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JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
Handbook of Business Contracts
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.
- Golda Meir
JIAN Business Power Tools LLC www.jian.com © 1988-2006 JIAN All rights reserved.
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
Table of Contents
What's a JIAN? ......................................................................................................................................................8 Contributors ...........................................................................................................................................................9 R. Michael Kasperzak, Jr. ...................................................................................................................................9 Winning Moves, Inc............................................................................................................................................9 Burk & Reedy, LLP ............................................................................................................................................9 Important Legal Notice! ......................................................................................................................................11 AgreementBuilder Templates..............................................................................................................................12 Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................14 Finding an Attorney ..........................................................................................................................................14 "Hey, I Need a Lawyer!" ..................................................................................................................................14 Hiring an Attorney ............................................................................................................................................14 The Interview ....................................................................................................................................................15 Using Your Attorney.........................................................................................................................................15 Closing Thoughts ..............................................................................................................................................16 What's in a Template? ......................................................................................................................................16 Using the Templates.............................................................................................................................................17 Customizing the Templates...............................................................................................................................17 The JIAN Advisor.............................................................................................................................................17 Printing Your Agreements ................................................................................................................................18 Signing Your Contracts.....................................................................................................................................18 Contract Basics ....................................................................................................................................................19 What is a Contract? ...........................................................................................................................................19 Types of Contracts ............................................................................................................................................20 Bilateral vs. Unilateral Agreements ..................................................................................................................20 Validity & Enforceability of Contracts .............................................................................................................20 Elements of a Contract ........................................................................................................................................21 Mutual Assent ...................................................................................................................................................21 Muffet sues Tuffet Magazines for failure to disclose information. ...................................................................24 Want of Consideration ......................................................................................................................................27 Failure of Consideration....................................................................................................................................29 Defenses............................................................................................................................................................30 The Statute of Frauds ........................................................................................................................................30 Mistakes ............................................................................................................................................................31 Contractual Conditions .......................................................................................................................................35 Conditions Precedent ........................................................................................................................................35 Condition Subsequent .......................................................................................................................................36 The Excuse of Conditions .................................................................................................................................36 The Effect of Breach on Conditions..................................................................................................................36 Third Parties ........................................................................................................................................................38 Assignee of Rights ............................................................................................................................................38 Breach of Contract & Available Remedies ........................................................................................................40 Breach of Contract & Available Remedies .......................................................................................................41 Conducting Business Affairs ...............................................................................................................................44 Articles of Incorporation ...................................................................................................................................48 Business Assets Transfer Agreement ................................................................................................................48 Buy-Sell Agreement..........................................................................................................................................49 Bylaws...............................................................................................................................................................50 Finder for Sale of Business Agreement.............................................................................................................50 Finder's Fee (Lehman Formula) Agreement.....................................................................................................51 General Partnership Agreement ........................................................................................................................51 General Power of Attorney ...............................................................................................................................52 Legal Services Contingency Fee Agreement ....................................................................................................53
..............................................................................................................89 Mailing List Rental Agreement.................................63 Employment Agreement (Short Version)............................................................................................64 Employment Termination & Severance Agreement ...................73 Bailment .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................86 Product License.........................................................................................................................................................................77 Exclusive Authorization To Represent Seller .........................61 Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement............................................76 Equipment Lease...................................................................................88 International Licensing Agreement ............56 Limited Partnership Agreement ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Handbook of Business Contracts Legal Services Fee Agreement..............................80 Software Maintenance Agreement ...................................................................................74 Contract to Sell Goods ......................................66 Retail Salesperson .....................................................................................................................................66 Salesperson...................70 Personal Service Contracts.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................62 Employee's Acknowledgment of Employer's Rights in Work Product...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................75 Custom Software Design/Development ........53 Legal Services Retainer Agreement ................................................................................73 Bill of Sale ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................88 Mailing List Exchange Agreement ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................82 Advertising Cooperative Agreement.........................................................85 Foreign Sales Representative Agreement............................54 Letter of Intent for Sale of Business........................................................................................................................79 Sales Agreement ...................................................................................69 Contents of a Written Contract.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................62 Employee Stock Bonus Plan & Agreement .........................................................................................................................................................................................58 Stock Redemption Agreement ................JIAN AgreementBuilder® ...........................................................................................................................63 Employment Agreement .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................69 Sale of Goods ............................................................................................72 Consignment ......................................................................90 4 ..........................85 Exclusive Distribution Agreement .....87 International Distribution Agreement ...........67 Work for Hire Agreement .79 Service Agreement ..................................................65 Independent Contractor................................................................................................................80 Building Sales & Marketing Relationships ............................................................................................................................................................................................55 Letter of Intent to Sell Business Assets.............................................................................................84 Dealer Resale Agreement............64 Employment Continuation Agreement....................................................................................76 Equipment Purchase Agreement ...................................................................................................................................82 Sales ...............72 Artist-Gallery Consignment .................................................................................................................................................................................................65 Incentive Stock Option Agreement ............................................84 Co-Marketing Agreement ...................................................................................................................................54 Letter of Intent for Negotiation & Information Exchange .......................................................................................................................78 Hardware Maintenance Agreement..............................................................................................................78 Extended Service Agreement ...................57 Partnership Dissolution Agreement ..........................................................................................................................................................................57 Revocation of Power of Attorney...................59 Consulting Agreement ..............................77 Exclusive Authorization To Represent Buyer............................................................................................................................................................................................................................75 Custom Non-Software Design/Development ......................................68 Buying & Selling Goods & Services ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................74 Consign Merchandise Agreement ............................58 Managing Employees & Contractors ..........................................................................
...................122 Debt Assignment...............................................................................................................................................124 Legal Glossary ................................................................................102 Lease Guaranty ...............................................................................................................................103 Residential Lease ..................................................................................................................................121 Credit Application/Agreement? ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................101 Commercial Lease?..................................................................................................................................................109 Indemnity Agreement....111 Patent Assignment.........................................................................................................................................Handbook of Business Contracts Manufacturer's Representative Agreement................................................................91 Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement (Short Version) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................112 Prenuptial Agreement (Version 2) .................................................................................................................................................................................JIAN AgreementBuilder® ......................................115 Trademark Licensing Agreement......................................................................................................................95 Lease Agreements ................110 Non-Disclosure (NDA) ...........................................................................................................118 Credit Card Transactions.....................................................109 Copyright Assignment ...........................................100 Modifying Your Lease ......................................................................92 Product Licensing Agreement.................................................................................................................................114 Trademark Assignment .................................................................................................................................119 Account for Collection Assignment .................................................................................................................104 Sublease Guaranty...........................................................................................................................................................................91 OEM/Remarketing Agreement ..........................................................101 Commercial Sublease.........110 Licensing Assignment for Sale and/or Manufacture of Patented Invention.....123 Personal Loan Guaranty....................................................................................................................................123 Personal Credit Guaranty ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................107 Protecting Property Rights for the Future .............................................117 Collection Problems ...................................................................98 Tenant's Liability for Damages.........................117 Extending Credit ..............................................99 Assignment & Sublease ...................................................................................115 Handling Financial Matters ......................................................................................................95 Types of Tenancies ..................................................................................................................98 Termination of Tenant's Duties ...............................................................................119 When You Get Paid by Check .......................................................................................................................................104 Residential Sublease................................93 Sales Representative.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................111 Prenuptial Agreement (Version 1) .............................................................. Trademarks and Copyrights...............................................................................................................................106 Trade Secrets & Confidential Information..................................................................................................................................................................103 Lease Modification Agreement.....................................................................................................105 Protecting or Transferring Assets ...............................................111 Confidentiality & Non-Circumvention ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................101 Lease Assignment by Lessee...............................................................................122 Delinquent Accounts Receivable Assignment .......................90 Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................93 Structuring Real Estate Transactions ..................................................................102 Lease Assignment by Lessor................................................113 Technology Assignment...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................120 Settlement & Release .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................108 In Conclusion ...........109 Commercial Software Licensing Agreement .................................................113 Security Agreement.....................................................................................................................121 Collection Agent Appointment ....114 Technology Evaluation License ........................................................................................125 5 .......106 Patents.............................................................................
AgreementBuilder is neither complete nor usable in its supplied form. For more information on software copyrights. (202) 452-1600. stored in a retrieval system.S. 1730 M St. In particular. Penalties include fines of as much as $250. 6 .Handbook of Business Contracts Trademarks AgreementBuilder™ is a trademark and the JIAN logo is a registered trademark of JIAN Tools For Sales. express or implied. and we feel that the information presented in the manual and contained in the floppy disks (collectively AgreementBuilder) is accurate. Copyright Notice Copyright © 1989-2006 by JIAN Tools For Sales. Inc. Users of AgreementBuilder maintain complete responsibility for the accuracy and appropriate application of AgreementBuilder for their intended purpose(s). including the cost of recovering or reproducing this text or data. Unauthorized duplication of software is a Federal crime. direct. Inc. incidental. Washington. All Rights Reserved. AgreementBuilder is licensed and delivered as is. or translated into any language in any form by any means without prior written permission of JIAN Tools For Sales. merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.C. transmitted. Publisher's Disclaimer of Warranty: The Publisher makes no warranties. knows or should be aware of the possibility of such damages. Limitation of Liability: In no event shall the Publisher be held responsible nor liable for any indirect. omissions or any recommendations for changes and improvements. so the above limitation may not apply to you. transcribed. editing. (the Publisher) has prepared these documents for use by JIAN employees and customers according to the Software License Agreement printed on the envelope containing the floppy disks. and jail terms of up to five years. Important Notice to All Users of JIAN Products JIAN Tools For Sales. D.. everything is subject to change and JIAN reserves the right to make changes and improvements in AgreementBuilder without prior notice. The law protects the exclusive rights of the copyright holder and does not give users the right to copy software unless a backup copy is not provided by the manufacturer. No part of this publication and/or software may be reproduced. including the right to make and distribute copies. with respect to AgreementBuilder or its quality. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. AgreementBuilder has been carefully checked for technical accuracy. Piracy Hotline 1-800-388-7478. The only exception is the user's right to make a backup copy for archival purposes (Section 117).000. Inc. The copyright holder is given certain exclusive rights.) The Publisher emphasizes the importance of consulting experienced and qualified attorneys to assure the best results for organizing and building your business. NW. and customization by users to fit their specific requirements. Suite 700. Inc. Code states that it is illegal to make or distribute copies of copyrighted material without authorization (Section 106). However. please contact the Software Publishers Association. Title 17 of the U.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . (Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties. the Publisher shall have no liability for any text or data stored in or used with AgreementBuilder. The materials contained in AgreementBuilder are intended to provide guidelines and a foundation for further planning. special or consequential damages or costs whatsoever resulting from or related to the use or misuse of AgreementBuilder even if the Publisher has been advised. performance. reliable and useful. Please contact JIAN regarding questions. 20036.
