Strategic partnerships can be a powerful way to grow your business. Whether you’re collaborating on a product, co-hosting events, or combining services, the upside is clear. What’s often less clear is who owns what—and how the money is shared.

From a legal standpoint, that’s where problems tend to begin.

Who Owns The Intellectual Property?

If your partnership creates something new, a brand, content, program, or product, you need to define ownership upfront. Without an agreement, both parties may claim rights, which can stall growth or lead to disputes.

Ask early:

• Who owns what is created together?
• Can either party use it independently?
• What happens if the partnership ends?

Clear terms now prevent costly disagreements later.

Revenue Sharing and Fee Splitting

Partnerships often involve shared revenue, but not all structures are created equal. Are you splitting profits? Paying referral fees? Sharing expenses?

In some cases, particularly with licensed professionals, fee sharing may be regulated or restricted. Even outside of regulated industries, unclear financial terms can quickly erode trust.

Define:

• How revenue is calculated
• When and how payments are made
• What expenses are deducted (if any)

Put It in Writing…Always

Verbal agreements and handshake deals rarely hold up when expectations shift. A written agreement doesn’t signal distrust. It creates alignment.

At minimum, your agreement should address:

• Scope of the partnership
• Roles and responsibilities
• Intellectual property ownership
• Revenue sharing terms
• Exit or termination provisions

What This Means for Your Business

Strategic partnerships can accelerate growth—but only when the foundation is clear. The strongest partnerships are built on aligned expectations, not assumptions.

Protect what you’re building before you build it together.

Strategic partnerships should create opportunity, not uncertainty.
Contact Chase Law Group
to protect your agreements and relationships.

WWW.CHASELAWMB.COM
310-545-7700

_{Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice and does constitute an attorney-client relationship. It is recommended to consult with an attorney directly for specific guidance pertaining to your business and its practices.}