Document background
The Simple Collaboration Agreement is a fundamental legal instrument used when organizations wish to work together while maintaining their independence. This document type is particularly relevant in the German business environment, where it provides a structured yet flexible framework for cooperation under the provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB) and Commercial Code (HGB). It is commonly used when parties need more formal arrangements than verbal agreements but don't require the complexity of a joint venture or detailed partnership agreement. The Simple Collaboration Agreement typically includes provisions for project scope, resource sharing, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights, while addressing specific German legal requirements such as data protection under GDPR (DSGVO) and competition law compliance. It's especially useful for time-bound projects, research collaborations, or strategic partnerships where parties want to clearly define their relationship without creating a separate legal entity.
