guild charters

A guild charter is a formal document that establishes a guild—an organized group of individuals or businesses with shared interests, skills, or goals. It outlines the group's purpose, structure, rules, and rights, serving as an official authorization or contract. Guild charters help define roles, responsibilities, and standards, ensuring members operate consistently and ethically. Historically used by trade groups or craft organizations, today they can also refer to agreements that formalize collaborations or collective efforts within various industries or communities, providing clarity and legitimacy to the group's operations.