These are fair and flexible agreement standards, written by the Common Paper committee of experts. Standard Terms are posted at commonpaper.com/standards. They include special variables, which are terms you choose how you want to define.
A Cover Page
This page contains the definitions for your variables, allowing you to customize the Standard Terms to suit your specific needs. Each time you send an agreement, you and your counterparty negotiate and sign one Cover Page.
The system of Cover Pages + Standard Terms is designed to increase transparency and trust between parties, and to speed up the contracting process for everyone.
Because the Standard Terms never change, both vendors and buyers can review them once and rely on them over and over.
Standards are drafted to start each negotiation on fair and reasonable terms for both sides.Agreement negotiations happen in the Cover Page only. This keeps both parties focused on the most important contract terms, and reduces other redlines.
When you send a Common Paper agreement, you’ll send a Cover Page. It includes:
The variables: an easy-to-read list of key contract terms and how you define them. A link to the Standard Terms, which are incorporated by reference. A signature block for each party.Here's what an agreement recipient sees:
When an agreement is signed by both parties, a PDF is generated and a final copy is emailed to all signers.
Dive into other Getting Started topics:
