If you are a supplier of goods, you may wish to appoint either an agent or a distributor to sell your goods or services in Ireland or overseas.
An agent will usually enter into agreement on behalf of the principal (supplier) but will not be acting on its own account whereas a distributor will be acting on its own account in relation to the sale of the products.
About Agency and Distribution Arrangements
Agency arrangements are subject to EU legislation whereas distribution agreements are not subject to specific legislation, but rather are subject to competition law and general contract law.
Distribution agreements can be exclusive or non-exclusive. Sometimes exclusive agreements will be based on a minimum purchase requirement in a fixed period.
Agency arrangements give the agent certain rights on termination whereas the termination of a distribution agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the distribution agreement.
Our Agency, Distribution & Reseller Agreements Expertise
Our experienced Corporate & Commercial Team can guide you through the process, advising you of the best structure for your business and put in place an agreement which can be used for whoever you appoint.
We can also advise on the contents of distribution or agency agreements that you are asked to sign in the capacity of agent or distributor for an organisation.
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