# Partnership agreement

Concept · [Business and metrics](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/business)

Also called: go-to-market partnership agreement, partner agreement, referral agreement, co-marketing agreement

A contract between two companies that work together to sell, market or support their products, for example through referrals, co-marketing or sponsorships. It does not make the two companies legal partners in one business. [Common Paper](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/common-paper) publishes a free, standard template for this (Partnership Agreement), and a [term sheet](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/term-sheet) for agreeing the main points before the full agreement.

**For example:** A scheduling startup and a [payments](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/payments) company agree to send customers to each other, and sign a partnership agreement that sets the [referral fee](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/referral-fee).

## Connects to (4)

- [Referral fee](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/referral-fee): A one-time payment to someone for introducing a customer or deal that closes.
- [Revenue share](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/revenue-share): An arrangement where partners split the revenue a product or deal brings in by an agreed percentage, instead of a fixed fee.
- [Joint development agreement](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/joint-development-agreement): A contract between two organizations that build something together.
- [Common Paper](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/common-paper): A contract company for startups that publishes free, standard agreements anyone may use and modify, along with software for sending…

> This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/partnership-agreement