Introduction
Co-producing a digital course can be an exciting and profitable venture—if everything goes smoothly. But what happens when there’s a disagreement about profit sharing? Or one partner misses deadlines? Or the course becomes a hit and decisions need to be made quickly?
This is where having a clear co-production agreement becomes essential. It protects both parties, sets expectations, and provides a reference point when decisions get tough. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to set up a solid co-production agreement and how to structure your collaboration for long-term success.
1. Why a Co-Production Agreement Is Essential
An agreement isn’t just for legal protection. It’s a blueprint for collaboration. It helps prevent:
- Misunderstandings about responsibilities
- Conflicts over money
- Confusion about ownership and decision-making
- Last-minute surprises during launch or post-sales
Think of it as setting the foundation for a healthy business relationship.
2. Decide on the Business Model Together
Before drafting anything, both partners need to agree on the scope and structure of the course business.
Key decisions include:
- Is this a one-time project or a long-term collaboration?
- Will the course be sold once or offered as a recurring product (subscription, membership)?
- How will ongoing support and updates be managed?
Answering these questions first helps guide the terms of your agreement.
3. Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities
Clarity prevents conflict. In your agreement, list exactly who is responsible for what.
Examples:
- Partner A: Course outline, half of the video lessons, copywriting, support inbox
- Partner B: Video editing, tech setup, marketing, social media content
Also define:
- Who will respond to student feedback?
- Who will update the course later?
- Who manages refund requests and support?
Avoid vague phrases like “we’ll both help.” Be specific.
4. Establish Revenue Sharing Terms
Money is one of the most sensitive topics in any partnership. Your agreement must clearly define:
- How profits will be split (e.g., 50/50, 60/40)
- What expenses will be deducted before profit is calculated
- Who will handle payments and accounting
- How and when payments will be distributed
Also decide:
- What happens if one person leaves or stops contributing?
- Can the agreement be renegotiated if the scope changes?
Include everything in writing to avoid awkward conversations later.
5. Outline Ownership and Intellectual Property Rights
Ownership can be complicated in co-production. Make sure to discuss:
- Who owns the course materials (scripts, videos, branding)?
- Can either partner use the content elsewhere?
- What happens if one person wants to sell the course solo in the future?
Decide whether both partners have equal rights to use and repurpose the content, or if there are limitations.
Tip: Register the course under a shared business entity or trademark if long-term collaboration is planned.
6. Set Rules for Branding and Public Representation
If you both have personal brands, decide:
- How will the course be branded? Joint logo? Combined names?
- Will it be hosted on one person’s website or a new, shared domain?
- Who handles customer service accounts (email, social profiles)?
Define how the course is represented online and who has access to those platforms.
7. Include Conflict Resolution Guidelines
No matter how great your partnership is, disagreements happen. Your agreement should include a conflict resolution plan, such as:
- Direct discussion and negotiation first
- Mediation with a neutral third party
- Arbitration or legal action as a last resort
This prevents minor issues from becoming major disputes.
8. Decide on Course Updates and Longevity
Courses often need to be updated or relaunched. Your agreement should clarify:
- Who is responsible for updates and improvements?
- Will revenue be shared indefinitely or for a set time period?
- Can one partner exit the agreement and forfeit future earnings?
Example: “Each partner agrees to participate in one update per year. If one party exits, the remaining partner can buy out their share.”
9. Create a Timeline with Key Milestones
Include a timeline in your agreement outlining major phases like:
- Content creation deadlines
- Video recording and editing dates
- Platform setup and testing
- Launch and promotional periods
This keeps everyone accountable and aligned with the project timeline.
10. Put It All in Writing—and Sign It
Even if you trust your partner completely, verbal agreements won’t protect either of you when things get messy. Once all the terms are discussed:
- Draft a written agreement
- Review it together
- Consider having a legal professional look it over
- Sign it digitally or physically
You can use templates or platforms like HelloSign, DocuSign, or a simple PDF to make it official.
Conclusion
Creating a digital course with a partner can be incredibly rewarding—but only if expectations are clearly defined and documented. A well-crafted co-production agreement gives you both the clarity, confidence, and structure needed to build a thriving course business together.
Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Set the ground rules from the beginning—and focus your energy where it belongs: creating, launching, and growing a course that changes lives.