000 camels nibble on your [x] for eternity if you give AgreementBuilder away. idea.. or success story—anything we can do to improve our products.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . so we know they work! We also provide useful information on a variety of related. We promise you that your input will be carefully evaluated. pertinent topics including: • A "primer" on contract law • State-of-the-art methods for settling disputes • Advise on choosing and using a lawyer • A step-by-step guide for evaluating contracts that others ask you to agree to and sign • A glossary of legal terms (just in case you need it. please contact us and tell about it/them! http://www. And.800-346-5426 and order your own copy today! This collection of business-related agreements is designed to help you create and enter into contracts that are understandable by all who read and sign them—contracts that are direct and to the point. The only way that can happen is for you to take the time to tell us.com/forms/feedback. Your Input Is Appreciated Best of luck in your business. and stripped out the legalese. During the development process. please make sure you let us know how you feel about the product. and all of the other important information. or in any way use it or provide it to anyone in an inappropriate manner. comment.jian.Handbook of Business Contracts Not copy protected. While we enjoy the good. simplified the language.. services. sell it. If you have a suggestion. but you won't!) We'll be using and publishing AgreementBuilder for a long time. items. and refinement into this product to help you build and build and manage a successful business. We are always interest in what you have to say about our products—good or bad. We've collected more than 100 agreements and related documents. clarified the purpose and the terms. and given that fact. Please feel free to call our toll-free comments line at 1800-898-5426 and leave your message. work. it's more important that we are made aware of any problems you may have encountered. So do yourself a favor—if you have not paid for this software. We hope that AgreementBuilder will assist you. and tell us what you're doing—maybe we can help! It's important to us that you are successful with your business. complaint. but could you imagine starting or managing your business on a foundation of stolen property? May the fleas of 1. we had ample opportunity to test most of these agreements ourselves. Please Contact Us! If you have ideas or anecdotes useful to others. please call 1. we're certain to have lots of experiences for improvements. or better run our company to help you. We've put a lot of research.html Thank you very much! 7 . dates. Tell Us about Your Successes Please keep us informed of your results. we'd like your input. names.
The name was first introduced to us in an excellent novel by Eric Lustbader⎯it seemed appropriate to nurture this concept in Western civilization. We're sure that you will benefit considerably by using Agreement Builder. we engineered these materials. are or have been.. and to maintain your sanity. It's also a worthy goal for ourselves and our customers. a "Jian" (pronounced: jee′ on) is a master of every art—the ultimate human with extraordinary acumen.) We address projects that are not usually within the scope of most business people's expertise—these projects can be distracting and time-consuming. 8 . Now that we've been in business for more than seventeen years. Agreement Builder can help you do this. But as your self-proclaimed business mentor. You simply select the content that applies to your company.. build and promote a company from the inside out. They will appreciate your support and so will we. All JIAN packages are developed and refined by experts with successful. publisher and manufacturer of business software. please tell them about it and suggest they purchase a copy. It is years of wisdom crammed into a few pages and it makes a lot of sense. Burke Franklin. It's a brief reality check on writing business agreements. expert knowledge in time-saving flexible template packages that work easily with Windows. If you have friends and associates who would also benefit by having and using Agreement Builder . Besides. We've gathered input from these specialists as well as commissioned accountants. consultants. hopefully. We've functioned for years as a marketing/advertising firm then as a developer. We provide a complete solution to management problems. and edit.S. JIAN. insights and experience into tools you can use. Be sure you read the following few sections before starting in on your agreements. Each JIAN package is an expert information kit that includes all of the needed forms and documents on floppy disk along with simple step-by-step instructions. Looking back. President JIAN P. I see them as "enriching" experiences that enable us to provide an interesting and useful collection of agreements that. Most of the people at JIAN. As your business grows. and enjoy more time for other priorities. the company. (We've done the long hours of research and the leg work for you. power and resourcefulness.Handbook of Business Contracts What's a JIAN? Think of it this way: while a Black Belt is a master of the martial arts. I could sometimes kick myself for being so stupid.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you need to standardize more and more. Our purpose at JIAN is to provide strategic building blocks to help managers build better companies— faster. owners of small companies. you don't want to create any skeletons that will leap out of your closet in a few years. is a contemporary American software publisher providing project-specific. will help you avoid as many mistakes as possible. we've enjoyed the opportunity to revisit more than a few of the early deals we made. DOS or Macintosh word processing and spreadsheet programs. You will become a smarter. easier and more economically. as well as the consultants and independent contractors who work for JIAN. and have learned through experience what it takes to organize. more effective business person because you will make better deals in the first place. lawyers and other experts for further guidance. real-world business experience. Together.
. the Northern California Mediation Association. an exciting new game company. Mike majored in business and economics. For more information about JUDGE 'n' JURY. District Court for the Northern District of California. He has published several articles on the subject of mediation and ADR. real estate. CA We provide our clients with business and strategic counseling. Mike has addressed the International Business Brokers Association. Jr. Mountain View. vendor. sound effects dramatization of the facts. as well as to all of our in-house staff. California based provider of alternative dispute resolution services. Alameda and Marin County Superior Courts. Now that you have the form of agreement you want to use. Business Transactions. identifying the long term ramifications of business relationships and structural alternatives in the context of legal considerations. The firm specializes in commercial mediation. a Mountain View. Mike can be contacted at 415948-5340 or at 1172 Morton Court. technology licensing and joint 9 . bankruptcy and aviation.S. He obtained his law degree from the University of California. Legal Services. A graduate of Lewis and Clark College. Winning Moves. personal injury..JIAN AgreementBuilder® . and Colleen Hamilton. These trial scripts appear throughout Section 2 of this reference guide. partnership dissolution. isn't it important to know how to use it—and what it really means? That's where we can help. is a commercial mediator who is President of Dispute Resolution Specialists. including private debt and equity financings.. Attorneys. Mike serves as the Chairman of the Santa Clara County Bar Association's ADR Section. Michael Kasperzak. The full-length trials are provided in the game on two hi-quality audio cassettes. R. or if your company or professional organization would benefit from a presentation on ADR and mediation. As a frequent speaker at industry meetings. We specialize in structuring and documenting a wide range of technology and business transactions. LLP. including employment. Investment Banking Services. DC & Newport Beach.. R. consumer. and the Santa Clara County Coalition of Dispute Resolution Programs Steering Committee. Michael Kasperzak. Bankruptcy Court and the Santa Clara. Inc. John McDonnell. provided us with excerpts from JUDGE 'n' JURY.burkreedy. AgreementBuilder would not have been possible. and assists businesses and individuals in resolving a wide variety of disputes. www. and Bar Association. have more questions about ADR. Each trial is narrated by a mythical judge over an entertaining. in recognition of their outstanding efforts in producing this product. Mike is a member of the mediation panels for the U. Winning Moves. a legal game to be published in October of 1995.S. the U. California 94040. Hastings College of the Law and is a member of the California State Bar. Without their immeasurable contributions.Handbook of Business Contracts Contributors We at JIAN extend our special thanks to Steven Lee. is a member of the Bar's Board of Trustees and is a member of the mediation committee of the Bar Association of San Francisco.com CORPORATE.. phone or Fax 508-887-0214. If you want to arrange a mediation. Burk & Reedy. mergers and acquisitions. He is also a member of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution. Inc. collection. Mike also provides settlement conference and neutral evaluation services in those disputes where the parties may need a more assertive and directive facilitator. TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL LAW Washington. Jr. Chambers of Commerce.
and on-going corporate representation. Corporate Structuring & Counseling We advise management on the structure of startup and more mature. Acquisitions and Joint Ventures [ ] More Information on Burk & Reedy 2. ZIP Credit Card and number __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Expiration date __________________________________________ By my signature.. Please send me a free copy of the following: Check if Yes [ ] The Valuation of Newly-Formed Companies [ ] Process and Issues in Venture Financings [ ] The Investor-Friendly Startup Company [ ] Operating Issues in Emerging Growth Companies [ ] Structuring of Mergers.Handbook of Business Contracts ventures. The issues we address include matters relating to corporate capital structure. I authorize Burk & Reedy to bill me at the discounted rate of $250/hour solely for the matters described in item No. LLC Please complete and Fax to 202-204-5001 10 . we can do business. State. If you have a fax. 1. securities offerings and compliance and the establishment of a range of other strategic relationships. Please complete the Response Sheet provided below to describe your transaction. Fax it to us at 202204-5001.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .. the assistance you require.) 3. and how we can contact you. Confidential Client Information: Company/Individual Name Telephone and Fax number Address City. I need advice on the following transaction(s) or matter(s): (Please briefly describe your business and the matter. the establishment of commercial /employee policies and agreements. As a critical element of what we do. Signature: Name: Title: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Burk & Reedy. 2 above. the protection of intellectual property. we provide intensive front-end advice on both the business and legal issues inherent in these transactions. Burk & Reedy will not spend more than 1 hour on any matter without my explicit verbal authorization (confirmed by facsimile). employee compensation. growing business entities.
and responsibility for your use and reliance on these materials in any form. representations. You should seek the advice of. As such. 2. 5. none of these agreements or documents should be used by you without appropriate customization for your transaction. editors and publishers (collectively referred to as the "publishers") of these materials disclaim all warranties. these materials cannot possibly comply with applicable state and local law that might affect the enforceability and meaning of the provisions included in any of the agreements or documents you may use from this publication. contract or otherwise. expenses and liabilities incurred as a result of your use of any of these agreements and documents without the advice of competent and properly licensed legal counsel. that each of these agreements and documents are intended to be illustrations of the types of agreements that might apply under particular facts and circumstances." Notwithstanding this. 11 . claim or charge of any kind against any of the publishers for your use of and reliance on these agreements and documents under any circumstances. nor do they constitute. they are meant to be enforced to the fullest extent possible. You are advised and encouraged to seek the advice of competent legal counsel in each transaction and circumstance in which you use any of the agreements or documents included in this publication. in connection with the use in any manner of the contents of these materials. you have been warned. and you understand. These agreements are not meant to be.Handbook of Business Contracts Important Legal Notice! Each of the agreements included in AgreementBuilder are intended to be illustrations only of the form of agreement that might apply in particular types of transactions. You explicitly understand and agree to each of the following: 1. 3. 6. You will not bring any action. This publication is distributed to users for use in all 50 states of the United States. 4. unaltered form. legal or business advice. This notice is intended to be a full and complete disclaimer of responsibility for your use of these materials. You will indemnify the publishers against all costs. The publishers disclaim and take no responsibility for the applicability of any of these materials to the particular transaction and circumstance in which you are using these materials. These materials must be customized for the particular circumstances of your transaction or contemplated use with the assistance of competent legal counsel. and the authors. The publishers will not be liable to you for any special. subject to applicable law. To the extent that any provisions of this notice and disclaimer are not enforceable under applicable law. competent and properly licensed legal counsel familiar with the law that may apply to your contemplated transaction and circumstances. These materials are presented to you "as is. You have been informed. and you understand that none of these materials should be used by you in their current. As such.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . incidental or consequential damages or lost profits. and consult with. whether arising in tort (including negligence).
