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Tooling Agreements: Essential Guide for Businesses and Manufacturers

Learn how tooling agreements protect your business interests when outsourcing manufacturing. Essential information for startups, small businesses, and established companies expanding their supply chain.

Introduction

A Tooling Agreement is a critical legal document that defines the ownership, use, and maintenance of tools, molds, dies, and other equipment used in manufacturing your products. Whether you're a startup founder with an innovative product, a small business owner, or an established company expanding your supply chain, this agreement protects your investment in specialized manufacturing equipment while establishing clear expectations with your manufacturing partners. This document helps prevent disputes over who owns the tooling, how it can be used, and what happens to it when your business relationship ends.

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Key Things to Know

  1. 1

    Tooling agreements establish clear ownership of manufacturing tools and equipment, typically ensuring that you (the customer) retain ownership of tooling you've paid for.

  2. 2

    These agreements prevent manufacturers from using your custom tooling to produce products for your competitors or themselves.

  3. 3

    A good tooling agreement addresses maintenance responsibilities, storage conditions, and quality standards for the tooling.

  4. 4

    The agreement should specify what happens to the tooling if the manufacturing relationship ends or if the manufacturer goes out of business.

  5. 5

    Pricing terms should be clearly defined, including initial costs, payment schedules, and any ongoing maintenance fees.

  6. 6

    Intellectual property protections are crucial, especially for proprietary designs embedded in the tooling.

  7. 7

    Insurance and liability provisions protect your investment if tooling is damaged, lost, or stolen.

Key decisions before you file

Before you file a Tooling Agreement in Oregon, a few decisions shape the document: which option to choose and what each one means. The Tooling Agreement guide walks through them.

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Oregon Requirements for Tooling Agreement

  • Uniform Commercial Code Compliance (Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 72 and 79)

    The agreement must comply with Oregon's adoption of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), particularly Article 2 governing sales of goods and Article 9 covering secured transactions, which applies to tooling as it may constitute equipment or inventory.

  • Intellectual Property Rights (35 U.S.C. (Patents); 17 U.S.C. (Copyrights); ORS Chapter 647 (Trademarks))

    Provisions addressing the intellectual property rights associated with the tooling, including any patents, trade secrets, or proprietary designs incorporated into the tools, consistent with both federal and Oregon IP laws.

  • Title and Ownership (ORS 72.4010 (Passing of Title))

    Clear provisions establishing ownership of the tooling, consistent with Oregon property law principles and UCC provisions regarding transfer of title.

  • Security Interest Provisions (ORS Chapter 79 (Secured Transactions))

    If the customer is financing the tooling, provisions establishing a security interest in the tooling must comply with Article 9 of the UCC as adopted in Oregon, including proper perfection requirements.

  • Bailment Relationship (Oregon Common Law of Bailment)

    Provisions establishing a bailment relationship for tooling held by the manufacturer but owned by the customer, consistent with Oregon common law principles of bailment.

  • Risk of Loss (ORS 72.5090 to 72.5100 (Risk of Loss))

    Provisions allocating risk of loss or damage to tooling must comply with Oregon's adoption of UCC provisions regarding risk of loss.

  • Insurance Requirements (ORS Chapter 742 (Insurance Policies))

    Provisions requiring insurance coverage for tooling must comply with Oregon insurance law requirements, including any specific provisions related to commercial property insurance.

  • Confidentiality and Trade Secrets (18 U.S.C. § 1836 (DTSA); ORS Chapter 646.461-646.475 (UTSA))

    Provisions protecting confidential information and trade secrets related to tooling must comply with both the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act and Oregon's Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

  • Warranty Provisions (ORS 72.3130 to 72.3180 (Warranties))

    Any warranties related to tooling must comply with Oregon's adoption of UCC warranty provisions, including express warranties, implied warranties of merchantability, and fitness for particular purpose.

  • Limitation of Liability (ORS 72.7190 (Contractual Modification of Remedy))

    Provisions limiting liability must comply with Oregon law regarding enforceability of such limitations, including prohibitions against limitations for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  • Dispute Resolution (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16 (FAA); ORS Chapter 36 (Mediation and Arbitration))

    Provisions for dispute resolution, including arbitration clauses, must comply with both the Federal Arbitration Act and Oregon law regarding enforceability of alternative dispute resolution provisions.

  • Choice of Law and Venue (ORS 14.030 to 14.080 (Venue))

    Provisions designating Oregon law as governing law and establishing venue in Oregon courts must comply with Oregon's conflict of laws principles and venue statutes.

  • Termination Rights (Oregon Common Law of Contracts; ORS Chapter 72)

    Provisions regarding termination of the tooling agreement must comply with Oregon contract law principles regarding termination rights and remedies.

  • Environmental Compliance (42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. (CERCLA); ORS Chapter 468 (Environmental Quality))

    Provisions addressing environmental responsibilities related to tooling must comply with both federal environmental laws (EPA regulations) and Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality requirements.

  • Worker Safety (29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. (OSHA); ORS Chapter 654 (Occupational Safety))

    Provisions addressing worker safety in relation to tooling use must comply with both OSHA regulations and Oregon's occupational safety and health laws.

  • Payment Terms (ORS 72.3010 to 72.3280 (Payment Obligations); ORS Chapter 279C (Prompt Payment))

    Payment provisions must comply with Oregon's adoption of UCC provisions regarding payment obligations and Oregon's Prompt Payment Act if applicable to the transaction.

  • Maintenance and Repair Obligations (Oregon Common Law of Contracts)

    Provisions allocating responsibility for maintenance and repair of tooling must be consistent with Oregon's common law principles regarding maintenance obligations in equipment agreements.

  • Force Majeure (Oregon Common Law of Contracts; ORS 72.6150 (Excuse by Failure of Presupposed Conditions))

    Force majeure provisions must comply with Oregon contract law principles regarding impossibility, impracticability, and frustration of purpose.

  • Assignment and Delegation (ORS 72.2100 (Delegation and Assignment))

    Provisions regarding assignment of rights or delegation of duties under the tooling agreement must comply with Oregon's adoption of UCC provisions regarding assignment and delegation.

  • Compliance with Export Control Laws (15 CFR Parts 730-774 (Export Administration Regulations); 22 CFR Parts 120-130 (International Traffic in Arms Regulations))

    If the tooling involves technology with potential export restrictions, provisions ensuring compliance with federal export control laws must be included.

Frequently Asked Questions