Free contract guides
Understand the document before you sign it.
Plain-English guides to 23 essential business contracts—what each one is, when you need it, and what to include. Every template is attorney-drafted and available in Cedar.
Talking Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit making professional legal tools accessible to founders and small businesses. Read each guide for free, then generate, customize, and sign the document in Cedar.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Category 01
Business Formation & Governance
Certificate of Incorporation
→A Certificate of Incorporation is the document filed with the state to create your corporation. Learn what it includes, why founders need one, and mistakes to avoid.
Founders Collaboration Agreement
→A founders (co-founder) agreement sets equity, roles, vesting, and IP terms before the business is formalized. Learn what to include and the mistakes that break up teams.
Limited Partnership Agreement
→A limited partnership agreement governs the relationship between general and limited partners. Learn what it covers, when you need one, and what to include.
LLC Formation Guide
→An LLC separates your personal assets from business liabilities with minimal complexity. Learn what an LLC is, when it makes sense, and the steps to form one correctly.
Category 02
NDAs & Confidentiality
Mutual NDA
→A mutual NDA binds both parties equally to protect shared confidential information. Learn when to use one, what to include, and how it differs from a one-way NDA.
Unilateral NDA
→A unilateral (one-way) NDA protects information when only one party is disclosing. Learn when to use one, what to include, and how it differs from a mutual NDA.
Category 03
Employment & Contractors
Employment Agreement
→An employment agreement sets the working relationship in writing: compensation, IP, confidentiality, and termination. Learn what to include and why it matters.
Independent Contractor Agreement
→An independent contractor agreement defines scope, payment, IP ownership, and worker status for freelancers. Learn what to include and how to avoid misclassification.
PIIA (Invention Assignment)
→A PIIA assigns employee and contractor IP to your company and protects confidential information. Learn what to include and why startups should never skip it.
Separation Agreement & Release
→A separation agreement provides severance in exchange for a release of legal claims when employment ends. Learn what to include, including ADEA rules for employees 40+.
Category 04
Commercial Agreements
Master Service Agreement
→A master service agreement sets the legal terms of an ongoing relationship once, so each project only needs a short statement of work. Learn what an MSA should include.
Subscription Agreement
→A subscription agreement governs recurring billing: scope, pricing, auto-renewal, and cancellation. Learn what to include for your SaaS or membership business.
Category 05
IP & Licensing
Copyright Assignment Agreement
→A copyright assignment transfers ownership of creative or technical work to your business. Learn what to include and why work-for-hire alone may not protect you.
IP Licensing Agreement
→An IP licensing agreement lets another party use your intellectual property on your terms without giving up ownership. Learn what to include for software, brands, and technology.
Category 06
Partnerships & Deals
Joint Venture Operating Agreement
→A joint venture operating agreement governs how two companies pool resources for a shared project: contributions, control, profits, and IP. Learn what to include.
Letter of Intent (Asset Acquisition)
→A letter of intent outlines the key terms of an asset acquisition before the definitive agreement, including price, exclusivity, and confidentiality. Learn what to include.
Strategic Partnership Agreement
→A strategic partnership agreement defines how two businesses collaborate (contributions, revenue sharing, IP, and exit) without forming a new entity. Learn what to include.
Category 07
Policies & Compliance
Data Incident Notification Policy
→A data incident notification policy defines who gets notified after a breach, when, and how. Learn what to include to stay compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and state laws.
Data Processing Addendum
→A data processing addendum defines how you handle personal data for customers. Required under GDPR and CCPA and expected by enterprise buyers. Learn what to include.
Generative AI Policy
→A generative AI policy defines how your team can use AI tools: what is permitted, what is prohibited, and how to manage legal and confidentiality risk. Learn what to include.
Media Release & Waiver of Liability
→A media release grants permission to use someone's likeness, and a waiver of liability limits claims from risky activities. Learn what each covers and what to include.
Privacy Policy
→A privacy policy discloses what data you collect, how you use it, and what rights users have. Required under GDPR and CCPA. Learn what to include for your website or app.
Terms of Service
→Terms of Service set the rules for using your website, app, or product and are your primary legal protection. Learn what to include for your digital business.
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