The verdict in three sentences
An abandoned software project is almost never a total loss: in most cases 40 to 70% of the code remains reusable once audited. The order of actions matters: first secure access (Git repository, hosting, domain), then a code audit at EUR 3,000 to 8,000 excl. VAT, and finally a takeover quote based on the audit. Legal action runs in parallel without blocking the technical rescue.
Step 1: recover access before anything else
The CEO who paid EUR 60,000 often discovers that the code, the server and even the domain name are registered to the vendor. Every day counts: unpaid hosting can be deleted within 30 days, and an expired domain bought by a third party.
| Asset to recover | Where to look | Urgency | Remedy if refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code repository (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) | Invoices, invitation emails | Very high | Formal notice, summary proceedings |
| Hosting and database | OVHcloud, AWS, Scaleway account | Very high | Contact the host directly with proof of payment |
| Domain name | Whois, registrar (Gandi, OVHcloud) | High | Transfer procedure, Afnic for .fr |
| App store accounts (Apple, Google) | Developer console | Medium | Create new accounts in the company's name |
| Third-party API keys (Stripe, Mapbox, email) | Service dashboards | Medium | Revoke and regenerate |
| Documentation and mock-ups | Figma, Notion, Drive | Low | Rebuilt during the audit |
Reread your contract: the IP assignment clause determines whether you own the code. Without a written clause, under French law the vendor generally retains copyright on the code, hence the value of a quick formal notice from a lawyer (EUR 500 to 1,500 excl. VAT).
Step 2: the code audit, what it measures and what it costs
The audit answers a simple question: take over, refactor or rewrite? It reviews architecture, code quality, security, outdated dependencies, test coverage and the gap between the specification and what was delivered.
| Project size | Code volume | Audit budget (EUR excl. VAT) | Duration | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small web app | Under 20,000 lines | 3,000 to 4,000 | 1 week | Report and recommendations |
| Mid-size business app | 20,000 to 60,000 lines | 4,000 to 6,000 | 2 weeks | Report, mapping, estimate |
| Web and mobile app | 60,000 lines and more | 6,000 to 8,000 | 3 weeks | Report, detailed takeover plan |
| Security audit option | Light penetration testing | 1,500 to 3,000 | 3 to 5 days | Prioritised vulnerabilities |
| Court expert option | Report admissible in court | 3,000 to 10,000 | Variable | Evidence for litigation |
Three verdicts are possible. Direct takeover when 60 to 70% of the code is sound. Takeover with refactoring when 40 to 60% is usable. Rewrite when less than 40% is salvageable or the technology is obsolete.
Step 3: price the takeover and start legal action
The takeover quote is based on the audit, never on the original specification. For an application billed at EUR 60,000 and half delivered, the takeover typically costs EUR 25,000 to 45,000 excl. VAT depending on the reusable share. On the legal side, a formal notice opens the way to contract termination and partial refund, or damages before the commercial court. The code audit then serves as technical evidence.
Mini case study
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Julien, CEO of an equipment rental SME in Bordeaux, paid EUR 60,000 for an unfinished booking app. He recovers the Git repository after a formal notice (EUR 1,000 in legal fees) and orders an audit at EUR 5,000 excl. VAT: 55% of the code is reusable. The takeover quote is EUR 32,000 excl. VAT versus EUR 70,000 for a full rewrite. Savings: EUR 38,000, minus EUR 6,000 for audit and lawyer, so EUR 32,000 preserved. The app ships in 4 months instead of 7.
FAQ
Can a project be taken over without the source code?
No, without the code you must rewrite, so expect a budget close to the original project. That is why recovering the Git repository justifies a formal notice within 8 days.
Will a new vendor agree to take over someone else's code?
Yes, provided a prior audit at EUR 3,000 to 8,000 excl. VAT. A vendor pricing a takeover without an audit takes a risk they will bill as a 20 to 30% safety margin.
How long does a takeover take?
For a mid-size business app, count 2 weeks of audit then 2 to 5 months of development depending on the reusable share.
Can we get a refund from the failing vendor?
It is possible if the contract set precise deliverables and milestones. Litigation often lasts 12 to 24 months: do not make the rescue depend on its outcome.
How do we avoid this happening again?
Require from day one a code repository in your company's name, an IP assignment clause and deliveries every 2 weeks. These three measures cost nothing and remove most of the risk.
Let's scope your project. We audit your existing code in 1 to 3 weeks for EUR 3,000 to 8,000 excl. VAT, then price the takeover based on what is genuinely salvageable. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
