The Oregon Founders Agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of the co-founders of a startup or business in the state of Oregon, United States. It is commonly used as a proactive measure to prevent future disputes and to ensure a smooth working relationship between founders. A typical Oregon Founders Agreement contains several key elements. First, it establishes the roles and responsibilities of each founder, specifying their titles, duties, and any restrictions on their involvement in other business ventures. This helps to clarify the division of labor and avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the agreement often includes provisions related to the allocation of equity or ownership in the company. It outlines how the shares of the business will be distributed among the founders, whether it is based on their initial investments, intellectual property contributions, or other factors. This helps to establish a fair and transparent framework for equity distribution. Another important aspect of the Oregon Founders Agreement is intellectual property protection. This section defines the ownership of any intellectual property, patents, or trademarks related to the business. It often includes clauses that require founders to assign these rights to the company or establish a licensing agreement, ensuring that the business has full control and protection over its valuable assets. Additionally, the agreement may address issues such as decision-making processes, dispute resolution mechanisms, and founder departure or termination policies. By clearly defining how major decisions will be made, how conflicts will be resolved, and what will happen in case a founder leaves the company, the agreement helps to create a stable and predictable environment for the startup's growth. It is worth noting that there aren't specific types of Oregon Founders Agreements as the content and structure of the agreement can vary depending on the unique circumstances and preferences of the founders. However, some commonly used variations include Vesting Agreements, which detail the conditions under which a founder's equity becomes fully vested over time; Buy-Sell Agreements, which establish procedures for buying out a founder's shares in case of certain events (e.g., death, disability); or Non-Compete Agreements, which restrict founders from engaging in competing business activities during or after their involvement with the startup. In conclusion, the Oregon Founders Agreement is a comprehensive contract that covers various aspects of a startup's operation, including roles, equity distribution, intellectual property, decision-making, dispute resolution, and more. It serves as a crucial tool for ensuring a harmonious and productive relationship between founders while protecting the interests of the business.