# The Basics of Design Partner Agreements and Data Processing

Design partner programs are a valuable tool for founders, but there’s often confusion around the paperwork – especially when GDPR enters the picture. Let’s start with which contracts you might use and how they interact.

## Understanding the Key Agreements

The three most common contracts you might encounter are:

- [Design Partner Agreement](/content/standards/design-partner-agreement/index.html) – Your core agreement with these early users  
- [Data Processing Agreement](/content/standards/data-processing-agreement/index.html) – Required for GDPR compliance  
- [Cloud Service Agreement](/content/standards/cloud-service-agreement/index.html) (CSA): Commercial contract for more traditional vendor/customer relationships

## Do You Need All Three Agreements?

Some founders ask: “If I use a design partner agreement and need a data processing agreement for GDPR, do I also need a CSA?”

The short answer? No. Here’s why:

- The Data Processing Agreement supplements the main agreement in place between you and your customer  
- In this case, the Design Partner Agreement IS the main agreement  
- A separate CSA with the same customer during the design partner phase would be redundant and conflict with the Design Partner Agreement

## Transitioning from Design Partner to Customer

Keep in mind: Design partner programs aren’t meant to last forever. You’ll typically run them for a few months, until some or all of the following are true:

- You hit specific performance milestones  
- Your product is ready for general availability  
- Design partners are ready to become paying customers

Once you reach this transition point, you’ll swap out the design partner agreement for a CSA or another sales contract like the [Software License Agreement](/content/standards/software-license-agreement/index.html). Think of it as graduation day for your customer relationship.

# Key Takeaway

Don’t overcomplicate your paperwork. If you already have an agreement in place with your design partners, your DPA can supplement that – no additional CSA is required. When you’re ready to move on to a traditional vendor-customer relationship, that’s when you’ll introduce the CSA, replacing (not adding to) your design partner agreement.