When two or more businesses join forces, the energy is high and optimism runs deep. But without a written agreement, even the most promising collaborations can unravel quickly. That’s why a partnership agreement template is not just a nice-to-have it’s essential.

At its core, a partnership agreement outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each party involved. It’s your roadmap for how the partnership will operate and evolve, especially when things don’t go according to plan.

Structure Brings Clarity

A well-drafted agreement reduces ambiguity. Who is responsible for what? How are leads shared? What happens when there’s a dispute? A template forces both parties to clarify their intentions and define the scope of the relationship.

For example, marketing obligations can easily become a grey area. One partner may expect social media shoutouts while the other believes a single email blast is enough. With clear terms, these expectations are aligned early.

Protecting Your Interests

Partnerships often involve access to each other’s systems, data, and even customer relationships. A formal agreement ensures these assets are protected. It can include confidentiality clauses, limitations on usage, and exit terms.

Even the commission structure who earns what and when should be spelled out. Misunderstandings about money are among the most common reasons partnerships fall apart.

Consistency Across Partnerships

If you manage multiple partners (resellers, affiliates, tech integrations), having a reusable template ensures consistency across your ecosystem. Everyone knows what they’re signing up for, and you save hours in legal reviews.

What to Include in Your Template

Your partnership agreement template should generally cover:

• Parties involved
• Purpose of the agreement
• Definitions (e.g., what is a qualified lead)
• Roles and responsibilities
• Marketing and branding rights
• Intellectual property usage
• Payment structure (commissions, timelines)
• Performance expectations
• Termination conditions
• Dispute resolution

This may vary depending on the partnership type (referral, co-marketing, channel sales), but the core components are usually the same.

Sample Partnership Agreement Template

Here is a shortened version of a B2B SaaS partnership agreement:

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made between:
Company A, having its principal place of business at [Address]
and
Company B, having its principal place of business at [Address]

Effective Date: [Date]

1. Purpose
The purpose of this agreement is to define the responsibilities and expectations of both parties in promoting and referring the other’s services to new clients.

2. Roles & Responsibilities
- Company A agrees to market and promote Company B's services through agreed-upon channels.
- Company B will provide Company A with training and collateral needed to effectively promote the services.

3. Compensation
- Company A will receive a [X%] referral fee for any client that results in a successful sale.
- Payments will be made within [X] days after the client is invoiced and payment is received.

4. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of shared materials and customer data.

5. Term & Termination
- This agreement remains in effect for [12 months] unless terminated by either party with [30 days] written notice.

6. Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction].

Signed:
Company A: ___________________  Date: __________
Company B: ___________________  Date: __________