How to Collaborate the Right Way: Tips for Software Developers

Would you work with other collaborators without a partnership agreement?

If you are a software developer working in collaboration with teams, here’s a word of caution – never get into an accidental partnership! I.E. You need an agreement (contract) in place.

If you are part of a team and need help on how to collaborate the right way, watch this video.

Working together certainly has its pros. If you are a software developer like a video game developer, you might work on code with other people or team up to get your software distributed. Whatever the case, whenever you are working with other people to create or distribute software you need an agreement. 

Without an agreement, each individual can separately be responsible for all of the debts and problems of the business. This is called an “accidental partnership”.

If you’re going to collaborate with others, put your agreement to collaborate or partner into writing. This contract is called a partnership agreement.

Ideally, your agreement should include:

» Clear role definitions to identify who does what

» Specification of intellectual property ownership rights for each collaborator

» A method for solving issues

»  An outline of how profits, expenses, and losses will be shared and distributed.

Unless you expect to form an LLC with your collaborators, having a partnership contract is a good idea to start before releasing your product into the market. 

Contact Surge Business Law: https://surge.law/ for clear and simple answers on why accidental partnerships should be avoided for collaborations. This video will also be a helpful resource for collaborative groups.