Creating a Joint Development Agreement

Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom.
Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

Creating a joint development agreement is an important part of any business venture, as it helps to ensure that the rights and responsibilities of each party are legally protected and clearly defined. The agreement outlines the timeline for the completion of the project, details how disputes should be handled, and sets out how parties should communicate and collaborate. It also creates a sense of trust between everyone involved which helps ensure timely completion with a successful outcome in mind.

At Genie AI, we understand why this type of legal document matters in today’s business context. That’s why we created our open source legal template library – allowing anyone to draft and customize high-quality documents without paying a lawyer. Our team have analysed millions of data points to develop documents that adhere to market standards – giving you peace of mind that your joint development agreement is fit for purpose.

We understand creating a joint development agreement can be daunting without professional legal advice – so we provide step-by-step guidance through our template library to help make sure you get it right first time. Our goal is simply to empower users with reliable industry knowledge that they can put into practice confidently through easy access templates suited for all kinds of agreements, not just joint ventures, plus free advice from our community experts who are always on hand for support when needed.

Ultimately, whether you’re an experienced professional or new entrant - understanding the importance and complexities behind such agreements shouldn’t be a barrier when pursuing success within your business venture. So if you need help getting started with your own joint development agreement or access to our range of other templates – read on below or get in touch with us today! No Genie AI account required: We just want to help!

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Joint Development Agreement (JDA): A contract between two or more parties outlining the scope of a project, who owns the intellectual property created, any project costs, responsibilities, and resources, governing laws, confidential information and non-disclosure clauses, dispute resolution process, exit strategies, miscellaneous provisions, and the process for amending or modifying the agreement.
Scope: The range of topics or activities that a contract covers.
Objectives: A goal or outcome that a project is aiming to achieve.
Deliverables: The products, services, or results that each party must provide as part of a contract.
Intellectual Property (IP): Legal rights to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs.
Copyrights: A type of intellectual property that gives the creator of a creative work exclusive rights to the use and distribution of their work.
Trademarks: A type of intellectual property that identifies the source of goods or services, and distinguishes them from competitors.
Patents: A type of intellectual property that gives the patent holder exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention.
Trade Secrets: A type of intellectual property that is a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, commercial method, or compilation of information not generally known or reasonably ascertainable by others.
Project Costs: The total amount of money that must be spent to complete a project.
Responsibilities: The tasks or duties that each party must fulfill as part of a contract.
Resources: The personnel, equipment, materials, and funds necessary to complete a project.
Governing Law: The set of laws and regulations that must be followed when entering into a contract.
Jurisdiction: A geographical area in which a set of laws applies.
Arbitration: An alternative dispute resolution method in which an impartial third-party hears both sides of a dispute and makes a binding decision.
Confidential Information: Information that is shared between two or more parties, but should not be disclosed to any other parties.
Non-Disclosure Clauses: Specific terms in a contract that outline what information should remain confidential, and how it should be treated.
Dispute Resolution Process: A set of steps taken to identify and resolve conflicts between two or more parties.
Exit Strategies: Plans for ending a contract or project, outlining what will happen if one or both parties wish to terminate the agreement.
Indemnification: The process of compensating someone for a loss or damage.
Warranties: A type of guarantee provided by the seller of a product or service.
Breaches: A violation of a contract or agreement.

Contents

• Defining the scope of the joint development agreement
• Including any objectives, project timelines and deliverables
• Establishing who owns the intellectual property created through the joint development agreement
• Including any copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets
• Allocating project costs, responsibilities, and resources
• Such as personnel, equipment, materials, and funds
• Deciding on the governing law and arbitration provisions in the joint development agreement
• Including the applicable laws and jurisdictions
• Agreeing on the confidential information and non-disclosure clauses
• Such as which information will be considered confidential and how it should be treated
• Creating a dispute resolution process
• Including how conflicts will be identified and resolved
• Setting out the terms of termination and exit strategies
• Such as what will happen if one or both parties wish to terminate the agreement
• Including other miscellaneous provisions such as indemnification and warranties
• And specifying how each party will be held accountable for any breaches of the agreement
• Outlining the process for amending or modifying the agreement
• And specifying how and when it can be done
• Signing and dating the agreement
• And ensuring that both parties obtain a copy of the document

Get started

Defining the scope of the joint development agreement

• Determine and agree on the scope of the joint development agreement
• Outline the roles and responsibilities for each party
• Agree on the scope of the project and the timeline for completion
• Make sure that all parties understand their individual roles and responsibilities
• Ensure that the scope of the agreement is clear to all parties
• When all parties understand the scope of the agreement they can sign off on the agreement and move on to the next step.

