Influencer Agreement Review

NOT LEGAL ADVICE. General guidance only. Consult qualified counsel.

Routing

Rules:

• File uploaded → default to ADVISE (ignore "generate")
• CHECK + ADVISE can combine
• Output language = Input language (auto-detect)

GENERATE Mode

Output only:

https://www.skala.io/influencer-marketing-agreement

CHECK Mode

1. Read references/checklist.md
2. Run through each item against document
3. Output table with Status (✅/❌) and Notes

ADVISE Mode

1. Identify client perspective (Brand or Influencer/Creator)
2. Read references/playbook.md
3. Scan document against playbook criteria
4. Output structured consultation:

Format:

**Overall: 🔴/🟡/🟢**

**Summary:** 3-5 bullets

**Issues:**
| Priority | Section | Issue | Recommendation |
|----------|---------|-------|----------------|
| 🔴/🟡/🟢 | X.X | Problem | Preferred: ... / Fallback: ... |

**Missing Terms:** list vs baseline

**Questions:** clarifications needed

Risk Levels

References

Hard Rules

• Never invent clause/section numbers
• File uploaded = ADVISE mode (not GENERATE)
• GENERATE outputs URL only, no commentary
• Legal terms: English + translation in user's language

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Supporting file: references/checklist.md

Influencer Agreement Checklist

Based on Skala Influencer Marketing Agreement standards. Run through each item.

Output Format

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1. Document Completeness

• Full document available (not excerpts)
• All exhibits attached (SOW, content brief)
• Key Terms table completed (if Skala format)

2. Client Perspective

• Identified: Brand or Influencer/Creator?
• Review from that perspective

3. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

• Governing law stated
• Dispute resolution specified
• If arbitration: institution and rules named

---

4. Deliverables & Specifications

Check for Skala elements:

• Content type defined (posts, stories, videos, reels)
• Platforms specified (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.)
• Quantity clear
• Campaign Start Date
• Posting schedule/deadlines
• Availability Period (how long content stays up)
• Content brief or creative direction attached

Quality & Approval

• Brand approval right defined
• Revision limits stated (2-3 typical)
• Deemed approval timeline
• Removal/change restrictions during Availability Period

Technical Failure

• What happens if delivery fails
• Reschedule or refund option

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5. Compensation

• Fee amount clear
• Payment schedule (upfront %, completion %)
• Payment terms (Net 30 typical)
• Invoice requirement stated
• Late payment consequences
• Expense reimbursement: pre-approved + documented only

Skala: AI Tools Costs

• "Influencer responsible for AI Tools costs" (if AI used)

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6. Intellectual Property

Check for Skala standard:

"Influencer retains ownership and grants Brand non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, sublicensable license"

• Ownership: who retains?
• License type: exclusive or non-exclusive
• Territory: worldwide
• Duration: time-limited or perpetual
• Sublicense rights: yes/no
• Use scope: marketing, promotion, commercial

Preexisting/Third-Party IP

• Addressed in agreement
• License grant to Brand
• Influencer must identify third-party materials
• Ensure permissions obtained

Red Flags

• Full IP assignment (not license) — 🔴 for Creator
• Exclusive license without premium — 🟡
• Perpetual for one-time fee without premium — 🟡

---

6A. Whitelisting & Paid Usage 💰

Check for pricing/limits:

• Whitelisting defined (ads from Creator's handle)
• Paid usage defined (content in paid advertising)
• Separate pricing or included in base?
• Time limit (e.g., 90 days)?
• $ spend cap?
• Reporting requirements?

Red Flags

• "Perpetual paid usage" with one-time fee — 🔴
• No usage reporting — 🟡
• Unlimited ad spend — 🟡
• Whitelisting without Creator attribution — 🟡

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7. AI Tools Compliance ⚠️ CRITICAL NEW SECTION

Check for Skala requirements:

Usage Requirements

• AI Tools used per their licenses and terms
• Consents secured for training data
• Proper output licensing
• No third-party rights infringement
• Brand can request list of AI Tools used

Prohibited Uses

• No impersonation of real persons without consent
• No deceptive testimonials about product performance
• No unattainable results depicted

If AI/Synthetic Media section MISSING:

🔴 Flag as issue — modern agreements must address AI

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8. Synthetic Media Disclosures ⚠️ CRITICAL NEW SECTION

Check for Skala requirements:

• Disclosure that content is AI-generated/virtual
• Placement: within content or beginning of caption
• Visibility: "unavoidable"
• Language: primary language of Deliverable
• Platform AI labels used
• Combined with FTC sponsorship disclosures

Failure to Disclose

• Cure provision (remove and re-post with disclosures)

If Synthetic Media Disclosures MISSING:

🔴 Flag if AI/synthetic content will be used

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9. FTC Compliance (16 CFR Part 255) ⚠️ CRITICAL

Check for Skala requirements:

Disclosure Requirements

• Disclosure type specified (#Ad, #Sponsored)
• Placement: first 3 lines (Instagram) / first 3 seconds (video)
• Visibility: "prominent, not buried"
• Language: clear to audience (not just #sp or #partner)
• Platform branded content tools required

Substantiation

• Truth-in-advertising compliance
• Honest opinion requirement
• No false/misleading statements
• Brand responsible for claim substantiation?

