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Agreement

Technology Partnership Agreement

A comprehensive agreement for a technology partnership covering scope, contributions, IP ownership, revenue sharing, and governance.

Technology Partnership Agreement

This Technology Partnership Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of effective_date (the "Effective Date"), by and between:

partner_a_name ("Partner A"); and

partner_b_name ("Partner B").

Partner A and Partner B are each referred to herein as a "Partner" or a "Party" and collectively as the "Partners" or the "Parties." The Partners wish to collaborate on the development and commercialization of a technology project known as project_name (the "Project").


1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Agreement is to establish the terms and conditions under which the Partners will collaborate on the design, development, testing, deployment, and commercialization of the Project. The Partners share a common goal of creating innovative technology solutions that leverage each Partner's unique capabilities and expertise.

1.2 Scope of Collaboration

The scope of the collaboration shall include: (a) joint research and development activities; (b) integration of each Partner's technology platforms, APIs, and data systems; (c) joint marketing, sales, and business development efforts; (d) shared customer support and success initiatives; and (e) any other activities mutually agreed upon by the Partners in writing.

The specific tasks, deliverables, milestones, and responsibilities for each phase of the Project shall be set forth in one or more Statements of Work ("SOWs") executed by both Partners and incorporated into this Agreement by reference.

1.3 Exclusivity

This Agreement does not grant either Partner exclusive rights to the other Partner's technology, customers, or market. Each Partner retains the right to pursue other partnerships, collaborations, and business opportunities independently, provided such activities do not conflict with the obligations set forth in this Agreement.

2. Contributions

2.1 Partner A Contributions

Partner A shall contribute the following to the Project: (a) access to Partner A's technology platform, APIs, and development tools; (b) engineering and development resources as specified in the applicable SOW; (c) technical expertise and domain knowledge; (d) data, content, or other materials as agreed upon; and (e) such other contributions as specified in the applicable SOW.

2.2 Partner B Contributions

Partner B shall contribute the following to the Project: (a) access to Partner B's technology platform, APIs, and development tools; (b) engineering and development resources as specified in the applicable SOW; (c) technical expertise and domain knowledge; (d) marketing, sales, and distribution capabilities; and (e) such other contributions as specified in the applicable SOW.

2.3 Resource Commitments

Each Partner shall dedicate the personnel, equipment, and other resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement and the applicable SOWs. Each Partner shall designate a project manager who shall serve as the primary point of contact for all matters relating to the Project.

If either Partner fails to provide the committed resources, the other Partner may provide written notice of the deficiency. The deficient Partner shall have fifteen (15) business days to cure the deficiency or propose an alternative resource plan acceptable to the other Partner.

3. Intellectual Property

3.1 Background IP

Each Partner shall retain all right, title, and interest in and to its pre-existing intellectual property ("Background IP"), including all patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and know-how. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to transfer ownership of any Background IP from one Partner to the other.

3.2 Jointly Developed IP

Intellectual property that is jointly conceived, developed, or created by both Partners in the course of the Project ("Joint IP") shall be owned jointly by the Partners in equal shares (50/50), unless otherwise specified in the applicable SOW. Each Partner shall have the right to use, license, and commercialize Joint IP without the other Partner's consent, subject to the revenue sharing provisions of Section 4.

3.3 Independently Developed IP

Intellectual property conceived, developed, or created solely by one Partner's personnel, using only that Partner's Background IP and without use of the other Partner's Confidential Information ("Independent IP"), shall be owned solely by the developing Partner. Disputes regarding whether IP is Joint IP or Independent IP shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions of this Agreement.

3.4 License Grants

Each Partner grants the other a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use its Background IP solely to the extent necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the applicable SOWs. This license shall terminate upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, except to the extent necessary for the continued use of Joint IP.

3.5 Patent Prosecution

The Partners shall cooperate in filing and prosecuting patent applications for Joint IP. The costs of patent prosecution shall be shared equally unless otherwise agreed. Each Partner shall have the right to file patent applications for its Independent IP at its own expense.

4. Revenue Sharing

4.1 Revenue Split

Net revenue generated from the commercialization of Joint IP ("Net Revenue") shall be divided between the Partners as follows: Partner A shall receive fifty percent (50%) and Partner B shall receive fifty percent (50%), unless a different split is specified in the applicable SOW.