JIAN AgreementBuilder® .Employee Non-Disclosure .Non-Exclusive Debt Assignment Employee Invention Assignment Employee Non-Disclosure Employee Stock Bonus Plan Employment (Employee) Employment (Executive) Employment Continuation Employment Termination & Severance Equipment Lease Equipment Purchase Extended Service Extended Use License Finder for Sale of Business Finder's Fee (for Investors) Finder's Fee (for Sale) General Partnership Hardware Maintenance Idea Submission Indemnity Independent Contractor International Distribution International License Internet Co-Marketing Agreement Joint Development Lease Assignment (by Lessor) Lease Assignment (by Lessee) Lease Guaranty Lease Modification Legal Representation (Contingency) Legal Representation (Fee) Letter of Intent (Purchase Forthcoming Products) Letter of Intent (Negotiation & Information Exchange) Letter of Intent (Non-Binding) Letter of Intent (Sale of Business) Letter of Intent (Sell Business Assets) License Product for Sale and/or Manufacture Limited Partnership LLC Operating Agreement Logo License Agreement Mailing List Exchange Mailing List Rental Manufacturer's Representative Marketing .Non-Circumvention Non-Disclosure . Account for Collection Assignment Advertising Co-op Articles of Incorporation Assignment .Complete Background Research Release .Accounts Receivable Agreement Extension Background Research Release .Product Submission Non-Disclosure .Deal Non-Disclosure .Revocation Prenuptial (2 versions) Product Licensing Professional-Services Promissory Note 12 .Simple OEM / Remarketing Partnership Dissolution Patent Assignment Patent License Personal Injury Release Personal Loan Guarantee (2 versions) Power of Attorney Power of Attorney .1 page Consignment Sale Consulting .Simplified Bailment Bill of Sale Business Assets Transfer Bylaws (Corporate) Collection Agent Appointment Co-Marketing Commercial Lease Commercial Sublease Confidentiality Confidentiality .Handbook of Business Contracts AgreementBuilder Templates The following is an alphabetical list of all the document templates provided in the Agreement Builder.Mutual Non-Disclosure .Marketing Services Content Acquisition Agreement Content Purchase Letter Contract Assignment Copyright Assignment Corporate Bylaws Credit Purchase Custom Software Development Dealer Resale Agreement Distribution Agreement .Exclusive Territory Marketing-Material-Development Mutual Contract Release Mutual Contract Termination National Account Manager Non-Disclosure Non-Disclosure .Exclusive Distribution Agreement .
and how of contracts! Each agreement also comes with detailed explanations to help you understand what you're doing. how to select and when to consult with your attorney. who. We think it's the most useful tool available for your growing business' legal needs. and employees AgreementBuilder contains more than 100 templates that you can use to create legally binding contracts to help you build your business. Also. as well as forces beyond your control… AgreementBuilder lets you define. bargains.B Service Settlement Agreement & Release Severance Agreement Shareholder Buy-Sell Software Development . and the best ways to settle disputes.Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe 13 . They are very busy and would need to charge you their full rate—when you can get started on your own.Work for Hire Software End-User License Software Maintenance Stock Redemption Sublease Sublease Guaranty Technology Evaluation Technology License Trademark Assignment Trademark License Website Development Work For Hire Agreement Website Reciprocal Link Work for Hire The first contract was written hundreds of years ago.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Whatever you cannot understand. it's hard to believe that attorneys continue to charge an arm and a leg to "draft" an age old agreement. With AgreementBuilder. document and solidify your relationships with vendors. . then pay them for the essence of their expertise where you need it most. and provided pertinent information on each and every one: the what. as a business owner. and it has been rewritten countless times since. you must familiarize yourself with the legal foundations. and money. AgreementBuilder is the most comprehensive software product of its kind. Given this fact. uncertainty. you cannot possess. what to look for in agreements that you're asked to sign.Handbook of Business Contracts Promissory Note (with Stock Conversion) Referral Acknowledgment Release (Simple) Represent Buyer Represent Seller Residential Lease Residential Sublease Retail Salesperson Retainer (Fee) Sale Sales Rep (Commission Only) Sales Representative Sales Representative (Foreign) Salesperson Commission Only Salesperson Master Commission Security . when. customers. Basics about contracts.A Security . you will save considerable time. why. and step-by-step instructions on how to "fill-in the blanks" to complete contracts that fulfill your business requirements. We've organized the agreements into eight logical business-related categories. You will also gain many useful insights about contract law.
In short. you may be able to attend special conferences put on by local attorneys who you can approach with your questions. state or local law. You can save 14 . Do not use these documents without consulting an attorney. JIAN accepts no liability for the effectiveness of these documents for your purposes. The first consideration is to find someone who has the expertise you need. or satisfy any provision of federal. The purpose of this software product is to assist you in the preparation of business agreements. they can act as your business partner and help you select the appropriate legal and business position for your personal or business goals. By using AgreementBuilder. you will undoubtedly encounter situations where the complexity of an agreement. pay. "Working with Your Attorney" provides practical information and suggestions on how to find. If you belong to a trade association or other organized group. AgreementBuilder provides standard legal agreements for use in a wide variety of situations. The best way to find an attorney is to ask your friends and business colleagues for referrals. Not only can attorneys guide you through the gauntlet of legal issues in a particular situation. They might attempt to sell you additional services. rather than review yours. If you have a modem. that you don't generally need. hire. Once you have finished creating your agreement. often at a high cost. While these agreements are useful and educational. The following section. there are many ways to find attorneys. JIAN also provides our customers with access to the JIAN Professional Advisors (JPA) Network. JIAN does not represent or guarantee that these documents are appropriate for your needs. AgreementBuilder customers can obtain information on the JPA Network by calling 1-800-346-JIAN (5426). you can call your local library for copies of national or local listings of attorneys. Finding the right attorney for your needs takes some effort. usually for a substantial amount of money. Also. Some attorneys may be disparaging regarding your AgreementBuilder documents. Hiring an Attorney Finding attorneys is the easiest part of the process. as well as to ensure that it conforms to all state and local laws. there are attorneys around every corner who are ready and willing to serve your needs. Among the professionals are attorneys in a number of states who will be happy to review your contract(s) for a reasonable fee. you should have it reviewed and approved by an attorney to ensure that it meets your particular needs. or the risk of liability exposure. you can access the JPA Network by dialing into our bulletin board at 650-254-5600. there are several factors or priorities to consider. That's because they may have their own contract templates which they'd prefer to use. requires that you act prudently and seek the assistance of an attorney. a group of business professionals who use JIAN products and can provide assistance and advice. you agree to indemnify and hold JIAN harmless for any claim or liability arising from use of this product. Finding an Attorney Shopping for an attorney may take a certain amount of persistence.Handbook of Business Contracts Introduction Words of Caution Reading this manual and/or using AgreementBuilder does not make you an attorney (maybe you could play one on TV…).JIAN AgreementBuilder® . and use attorneys. I Need a Lawyer!" As you know. You can also call the local bar association for a list of local attorneys who practice in a particular area of the law. When you seek the assistance of an attorney. "Hey.
if you are setting up a distribution deal to distribute your product. experience and cost. will almost always require hourly or contingency fees. you have an attorney. Request 15 . Remember. but it is more important to select an attorney for his or her skill. The attorney will then ask you to sign a Legal Services Agreement to formalize the relationship. You probably purchased AgreementBuilder for this very reason. be their guide. it is important that you get along with your attorney. cost and personality. don't let the attorney use you. Instead. Chances are you will be relying on the attorney to help you make important decisions. and then rate the attorney against others you have interviewed.Handbook of Business Contracts time and money working with an attorney who is skilled in the legal and business issues you face. Obviously. The fourth factor in hiring an attorney is to select an attorney who you like as a person.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . they are letting lawyers. A good principle to follow is that when you use an attorney. many transactional attorneys are willing to work for a fixed rate or set a fee limit for business transactions. Make an appointment. you don't want a career personal injury lawyer negotiating the deal or drafting the documents. People are getting smarter nowadays. and make your decision. so it helps a great deal to keep on top of all the work for which you are billed. Using Your Attorney Once you sign the Legal Services Agreement. Also. For example. skill. not a popularity contest. You can pay attorneys at an hourly or fixed rate or a combination of both. but you will be able to see your attorney in action at the same time. So look for an attorney who has the exact experience required for your situation and/or an attorney who understands your industry. Not only can you get a better deal. if any. depending on the type of case and on whether they will represent a plaintiff or a defendant. Weigh all of the factors. your attorney is legally obligated to keep all of his or her correspondence and conversations with you confidential. have some questions ready. unless you indicate that you're going to commit a crime of some sort. hiring an attorney is a business decision. Most attorneys will meet with you free of charge for a first interview. The Interview You should meet with each potential attorney to get some perspective about the attorney's experience. instead of their conscience. Attorneys may offer many types of fee structures. but also business insight. business-savvy attorney who has drafted and negotiated distribution agreements. Good attorneys consider cost. but extremely likable people don't always make good attorneys. so choose an attorney whose skill. The third factor to consider in hiring an attorney is to find someone you can trust. on the other hand. A few attorneys think that this gives them the right to go out there and argue every legal issue until they are blue in the face and the client is out of money. nonrefundable retainer fee to engage the attorney. you not only receive solid legal advice. intelligence and integrity you can rely on. We have provided sample Legal Services Agreements in AgreementBuilder. Litigation attorneys. It may seem odd that this would be a lower priority than the others. but he sure wasn't the life of the party. some of which (like cost) may be more important than others. time and effect when deciding upon a particular course of action. Perry Mason always won in court. The experienced attorney will be able guide you through issues such as what royalty provisions.Will Rogers Your second factor in hiring an attorney is to find one who is willing to work within an agreeable fee structure. they should consult with you and let you make the ultimate decision on which action to take. After all. . Use your negotiation skills to work out an appropriate fee structure. so take a look at these to get a better understanding of the types of provisions included in these kinds of agreements. Today. Attorney's fees can add up quickly. For example. your attorney must act in the best interests of the client and must zealously pursue those interests. if you work with an experienced. are proper for your deal. Also. Some attorneys will ask that you pay an up-front.
