What is a cooperation agreement and when to use it

A cooperation agreement defines a legal framework for ongoing or project-based collaboration between two or more parties.
Often used by entrepreneurs, freelancers or businesses to deliver services, products, or intellectual results.

Common use cases:

• developer and designer team up for website creation

• consultant works with marketing firm regularly

• cross-disciplinary projects between professionals

• long-term supplier-client relations with flexibility

Legal framework

A cooperation agreement is an unnamed contract under Czech Civil Code § 1746(2).
It may contain elements of:

• service contracts,

• license agreements,

• commissions,

• intellectual property clauses.

Key elements of the agreement

• Parties and purpose

• Scope of cooperation

• Responsibilities and deadlines

• Remuneration and invoicing

• Intellectual property and confidentiality

• Term, termination, withdrawal

• Dispute resolution

• Signatures

Common mistakes

• Vague scope and responsibilities

• No IP ownership clause

• Missing provisions for delays or termination

• No billing structure

• One-sided agreement with unclear expectations

Recommendations

• Be specific – list deliverables, timelines, roles

• Use clear payment and approval terms

• Include IP, non-compete or NDA clauses as needed

• Prepare reporting or milestone schedules

Practice tip

Use cooperation agreements to build flexible, legally sound partnerships without forming a legal entity.

Cooperation contract template – available for a symbolic fee

I offer a Czech-English cooperation agreement template.

Perfect for freelance teams, advisors or long-term partners.

Reach out via e-mail or form – quick, fair and understandable.

FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT NOW?

A cooperation agreement isn’t just a formality – it’s a legal shield, if drafted properly. And a trap, if not.

Do you want to be sure your contract will hold up even in a crisis? Get in touch and let’s schedule a meeting. I am a specialist on contract law – more information here.