"Net Revenue" means gross revenue from sales, licenses, subscriptions, and other commercial exploitation of Joint IP, less: (a) refunds, returns, and chargebacks; (b) applicable sales taxes and duties; (c) payment processing fees; and (d) direct cost of goods sold, as agreed upon by the Partners.

4.2 Reporting and Payment

Each Partner shall provide the other with monthly revenue reports detailing gross revenue, deductions, and Net Revenue attributable to the Joint IP. Revenue shares shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the end of each calendar month. Each Partner shall have the right to audit the other's revenue records once per year upon thirty (30) days' notice.

4.3 Independent Revenue

Revenue generated by either Partner from the commercialization of its own Background IP or Independent IP shall not be subject to revenue sharing under this Agreement, even if such IP is used in connection with the Project.

4.4 Expenses

Each Partner shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with its contributions to the Project, unless otherwise specified in the applicable SOW. Joint expenses (such as third-party tools, cloud infrastructure, or testing services) shall be shared equally or as specified in the SOW.

4.5 Invoicing and Disputes

If either Partner disputes the other Partner's revenue report, the disputing Partner shall provide written notice within thirty (30) days. The Partners shall work in good faith to resolve the dispute. If unresolved within thirty (30) days, either Partner may request an independent audit at the requesting Partner's expense, unless the audit reveals a discrepancy exceeding five percent (5%), in which case the audited Partner shall bear the cost.

4.6 Accounting Standards

Both Partners shall maintain accurate books and records relating to the Project and Joint IP revenue in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Records shall be retained for a minimum of five (5) years and made available for audit upon reasonable notice.

5. Development and Milestones

5.1 Development Process

The Partners shall follow an agile development methodology (or such other methodology as mutually agreed) for the Project. Development sprints shall be two (2) weeks in duration, with sprint planning, daily standups, and sprint review meetings as appropriate.

5.2 Milestones

The Partners shall establish and agree upon Project milestones in the applicable SOW. Milestones shall include specific deliverables, acceptance criteria, and target completion dates. Each Partner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to meet the agreed-upon milestones.

If a milestone is not met due to one Partner's failure to perform, the non-performing Partner shall provide a remediation plan within five (5) business days. If the milestone cannot be rescheduled within a reasonable timeframe, the other Partner may terminate the applicable SOW.

5.3 Acceptance Testing

Deliverables produced under each SOW shall be subject to acceptance testing by the receiving Partner. The receiving Partner shall have fifteen (15) business days to review and accept or reject each deliverable with specific reasons. Rejected deliverables shall be revised and resubmitted within ten (10) business days.

5.4 Quality Assurance

Both Partners shall implement appropriate quality assurance procedures for their respective contributions to the Project, including code reviews, automated testing, and manual testing. Each Partner shall maintain a test environment and ensure that deliverables meet the acceptance criteria before submission.

5.5 Documentation

Each Partner shall provide comprehensive technical documentation for its contributions to the Project, including architecture documents, API specifications, user guides, and deployment procedures. Documentation shall be maintained and updated as the Project evolves.

5.6 Change Management

Changes to the scope, timeline, or budget of any SOW shall be documented in a written change order signed by both Partners. The change order shall describe the requested change, the impact on the timeline and budget, and any other relevant details. Neither Partner shall be obligated to perform work outside the scope of an approved SOW without a signed change order.

6. Governance

6.1 Steering Committee

The Partners shall establish a joint steering committee (the "Steering Committee") consisting of two (2) representatives from each Partner. The Steering Committee shall be responsible for: (a) setting the strategic direction of the Project; (b) approving SOWs and major changes; (c) resolving disputes escalated by the project managers; and (d) reviewing Project progress and financial performance.

6.2 Meetings

The Steering Committee shall meet at least once per month (or more frequently as needed) by video conference or in person. Meeting minutes shall be documented and circulated to both Partners within five (5) business days of each meeting.

6.3 Decision-Making

Steering Committee decisions shall be made by unanimous consent. If the Steering Committee cannot reach consensus on a matter within fourteen (14) days, the matter shall be escalated to the executive sponsors designated by each Partner for resolution.