Including any objectives, project timelines and deliverables

• Outline the objectives and goals of the joint development agreement
• Detail the timeline of the project, including any milestones and deadlines
• List out all deliverables that need to be completed and when they are due
• Have each party review and sign the objectives, project timeline and deliverables to ensure that all parties are in agreement
• Check off this step when all parties have reviewed and signed the documents

Establishing who owns the intellectual property created through the joint development agreement

• Identify the ownership of the intellectual property created during the joint development process
• Determine the rights of ownership for each party
• Agree on the ownership of the intellectual property and document it in the agreement
• Have each party sign the agreement to signify their acceptance of the ownership of the intellectual property
• Once all parties have signed the agreement, the agreement is legally binding
• Upon completion, you can move on to the next step of including any copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets in the agreement.

Including any copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets

• Identify the copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets that will be included in the joint development agreement
• Decide whether these assets will be joint or separate ownership
• Include the assigned rights and restrictions in the agreement
• Make sure that any agreements between the parties are consistent with existing laws and regulations
• Once all the copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets have been identified and the rights and restrictions have been included in the agreement, you can move on to the next step which is allocating project costs, responsibilities, and resources.

Allocating project costs, responsibilities, and resources

• Establish how the costs of the project will be allocated between the two parties
• Divide the tasks, responsibilities, and resources needed for the project between the two parties
• Work out a timeline for the project and establish the milestones to be achieved
• Specify the roles and responsibilities of each party in the project
• Identify the personnel, equipment, materials, and funds that will be used in the project
• Define any additional resources or financial contributions that one or both parties may provide
• When all of the above points have been agreed upon, the parties can sign the agreement.

Such as personnel, equipment, materials, and funds

• Identify the personnel, equipment, materials, and funds needed for project development
• Identify how to acquire the personnel, equipment, materials, and funds
• Negotiate the terms of the acquisition of personnel, equipment, materials, and funds
• Include the acquisition of personnel, equipment, materials, and funds in the joint development agreement
• When the personnel, equipment, materials, and funds are identified and negotiated, the step can be checked off the list and the next step can be completed.

Deciding on the governing law and arbitration provisions in the joint development agreement

• Research applicable laws in both jurisdiction and determine which one should be used as the governing law for the joint development agreement
• Consider the difference in legal systems and how that could affect the agreement and any disputes
• Identify the court or arbitration panel that would effectively resolve any disputes in the future
• Choose the governing law and the arbitration panel that will be used in the agreement
• Include the governing law and the arbitration provision in the joint development agreement

How you’ll know when you can check this off your list and move on to the next step:

• Once you have identified the governing law and the arbitration provisions that will be used in the joint development agreement, you can move on to the next step.

Including the applicable laws and jurisdictions

• Research the applicable laws of the relevant jurisdictions
• Identify the applicable laws that both parties must agree to
• Incorporate the applicable laws into the joint development agreement
• Once the applicable laws have been incorporated into the joint development agreement, check off this step and move on to the next step.

Agreeing on the confidential information and non-disclosure clauses

• Review the applicable laws to determine which information should be considered confidential and what kind of non-disclosure clauses should be included in the agreement.
• Consult with the other party to ensure that a joint understanding of the confidential information and non-disclosure clauses is reached.
• Draft the clauses in the agreement that state the confidential information and non-disclosure clauses.
• Have the other party review and approve the clauses.
• Once approved, the agreement should be signed by both parties.

Once the agreement is signed by both parties, you can move on to the next step: such as which information will be considered confidential and how it should be treated.

Such as which information will be considered confidential and how it should be treated

1. Identify the types of confidential information that will be shared under the agreement.
2. Outline a clear definition of confidential information in the agreement.
3. Specify how confidential information will be treated and protected.
4. Include a clause that restricts the use and disclosure of confidential information.
5. Identify the obligations of the parties to ensure the secure storage and handling of confidential information.
6. Include a clause that requires the destruction of confidential information upon termination of the agreement.
7. Include a clause that requires the parties to notify each other of any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

You’ll know you’ve completed this step when you have clearly defined the types of confidential information that will be shared, outlined a clear definition of confidential information, specified how confidential information will be treated and protected, and included the necessary clauses to ensure the secure storage and handling of confidential information.