Platform/Regulator Cooperation

• Influencer cooperation for inquiries
• Document retention requirements

Red Flags

• No disclosure language specified — 🔴
• Disclosure "at end of caption" — 🟡
• Creator solely responsible for claim substantiation — 🟡

---

10. Exclusivity 💰

• Is there exclusivity clause?
• If yes:
  • Duration limited (≤3 months preferred, ≤6 months acceptable)
  • Competitors specifically named (Exhibit A) or narrowly defined
  • Category narrowly defined (not "industry")
  • Additional compensation provided (separate from base fee)
  • Post-campaign exclusivity addressed

BK Guidance: Exclusivity requires separate compensation. See Gymshark v. Massiah — unpaid exclusivity led to litigation.

Skala Note

"Brand owes no consideration for Exclusive Relationship beyond Compensation expressly stated"

Red Flags

• Exclusivity >12 months — 🔴
• "Industry" exclusivity (vs category) — 🔴
• No additional compensation — 🔴
• Vague "competitive products" — 🟡

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11. Representations & Warranties

• Professional quality per industry standards
• Original work
• Rights to license
• No third-party infringement
• No defamatory/unlawful content
• Legal compliance including FTC

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12. Independent Contractor Status

• "Independent contractor, not employee"
• No authority to bind Brand
• No tax withholding
• Influencer responsible for taxes
• Reclassification protection

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13. Indemnification

Check Skala coverage:

• Breach of agreement
• IP/privacy/publicity claims
• AI Tools usage claims
• Synthetic Media infringement
• Disclosure failures
• Attorneys' fees included

For Creator: Check scope

• Cap present?
• Mutual or one-way?
• Brand indemnifies for own materials?

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14. Confidentiality

• Obligations defined
• Definition of Confidential Information
• Standard exclusions present
• Permitted disclosure to team with similar obligations
• Survives termination

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15. No Conflicts

• No existing conflicting contracts
• Consistent with Exclusive Relationships

---

16. Term & Termination

• Agreement term defined
• Termination rights (both parties)
• Notice period (5 days Skala standard)
• Payment for published Deliverables
• Survival clauses:
  • IP
  • Warranties
  • Indemnity
  • Confidentiality

---

17. Morality Clause ⚠️

• Is there morality clause?
• If yes:
  • Trigger standard defined (conviction vs allegation)
  • "Reasonable person" standard (not "sole discretion")
  • Cure period provided (5-10 days)
  • Payment for completed work addressed
  • Mutual (applies to Brand too)?

Red Flags

• "Sole discretion" trigger — 🔴
• No payment for completed work — 🔴
• Includes "past conduct" — 🔴
• Only applies to Creator (not mutual) — 🟡

---

18. Platform-Specific Requirements 📱

Instagram

• Branded Content Tool requirement addressed
• Stories vs Feed terms differentiated
• Reels music licensing addressed
• Disclosure placement (first 125 chars)

TikTok

• Branded Content Toggle requirement
• Duet/Stitch permissions specified
• Commercial Music Library vs trending sounds
• Spark Ads authorization addressed

YouTube

• Paid Promotion checkbox requirement
• Disclosure: verbal + description
• Content ID claims handling
• Shorts vs Long-form differentiated

Cross-Platform

• Repurposing rights clear
• Platform ban/suspension addressed
• Force majeure for algorithm changes

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19. Remedies

• Equitable relief available
• For irreparable harm

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Quick Reference: Classification Thresholds

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AI Influencer / Virtual Influencer Addendum 🤖

If agreement involves AI-generated personas:

• Persona ownership clearly allocated
• Voice/likeness rights documented (if based on real person)
• Training data warranties present
• Output ownership defined
• Synthetic Media disclosure format specified
• Platform AI labeling compliance addressed
• Future AI development rights addressed

Red Flags (AI Influencer)

• Brand owns AI persona outright — 🔴
• No training data warranties — 🔴
• Unlimited deepfake rights — 🔴
• No disclosure requirements — 🔴

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Supporting file: references/playbook.md

Influencer Agreement Playbook

Negotiation guidance for ADVISE mode. Based on Skala Influencer Marketing Agreement standards.

