Does a joint venture always have to be a separate entity formed by 2 independent companies?
Or can it just be a type of legal contract between 2 companies to share profits through joint marketing or whatever clause without being needed to create a new entity?
It certainly does not have to involve two separate entities created for the purpose nor does it have to be a single corporate entity established by two (or more) venturers for the purpose of a joint activity
In answer to your question, no, it does not have to involve a separate entity formed by 2 independent companies