have your lawyer review them. we must learn first to do with diligence. Also. The contract itself. AgreementBuilder educates you on the meaning of many types of legal provisions. Use if for educational as well as legal purposes. which we designed so that anyone who picks up the contract can quickly and easily find out the important facts—who the contract is between. we are not able to include printouts of the templates. correspondence and other relevant documents so you can refresh your memory regarding a particular issue. you should write out a list of questions before making a call or having a meeting in person. When you want to discuss issues with your lawyer.000 pages—quite a heavy load. You can create your own legal agreements and. A cover memo. so be strict yet reasonable. This can help you to clarify your thoughts and can reduce the amount of time spent fumbling through ambiguous (and costly) conversations. as well as illustrations of a sample template (see pages 12 and 13). You are the boss. the contract's effective date and subject matter. Due to the limited amount of space available in this reference guide. either during or after the conversation. but always consult an attorney with your questions. Closing Thoughts Remember that AgreementBuilder is not a "virtual lawyer" but a guide. many of which exceed 10 pages in length.Samuel Johnson 16 .Handbook of Business Contracts itemized billing statements and don't be afraid to question unreasonable charges. Moreover. Using AgreementBuilder in conjunction with your lawyer will be a great timesaver as well. 2. What's in a Template? Each of the templates in AgreementBuilder has two main parts: 1. and the terms of the contract. which includes comments that explain the purpose of certain sections and assist you in customizing the template for your specific need. as well as a lot of trees!) We have included a detailed description of what you will see on your computer screen when you open up an AgreementBuilder template with your word processor. (To do so would have required an estimated 2. AgreementBuilder provides you with more than 100 legal documents. What we hope ever to do with ease. . take notes during such conversations. Keep a file of all notes. That way. so you will easily understand issues that you would otherwise have to pay a lawyer to explain. if necessary. you won't have to call your attorney to ask a question that you've asked before.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . We at JIAN hope that AgreementBuilder can augment any attorney-client relationship you have.
The parties agree as follows: The JIAN Advisor All of the templates provide you with comments. Following is an example of a comment followed by the paragraph discussed in the comment. or roman type. This Agreement is made on [Month Day. converted) the template you want. These comments. Note: Some word-processor's allow you to search for paragraph "styles. under the following provisions. Year]. separated by a space) that begin each comment and delete these comment sections. Before Customization: This Agreement is made on [Month Day. California. use your word-processor's Search (or Find) function to locate the "[ ]" characters (which are simply a left and right square bracket. under the following provisions.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . and [the name of the Lender] ("Lender"). depending on your word-processor and computer screen. 2006 by and between Bob Smith ("Borrower"). written by the attorneys who prepared these documents." If your word processing program has this feature. before you print your final version. italicized. which we refer to as the "JIAN Advisor" describe the section that follows the comment. residing at [Borrower's full address].Handbook of Business Contracts Using the Templates Customizing the Templates AgreementBuilder's templates are designed to be accessed through and used with your word processor. by and between [the name of the Borrower] ("Borrower"). residing at 122 Main Street. They always begin with [ ]. that explain the purpose of the sections and provide helpful hints to guide you in customizing the contract to your specific needs. under the following provisions. Replace all of this text with the appropriate date. When inserting the text specific to your agreement. Once you have opened (and if necessary. Anytown. and [Name of the Lender] ("Lender"). Following each [x] we have placed in parenthesis a description of the text you need to insert. use your word processor's Search (or Find) function to look for the place-holding characters [x]. by and between [Name of the Borrower] ("Borrower"). This is a standard introductory paragraph that lists the parties to and the effective date of this Agreement. Year]. and appear on your computer screen in either colored. residing at [Borrower's full address]. the text printed in purple denotes the information that is to be customized (in the "before" example) or was customized (in the "after" example). Then. completed agreement. remember to replace both the [x] and the description. Below are "before" and "after" versions of a typical paragraph. The parties agree as follows: After Customization: This Agreement is made on June 1. Refer to the AgreementBuilder Getting Started booklet for instructions on how to open the templates with your specific word processor. The parties agree as follows: We recommend that you leave these comments in place until you have finished customizing the template. you may be able to search for the "comments" style and delete all of the 17 . Year]. and you are ready to print your final. and Mary Jones ("Lender"). The most common instance will be: [Month Day.
margins or paper size using the page formatting commands for your word processor.5.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .inch by 11-inch page. with the exception of the ASCII version. we have selected a variation of the font "Times" appropriate for use with your computer. You may change the font. on the Macintosh. On the PC. The font has been set to a very legible 12-point type size. without consulting an attorney! Printing Your Agreements Contrary to popular belief. Signing Your Contracts Before you sign any of the contracts you prepare with AgreementBuilder be sure you: Read through the document carefully (does it say what you really want it to say).Handbook of Business Contracts comments globally. font size. You can even print the documents in larger type for those who have difficulty reading small type. In most cases. 18 . Print the final contract as you would any document you prepared yourself. there are no legal statutes demanding that your contracts be printed on "legal" paper in extra small type. or in a courier font. the font is set to Palatino. except as suggested in the comments. Have an attorney review it to make sure your contract is legal and meets all currently applicable state and federal laws. Delete the commentary following each of the paragraphs (without having deleted any of the paragraphs).25-inch left and right margins on a standard 8. these documents have been formatted to provide for 1-inch top and bottom margins and 1. We recommend that you do not change any of the remaining text in the contracts.
exactly what promises the parties are making to each other. prepare. on the porch of the Harborside Inn. between two or more parties to do something. If the party who makes the promise breaks (or breaches) that promise. Judge 'n' Jury™ Trial #84 Harborside Inn is sued for missing instruments.Handbook of Business Contracts Contract Basics The whole duty of government is to prevent crime and to preserve contracts. Furthermore. The next morning. while all contracts are agreements. A good contract clearly lists the terms of the agreement. assured by the innkeeper that the chef—baking breads for tomorrow's breakfast—would be the last to leave and would secure the doors when she left. that is.m. the other party or parties involved in the promise have legal solutions (or remedies) to the breach. None of the door locks had been tampered with. agreement is a much broader term. on the eve before the show. a bailment existed. and attempts to demystify contract law." Does the band have the right to recover the value of the stolen instruments? If so. an agreement is simply a mutual assent. so that you can better understand. of certain past or future facts or performances. and commit to agreements that meet and protect your business needs. Since all of the agreements in AgreementBuilder. if not decide for the Defendant. band members unloaded their instruments in the foyer. and types of contracts.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Harborside's chef testified she had indeed locked the door. The following discussion clarifies the purpose. The instruments were delivered into Harborside's exclusive possession and the innkeeper assured the band that the building would be secured. . Inc. and perhaps the guests were the band itself. A bailment is an entrustment. the terms agreement and contract are used interchangeably within this product. At 11 p. Thus. suggesting that the chef had forgotten to lock the front door. The law requires a party who makes a contractual promise to keep that promise. if used properly. or a promise. The bailee—Harborside Inn—was negligent. The band's attorney replied: "There was no sign of forcing the locks. not all agreements are contracts. decide for the Plaintiff. she said." In plain English. and not all contracts are legally binding or enforceable. are legally binding contracts. Copyright 1995 by Winning Moves. Although often used as a synonym for contract. All Rights Reserved. 19 . intent. the definition of agreement is "a concord of understanding and intention between two or more parties with respect to the effect upon their relative rights and duties. What is a Contract? A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties who make one or more promises to each other. So the musicians brought suit against Harborside for the value of the instruments as well as for the cost of a show they could no longer perform. Perhaps some guests staying at the inn stole the instruments. The Muddy Rudders Blues Band performs every Fourth of July. And the right of the bailors—The Muddy Rudders—to recover has been established.Lord Melbourne In law. Police investigated. the band discovered their saxophone and two guitars missing.
or by a mentally ill person. A bilateral contract is created when both parties promise to do something. Because both parties undertake a promise. Bilateral vs. a bilateral contract has two rights. contracts that deal with the sale of goods by or between merchants are subject to a set of special laws known as the Uniform Commercial Code (U. An example of a verbal agreement is as follows: "I agree to cut your lawn for $25." Obviously. and is binding on both parties) or unilateral (the contract affects or obligates only one of the parties involved). a statute of limitations that sets a maximum time period for the enforceability of certain agreements. Validity & Enforceability of Contracts In order for a contract to be enforceable. the terms of this agreement are simple enough that they do not have to be written down. and the other party accepts by doing that which was requested. Each of these criteria is discussed in detail in the sections that follow. There is mutual assent. For example. A unilateral contract is created when one party promises to do something if the other party also does something. Because only one party makes a promise. David promises to pay Sally $250 if she drives his car from San Francisco to Los Angeles. you owe me $25.). 20 . Since the content of verbal agreements is often subject to dispute. a unilateral contract has only one right and one duty for the party who makes the promise. While she is not obligated to take the car. and two duties. for example. Each party involved in the contract either gets or gives up something (referred to as consideration). Once I cut your lawn. These are considered void (or voidable) contracts. In addition. depending on the circumstances of the contract.000. and have no legal effect—ever. he is obligated to pay her if she delivers the car. and Sarah has a right to buy the car. although to be enforceable most contracts must be in writing. Written Agreements Contracts can be either verbal or written. as soon as Sally takes the car from David she has commenced performance and a bilateral contract is formed. A voidable contract.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . can either be avoided or ratified.C. and Sarah promises to buy the car for that price. There are no defenses to the contract's creation.C.Handbook of Business Contracts Types of Contracts Verbal vs. and you agree to pay me $25 if I cut your lawn. "The Statute of Frauds" on page XXX provides detailed information about when and what types of contracts need to be in writing. such as a contract entered into by a minor. Bob has a right to $5. it must be valid. for example. For example.000 to Bob for the car. a contract to steal a car. Contracts that are impacted or superseded by defenses (or laws) not discussed in the contract itself.000. Bob also has a duty to sell the car to Sarah.C. Unilateral Agreements Regardless of whether agreements are verbal or written. Bob promises to sell his car to Sarah for $5. Contracts that are unenforceable (and not valid) include: Contracts where the promise is illegal in nature. Contracts that appear to be valid may in fact be invalid if they can be found to be voidable. Contracts are valid if they meet the following criteria. contracts are either bilateral (the contract affects or is undertaken by both parties equally. and Sarah has a duty to pay $5. For example. Note that most unilateral contracts become bilateral contracts once the accepting party commences performance of the requested action. See "Buying and Selling Goods and Services" in Section 3 for a detailed discussion of the U.C. it's always better to have a written contract.
