), irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, copy, compile, modify, maintain, and create derivative works solely to: (a) operate the Software Product; (b) fix bugs and vulnerabilities; (c) make necessary modifications; (d) compile and build; and (e) create backup copies.

8.2 Restrictions. Beneficiary shall NOT: (a) exceed permitted purposes; (b) distribute, sublicense, or sell Source Code; (c) create competing products; (d) remove proprietary markings; or (e) reverse engineer other products.

8.3 Permitted Third-Party Access. Employees, Affiliates, and contractors under NDA no less restrictive than Section 10.

8.4 Third-Party Component Licenses. Beneficiary shall comply with and independently obtain required licenses.

8.5 Duration. Perpetual unless release determined improper or Beneficiary materially breaches without cure within thirty (30) calendar days.

9. FEES AND PAYMENT

9.1 Fee Schedule. Per Schedule A.

9.2 Fee Responsibility. ☐ Beneficiary; ☐ Licensor; ☐ Split equally; ☐ Per Schedule A.

9.3 Payment Terms. Due within [____] calendar days of invoice in United States dollars.

9.4 Late Payment. Unpaid amounts bear interest at the lesser of: (a) one percent (1%) per month (twelve percent (12%) per annum); or (b) the maximum rate permitted under Maryland law. Under Md. Code Com. Law § 12-102, the legal rate of interest in Maryland is six percent (6%) per annum. Under Md. Code Com. Law § 12-103, for debts under Two Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($275,000), the maximum rate of interest is the higher of six percent (6%) per annum or the rate previously allowed under applicable Maryland law. For commercial transactions involving amounts exceeding $275,000, different limitations may apply. Maryland has criminal usury provisions prohibiting interest exceeding certain thresholds. If the rate specified herein exceeds the applicable maximum, it shall be reduced to the maximum permitted rate.

9.5 Fee Adjustments. Once per twelve (12) months with sixty (60) calendar days' notice. Increases not to exceed five percent (5%) or the CPI-U increase for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area.

9.6 Taxes. Fees exclude applicable taxes. Maryland imposes a six percent (6%) sales and use tax on certain digital products and software services, which may be applicable to fees under this Agreement. The paying Party is responsible for applicable taxes.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY

10.1 Confidentiality Obligations. Each Receiving Party shall hold Confidential Information strictly confidential, limit disclosure, use only for Agreement purposes, and protect with reasonable care.

10.2 Escrow Agent Security. Escrow Agent shall implement:

(a) Physical Security. Secure, access-controlled facilities;

(b) Electronic Security. AES-256 encryption at rest and in transit, multi-factor authentication;

(c) Access Controls. Logged access by authorized personnel only;

(d) Backup and Redundancy. Geographically separate backup;

(e) Disaster Recovery. Plan for availability within [____] Business Days; and

(f) Security Audits. Annual audits with results available to Parties.

10.3 Data Breach Notification — Maryland PIPA. In the event of a breach of security affecting personal information:

(a) Escrow Agent shall comply with the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act (Md. Code Com. Law §§ 14-3501 to 14-3508), including notification to affected Maryland residents as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than forty-five (45) calendar days after discovery of the breach;

(b) Where the breach affects more than one thousand (1,000) individuals, Escrow Agent shall also notify the Maryland Attorney General, and the notification shall include: the date, estimated date, or date range of the breach; a description of the personal information compromised; and a general description of remedial measures;

(c) Escrow Agent shall notify Licensor and Beneficiary promptly and provide a detailed written report; and

(d) All Parties shall cooperate in investigation and mitigation.

10.4 MODPA Privacy Obligations. To the extent any Party processes personal data of Maryland residents in connection with this Agreement, such Party shall comply with the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA), effective October 1, 2025, including:

(a) Data minimization — collecting only data that is reasonably necessary and proportionate;

(b) The prohibition on sale of sensitive data, which MODPA bans without exception;

(c) Processing sensitive data (biometric, genetic, health, geolocation, children's) only when strictly necessary to deliver a requested service;

(d) Responding to consumer rights requests, including access, correction, deletion, and portability; and

(e) Conducting data protection assessments for processing that presents a heightened risk.

10.5 Exceptions. Standard exceptions: publicly available, prior possession, independent development, unrestricted third-party source, and legal compulsion with notice.

