# OEM Customer > OEM Customer means a manufacturer or distributor who incorporates specific products into their proprietary system, and who has signed a current contract **Term:** OEM Customer **Last updated:** 2026-07-29 ## Definition ## What OEM Customer Means in a Contract An OEM Customer, short for Original Equipment Manufacturer Customer, is a party identified in a contract as a manufacturer or distributor that takes specific products, components, or software from a supplier and integrates them into its own proprietary system, device, or product offering. The term distinguishes this category of buyer from an ordinary end user or reseller because the OEM Customer is embedding the supplied item into something new that it then markets and sells under its own brand. The defining feature in most agreements is not just the act of integration but the existence of a current, signed contract that formalizes the relationship. Without that signed agreement, a party incorporating products into its system would not qualify as an OEM Customer for purposes of pricing tiers, licensing rights, warranty coverage, or support obligations. This makes the label as much a contractual status as a description of business activity. Understanding this term matters because it often triggers a distinct set of rights and obligations that differ sharply from those given to retail buyers or general distributors, particularly around intellectual property use, branding restrictions, and volume-based commercial terms. For a broader overview of how these relationships are structured, see this guide on