This clause specifies what format the software company will use when you download your data if you leave or the contract ends. It matters because data in the wrong format can be useless—imagine getting your customer list as a corrupted file you can't open. UK and US law increasingly recognizes data portability as a consumer right, meaning companies can't deliberately lock you in by exporting data in formats only they can read. Without this clause, you might lose access to years of business information. A good clause guarantees export in standard formats (like CSV or JSON) that any other software can read.
Insist on a clause that names specific, open formats (CSV, JSON, XML) rather than proprietary ones. Add language requiring the company to provide exports within 30 days of your request, and specify that exports must be complete and machine-readable. If they refuse standard formats, treat this as a major red flag—it suggests they want to make leaving difficult. ---
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this clause mean in simple terms?
This clause specifies what format the software company will use when you download your data if you leave or the contract ends.
Why should I care about this clause?
It matters because data in the wrong format can be useless—imagine getting your customer list as a corrupted file you can't open.
What are my options?
UK and US law increasingly recognizes data portability as a consumer right, meaning companies can't deliberately lock you in by exporting data in formats only they can read.
How does this affect small businesses?
Without this clause, you might lose access to years of business information.