Sponsorship Agreement Template for Switzerland

A Sponsorship Agreement is a binding contract where one party (the sponsor) provides financial or in-kind support to another party in exchange for specific promotional benefits. In Switzerland, these agreements commonly outline marketing rights, brand exposure, and exclusivity terms while following Swiss Code of Obligations requirements for commercial contracts.

The agreement specifies key elements like payment schedules, sponsor recognition methods, and performance obligations. Swiss sponsors often include detailed intellectual property provisions to protect their brands under local trademark laws. The contract also addresses liability issues, cancellation terms, and dispute resolution methods - typically through Swiss arbitration or mediation channels.

Use a Sponsorship Agreement when your organization plans to sponsor or receive sponsorship for events, sports teams, cultural programs, or charitable initiatives in Switzerland. This contract becomes essential when dealing with significant promotional investments, especially in sectors like banking, pharmaceuticals, or luxury goods where brand visibility needs careful protection.

The timing is crucial - put this agreement in place before any money changes hands or promotional activities begin. Swiss law requires clear documentation of commercial relationships, particularly when they involve intellectual property rights or public exposure. Having this contract ready helps prevent disputes over promotional rights, payment terms, and performance obligations.

• Sponsorship Contract: Basic version focused on commercial sponsorships with straightforward payment and promotional terms
• Endorsement Agreement: Specialized for individual influencers or celebrities promoting products under Swiss marketing laws
• Sponsorship Partnership Agreement: More complex version for long-term strategic partnerships with detailed collaboration terms
• Charity Sponsorship Agreement: Tailored for non-profit collaborations with specific tax and regulatory provisions

• Corporate Sponsors: Major Swiss companies, banks, and multinational firms who provide funding or resources in exchange for marketing benefits
• Event Organizers: Sports associations, cultural institutions, and festival committees who seek and manage sponsorship relationships
• Legal Counsel: In-house or external lawyers who draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Swiss commercial law
• Marketing Teams: Professionals who implement the promotional aspects and monitor brand exposure commitments
• Financial Officers: Controllers and accountants who manage payment schedules and track sponsorship obligations

• Basic Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of all parties involved in the sponsorship
• Sponsorship Scope: Define exact promotional rights, usage of logos, advertising placements, and event access privileges
• Financial Terms: Document payment amounts, schedules, and any performance-based bonuses or adjustments
• Duration Details: Specify start date, end date, and any renewal options or early termination conditions
• Compliance Check: Review Swiss advertising regulations and industry-specific restrictions that might affect the sponsorship
• Documentation: Collect brand guidelines, promotional materials, and any required permits or licenses

• Party Information: Complete legal identities and contact details of sponsor and recipient under Swiss law
• Sponsorship Details: Clear description of financial terms, payment schedules, and in-kind contributions
• Rights and Obligations: Specific promotional benefits, brand usage permissions, and performance requirements
• Term and Termination: Duration, renewal options, and conditions for early termination
• Intellectual Property: Usage rights, restrictions, and protection of trademarks under Swiss IP law
• Dispute Resolution: Governing law clause specifying Swiss jurisdiction and preferred resolution method
• Force Majeure: Provisions for unexpected events affecting sponsorship obligations

A Sponsorship Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in several key aspects under Swiss law. While both involve commercial relationships, their core purposes and structures serve distinct business needs.

• Purpose and Scope: Sponsorship Agreements focus on brand promotion and marketing benefits in exchange for financial support, while Agency Agreements establish a representative relationship for business transactions
• Legal Authority: Agency Agreements grant specific powers to act on behalf of another party, whereas Sponsorship Agreements typically don't convey agency or representation rights
• Duration Structure: Sponsorship Agreements often align with specific events or seasons, while Agency Agreements usually establish ongoing business relationships
• Financial Framework: Sponsorships involve direct funding or in-kind support for promotional benefits, whereas agency relationships typically operate on commission or fee structures
• Regulatory Context: Agency Agreements fall under stricter Swiss commercial representation laws, while Sponsorship Agreements primarily follow marketing and advertising regulations