Parties
Clear legal names and entity types for issuer and recipient, including jurisdiction of formation and contact information for notice delivery.
A precise Issuance Legal Agreement reduces ambiguity about who receives what, when, and under what conditions; protects issuer and recipient interests; and supports later regulatory filings or audits. It also establishes a clear record of consent and consideration that is essential for enforceability and any required tax or securities reporting.
Match signer roles to internal authority matrices and, where required, obtain board resolutions, officer certificates, or third-party approvals before execution.
An issuer-side executive who approves issuance terms, confirms corporate authority, and coordinates internal sign-off with legal and finance. The COO typically ensures compliance with bylaws and that required corporate approvals are documented and attached.
A recipient or small-entity principal who accepts issued rights and signs on behalf of a natural person or sole proprietor. The founder verifies identity, reviews representations, and confirms consideration or payment terms before signing.
Clear legal names and entity types for issuer and recipient, including jurisdiction of formation and contact information for notice delivery.
Precise description of what is being issued, quantity, serial numbers or identifiers, method and date of delivery, and any vesting schedule.
Specific monetary amounts or non-cash consideration described in measurable terms; include payment timing and any escrow instructions.
Issuer and recipient statements confirming authority, title, and absence of conflicts that could impair the issuance.
Designate the state law that will interpret the agreement and forum for disputes; typical choice is issuer’s state of incorporation.
Signature blocks, date lines, notarization or witness instructions, and method for final delivery and retention of executed originals or e-records.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing Order | Sequential or parallel per corporate approval process |
| Authentication Method | Email link, SMS code, or KBA when required |
| Attachments Allowed | Restrict to PDF, DOCX; annex exhibits as read-only |
| Retention Policy | Auto-archive executed copy and audit trail |
Ensure the chosen platform provides tamper-evident signed PDFs, an exportable audit trail, and any additional controls your compliance program requires.
Optica used a standard issuance agreement for convertible note issuance to investors
A healthcare provider issued access credentials under an issuance agreement with embedded privacy terms
No set deadline; furnish payer upon request to avoid backup withholding
Issue recipient copies by Jan 31; IRS deadlines vary by form and method
April 15 for individuals; extensions available with Form 4868
Retain I-9s for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination
Conduct periodic retention audits to comply with IRS, HIPAA, or state rules
Template language and exhibits finalized prior to review
Board or officer sign-off and authority certificates attached
Signatures collected with proper authentication and notarization if required
Deliver copies to recipients, record with agencies if applicable
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA) | Yes (BAA) | Yes (BAA) | Varies | Varies |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |