How do we setup a royalty agreement with a vendor?

ByNina Kaufman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I am a broker and I came across an inventor, currently selling her product online and at trade shows but is still relatively small. I have made some connects with CEO's and TV producers, I have initially asked for a $0.99/unit sold royalty fee. If she sees a huge spike in business due to my efforts, I want to make sure I am compensated correctly.
How should you write the consignment agreement? You shouldn't. Find a lawyer who understands these kinds of royalty agreements and let her do it. The reason, as you've no doubt found, is that the wording can involve intricate calculations.

Maybe $0.99 per unit is fair compensation for the initial introduction to the TV producer, but does it continue to be fair the fourth, fifth and sixth time the producer features the inventor? Does it matter if the TV segments are new segments or repeats of the same segment involving the inventor? How deeply do you want to be involved in the inventor's business so that you can verify that you're being paid what you're owed? What kind of reporting do you want to see? How often?

Improperly drafted language can raise a host of misunderstanding -- or worse, cut you out of compensation that you're rightfully entitled to. Leave this one to the experts.
Wavy Line

Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under herAsk The Business Lawyerbrand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes theMaking It Legalblog.

Editor's Pick

Science & Technology

This Is the New ChatGPT Trend That Will Enhance Your Business

ChatGPT plugins are becoming the new cool trend among entrepreneurs to enhance their businesses and engage more customers. Here are some insights into how they're impacting business enterprises, along with some potential risks that may accompany the benefits.

Business News

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's Family 'Stranded' at Boston Airport During 9-Hour Delay: 'We Made Quite a Home Here'

The actors spent $600 on pillows and blankets while waiting for their flight.

Business News

Netflix is Hiring an AI-Focused Role—and the Starting Salary is up to $900,000

The streaming giant is looking for a leader in its machine learning department.

Growing a Business

Senior Executives Are Falling Behind The Digital Curve — Here's What It Takes to Stay Ahead.

Learn how to stay ahead of the digital curve with the top areas of digital transformation that all corporate leaders should know.

Business News

McDonald's Is Launching a Spinoff Restaurant Chain Based on a Beloved, Blast-From-the-Past Mascot

The company saw a lot of success with another former mascot, Grimace, in June.