Question 1

Can I use American contract templates in Europe?

Accepted Answer

A US template can be a starting point, but it should be adapted to the governing law, jurisdiction, and contract type. Employment, privacy, consumer, and enforcement clauses may require specific European or national language.

Question 2

What should a co-founder agreement include?

Accepted Answer

A solid co-founder agreement should include: equity split with vesting (typically 4 years with 1-year cliff), IP assignment, roles and responsibilities, decision-making process, and exit terms for different scenarios.

Question 3

When should I update my contracts?

Accepted Answer

Update your contracts when: expanding to new countries, hiring your first employees, receiving investment, changing your business model, or when relevant regulatory changes occur (e.g. GDPR, EU AI Act).

Question 4

What's the difference between a contractor and an employee?

Accepted Answer

In Europe, misclassification is a significant risk. Employees have statutory rights (holidays, unemployment benefits, dismissal protection). Contractors have more flexibility but fewer protections. Use the 'economic control' test — if they work exclusively for you on fixed hours, they're likely employees.

Contracts for European companies

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Founder agreements

Employment contracts

NDAs

Commercial contracts

Privacy policies

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