What the Standard Is
The Partner State Standard™ is a licensed interpretive standard used to classify partner relationships into defined structural states.
It provides shared language for identifying the current structure of a partner relationship when assumptions, narratives, or prior interpretations may no longer reflect reality.
The Standard exists to support accurate interpretation before decisions, negotiations, or interventions occur.
It does not prescribe action. It names structure.
What the Standard Is Not
The Partner State Standard is not:
- Consulting or advisory services
- Relationship management methodology
- Performance evaluation or optimization
- Risk scoring or compliance enforcement
- A decision framework or playbook
The Standard does not recommend outcomes, dictate strategy, or substitute for judgment, governance, or law.
Where the Standard Is Used
The Standard is typically referenced in contexts where partner interpretation carries material consequence, including:
- Executive and board-level partner review
- Governance and risk discussions
- Legal, contractual, and structural interpretation
- Portfolio, platform, or ecosystem oversight
Use of the Standard is internal and interpretive in nature.
How the Standard Is Treated Internally
Within authorized organizations, the Partner State Standard functions as a reference authority.
It is consulted to establish shared interpretation of partner structure prior to action being considered.
Decisions that follow remain external to the Standard and the responsibility of those who apply it.
The Standard exists to reduce misinterpretation, not to resolve it.
Issuance & Authority
The Partner State Standard™ is issued and maintained by Partner State IP LLC.
Use of the Standard is governed by the applicable license agreement and recorded in the License Registry.