Regulatory Framework: FTC 16 CFR Part 255 (Guides Concerning Endorsements), FTC Disclosures 101

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Lessons from Real Disputes (BK Case Analysis)

The following fixes are based on BK's analysis of actual influencer lawsuits. Each addresses a specific contract failure that led to litigation.

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1. Deliverables & Approval

Why it matters: Clear deliverables prevent scope creep. Unlimited revisions = free labor for Creator.

Skala Standard

"Influencer will create and publish Deliverables on Social Media Platforms following Campaign Start Date and upon Brand's written instructions. All Deliverables must meet Brand's quality standards and include required disclosures."

Required Elements

Negotiation Positions

Skala: Material Technical Failure

"If material technical failure prevents timely delivery, Influencer will notify Brand and, at Brand's option, reschedule or refund fees allocable to undelivered Deliverable."

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2. Compensation & Payment

Skala Standard

"Brand will pay Influencer the Compensation as sole compensation for creating and publishing Deliverables... Payment due within Payment Term subject to receiving invoice."

Red Flags

• Payment on publication only (Creator bears all risk)
• Net 90+ terms
• Unlimited offsets
• No invoice requirement

Negotiation Positions

Skala: AI Tools Costs

"Influencer is solely responsible for all costs of any generative software, models, training data, platforms, or services ('AI Tools') used to generate and publish Deliverables."

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3. Intellectual Property & Content Rights

Skala Standard (Influencer-Favorable)

"Influencer retains ownership of Deliverables and grants Brand a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, display, transmit, adapt, and otherwise exploit the Deliverables."

Key Elements

Preexisting/Third-Party IP

"If Deliverables contain prior IP owned by Influencer or third party, Influencer grants Brand non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license with sublicense rights."

Red Flags (for Creator)

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3A. Whitelisting & Paid Usage 💰 PRICING CRITICAL

Definitions

BK Guidance: Each usage right should be priced separately. Perpetual paid usage with one-time fee led to litigation (see PopSugar case above).

Skala Standard

"Brand's license includes the right to use Deliverables for marketing and promotional purposes."

⚠️ Check: Does "promotional purposes" include paid advertising? If unclear, negotiate.

Negotiation Positions (Creator)

Pricing Principles

BK Guidance: Whitelisting and paid usage should be priced separately from organic content fees. Specific rates depend on niche, engagement, and negotiation — avoid perpetual rights without additional compensation.

Key questions to resolve:

• Is whitelisting (ads from Creator's handle) included or separate?
• What is the time limit for paid advertising use?
• Is there an ad spend cap?
• Will Brand provide usage reports?

Red Flags

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4. AI Tools Compliance ⚠️ NEW CRITICAL SECTION

Skala Standard

"Influencer will exploit AI Tools in accordance with their licenses and terms, secure any necessary consents for training data, model usage, and output licensing, and will not use AI Tools in a manner that infringes third-party rights."

Required Elements

Prohibited Uses (Skala)

"Influencer will not use Synthetic Media to:

• Impersonate or misappropriate name, image, or voice of any real person without written consent
• Create deceptive testimonials about product performance
• Depict results that are materially unattainable in normal use"

Negotiation Positions

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5. Synthetic Media Disclosures ⚠️ NEW CRITICAL SECTION

Skala Standard

"For each Deliverable that includes Synthetic Media, Influencer will ensure clear, prominent disclosure that content or persona is virtual or AI-generated, in addition to any required sponsorship disclosures."

Disclosure Requirements

Failure to Disclose

"Failure to include required disclosures will be promptly cured by removal and re-posting with proper disclosures."

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6. FTC Compliance ⚠️ CRITICAL — 16 CFR Part 255

Regulatory Framework

• FTC Act §5 — Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts
• 16 CFR Part 255 — Endorsement Guides
• FTC Disclosures 101 — Social media guidance

Skala Standard

"Influencer must clearly disclose material connection to Brand in each Deliverable (e.g., using '#Ad' or '#Sponsored') and ensure disclosures are prominent and comply with FTC requirements."

Material Connection = Must Disclose

Any relationship that might affect credibility of endorsement:

• Payment (including free products)
• Employment/consulting relationship
• Family/personal relationship
• Equity/investment stake

Disclosure Requirements (FTC)

Approved Disclosure Language

FTC Enforcement Risks

• Warning letters — FTC sends to influencers directly
• Cease and desist — Requires corrective action
• Civil penalties — Adjusted annually; check current FTC penalty schedule
• Brand liability — FTC holds advertisers responsible for influencer violations

Negotiation Positions

Skala: Platform/Regulator Cooperation

"Influencer will cooperate with Brand in any inquiry by Social Media Platforms or regulators concerning Deliverables."