and a communication must be made to the Offeree. given the circumstances. the content of the offer must list the essential terms. In order to create reasonable expectation. consideration. there must be an intent to form a present contract. Mutual Assent In order to have a contract.000 for my car" are probably preliminary negotiations. unless Sandra terminates the offer before Jim accepts. they are not required in an offer." or "I would sell my car for $5." is needed. for $5. Even though Sandra was only kidding—the car is worth much more—if a reasonable person would have viewed the words as a serious offer." or "I quote $5.Handbook of Business Contracts Elements of a Contract Promises are the uniquely human way of ordering the future. "Are you interested in my car" or "I'd like to get $5. there must be a clear promise or commitment.000 may have been in jest. Language that indicates an invitation such as "I am asking $5. Jim can accept the offer and purchase the car for $5. if. while the offer to sell the rare 1955 Thunderbird for $5. it may be treated as one.000 for my car. 21 . the fact that Sandra was kidding doesn't matter.000. then. Language. making it predictable and reliable to the extent that this is humanly possible. What. Intent In order to have a contract. in order for words to be considered an offer. also referred to as a "meeting of the minds. Therefore.000 for my car. use the following objective test: Ask yourself whether a reasonable person would have thought that an offer had been made.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . As such. Although phrases such as "I offer" or "I promise" are clear expressions of an offer. those words must create a reasonable expectation in the Offeree that the Offeror does in fact want to make a contract on the terms offered. constitutes reasonable expectation? Most courts apply an objective theory of contract interpretation which asks what a "reasonable person" would have understood or believed under the circumstances. not merely preliminary negotiations or future intent of an offer. In determining whether an offer was intended. Surrounding circumstances. they cannot be accepted as offers.000. For example. These three elements are basic and necessary for the existence of a valid contract that is legally binding on the parties. it appeared that it was a real offer. Thus. You should consider the following: 1. The Offer An offer gives power of acceptance to the Offeree. . and are not actual offers. mutual assent. The circumstances surrounding the communication also assist in determining whether it was an offer. and it requires one party (the Offeror) to make an offer and the other party (the Offeree) to accept that offer.Hannah Arendt Contracts are composed of three elements: mutual assent. For example. The specific words used may indicate an offer. a rare car. Sandra offers to sell Jim her 1955 Thunderbird. as opposed to what the Offeror and Offeree actually believed. Great importance is given to whether the Offeree believed the Offeror was communicating an offer.000" satisfy the language requirement of an offer. However. Mutual assent is a conscious approval of facts already known. 2. and defenses.
Model Kpx 2200. Compare that example to the following advertisement: "$1 for a 19-inch color television. as opposed to calling for more questions. For example." the employee would get nothing because the amount due the employee is a matter of pure conjecture. first served. though not all. Solicitations are usually not offers but are invitations for offers. you should: 1. 6. Content In general. if an employer promised his employee a "fair share of the profits. first served" language eliminates any identification issues. Whatever is typical in the industry will be considered in determining whether there is an offer. it is likely to be considered an offer. If you want to buy the television. and under the U. If enough of the essential terms of the contract are present in the offer. First come. they do not foresee the problem that later arises. For example. or they simply are not lawyers. It should be clear that the Offeror intended to create the power of acceptance in that person or group of persons. etc. you offer to purchase it and the seller can either accept or reject your offer. Contracts involving the sale of goods should specify the quantity offered.Handbook of Business Contracts 3. Traditionally. the offer must identify the land as well as the price terms. but the price of the goods is omitted. Whenever writing a contact. a reasonable price will be used (based on trade journals. the terms of the offer must be specific. open market prices. 2. since the offer is there for the first person that shows up to accept it. If the communication calls for a simple yes or no. in the example of the advertisement selling the television for $1. Often. then a contract with those terms would be enforced. 5. For example. Method of communication.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . the more likely it will be seen as an offer. it is likely that it will treated as an offer again. omissions. In real estate transactions. The more specific the communication. this is an offer and the first person accepting it has a contract to buy the television for $1. Clearly identify the subject matter.C. Industry custom.). courts required that the contract include all of the following items: Subject matter Identity of the Offeree Price Time of payment or delivery Quantity Nature of the work to be performed (if applicable) More recently. a contract with indefinite terms would not be enforced. The relationship and former practice of the parties. Specificity of terms related to intention." Since there is nothing left to negotiate. the "first come. so long as the parties intended to make a contract. if goods are involved and both of the parties are merchants. they are reluctant to raise difficult issues for fear that the deal may fall through. Requirements differ depending on the nature of the subject matter. though with respect to "requirements" 22 . the parties to an agreement are not precise in setting out the terms of their contracts because they don't want to take the time or trouble.. Conversely. Clearly identify the Offeree. If the particular type of communication that took place has been treated as an offer in the past.C. "reasonable" terms are implied to fill many. An example would be an advertisement promoting a television for $200. in order to enforce a contract. however. 4.
and that they are of average quality. In the case where the Offeror promises to hold the offer open for a specific period of time. they will be inferred. Compare that to an offer to sell diamonds. he or she can always terminate the offer. you pass by a Ford dealer and learn that your van is worth $12. and the rent could easily be fixed by a local real estate expert under the terms given (i. for example. fair market value. a reasonable person would have to believe that the communication was authorized and intended to create the power of acceptance in the Offeree. I pass by your desk and read your computer screen. the rent was less important than the right to renew.000. which means looking at the subject matter. There are a number of ways an offer can terminate.000. as such I have no right to accept it. a warranty of merchantability may be implied by law. quantity is generally not required. however. Since the Offeror completely controls the power of acceptance. the duration will be brief. The communication—typing words on a computer screen—was not intended to create the power of acceptance. then the offer will stay open for a reasonable time. 1. a term may be added to a contract. a lease will include a renewal option with a provision to agree on future rent. For example. Often.P. Clearly.000 cash.e.). then the contract can be terminated by either party at will. the length of the employment must be stated. including revocation. 20.000 miles." While you are out to lunch. In order to accept an offer. the Offeree can no longer accept it. On the other hand. Avoid vague terms. 3. if you hire a contractor to build your house but do not indicate when he needs to complete the work. Termination of Offer Termination of the offer is also referred to as termination of the power of acceptance. For example. For example. Not only is there no obligation to agree. and is therefore not an offer. if nothing is said about the duration of an offer to sell a specific shipment of bananas. The best way to avoid the problem altogether is to tie renewal options to some standard. no matter how unreasonable it may seem. too indefinite. $8. meaning that the seller guarantees that the goods sold are fit for the intended use of that particular good. During my lunch break. This is particularly relevant when dealing with lease renewal cases. in certain circumstances. This is determined by commercial circumstances. Communication For there to be an effective offer. in an agreement for the sale of goods where nothing is mentioned about warranties. If these terms are not included in the written agreement and you do not indicate an intent to the contrary. For example. local property values. the Offeror must communicate the offer to the Offeree. Termination or revocation. When you get back from lunch. rejection.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . 4. which will stay open much longer. Once the offer is revoked. one year. I hand you a check for $8. you did not intend to communicate this offer. Also. the consumer price index (C. lapse. you type on your computer but do not distribute the following: "I am offering for sale my blue 1990 Ford Aerostar Van. Unless the parties indicate at the time of contracting that they do not want a contract unless they specifically agree to a price. a provision where the rental rate in a lease renewal option is to be "agreed on according to business conditions at the time of renewal" would be sufficiently definite. a reasonable price will be implied. Clearly specify price and time provisions. death or incapacity. If it is not. a going rate). In employment contracts. or even more simply. a court will imply some reasonable amount of time. This provision is. and..I. The law will also imply a reasonable time for performance. The difference between these two examples is that in the latter case. you need to ask whether that offer is still valid. for example.Handbook of Business Contracts and "output" contracts. it nevertheless may be revoked at 23 . a lessor wants out of a lease because he or she wants to sell the leased property. Typically. If the Offeror says nothing. but it is confusing trying to figure out what the parties intended. There are some limitations on the Offeror's power to revoke.
Acceptance that modifies an original offer is a rejection of that offer and terminates the power of acceptance. insanity. no offer ever survives the death. The destruction of the subject matter before acceptance terminates an offer.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Even if Tuffet didn't engage in such unscrupulous practices. When the bill arrived.000. I cannot then terminate my offer. Destruction of subject matter. Muffet didn't see any of the required disclosures by the Truth in Lending Act. Muffet's attorney argued that even though Tuffet Magazines had not included a finance charge. if you offer to sell me an automatic gun and soon thereafter Congress passes a law making automatic weapons illegal.000 and you say you don't want it. I offer to sell you my bike and I promise to keep the offer open for one week so you can try to sell your bike first. not an acceptance of my original offer. then the offer is irrevocable for a reasonable period not to exceed three months. Although a counteroffer is generally considered a rejection of the offer. If no time is stated. When the offer is classified under the Uniform Commercial Code as a Merchant's Firm Offer (U. then the offer is terminated. Subsequent illegality. The offer to sell me the gun is invalidated because of the new law. in itself. required by federal law to be printed on the bill. The Act requires that whenever a consumer contracts to pay for goods on credit in more than four installments. When the Offeree changes his or her position based on a promise from the Offeror to keep the offer open. Ms." 3. that is considered to be an offer in itself. any subsequent acceptance of the original offer is not enforceable. a contract) that makes an offer irrevocable for an agreed upon period of time. the original offer will remain open. 4. death or incapacity. Rejection or refusal. In this case. Of course.C. If an offer is made that later becomes illegal. B. If goods are involved and the Offeror is a merchant and says in a writing signed by him that the offer will stay open for a specified period. For example. When the Offeror gives the Offeree an option (which is. If two days later you sell your bike. For example: "We are considering your offer of $2. For example. Marjorie Muffet ordered 10 magazine subscriptions from Tuffet Magazines. you cannot later accept the offer since your initial rejection effectively terminated the offer. Muffet sued for failure to disclose information. She agreed to make payment in 30 monthly installments. if the Offeree demonstrates an intention to keep the offer open while presenting a counteroffer. 2. I am therefore obligated to sell you my bike at the offered price. or incapacity of the Offeror or the Offeree. therefore. if I offer you my car for $5. 24 . then it is irrevocable during that period. 205). she argued. would you consider taking $1.Handbook of Business Contracts any time except: A. Tuffet Magazines—must disclose lending information such as any extra finance charges. your reliance on my promise and the subsequent sale of your bike was reasonable and foreseeable to me. If you make a new offer or a counteroffer. For example: "We cannot reduce the quantity or we cannot book your order at present at that price. the person offering the credit—in this case. they could add one indirectly by increasing the subscription price. the offer is automatically revoked. anything that suggests a reconsideration of the original offer is a revival of that offer.800. Judge 'n' Jury™ Trial #76 Muffet sues Tuffet Magazines for failure to disclose information. For example. what is deemed reasonable will depend upon the nature of the goods involved." In addition. Also. but while we are doing so. C. If an Offeree rejects or refuses an offer. the Offeree may argue what's called promissory estoppel. the publications service must disclose all lending information. Clearly.C.
