The Overview

Our firm advised a Seoul-based startup, incorporated in Korea by a European entrepreneur, negotiating a long-term consultancy agreement with its customer, a much larger technology company based in Europe. The draft came from the customer, a common situation for smaller companies in Korea working with large overseas customers, and one where the service provider is at a real disadvantage without independent review by a corporate attorney experienced in international contracts.

Protecting Key Personnel

Our client's most valuable asset was its people. Because the engagement placed the client's AI specialists directly into the customer's projects, there was a real risk the customer could hire them away. We advised on two layers of protection: a non-solicitation obligation during the contract term, and a placement (conversion) fee if the customer engaged the client's personnel within a defined period after termination. 

Why This Matters

Cross-border technology agreements usually arrive drafted by the larger party's counsel. For companies in Korea serving overseas customers, usually foreign-founded Korean companies and for European and American businesses engaging Korean AI vendors, independent review by an English-speaking Korean attorney is what turns boilerplate risk into negotiated protection.

How We Help

Rockcliffe Law is a Seoul-based Korean law firm assisting startups, tech companies, foreign-owned Korean companies, and international businesses with cross-border contracts. If you are negotiating any agreement involving a Korean party or vice versa in English, contact us for a consultation.