There is a lot to do prior to a decision in favour of a cooperation and probably you will have already verified a lot of issues yourself. However, even in the presence of many good reasons in favour of a cooperation you should duly examine the risks deriving from such venture. In order to identify and contain possible legal risks a quick scan legal due diligence can be performed which can become more thorough in the course of the further events. Who jumps into the complete dark will need to present fairly good reasons for such a step if any risks materialize which would have been easily identified in advance under application of the due care…
Quick Scan: Legal Due Diligence
Cooperations
There are a lot of reasons for a cooperation.
However, there are many cooperations which fail. If you are looking for a strategic partnership e.g. in the form of a joint venture, legal firewalls should be your highest priority. Take a few precautions, e.g. by performing a due diligence prior to jumping into any adventure. Moreover, potential risks should be reduced to a minimum by agreeing on appropriate terms and conditions in the cooperation or joint venture agreement which duly cover your interests.
Finally, your potential partner will gain a deep insight into your business activities and/or trade secrets. Make sure that such insight cannot be turned against you during or after the cooperation. In those cases appropriate legal agreements are similar to insurance policies which - in a worst case scenario - might provide you with a crucial advantage.
However, there are many cooperations which fail. If you are looking for a strategic partnership e.g. in the form of a joint venture, legal firewalls should be your highest priority. Take a few precautions, e.g. by performing a due diligence prior to jumping into any adventure. Moreover, potential risks should be reduced to a minimum by agreeing on appropriate terms and conditions in the cooperation or joint venture agreement which duly cover your interests.
Finally, your potential partner will gain a deep insight into your business activities and/or trade secrets. Make sure that such insight cannot be turned against you during or after the cooperation. In those cases appropriate legal agreements are similar to insurance policies which - in a worst case scenario - might provide you with a crucial advantage.
Incorporation of a Company … Joint Venture Agreements … Due Diligence… Shareholders' Agreements … Consortium Agreements … Research Contracts … Cooperation Agreements … Share Deal … License Agreements … Articles of Association … Option Agreements
Other topics relating to special situations: