Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A base station may determine a configuration for UE-to-UE sharing of a channel occupancy time (COT) and may transmit the configuration to a UE to indicate that it can share a UE-acquired COT with at least another UE. A UE may acquire a COT using a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure, and if successful, may transmit a signal indicating that the COT is being shared with at least another UE. Additionally, a UE may receive a signal from another UE indicating that it has acquired a COT in a shared spectrum and that the COT is being shared with other UEs. The UE may perform a shortened LBT procedure within the COT, and if successful, may transmit an uplink transmission in the shared spectrum.