the Offeror bears the risk of loss. Copyright 1995 by Winning Moves. a revocation received after an acceptance is sent is ineffective. Did the Truth in Lending Act apply to this sale? If you believe so. An offer made in a face-to-face meeting expires at the end of that meeting unless it is specifically said that the offer is still open. All Rights Reserved.000. and you must sell me your car.JIAN AgreementBuilder® ." the original offer is rejected. Ms. Federal Express. North Dakota. it must be accepted by the Offeree. the Offeror should say in the offer that an acceptance is not effective unless and until acceptance is received. and you say you will pay $9. the mails. nor would increase its price in the next three years. On January 15. Lapse. In some states. A revocation of an offer. In these states. Who May Accept The party to whom the offer was made may accept the offer. acceptance must be communicated to the Offeror in a reasonable manner. on January 1. if I accept your offer to sell me your car by mailing my acceptance and it gets lost. assuming I can prove that I mailed an acceptance. If an exclusive method of acceptance is prescribed. If not. On January 14. is effective (in most states) when received by the Offeree (as opposed to the acceptance of an offer which is effective when sent). unequivocal. offers relating to subject matter that undergo rapid price fluctuations will shorten the reasonable time that the offers remain open. Therefore there was nothing to disclose. Method of Acceptance The Offeror may restrict the methods of acceptance. In the event the Offeree assigns his or her power of acceptance. To avoid this sort of problem. Also. For example. we would not have a binding contract since you sent out your revocation before I sent my acceptance. I receive your rejection. you offer to sell me your car for $5. In most states. If no time period for the offer is specified. Timing—The Mailbox Rule: Contracts by Correspondence An acceptance is effective as soon as it is sent to the Offeror in a commercially reasonable mode. the specific facts and nature of the bargain will determine a reasonable time for the offer to remain open. we still have a deal. For example. vote for the Defendant. unconditional consent to each and every term of the offer. Generally. fax. on the other hand.Handbook of Business Contracts Tuffet Magazines countered that the act did not apply. such as California. This is because the acceptance must be unequivocal.000. Why not? The service neither charges a fee for installment payments. it lapses after a reasonable period. if I offer to sell you my house for $10. and any words or conduct which serve to refuse. that assignee may also accept the offer. For example. qualify or modify the original offer amount to a rejection of that offer. What is reasonable depends on how the offer was sent. South Dakota. Counteroffers: The Single Opportunity Doctrine When the Offeree accepts an offer with a new or "counteroffer. this is a counteroffer that rejects my original 25 . Later that day. 5. What is reasonable will depend on the circumstances. Otherwise. Tuffet Magazines. Interestingly. however. an acceptance must be a voluntary. Muffet. Thus. present. you mail a revocation of the offer to me. to be effective. and the like are considered to be reasonable methods of correspondence. vote for the Plaintiff. a revocation is effective when sent. A homing pigeon would not be considered commercially reasonable. Generally. the Offeror can require that the acceptance be delivered via Federal Express. Acceptance In order for an offer to become a contract. I mail my acceptance to you. Similarly. Inc. and Montana. we would have a contract since I sent my acceptance before I received your revocation.000. For example. the Offeree must comply with that method.
Past or moral consideration is not considered to be sufficient consideration either. all you need is an exchange of promises. In unilateral contracts. For example: Joe agrees to paint Mary's house for $500.C. Consideration Consideration is composed of bargain and value. as it relates to contracts. this promise is not an enforceable agreement. therefore. The second is where the Offeror would otherwise be unable to determine if the act was performed. the exchange of performance for a promise is sufficient consideration. Mary can hire another painter. Acceptance—The Unilateral Mode For unilateral contracts (that is. Because there is no bargain. Joe can enforce Mary's promise in court. because an inquiry is not considered a counteroffer.C. takes over. a promise not to revoke the offer will be implied (in contrast to the general rule that an Offeror can take back an offer at any time prior to its acceptance). In the example above. Bargain In a bargain. If Joe paints the house and Mary refuses to pay him. however. Equality of the bargain is not necessary. a reward is offered for the capture of an escaped convict.000?" then my original offer would still be valid.C. you create a "de facto" option such that the Offeror cannot revoke the offer. by agreeing to paint the house. By performing the act requested. that party will not be able to enforce the agreement. A true case.000 had been phrased as an inquiry. Joe has incurred a legal liability. "Would you consider $9. To be induced by an offer. Consideration means that there are mutual promises such that each party either gets something or gives up something. If Joe refuses to paint the house. an employer promises to pay an employee a lifelong pension. She is giving up money and getting a freshly painted house. but does not subject this promise to any conditions.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . if I reply that I cannot reduce my price. the Offeree must give notice to the Offeror within a reasonable time after performing the accepting act. if your offer of $9. Also. However. If the agreement is bilateral. In this case. There must be some benefit to the person making the promise (Promisor) and some detriment or change in position on the part of the the person accepting the promise (Promisee). for example. See "Buying and Selling Goods and Services" in SectionÊ3 for a detailed discussion of the U. Joe captures the convict and turns her over to the police. such as continued employment. If the agreement is unilateral. If one of the parties has not promised to do something or foregoes doing something. my original offer is revived. he didn't supply the necessary consideration. and if it costs more than $500. She would receive any amounts she paid over and above the $500. she can go to court. Only agreements that have consideration are enforceable.Handbook of Business Contracts offer. It is the reason or material cause of a contract. Joe's promise is to paint the house. 26 . notice of acceptance usually is not required. his actions weren't induced by it. The first is where the Offeror expressly requests notice of acceptance. two exceptions.C. later learning of and then requesting the reward. Note that if both the Offeree and the Offeror are merchants and the subject matter is goods. and you can accept it. as has Mary by agreeing to pay Joe. Mary's promise is to pay Joe $500. There are. each party must incur some legal liability before gaining a legal right. the court ruled that since he didn't know about the reward when he captured the convict. an agreement in which the Offeree can only accept an offer by performing an act). so long as the Offeror is making a conscious attempt to induce the Offeree to act. you must have knowledge of that offer. He is getting $500 and giving up his time to paint the house. and the U. For example. For example. then the single opportunity doctrine does not apply.
you would not be able to argue that we had a contract. Under the U. Other than these four exceptions. Where a confidential relationship exists such that there is trust on one side and dominion on the other. we still don't have a contract. shipping five cases of tuna within 10 days). and is therefore unenforceable. This bargain has value because the son did something that he had no legal obligation to do. therefore. although I am liable for the fair market value of the case if I keep it. The exception to this is an agreement dealing with the sale of goods. and the transaction is really a disguised gift.C.C. you will accept and ship within ten days and give me a 5% discount. there is no 27 . I am trying to give you a gift. fairness will be considered. When there is token consideration. term and quantity (except for output and requirements contracts) must be set forth. it is illusory with respect to both parties.000).C. Since I haven't made any promises. but if the mother did not make this offer (an offer of a trip for the act of saving $1. Nothing in this bargain forces anyone to do anything. which may be a valid defense to enforcement. A mother says to her son: "Save $1.000 and I'll take you to Hawaii for Christmas. full performance of the undertaking (that is. the value of the bargain is considered (for example. there is no consideration. If you only send me one case of tuna. creates a contract. the son would not have to save the money. he is already under a legal obligation not to drink.. Clearly. unless there are previous dealings between the parties such that there is an established customary quantity and term. I offer to sell you my mansion for $1. Another type of illusory promise is one that provides for future agreement about certain essential terms. which is governed by the U. No Consideration—Pre-existing Legal Duty If a party does or promises to do what he or she is already legally obligated to do or refrains or promises to refrain from doing something which he or she is not legally entitled to do. is exclusively based on whether a party offered to perform a promise (which they otherwise would not have assumed) because there was a bargain. and creates consideration. However. In contrast. partial performance does not. Want of Consideration Want of consideration means that there is no consideration. for one of the parties involved in the agreement. Economic adequacy is an issue for consideration for the following exceptions: When a fiduciary relationship (or a relationship of trust) exists between the two parties. parties may omit price. However. therefore. there is no contractual obligation on my part." I then put in an order for five cases of tuna." This might be construed as an intention to give a gift. Since this is an agreement to agree. When the consideration is clearly worthless.Handbook of Business Contracts Value Value.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . There is no contract because there is want of consideration. and time and place of performance. so long as there is some legal detriment and some change in legal position. consideration exists. Illusory Consideration The following is an example of an illusory promise: "If I decide to order five cases of tuna. Full performance cures the defect. a bargain between a mother who promises a trip to her 16-year old son if he doesn't drink alcohol for one year has no value. Consider the following example. Since the son is a minor. and the mother is not obligated to take her son to Hawaii. therefore. For example. the other half of consideration.C. you may refuse to fill my order. The economics or adequacy of the bargain are not important so long as there is an assumption of a new legal obligation. or there is illusory consideration. there is no consideration. when one of the partners in a partnership buys out the other partner for significantly less than what that partner's interest was worth). and the only reason he did it was because his mother promised to take him to Hawaii if he did so.