7. Confidentiality

Each Partner shall hold in strict confidence all non-public information disclosed by the other Partner in connection with this Agreement and the Project ("Confidential Information"), including technology, source code, algorithms, business plans, financial data, customer information, and trade secrets.

Confidential Information shall not be disclosed to any third party without the disclosing Partner's prior written consent, except to employees, contractors, and advisors who have a need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations at least as restrictive as those in this Agreement.

The obligations of confidentiality shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for a period of five (5) years, or for so long as the information remains a trade secret under applicable law, whichever is longer.

8. Representations and Warranties

Each Partner represents and warrants that: (a) it has the full power and authority to enter into this Agreement; (b) the execution of this Agreement does not conflict with any other agreement to which it is a party; (c) it owns or has the right to use all Background IP contributed to the Project; and (d) its contributions to the Project will not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH ABOVE, EACH PARTNER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

9. Indemnification

Each Partner shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other Partner from any third-party claims arising from: (a) the indemnifying Partner's breach of its representations or warranties; (b) the indemnifying Partner's negligence or willful misconduct; or (c) any claim that the indemnifying Partner's Background IP infringes a third party's intellectual property rights.

The indemnified Partner shall provide prompt written notice of any claim, grant the indemnifying Partner sole control of the defense, and provide reasonable cooperation at the indemnifying Partner's expense.

10. Non-Solicitation

During the term of this Agreement and for twelve (12) months thereafter, neither Partner shall directly or indirectly solicit, recruit, or hire any employee or contractor of the other Partner who was involved in the Project, without the other Partner's prior written consent.

11. Term and Termination

11.1 Term

This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for an initial term of twenty-four (24) months (the "Initial Term"), unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Section. After the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive twelve-month periods unless either Partner provides ninety (90) days' written notice of non-renewal.

11.2 Termination for Cause

Either Partner may terminate this Agreement upon written notice if the other Partner materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice.

11.3 Termination for Convenience

Either Partner may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon ninety (90) days' written notice. Upon termination for convenience, the Partners shall complete any in-progress SOWs or agree on a wind-down plan.

11.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination: (a) all licenses to Background IP shall terminate; (b) each Partner shall return or destroy the other Partner's Confidential Information; (c) Joint IP shall continue to be jointly owned and may be used by either Partner in accordance with Section 3; (d) all accrued revenue sharing obligations shall survive; and (e) the Parties shall cooperate in an orderly wind-down of the Project.

11.5 Survival

The following provisions shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement: Section 3 (Intellectual Property), Section 4 (Revenue Sharing, to the extent of accrued obligations), Section 7 (Confidentiality), Section 8 (Representations and Warranties), Section 9 (Indemnification), Section 10 (Non-Solicitation), Section 12 (Limitation of Liability), and Section 13 (General Provisions).

12. Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTNER BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT, REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY. EACH PARTNER'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE BETWEEN THE PARTNERS DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM; OR (B) ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000).

THIS LIMITATION SHALL NOT APPLY TO: (A) BREACHES OF CONFIDENTIALITY; (B) INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS; OR (C) EITHER PARTNER'S WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with all SOWs, constitutes the entire agreement between the Partners regarding the Project.

13.2 Amendments

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both Partners.

13.3 Assignment

Neither Partner may assign this Agreement without the other's prior written consent, except in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets.

13.4 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.5 Dispute Resolution

Disputes shall first be escalated to the executive sponsors. If not resolved within thirty (30) days, the dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

13.6 Severability

If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13.7 Force Majeure

Neither Partner shall be liable for failure to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, acts of government, war, terrorism, pandemics, or infrastructure failures, provided the affected Partner gives prompt notice and uses reasonable efforts to mitigate.

13.8 Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Electronic signatures shall be deemed original signatures for all purposes.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Partners have executed this Technology Partnership Agreement as of the Effective Date.

Partner A

partner_a_name

[Electronic signature will be collected via zsign]

[Date will be recorded automatically]

Partner B

partner_b_name

[Electronic signature will be collected via zsign]

[Date will be recorded automatically]

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