Document background
The Non-Binding Partnership Agreement is commonly used in German business practice as a preliminary step toward formal collaboration. It serves organizations looking to document their partnership intentions while maintaining flexibility and avoiding immediate legal obligations. This document type is particularly valuable during the exploratory phase of business relationships, providing a structured framework for discussions and planning while clearly establishing its non-binding nature. Under German law, it must be carefully drafted to avoid unintended binding effects, especially considering provisions of the BGB (German Civil Code) regarding contract formation. The agreement typically includes sections on proposed objectives, resource commitments, and operational frameworks, while explicitly stating its non-binding character throughout.
