Tech JV Entry into Saudi Arabia

A leading Singapore-based technology company was preparing to enter the MENA market through a joint venture with one of Saudi Arabia's top software developers. The JV's core asset was a sophisticated internal management system already deployed by several Saudi government entities — a high-stakes asset where unclear IP ownership or hidden license obligations could derail the deal post-signing. The client needed certainty on the partner's rights to the software, the integrity of contributor agreements, and the compliance posture of embedded open-source components before committing significant capital to the region.

We ran a buy-side legal due diligence designed to surface IP and contractual risks before signing, then supported the client through deal close:

1. IP ownership review — examined the internal documents tied to the software's development and ownership chain, confirming the Saudi partner's rights to the core product.
2. Contributor agreements — analyzed over 100 employment and freelance agreements with developers involved in the project, flagging gaps in assignment language and moral-rights waivers.
3. Open-source compliance — verified compliance with 10+ open-source licenses embedded in the codebase, mapping each component to its obligations and notice requirements.
4. Deal support — assisted in structuring negotiations and finalizing terms on the buyer's side, translating diligence findings into protective contractual language.