Creating a dispute resolution process

• Identify a dispute resolution process which works best for both parties
• Ensure that any dispute resolution process is clearly laid out in the agreement
• Consider including an arbitration clause which requires the parties to make a good faith effort to resolve the dispute before bringing in a third-party arbitrator
• Consider including a mediation clause which requires the parties to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation
• Include a clause that defines when a dispute is considered to have arisen and how it must be resolved
• Specify a time-frame for each step of the dispute resolution process
• Define the consequences for any party who fails to comply with the dispute resolution process
• When the dispute resolution process has been completed, document the results in the agreement
• When the dispute resolution process has been completed, check off this step and move on to the next one.

Including how conflicts will be identified and resolved

• Identify which conflicts might arise during the development process and how they will be resolved
• Create a conflict resolution process that is fair and reasonable for both parties
• Make sure the resolution process is clearly defined and documented in the agreement
• Include a clause that states that any disputes not resolved through the conflict resolution process will be referred to a third-party mediator
• Include a clause that states that the decision of the third-party mediator will be binding upon both parties
• Once you have written up and included the clauses in the agreement, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step.

Setting out the terms of termination and exit strategies

• Determine the circumstances in which the agreement can be terminated
• Include the process for terminating the agreement and the notice period
• Include the procedure for resolving disputes
• Outline the exit strategy for each party
• Outline the financial implications of termination

Once you have set out the terms of termination and exit strategies, you can move on to the next step: such as what will happen if one or both parties wish to terminate the agreement.

Such as what will happen if one or both parties wish to terminate the agreement

• Discuss the circumstances under which the agreement can be terminated
• Set out the notice period required to terminate the agreement
• Identify obligations of the parties upon termination, such as payment of any outstanding fees
• Determine who will own the intellectual property developed during the agreement
• Establish any confidentiality agreements that will survive termination of the agreement

When you have included all of these points in the agreement, you can move on to the next step.

Including other miscellaneous provisions such as indemnification and warranties

• Determine which parties will be held responsible for any losses incurred due to their negligence or willful misconduct
• Decide which party is liable for any intellectual property infringement claims
• Establish the process and timeline for any dispute resolution
• Include any other provisions that are important to the parties related to the agreement
• Review and revise the agreement to ensure that all provisions have been properly included and that all legal requirements have been met
• Obtain signatures from all necessary parties

When you have completed this step, you will have a completed joint development agreement that includes all of the necessary provisions.

And specifying how each party will be held accountable for any breaches of the agreement

• Outline the consequences for breaching the agreement, including remedies and sanctions
• List the steps for resolving any disputes that arise from a breach of the agreement
• Describe the process for notifying the other party of any breach of the agreement
• Specify what happens if either party fails to comply with the terms of the agreement
• Once all these details are outlined in the agreement, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

Outlining the process for amending or modifying the agreement

• Outline the process for amending or modifying the agreement:
• Identify what type of amendments or modifications may be made to the agreement
• Specify the process for making amendments or modifications to the agreement, including who will be responsible for initiating the process, who will need to approve the amendments or modifications, and how long the parties have to respond to requests for amendments or modifications
• Set a timeline for amendments or modifications to be made
• Once you have outlined the process, you can move on to the next step.

And specifying how and when it can be done

• Determine the parties’ respective roles and responsibilities in the agreement
• Decide what type of amendment process will occur in the event of a dispute or disagreement (e.g., negotiation, mediation, arbitration)
• Establish a timeline for how and when amendments or modifications to the agreement can be made
• Specify any other conditions that must be met before an amendment or modification can be made (e.g., unanimous consent of all parties)
• Include a clause that allows for verbal amendments or modifications to the agreement, if appropriate

You will know you can move on to the next step when all parties have agreed on the amendment process, timeline, and any other conditions that must be met before an amendment or modification can be made.

Signing and dating the agreement

• Have both parties involved in the Joint Development Agreement sign the document
• Have both parties initial the document in all applicable areas
• Have both parties date the agreement
• Once all of these are completed, the document is ready to be filed.

And ensuring that both parties obtain a copy of the document

• Make a copy of the agreement for each party
• Ask each party to sign and date the agreement
• Deliver a copy of the agreement to each party
• Ensure that each party has received a copy of the agreement
• Check that each party has signed the agreement
• When each party has received and signed their copy of the agreement, you can check off this step and move on to the next step.

FAQ:

Q: How do joint development agreements differ from other types of commercial agreements?

