Partner Charter

This charter outlines the standards, rights, and responsibilities that govern partnerships within the LNG Cluster ecosystem. All supported partners agree to these principles.

1. Brand Usage & Guidelines

Partners may use the "Supported by LNG Cluster" designation and approved logos in accordance with brand guidelines provided upon onboarding. Usage is limited to:

  • Website footer and company information sections
  • Partnership announcements and materials
  • Professional profiles and industry directories
  • Event materials and communications

Prohibited Uses:

  • Using LNG Cluster branding to imply official representation or endorsement beyond partnership status
  • Modifying logos or brand elements without written approval
  • Using partnership status in advertising or marketing without explicit permission
  • Claiming exclusive or preferential status within LNG Cluster

2. Representation & Conduct Standards

No Official Representation

Partners cannot represent LNG Cluster, speak on its behalf, or claim authority to commit LNG Cluster to any agreement, statement, or decision. Each partner maintains distinct brand identity and operational independence.

Professional Excellence

All partners commit to professional business conduct, ethical practices, regulatory compliance, and industry standards. Violations may result in partnership review or removal.

Conflict Avoidance

Partners agree not to misuse partnership status to gain competitive advantage, access LNG Cluster resources improperly, or interfere with other partners' relationships or operations.

3. Editorial & Media Positioning

LNG Cluster retains full control over editorial decisions, communications, and partner visibility in institutional materials including:

  • Institutional announcements and press releases
  • Partner directories and ecosystem listings
  • Website content and chapter materials
  • Media publications and thought leadership
  • Event participation and speaking opportunities

All partner communications are reviewed to ensure brand consistency and institutional standards. Partners may not publish content implying LNG Cluster endorsement without explicit permission.

4. Knowledge & Intellectual Property

LNG Cluster retains ownership and control of all institutional intellectual property including:

  • Market research and data
  • Educational content and resources
  • Industry insights and analysis
  • Ecosystem coordination methodologies

Partners may access and utilize these resources for business benefit but cannot claim ownership, modify, or redistribute without permission. All IP remains LNG Cluster property.

5. Category Caps & Strategic Limits

To preserve institutional integrity and fair visibility, many partner categories maintain strategic limits (typically one primary partner per category per city):

  • Prevents market distortion and competitive conflicts
  • Ensures equitable ecosystem visibility
  • Maintains LNG Cluster's neutral institutional stance
  • Allows deep partnership support and meaningful collaboration

Some categories (technology, research, consulting) welcome multiple partners to promote diverse perspectives. Category availability varies by region and is confirmed during the application process.

6. Admission, Renewal & Removal

Admission Criteria

All partnerships require discretionary approval from LNG Cluster leadership based on LNG ecosystem relevance, professional quality, institutional fit, category availability, and strategic alignment.

Renewal Process

Partnerships are reviewed annually. Renewal requires continued institutional fit, professional conduct compliance, and active engagement with the LNG Cluster ecosystem.

Removal Grounds

LNG Cluster may remove partnerships for: violations of charter standards, professional misconduct, regulatory non-compliance, misrepresentation, conflicts of interest, or loss of LNG ecosystem relevance. Removal occurs at LNG Cluster's sole discretion.

7. Partner Autonomy

Partners retain complete operational independence:

  • Full autonomy over pricing, service delivery, and client relationships
  • No revenue sharing, commission, or financial entanglement with LNG Cluster
  • Independent business operations and strategic decisions
  • Freedom to partner with other organizations (non-exclusive)
  • No obligation to use LNG Cluster resources or adopt recommendations

LNG Cluster provides institutional support and visibility without involvement in business operations, client relationships, or financial outcomes.

8. Legal Disclaimers

No Employment or Agency: Partnership status does not create employment, agency, or joint venture relationships. Partners are independent organizations.

Liability: LNG Cluster is not responsible for partner business operations, client relationships, service delivery, or conduct. Partners maintain their own liability insurance and compliance standards.

Data & Communications: Partners consent to LNG Cluster using contact information and basic company data for institutional communications and ecosystem coordination.

Charter Changes: LNG Cluster reserves the right to update this charter with 30 days' notice. Continued partnership implies acceptance of updates.

Charter Summary

This charter establishes a professional, institutional partnership model where LNG Cluster provides support, visibility, and ecosystem coordination while partners retain complete operational autonomy. All partnerships must comply with these standards to maintain good standing.

Understanding the Charter?

If you have questions about partnership terms or requirements, contact us directly.

Contact LNG Cluster