10.6 Return or Destruction. Upon termination or request, subject to legal retention.

11. TRADE SECRET PROTECTIONS

11.1 Maryland Uniform Trade Secrets Act. The Deposit Materials may constitute trade secrets under the Maryland Uniform Trade Secrets Act (Md. Code Com. Law §§ 11-1201 to 11-1209). Under § 11-1201, a "trade secret" means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process, that: (a) derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. All Parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Deposit Materials and take reasonable measures to preserve their trade secret status.

11.2 Injunctive Relief. Pursuant to Md. Code Com. Law § 11-1202, actual or threatened misappropriation may be enjoined. An injunction shall be terminated when the trade secret ceases to exist but may continue for a reasonable period to eliminate commercial advantage. In exceptional circumstances, future use may be conditioned on payment of a reasonable royalty. The Parties acknowledge that monetary damages may be inadequate, and that injunctive relief may be sought without bond to the extent permitted.

11.3 Damages. Pursuant to Md. Code Com. Law § 11-1203, damages may include actual loss and unjust enrichment. A reasonable royalty may be imposed in lieu of damages. If willful and malicious misappropriation exists, exemplary damages not exceeding twice the award may be granted.

11.4 Attorneys' Fees. Pursuant to Md. Code Com. Law § 11-1204, a court may award reasonable attorneys' fees for bad faith claims, bad faith resistance to injunction termination, or willful and malicious misappropriation.

11.5 Federal Trade Secret Protections — DTSA. The Deposit Materials are also protected under the Defend Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 1836-1839), providing federal remedies.

11.6 Reasonable Measures. Each Party shall implement reasonable measures including access limitation, written acknowledgments, security, markings, and prompt notification of unauthorized disclosure.

11.7 Whistleblower Immunity. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), individuals are protected for disclosures to government officials or attorneys for reporting suspected violations of law.

11.8 Statute of Limitations. Under Md. Code Com. Law § 11-1205, an action for misappropriation must be brought within three (3) years after discovery or when it should have been discovered by reasonable diligence.

11.9 Preemption. The Maryland UTSA displaces conflicting tort, restitutionary, and other state law civil remedies for misappropriation, pursuant to § 11-1207. Contractual and criminal remedies are not affected.

11.10 Preservation of Secrecy. Escrow Agent shall implement commercially reasonable measures to preserve trade secret status.

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

12.1 Ownership. Licensor retains all right, title, and interest in the Deposit Materials and all Intellectual Property Rights.

12.2 Escrow Agent's Role. Custodian only, with no proprietary interest.

12.3 No Implied Licenses. No rights beyond those expressly granted.

13. WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS

13.1 Licensor Warranties. (a) Full authority; (b) no third-party IP infringement to knowledge; (c) no intentional malware; (d) correspondence to current version; (e) no conflicting agreements; and (f) accuracy of information.

13.2 Beneficiary Warranties. Authority and commitment to authorized use.

13.3 Escrow Agent Warranties. Authority, professional performance, and legal compliance.

13.4 Disclaimers. DEPOSIT MATERIALS PROVIDED "AS IS" UPON RELEASE. NO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT BEYOND THOSE EXPRESSLY STATED.

14. INDEMNIFICATION

14.1 Licensor. Indemnifies from: (a) warranty/obligation breaches; (b) IP claims; (c) malware; and (d) confidentiality breaches.

14.2 Beneficiary. Indemnifies from: (a) obligation breaches; (b) use beyond scope; (c) modifications; and (d) confidentiality breaches.

14.3 Escrow Agent. Indemnifies for gross negligence or willful misconduct only.

14.4 Procedures. Prompt notice, defense control, cooperation, and settlement consent requirements.

15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

15.1 Consequential Damages. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY MARYLAND LAW, NO INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES.

15.2 Aggregate Cap. (a) Escrow Agent: fees paid in preceding twelve (12) months; (b) Licensor/Beneficiary: greater of Underlying Agreement fees for preceding twelve (12) months or $[________________________________].

15.3 Carve-Outs. Not applicable to: (a) indemnification; (b) gross negligence/willful misconduct; (c) confidentiality/trade secret breach; (d) use beyond scope; (e) IP warranty breach; and (f) personal injury.

16. TERM AND TERMINATION

16.1 Term. From the Effective Date until: (a) Underlying Agreement termination; (b) mutual agreement; or (c) termination under this Section.

16.2 Termination for Cause. Thirty (30) calendar days' written notice for uncured material breach.

16.3 Termination by Escrow Agent. Ninety (90) calendar days' notice for unpaid fees exceeding sixty (60) days.

16.4 Effect. Return, destruction, or transfer of unreleased materials; unpaid fees due; Sections 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 survive; accrued rights survive.

16.5 Transition. Sixty (60) calendar days of reasonable assistance.

17. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

17.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.

17.2 Exclusive Jurisdiction and Venue. The Parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the state and federal courts located in [________________________________] (Baltimore City / Baltimore County / Montgomery County / other), Maryland, including the Circuit Court and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

17.3 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY MARYLAND LAW, EACH PARTY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. Maryland courts enforce jury waivers when they are knowing, voluntary, and not the product of unequal bargaining power. Each Party acknowledges that it has been represented by or had the opportunity to consult with counsel regarding this waiver.

17.4 Injunctive Relief. Any Party may seek equitable relief in Maryland courts without posting a bond or proving actual damages, to the extent permitted.

17.5 Arbitration (Optional).

☐ Arbitration Elected. Binding arbitration in [________________________________], Maryland under [________________________________] Commercial Arbitration Rules. [One (1) / Three (3)] arbitrator(s). Maryland law applies.

☐ Arbitration Not Elected. Litigation per Section 17.2.

17.6 Attorneys' Fees. Each Party bears its own fees unless awarded under MUTSA or other applicable Maryland law.

18. MARYLAND-SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

18.1 Electronic Signatures — UETA. This Agreement may be executed electronically pursuant to the Maryland Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Md. Code Com. Law §§ 21-101 to 21-120). Electronic signatures have the same legal effect as original signatures.

18.2 Consumer Protection Act. Nothing herein limits rights under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act (Md. Code Com. Law §§ 13-101 et seq.), which prohibits unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices. The Act provides for both public enforcement by the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Protection and private rights of action for actual damages, injunctive relief, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

18.3 Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA). The Parties acknowledge that the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act, signed into law on May 9, 2024, and effective October 1, 2025, imposes comprehensive data privacy requirements. MODPA is significant in several respects:

(a) Sale of Sensitive Data. MODPA bans the sale of sensitive personal data without exception, taking a more restrictive approach than most other state privacy laws;

(b) Sensitive Data Processing. Sensitive data (biometric, genetic, health, precise geolocation, and children's information) may only be processed when strictly necessary to deliver a service requested by the consumer;

(c) Consumer Rights. Maryland residents have rights to access, correct, delete, obtain portable copies of, and opt out of targeted advertising and data sale;

(d) Data Minimization. Controllers may collect only data reasonably necessary and proportionate to the disclosed purpose;

(e) Enforcement. MODPA is enforced exclusively by the Maryland Attorney General's Office; and

(f) Data Protection Assessments. Controllers must conduct assessments for processing presenting heightened risk to consumers.

To the extent any Party processes personal data of Maryland residents in connection with this Agreement, it shall comply with MODPA.

18.4 Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). The Parties shall comply with the Maryland PIPA (Md. Code Com. Law §§ 14-3501 to 14-3508), including: (a) notification to affected residents within forty-five (45) days of breach discovery; (b) Attorney General notification for breaches affecting one thousand (1,000) or more individuals; (c) reasonable security measures; and (d) all applicable record-keeping obligations.

18.5 Interest Rates. The legal rate of interest in Maryland is six percent (6%) per annum under Md. Code Com. Law § 12-102. Usury limitations under Md. Code Com. Law § 12-103 apply to debts under certain thresholds. Maryland has criminal usury provisions. All interest provisions herein comply with applicable Maryland law.

18.6 Statute of Limitations. Under Maryland law: (a) the general statute of limitations for civil actions, including breach of contract, is three (3) years from accrual pursuant to Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101; (b) UCC sale of goods actions are subject to four (4) years per Md. Code Com. Law § 2-725; and (c) trade secret misappropriation actions are subject to three (3) years per Md. Code Com. Law § 11-1205.

18.7 Bankruptcy Code Section 365(n). In Licensor's bankruptcy, Beneficiary may retain rights under 11 U.S.C. § 365(n)(1)(B). Source Code constitutes "intellectual property" under 11 U.S.C. § 101(35A).

18.8 Forum Selection. Maryland courts generally enforce contractual forum selection clauses in commercial agreements. The Parties acknowledge the forum selection in Section 17.2 was freely negotiated.

18.9 Commercial Reasonableness. This Agreement was negotiated at arm's length between sophisticated parties with opportunity for independent counsel.

19. MISCELLANEOUS

19.1 Notices. Written, deemed given: (a) personally; (b) one (1) Business Day after overnight courier; (c) five (5) Business Days after certified mail; or (d) upon email with courier confirmation within one (1) Business Day.