Asked by Daisy on the 13th March 2022.
A: Joint development agreements (or JDAs) differ from other types of commercial agreements in that they are specific to the development of a certain product or service. They provide a framework for the parties involved to agree on the terms of their joint venture, such as sharing intellectual property rights, costs, responsibilities and any potential liabilities. The agreement also sets out the objectives of the project and how it will be managed, monitored and evaluated.

Q: What are the key elements that should be included in a joint development agreement?

Asked by Jack on the 5th April 2022.
A: When creating a joint development agreement, it is important to make sure it covers all aspects of the project, including defining the scope of work, setting out clear roles and responsibilities for each party involved, agreeing on milestones and deadlines, defining how intellectual property rights will be shared, as well as providing an exit strategy should the venture not be successful. Other key elements include how disputes will be resolved, how costs and profits will be shared, and any applicable warranties or indemnities that each party must provide.

Q: What should I consider when creating a joint development agreement in the UK?

Asked by Hannah on the 19th May 2022.
A: When creating a joint development agreement in the UK, you should consider the different laws that may be applicable to your specific industry or sector. It is important to take into account any regulations or laws that may affect your project, such as data protection or competition laws. You should also consider any contractual terms which may be relevant to your venture such as confidentiality obligations, warranties or indemnities. Finally, you should ensure that any dispute resolution provisions are implemented in accordance with English law.

Q: What should I consider when creating a joint development agreement in the US?

Asked by Noah on the 2nd June 2022.
A: When creating a joint development agreement in the US, you should take into account differences between federal and state laws which may affect your venture. You should also consider relevant industry-specific regulations and laws such as those governing intellectual property rights or labor laws. It is also important to ensure that any dispute resolution provisions are enforced under US law. Additionally, you should check for any applicable warranties or indemnities which must be provided by each party involved in order to protect their interests.

Q: What should I consider when creating a joint development agreement in Europe?

Asked by Emma on the 17th July 2022.
A: When creating a joint development agreement in Europe, it is important to take into account any regulations or laws which may affect your project across different European countries such as data protection or competition laws. You should also consider relevant industry-specific regulations such as those governing intellectual property rights or labor laws. Additionally, it is important that any dispute resolution provisions are enforced under European law and that any applicable warranties or indemnities are provided by each party involved in order to protect their interests.

Q: What is an escrow agreement?

Asked by Liam on the 31st August 2022.
A: An escrow agreement is an arrangement between two parties whereby a third-party holds onto certain assets until certain conditions have been met by all parties involved in order for them to be released. This third-party is referred to as an escrow agent who acts as a neutral intermediary between both parties and ensures that all conditions have been met before releasing funds or assets from escrow. Escrow agreements are often used within joint development agreements to protect each party’s interests in relation to their contributions towards a project.

Q: How can I ensure my joint development agreement is legally binding?

Asked by Olivia on the 14th September 2022.
A: In order for your joint development agreement to be legally binding, it must contain all relevant terms and conditions which both parties have agreed upon and signed off on by both parties prior to its implementation. You should also ensure that it is written in plain English so that both parties can clearly understand its contents and implications of signing it off. Additionally, you should also make sure that all legal aspects of your agreement have been taken into account such as data protection and competition laws where applicable. Finally, you may want to seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer who can help you ensure that your JDA meets all legal requirements before signing it off on behalf of both parties involved.

Example dispute

Possible Lawsuits Referencing Joint Development Agreement:

• Breach of contract: If either party fails to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the joint development agreement, the other party may be able to file a breach of contract lawsuit.
• Misrepresentation: If a party misrepresents any information or facts in the agreement, the other party may be able to raise a lawsuit.
• Negligence: If either party fails to exercise reasonable care as outlined in the joint development agreement, the other party may be able to raise a negligence lawsuit.
• Defective Product: If the end product of the joint development is defective, the other party may be able to raise a product liability lawsuit.
• Undue Influence: If one party is able to exert undue influence over the other to enter into the joint development agreement, the other party may be able to raise a lawsuit.
• Unfair Competition: If the joint development agreement gives one party an unfair competitive advantage, the other party may be able to raise a lawsuit.

If the plaintiff is able to prove that a breach of the joint development agreement has occurred, then they may be able to win the lawsuit. If the plaintiff is able to prove that damages have occurred, then the court may award them compensatory damages or, in some cases, punitive damages. The amount of damages and how they are calculated will depend on the specifics of the case.

Templates available (free to use)

Helpful? Want to know more? Message me on Linkedin