The Small Business Administration (SBA) says that an individual, entity, or business (Business A) is an affiliate of another business (Business B) if Business B has control over Business A, based on one of several factors. The SBA considers factors such as ownership, management, previous relationships with or ties to another business, and contractional relationships. In addition, parties to a joint venture may be considered affiliates of each other in certain circumstances.
Common Types of Affiliates
The term “affiliate” has two specific uses in business contexts. In corporate law and taxes, an affiliate is a company that is related to another company, usually by being in the position of a member or a subordinate role, a subsidiary. In online retailing, affiliation is common in marketing and selling wherein one company may affiliate with another to sell products or services. The seller has a website on which affiliates may sell products. The seller has control over the site and pays a commission to affiliates. This relationship is sometimes called “affiliate marketing.”
Affiliates as Independent Contractors
An affiliate is usually not part of the company with which it affiliates. It’s a separate company, an independent contractor. While another a company may affiliate through ownership, that ownership doesn’t mean total control.
Affiliate Agreements
Affiliate agreements can be entered into by any type of business, from sole proprietor to corporation. Affiliating with another company is a good way to promote your business and make more money by joining with someone who has a proven track record and a larger customer base. But before you join an affiliate program of any kind, consider the questions below. An affiliate agreement is a contract between the two parties: the host or offering business and the affiliate. Like any other type of contract or agreement, it’s important to put this affiliate agreement in writing.
Parts of an Affiliate Agreement
An affiliate agreement contract should include answers to the following questions:
What is the term of the affiliate agreement? Under what circumstances can either party terminate the agreement? What is the definition of “affiliate” in this situation? What is the relationship between the parties? Are they both independent? What are the rights and duties of the affiliate? Of the company? Who pays what to whom and when? What licenses are required of both the affiliate and the host business? Who owns the licenses? For example, a broadcast TV station must have a specific type of license, and keep that license up-to-date. Who owns the intellectual property? (Trademarks and service marks are the most common types of intellectual property in affiliate agreements.) What are the restrictions on the use of intellectual property by the affiliate? How are affiliate payments made and when? How can commissions be renegotiated? What state law governs this agreement? What happens if either of the parties goes out of business? What happens if either party defaults on the agreement?
Standard Contract Language You Should Know About
If you are reviewing an affiliate agreement, you might see some other standard contract terminology. Three standard clauses you may see are:
A confidentiality/non-disclosure clause that keeps the affiliate from sharing proprietary business details with othersAn indemnification clause (sometimes referred to as a “hold harmless” clause) that protects either party from harm for the actions of the other partyMandatory arbitration is becoming a standard part of many business contracts. This clause requires the parties to use arbitration in a legal dispute, rather than the court process of litigation.
What Is Affiliate Marketing? A 2023 Guide to Getting Started."
