Request for Question Clarification by
serenata-ga
on
25 Mar 2003 23:30 PST
Hello Mr4698 ~
Google Answers Researchers do not give legal advice. Indeed, a glance
at the bottom of this page says that our general information is "not
intended to be a substitute for informed professional ... legal .. or
other professional advice."
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in any state in the
U.S., but I can tell you this. None of us are equipped to begin to
give you "general" information with the paucity of information you
have provided. A 50-50 partnership, what does that mean? Do they own
half your software? Are YOU responsible for half of any bills they run
up on your behalf? Do they get half any profits? And how do they
define profits?
Did you develop this software? Then the copyright to the software is
yours (general information, not legal advice). Do you lose your half
of your intellectual property rights?
Have they made you an offer *IN WRITING*? Have they proferred, *IN
WRITING* what they will do to market your product, and are those terms
acceptable to you?
This could be a marriage made in heaven for both of you - or it could
be a trip to hell in which you, in the end, are left in financial
ruin.
Have YOU taken this to a professional now? Spending the money for
legal consultation now can save you from having to spend tens of
thousands of dollars later trying to protect your interests.
It doesn't matter if the marketers are your Mom and brothers and
sisters. This is business, get the agreement in writing, and take it
to an attorney who can pick it apart and protect your interests. In
the long run, you'll be glad you did.
Good luck to you!
Warm regards,
Serenata