Sure he could be sidelined if the paperwork is poorly drafted, it would all depend on how strong that 40% agreement is. Really if he wants to get something for

Sure he could be sidelined if the paperwork is poorly drafted, it would all depend on how strong that 40% agreement is. Really if he wants to get something for all that work, 40% of a project that exists is better than 50% of one that doesn't. Yes it sucks, but it is better than walking away. Whatever he does, I think the OP needs to paper up in a way to ensure the partner cannot dilute the OP at a greater rate than himself.