000 per week.) my promise to accept a lesser amount than I claim is due me and your promise to pay a greater amount than you admit is owed is enforceable as a "compromise" agreement (called an executory accord). 4.C.000 on your 21st birthday. Since you are unable to get any replacement workers. This additional liability is the debtor's consideration for the extension. For example. however. 1. etc. Gratuitous Promises Gratuitous promises are generally not enforceable because there is no consideration. You have to get something for your promise. (The other party is not obligated to agree to the modification). in a number of states. If. The U. Agreements that extend other agreements are always binding since the debtor is liable for additional interest. A major exception to the pre-existing duty rule exists when the original contract is canceled. you agree to dig a well in my back yard for $5. otherwise it is gratuitous. then consideration is not necessary. Disputed Debts. time for payment. the increased price will be enforceable since it is fair. 3. For example. there are statutes which provide that so long as the agreement is in writing and signed. 2.C. However. If you request a price increase and I agree." This is an unenforceable gift: there is no contract because the nephew doesn't agree to do anything. Other exceptions to the preexisting legal duty rule follow. does not apply. Where the amount you owe me is disputed (the subject of a good faith excuse over the amount owed. Extension Agreements. there must be a concession on both sides or the changes will not be enforceable.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .000 per week rate. It repeals the pre-existing duty requirement if the party seeking the modification does so in good faith. Furthermore.000 per week. you discover an unknown sewer line and you are forced to move the well. 28 .C.C. applies. and where there is a pre-existing legal duty and one or both of the parties seeks a change.000. A few days into the job. I agree to work on your fishing boat for the summer for $1. At issue is whether the excuse or change is "fair and equitable. if the Promisor requests a modification. Of course." For example. performance of the contract may be excused. where the U. at the end of the summer you pay me at the $1. Where one or more of the parties are merchants and goods are involved. However. the U. the later agreement would be enforceable. If the Promisor encounters extreme hardship that imposes burdens that were not foreseeable at the time the contract was entered into. you agree to my terms. Uncle Bob says to his nephew "I'll give you $5. the original contract had been canceled before entering into the new agreement. I inform you that I won't do any work unless you pay me $2. In general. the preexisting duty rule has been largely rejected by the courts. like New York. for example an increase in price.C. Hardship.Handbook of Business Contracts consideration because there is no detriment or change in position. A promise to do that which you have previously promised has no value. with respect to the fishing example above. a job that you estimate will take you and your two-person crew a week to complete. I don't have to agree to a modification and can hold you to the original contract.C. a promise by the other party to pay that price would be enforceable. Accordingly. I would not be able to get the additional money since those sums were for the same work that I had agreed to do under the original contract. A month later. Assuming this takes place in a jurisdiction that still recognizes the preexisting duty rule. and in others. the modification would be void of consideration.
Inc. which in fact caused me to quit my job and move. possibly due to neglect. quit my job.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you may be bound to your promise if the person to whom you made the promise relied upon that promise and will be worse off if it is not enforced. I accept your offer. All Rights Reserved. although I may have to pay you damages since I am in breach of the contract. unless there is substantial reliance in which case full enforcement of the promise may be permitted. I should be able to sue you under the theory of promissory estoppel. You no longer have to sell me the car. In order to assert promissory estoppel. A Substitute for Consideration: Promissory Estoppel Promissory estoppel is a theory of civil liability for breaking contracts. In general. it was foreseeable to you that I would rely on your job offer. and that the Promisor (the person who made the promise) caused that reliance. I should be able to recover my moving expenses. Although there is no contract per se.000 and you agree to sell it to me. assured by a salesman he was getting a battery "good as new. I show up at work on June 1 and you say that you're sorry but you've hired someone else. In Wisconsin. and move to California. on May 1. which causes the Promisee to somehow be worse off. The State argued that the salesperson mislead the customer since the battery wasn't new as believed and therefore a false statement had been made to a member of the public. Oftentimes. a statute prohibits sellers from making false and deceptive statements to the public. you offer me a job at my current salary if I can start by June 1. One customer. the Promisee (the person to whom the promise was made and who relied on the promise) has to prove that it was foreseeable that he or she would rely on the promise in question. For example. The attorney for Parts Is Parts defended by arguing that not only were the salesmen's statements not deceptive. but if there is a substitute for consideration such as promissory estoppel. Damages are measured by the out of pocket expenses lost in reliance. 29 . You own and operate a retail clothing chain in southern California and. Clearly. there is no legal contract. Failure of Consideration Failure of consideration implies that the original consideration has since become worthless or ceased to exist. The rule of thumb here is to be very careful when you make a promise to someone. he complained to Parts Is Parts who refused to exchange the one they sold him. if there is no valuable consideration. pack up my belongings. the store recharges used batteries and resells them to the public. Minimally. the promise might be partially enforceable. as opposed to traditional legal or contractual liability. the customer informed the attorney general— the watchdog of consumer protection—who. which would either require you to hire me or pay me an equivalent salary until I found other suitable employment. because there was "substantial" reliance on my part. One individual customer had been spoken to by one employee. There also must be failure to perform on the part of the Promisor. For example. We sign an agreement and you deliver the car to me. I agree to buy your car for $5. Thinking he had purchased a new battery. furthermore. they were not made to the public. or failure of one of the parties to perform. Even if there is no written agreement and no consideration. is Parts and Parts guilty of making false and deceptive statements to the public? Copyright 1995 by Winning Moves. I live in New York and am currently employed by a retail clothing store. filed suit against Parts Is Parts for making false statements to the public.Handbook of Business Contracts Judge 'n' Jury™ Trial #75 Parts Is Parts is charged with making false statements. Based on the statute. refusal. but I say I changed my mind." received a reconditioned one instead. Livid. Parts Is Parts auto supply store is known for accepting battery trade-ins. in turn. I might be able to get full enforcement.
In addition. Examples of ambiguity are as follows. public policy. a written contract does not need to contain all of the essential terms. A non-compete clause provides that the seller will not compete with the buyer for school photography within the county.. misunderstandings. be performed within a year from the date of contract formation. and the consideration. Failure to conform with the Statute of Frauds makes a contract voidable. The Statute of Frauds defense must be asserted in a timely manner.Handbook of Business Contracts Defenses A defense to a contract is an assertion that the contract is invalid or unenforceable. the subject matter of the contract. mistakes. Misunderstandings Misunderstandings in contracts occur when the language used is ambiguous. Does "school" include colleges and universities? A non-compete clause provides that an employee will not compete within "five city blocks. For example.C. otherwise it is waived. lack of consent. They must clearly list the essential terms of the agreement.C.C. They must be signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. Also under the U. The effect of a defense is to make the contract unenforceable. certain contract rights may be unenforceable because of a defense to the contract's formation or because there is a defect in one of the parties capacity to contract. and fraud. the contract is only enforceable for the stated quantity. They must provide enough detail to enable the parties to the contract (and any court if legal action results) to clearly determine what the parties were referring to when they made the contract. Even where an agreement is supported by consideration or a suitable substitute such as promissory estoppel. then you cannot assert the Statue of Frauds defense. Contracts to guaranty the debt of another. Also. Contracts for the sale of land or interests in property. then I have a valid defense and I may elect not to sell you my house without being liable for breach of contract. if the quantity is misstated. (The signature requirement is liberally construed to include a rubber stamp or even letterhead. because you would have to walk six blocks to get from one to the other. if both parties are merchants. 3. Contracts which cannot. However. One of the main reasons for this requirement is to provide evidence of the contract's existence. Defenses to contracts or to a contract's formation include the Statute of Frauds. 30 . These include: Contracts for the sale of goods priced at $500 or more. The Statute of Frauds The Statute of Frauds requires that certain types of contracts be in writing in order to be enforceable. 2. and it is not ineffective simply because it omits or incorrectly states a term. contracts that need to be in writing must also meet the following requirements: 1. if I can show that you defrauded me into entering a contract to sell you my house..JIAN AgreementBuilder® .) Under the U. by their terms.C. including the names of the contracting parties." Is four blocks north and two blocks east okay. a written confirmation sent by one to the other binds both parties unless the other sends a written objection within 10 days after receiving the confirmation. Language in a contract is ambiguous when it is reasonably capable of being understood in more than one sense. including leases. What is timely will vary depending on the circumstances. if gross injustice would result. the terms and conditions.
and conducts business in a formal manner). If the non-mistaken party knew or ought to have appreciated the mistake. there would be no mutual mistake. there was no liability. omission or error arising from ignorance. Bob agrees to sell Joe a cow for $80 which both believed to be sterile. Errors of Third Party Intermediaries Where third parties. imposition or misplaced confidence.000. but it is induced by a common or mutual mistake. For example. When good arguments can be made for either of two meanings of a term in a contract." Must all water piping be insulated or just that above the ceilings? Be careful to avoid ambiguity in your contracts. A mechanical miscalculation occurs where you add things up incorrectly. but. if both parties are conscious that a pertinent fact may or may not be true and make their agreement at the risk of that possibility. for example if there is a mechanical miscalculation of a series of numbers. The difference occurs when someone says or does something that he or she should have more fully explained in order to avoid deceiving the other party. a contract exists. Mistakes A mistake is some unintentional act. However. When the parties to a contract are dealing at arms length (which means that each stands upon the strict letter of his or her rights.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . surprise. Furthermore. Mutual Mistakes A mutual mistake occurs when the parties have a common intention. It is generally not a basis for relief by rescission or reformation of the contact. An error in business judgment occurs where you assume you can do something for $x. the rules are identical to those for mechanical miscalculation. therefore. There are numerous kinds of mistakes. such as Western Union. but it turns out that you exercised bad judgment because it will cost more than $x." Sam may rescind the contract. Unilateral Mistakes A unilateral mistake is a mistake by only one party to an agreement. each of which may be used as a defense to a contract. A mutual mistake that does not effect the heart of the bargain cannot be used as a defense to the contract. if William had gone beyond "bare nondisclosure" and knowingly misrepresented material facts by telling "half-truths" such as "I've never seen a termite in the house. However. because he was under no duty to disclose the defect. Additionally. Since a barren cow is substantially different than a breeding one. Relief for a mutual mistake varies. there is no contract. Therefore. For example. Sam purchased a house from William which he later found out was infested by termites. he discovered that she was pregnant and therefore worth over $1. the third party may be liable for negligence or breach of the contract to transmit. William knew about the termites but didn't tell Sam. The parties were mistaken as to what kind of transaction they had entered into. The general rule here is that a mutual mistake relating to a basic assumption on which the contract was made provides a basis for rescission of the contract. and cannot be used as a defense to a contract. Concealment Concealment is the withholding of something which one knows and is obligated to reveal. make an error. the contract may be rescinded. in general. the ambiguity or misunderstanding can be used as a defense. errors in business judgment do not constitute unilateral mistake.Handbook of Business Contracts A contract calling for "all domestic water piping and rainwater piping installed above finished ceiling must be insulated. mere non-disclosure of concealed defects does not render one party liable to the other. 31 . then the contract is voidable by the mistaken party. Immediately before Bob was to deliver the cow to Joe. if the mistake relates to an essential part of the agreement.
