Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Ownership Agreement
I need an ownership agreement that outlines the division of ownership percentages between two partners in a new business venture, including clauses for profit sharing, decision-making authority, and procedures for resolving disputes. The agreement should also specify conditions for the transfer of ownership shares and include a buyout option.
What is an Ownership Agreement?
An Ownership Agreement spells out who owns what in a business venture and how those ownership rights work. It's a binding contract that clearly defines each owner's share, voting rights, and responsibilities - especially important under Singapore's Companies Act for private limited companies and partnerships.
Beyond just stating ownership percentages, these agreements protect everyone's interests by setting rules for selling shares, handling disputes, and making key decisions. They're particularly valuable for Singapore startups and family businesses, where they help prevent misunderstandings and provide a clear roadmap for ownership changes or business succession.
When should you use an Ownership Agreement?
Start with an Ownership Agreement when forming any new business partnership or company in Singapore, especially before money and resources get committed. This upfront clarity prevents costly disputes later. It's particularly crucial when bringing in new shareholders, planning leadership succession, or setting up family businesses where personal relationships mix with business.
The agreement becomes essential during major changes too - when adding investors, restructuring ownership, or preparing for an exit strategy. Singapore's regulatory framework strongly encourages having these agreements in place before such transitions, as they help maintain compliance with the Companies Act while protecting everyone's interests.
What are the different types of Ownership Agreement?
- Joint Ownership Agreement: Basic framework for sharing property or assets between multiple parties, ideal for co-owned real estate or equipment
- Partnership Contract Agreement: Comprehensive agreement for professional service firms, detailing profit sharing and management rights
- Business To Business Partnership Agreement: Specialized for corporate collaborations, focusing on inter-company resource sharing and joint ventures
- Simple General Partnership Agreement: Streamlined version for small businesses and startups, covering essential ownership terms
- Business Partnership Agreement Contract: Detailed structure for complex business relationships, including governance and exit provisions
Who should typically use an Ownership Agreement?
- Business Partners: Primary parties who sign and are bound by the Ownership Agreement, including company founders, shareholders, and investors
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Singapore's Companies Act and protect clients' interests
- Company Directors: Oversee implementation and ensure adherence to ownership terms in daily operations
- Family Business Members: Use these agreements to formalize succession plans and preserve family business interests
- Corporate Secretaries: Maintain official records and handle filing requirements related to ownership structures
- Business Advisors: Guide clients on ownership structure decisions and help negotiate terms
How do you write an Ownership Agreement?
- Basic Details: Gather full legal names, identification numbers, and addresses of all parties involved in ownership
- Ownership Structure: Define exact ownership percentages, voting rights, and profit-sharing arrangements
- Business Information: Compile company registration details, business scope, and existing assets or liabilities
- Management Rights: Outline decision-making processes and operational control responsibilities
- Exit Provisions: Plan procedures for ownership transfers, buy-outs, or business dissolution
- Compliance Check: Use our platform to generate a customized agreement that aligns with Singapore's legal requirements
- Review Process: Have all parties carefully review terms before signing to ensure mutual understanding
What should be included in an Ownership Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, NRIC/registration numbers, and registered addresses of all owners
- Ownership Structure: Clear breakdown of ownership percentages and class of shares
- Voting Rights: Decision-making thresholds and procedures for key business matters
- Transfer Restrictions: Rules for selling or transferring ownership stakes, including right of first refusal
- Dispute Resolution: Singapore-compliant mediation and arbitration procedures
- Exit Mechanisms: Buy-sell provisions, valuation methods, and termination processes
- Governing Law: Explicit statement of Singapore law jurisdiction
- Execution Block: Proper signature spaces with witness provisions as required by local law
What's the difference between an Ownership Agreement and a Co-Ownership Agreement?
While Ownership Agreements and Co-Ownership Agreements might sound similar, they serve distinct purposes in Singapore's legal framework. An Ownership Agreement typically covers broader business relationships and comprehensive company ownership structures, while a Co-Ownership Agreement focuses specifically on shared property or asset ownership.
- Scope and Coverage: Ownership Agreements handle multiple aspects of business ownership including voting rights, management roles, and profit sharing. Co-Ownership Agreements primarily deal with rights and responsibilities for specific shared assets.
- Legal Framework: Ownership Agreements align with Singapore's Companies Act for corporate governance, while Co-Ownership Agreements often fall under property law regulations.
- Typical Application: Ownership Agreements are essential for business partnerships and corporate structures. Co-Ownership Agreements are common in real estate joint purchases or shared equipment arrangements.
- Dispute Resolution: Ownership Agreements include comprehensive business conflict resolution procedures, while Co-Ownership Agreements focus on asset-specific dispute mechanisms.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
Genie’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.