19.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, Schedules, and the Underlying Agreement constitute the entire agreement.

19.3 Amendments. Written instrument signed by all three Parties.

19.4 Waiver. Written and signed; no failure operates as waiver.

19.5 Assignment. Consent required except: (a) Beneficiary to Affiliate or successor; and (b) Licensor to successor. Assignees must assume obligations.

19.6 Severability. Invalid provisions modified; remaining provisions continue.

19.7 Force Majeure. Excused with notice, mitigation, and resumption. Termination after ninety (90) days.

19.8 Counterparts. Executed in counterparts. Electronic execution valid under UETA.

19.9 Headings. For convenience only.

19.10 Relationship. Independent contractors. No partnership or agency.

19.11 Third-Party Beneficiaries. None except indemnitees under Section 14.

19.12 Order of Precedence. This Agreement controls escrow matters; Underlying Agreement controls otherwise.

19.13 Construction. No presumption against drafter. "Including" means "without limitation."

19.14 Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies are cumulative.

20. SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

LICENSOR

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

BENEFICIARY

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ESCROW AGENT

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

21. SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE A — FEE SCHEDULE

Payment Terms: Net [____] days.
Late Payment Interest Rate: [____]% per annum (not to exceed 6% per Md. Code Com. Law § 12-102, or such higher rate as permitted for the specific transaction).

SCHEDULE B — DEPOSIT MATERIALS INVENTORY

(Attach additional pages as necessary.)

Software Product Version: [________________________________]
Date of Deposit: [__/__/____]
Total Files: [____] | Total Size: [____] GB/MB

Licensor Certification: I certify the above is complete and accurate.

Signature: [________________________________] Date: [__/__/____]

SCHEDULE C — VERIFICATION LEVELS AND PROCEDURES

Tier 1 — Inventory: File count, hash verification, readability, directory structure, README. Estimated: [____] Business Days.

Tier 2 — Technical Review: Tier 1 plus compilation, dependencies, documentation, database schemas. Estimated: [____] Business Days.

Tier 3 — Full Build: Tiers 1-2 plus complete build, testing, functional verification, deployment, report. Estimated: [____] Business Days.

Deficiency Classification: Critical | Major | Minor.

Remediation Deadlines: Critical: [____] days | Major: [____] days | Minor: [____] days.

SCHEDULE D — RELEASE REQUEST AND OBJECTION FORMS

RELEASE REQUEST FORM

To: Escrow Agent — [________________________________]
From: Beneficiary — [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]
Agreement Number: [________________________________]

Release Condition(s):

☐ Section 6.1(a) — Bankruptcy Event
☐ Section 6.1(b) — Cessation of Business
☐ Section 6.1(c) — Material Breach
☐ Section 6.1(d) — Service Unavailability
☐ Section 6.1(e) — Failure to Deposit/Update
☐ Section 6.1(f) — Assignment Without Consent
☐ Section 6.1(g) — Dissolution/Liquidation
☐ Section 6.1(h) — Regulatory Action
☐ Section 6.1(i) — Verification Deficiency
☐ Section 6.1(j) — Additional Trigger: [________________________________]

Factual Description: [________________________________]

Evidence: ☐ Attached ([____] exhibits) ☐ To follow within [____] Business Days

Sworn Statement: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Maryland that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

OBJECTION NOTICE FORM

To: Escrow Agent | Cc: Beneficiary | From: Licensor
Date: [__/__/____]

Grounds: [________________________________]

Evidence: ☐ Attached ([____] exhibits)

Sworn Statement: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Maryland that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signature: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

This template is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified Maryland attorney before use. Verify all statutory citations.

Prepared for use on the ezel.ai platform.

Sources and References

• Md. Code Com. Law §§ 11-1201 to 11-1209 (MD UTSA)
• Md. Code Com. Law §§ 21-101 to 21-120 (MD UETA)
• Md. Code Com. Law §§ 14-3501 to 14-3508 (Personal Information Protection Act)
• Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA, SB 541/HB 567, eff. Oct. 1, 2025)
• Md. Code Com. Law §§ 13-101 et seq. (Consumer Protection Act)
• Md. Code Com. Law § 12-102 (Legal Rate of Interest)
• Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 (Statute of Limitations)
• 18 U.S.C. §§ 1833, 1836-1839 (Defend Trade Secrets Act)
• 11 U.S.C. §§ 101(35A), 365(n) (Bankruptcy Code)