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7. Exclusivity 💰 COMPENSATION BENCHMARKS

Skala Standard

"Brand owes no consideration for any Exclusive Relationship beyond the Compensation expressly stated in this Agreement."

Translation: If exclusivity required, it must be SEPARATELY PRICED in Key Terms.

Red Flags

• Category exclusivity >12 months
• Vague "competitive products"
• No additional compensation
• Extends beyond campaign period
• "Industry" exclusivity (vs. specific category)

Exclusivity Pricing Principles

BK Guidance (from Gymshark v. Massiah): Non-compete and exclusivity restrictions require separate compensation. Unpaid exclusivity periods led to litigation. Key principles:

• Limit exclusivity to 0-6 months
• Pay separately for any restriction period
• Name specific competitors (Exhibit A), not broad categories
• Avoid "industry" exclusivity — use narrow product category

Negotiation Positions

Category Definition Examples

Skala Key Terms Format

"Exclusive Relationship: [Yes/No]. If Yes: Category: []. Duration: []. Competitors: [list or Exhibit A]."

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8. Representations & Warranties

Skala Standard Warranties

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9. Indemnification

Skala Standard

"Influencer will indemnify and hold Brand harmless from losses arising out of: (i) any breach of Agreement (ii) any claim that Deliverables, AI Tools usage, or Synthetic Media infringe IP, privacy, or publicity rights (iii) failure to make required disclosures"

Key Coverage Areas

• Agreement breach
• IP/privacy/publicity claims
• AI Tools misuse
• Synthetic Media issues
• Disclosure failures

Negotiation (Creator Perspective)

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10. Platform-Specific Requirements 📱 DETAILED GUIDANCE

Instagram (Meta)

Skala SOW Element: "Platform: Instagram. Content: [X] Feed Posts, [X] Stories, [X] Reels."

TikTok

⚠️ Red Flag: Agreement grants whitelisting but Creator hasn't enabled Spark Ads authorization.

YouTube

Skala SOW Element: "Platform: YouTube. Content: [X] Long-form videos (min [X] min), [X] Shorts."

Cross-Platform Considerations

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10A. Morality Clause ⚠️ REPUTATION PROTECTION

Purpose

Allows Brand to terminate if Creator's conduct damages Brand reputation.

Skala Standard

Not explicitly included in standard template — negotiate separately if required.

Typical Morality Clause Elements

Negotiation Positions (Creator)

Red Flags

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10B. AI Influencer / Virtual Influencer 🤖 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

When Applicable

Agreement involves:

• AI-generated personas (Lil Miquela, etc.)
• Virtual avatars representing real people
• Deepfake-style content (with consent)
• Fully synthetic content creators

Skala AI Influencer Template Additions

Enhanced Definitions

"Synthetic Media" means any audio, video, image, or text content that has been generated, manipulated, or modified using artificial intelligence, machine learning, or similar technologies, including but not limited to deepfakes, AI-generated personas, and digitally altered likenesses."

Required Disclosures (AI Influencer)

"Each Deliverable must include clear, prominent disclosure that the persona is virtual or AI-generated, in addition to any required sponsorship disclosures under FTC guidelines."

Additional Contract Elements for AI Influencers

Negotiation Positions

Red Flags (AI Influencer Agreements)

Regulatory Landscape

• EU AI Act — Transparency requirements for AI-generated content
• California AB 602/AB 730 — Deepfake disclosure requirements
• FTC — Truth-in-advertising applies to AI influencers
• Platform Policies — Meta, TikTok require AI content labels; check current platform guidelines

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11. Term & Termination

Skala Standard

• Term: As specified in Key Terms
• Termination: Either party, 5 days written notice
• Payment: "Portion of Compensation for Deliverables already published"
• Survival: IP, Warranties, Indemnity, Confidentiality

Availability Period

"Influencer may not remove or substantially change any Deliverable during Availability Period without Brand's written approval."

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Output Structure (ADVISE Mode)

**Overall: 🔴/🟡/🟢**

**Summary:**
- Key issue 1
- Key issue 2
- Key issue 3

**Issues:**
| Priority | Section | Issue | Recommendation |
|----------|---------|-------|----------------|
| 🔴 | X.X | Problem | Preferred: [Skala language] / Fallback: ... |

**AI/Synthetic Media Check:**
- [ ] AI Tools Compliance addressed
- [ ] Synthetic Media Disclosures addressed
- [ ] FTC + AI disclosures combined

**Missing Terms:**
- Item vs Skala baseline

**Questions:**
- Clarification needed