How can I protect myself when collaborating with another brand or designer?
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Collaboration agreements should clearly define ownership of new designs, how revenue will be shared, approval rights, and how marketing will be handled. Without one, disputes over credit, sales proceeds, and use of brand names are common. Our firm is equipped to draft, review, and/or negotiate these collaboration agreements.
Collaborations can be exciting and creatively rewarding, but they also bring legal and business risks if expectations aren’t documented clearly from the start. A written collaboration agreement helps align both parties by setting out who will own the rights in any new designs or intellectual property created together, how revenue and expenses will be shared, and who has final say over creative and business decisions. It also defines how each party can use the other’s name, logo, or brand elements, which is crucial for avoiding brand confusion or misuse.
Without a clear agreement, collaborations often lead to disputes over credit, ownership, or money—issues that can harm relationships, stall projects, and even damage reputations. Questions about who owns what can also create obstacles to future licensing, enforcement, or sales. We help brands and designers avoid these problems by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating collaboration agreements tailored to their goals, so they can focus on the creative side of the partnership while staying legally protected.