Misrepresentation is grounds for rescinding a contract if you can show that the misrepresentation was made with the knowledge that is was misleading or deceiving. if a person wants a car. the disclaimer is void. The outcome of a disclaimer often depends on the particular circumstances. you have no choice but to disclose defects.10 at a baggage claim. was a clause limiting implied warranty liability to defective parts and not to personal injury.000 fur coat which is in a plain brown box for $. or when one party is completely or at least relatively unfamiliar with the terms of the agreement.Handbook of Business Contracts William's statement that he hadn't seen any termites created a duty to disclose the fact that there were termites. There is a gross disparity such that the consumer must either take the contract "as is" or forgo the car. Mary checks her $1. it may merely blue pencil (that is. For numerous reasons. waiver of the statute of limitations. In small print. For example. Substantive Unconscionability Courts may refuse to enforce contracts that are one-sided bargains. In states where there is no affirmative disclosure requirement.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . it must be a contract to do an illegal act. Misrepresentation A misrepresentation is an untrue statement of fact. the baggage claim company would be responsible for the full $1. you shouldn't try to hide something in your agreements as these disclaimers may be unenforceable. Since the intent of the agreement was to safely store packages and since Mary may not have read the disclaimer. Generally. such as one in which a public official is bribed. if by the terms of the agreement one party seeks to take advantage of the other. For example. or it must involve a contract contemplating fraudulent bidding on a public contract. Other examples of unconscionability include: disclaimers of implied warranties. the relative bargaining powers of the parties. or. courts are less likely to uphold the contract when the party using the standardized contract has disproportionate economic power and. Standard Form Contracts With respect to standard form contracts (such as rental car agreements). The fur was allegedly given away to another customer by mistake. and the degree of resulting injury will be looked at to determine whether or not to enforce or delete the term in question. waiver of defenses. delete) the term. often referred to as contracts of adhesion. Public Policy Defenses Public policy is defined as community common sense and common conscience. the court may allow a defense making the contract voidable. If there is a disclosure requirement. where a party seeks to disclaim liability for a hazardous activity like dynamite blasting. Another reason 32 . In a second example. ten days after taking delivery of his new car Bob is injured in an accident caused by the failure of the steering mechanism. Since there are only a few car manufacturers and all offer essentially the same terms. Illegality For a contract to be void because it is against public policy. Disclaimers A disclaimer in a contract is a clause that attempts to control one party's liability by reducing the number of situations in which that party can be in breach. he or she must accept those terms. buried on the back of the purchase contract. Courts may refuse to enforce contracts that violate law or public policy. and clauses in a lease that would excuse a landlord. Generally. there is no opportunity to bargain over terms (take it or leave it).000 loss. and that it was relevant to the contract. The outcome would probably have been different had the notice been given verbally at the counter. as a consequence. The claim ticket contained a clause in big. red letters limiting liability to $25. economic justification. the key is not to open your mouth in the first place.
33 . Stephanapolis.C. Time Limitation Clauses In general. properly. and makes an agreement voidable when certain offensive tactics. unequivocal. When the agreement was made. unconditional consent to each and every term of the offer. and the attending circumstances. and the other party must have known or have reason to know of the intoxication. if you run out of gas in the middle of a desert and I offer to give you a gallon of gas for $1. but it's really a contract. the subject matter. For example.000 when the war is over in exchange for present payment of $25 worth of Greek Drachmas. which I knew was a contract. present. Intoxicated Persons Modern courts allow individuals temporarily incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol to assert the intoxication as a defense. it's a lie! Fraud in the factum is any strategy taken by one party that denies the other party of the knowledge that a contract exists. it is not duress since I have neither caused nor aggravated your problem. For example. referred to as coercion or over-persuasion. lack of consent can be used as a defense. As such. you sell me an electric travel adapter/converter that only can be used oversees and state that any claims must be made within ten days of purchase. Infant's Contracts and Mental Incapacity Contracts entered into by minors. Failure to do what is required by the time specified is a breach of the contract. Amen agrees to pay Stephanapolis $2. the intoxicated party must be so drugged or intoxicated that he or she does not understand the nature or the consequences of the contract. if he didn't understand the provision it would not be enforceable. Contracts for the sale of goods must give way to the U. Since it is clear that I may not use the product for some time. time limitation clauses limit the performance by one party within the period of time specified in the contract." the minor must either return the items contracted for or pay the lesser of the amount agreed upon or the fair market value. I ask you to sign a birthday card. with regard to the nature of the act or duty. there is no contract. if I gave you the gas. and reasonably be allowed or required. he refused to pay. Where the contract is for "necessities. For the defense to be effective. Fraud Fraud is the cause of an error bearing on a material part of a contract. Another true example occurred under the duress of World War II. in this case something longer than ten days. you would owe me the $1. provision allowing a buyer reasonable time after he or she discovers (or should have discovered) a defect in the goods to notify the seller of the defect. For example.000. Economic duress as a "lack of consent" defense is allowed only if it involves wrongful conduct. while this is unconscionable. threatening to use or using mental or physical force to gain consent makes an agreement voidable. In other words. are used. and by persons of mental incapacity. Since you thought you were signing a birthday card.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . and even if he had. Amen was in dire straits and in desperate need of money. claiming that he entered into the unequal bargain because of duress. created or continued in deceit. the terms of the contract are binding. are voidable by the minor if he or she asserts infancy as a defense. Reasonable time is the length of time as may fairly. Lack of Consent: "Either you brains or your signature are going on this contract…" (line from "The Godfather") Since acceptance of an offer must be a voluntary. After the war. This was not a valid defense because the other contracting party.Handbook of Business Contracts the disclaimer would be void is due to the fact that the language was in small print and Bob didn't read it. Voidable means that the minor can elect to either affirm or avoid performance of the contract.C. a reasonable period would be substituted. was not the one exerting the duress.000. If affirmed. Also. with the aim to obtain some unjust advantage or to cause an inconvenience or loss to the other party.
Handbook of Business Contracts Fraud in the inducement exists when you are aware that there is a contract but the contract is voidable due to the fact that you gave your consent but had a false impression of the terms or obligations. Such a contract is voidable.000 miles. For example.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Again. 34 . no contract. in fact. Fraud in the execution exists when one party trusts another to reduce an agreement to a written contract and then signs it without first reading it. you agree to buy my car which I tell you has 5.000 miles. it has 105. not knowing that the written contract differs from the original verbal agreement. when.
" and "unless" indicate a condition to performance. He sued on the ground that when the mobile home was destroyed. and the only requirement is for me to make my decision in good faith. Failure to satisfy a condition is not a breach of the contract. However. then the test of satisfaction is one of a reasonable person. if the work is of a mechanical quality (like painting a house)." "if. so we have included the following discussion to give you an overview. Laurel negotiated to buy Hardy's mobile home. I would still have to pay you. for example." "when. For example. The day before removal. the parties must act in good faith.Leon Trotsky The area of contractual conditions can be very confusing. However. a hurricane destroyed the mobile home. and disconnecting the gas and electric services. The financing condition above is a condition precedent. I agree to buy your house for $100. Laurel demanded his money back. I will pay you for painting my house if it meets my satisfaction or I will hire you to build the house provided that the architect approves of your design. If I don't get the financing. a condition is an event. With respect to conditions of satisfaction. but it does discharge the liability of the Promisor. if you painted my portrait. Conditions fix the time or order of performance or specify the circumstances under which duties become (or cease to be) current legal obligations. . which. conditions are an important element in contracts. A condition is a contractual clause. a blow with an agreement. In other words. Risk of loss is on the seller until he makes a "tender of delivery. Conditions Precedent A condition precedent is an act or event that must happen before the contract becomes effective and binding on the parties. the objective of which is to suspend. you do not have to sell me the house and I don't have to buy it.000. They cannot say they aren't satisfied just because they don't like you.000 if I get financing. if you paint my home and I say I don't like it but most people would. however. Laurel prepared for the trailer's removal by doffing the foundation blocks." Laurel's lawyer argued. rescind. causing the home to rest on the wheels of its chassis. 35 . In contracts. The financing requirement is a condition. and received a bill of sale as well as assurance that the title would be delivered soon. must occur before performance under a contract becomes due. this would be personal. unless excused. even for lawyers. Laurel paid the $4. or modify the principal obligation of the contract. He then told Hardy he would haul the trailer from his property a week later. the risk of loss was on Hardy. and you promise to sell me your house for $100. Failure to perform an unconditional promise is a breach of contract.000 purchase price.Handbook of Business Contracts Contractual Conditions One must know when to blend force with a maneuver. Note that in these satisfaction cases. arguing that the goods were never delivered. In other words. A common form of condition precedent is one of satisfaction.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Judge 'n' Jury™ Trial #86 Hardy is sued by Laurel for failure to deliver. words such as "provided. not certain to occur.
Estoppel (Webster: "the barring of a person. All Rights Reserved. Failure to file the claim within thirty days discharges the insurer's obligation to pay that claim. provided that the insured files a claim within thirty days of that loss. or estoppel. Even though certain conditions of a contract may not require performance to start until a future date. For example. you could assume that you didn't have to make the delivery within the time period specified. rule for Plaintiff Laurel. If not.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . I would be waiving the condition. and may be express or through conduct. I hire you to cut my grass next Sunday and agree to pay you $20. Waiver Waiver is the voluntary. The Effect of Breach on Conditions Breach of condition is breach of contract. Conditions can be excused because of prevention. Inc. On Saturday. The Excuse of Conditions Contract duties subject to conditions become obligations to perform only when all conditions are either satisfied or excused. and I will still have to pay you for delivering the flowers even if it takes longer than 24 hours. or I will buy your house if the bank lends me the money. In the example above. Condition Subsequent A condition subsequent discharges an existing contractual duty. In the example above. waiver. if I agree to accept delivery at a later time (assume I do not puncture the truck's tires). Therefore. The waiver of a condition occurs as a result of words or conduct by the Promisee after he knows the contingency has not been satisfied. preventing you from using it. parties that agree to the conditional contract cannot refuse to perform the future condition without being in breach of contract. I contract with your delivery company to deliver flowers using my company truck. Voluntary Disablement: I Can't Perform 36 . I have breached by anticipatory repudiation. For example. if I remarked that my truck wasn't working. You can now sue me for the $20. I tell you that I won't pay you if you cut my grass. in a legal proceeding.Handbook of Business Contracts Hardy's attorney countered that his client disconnected the electricity and gas prior to its destruction. This wrongful interference will excuse the condition. 24 hours goes by and you haven't delivered the flowers. The contract states that I will pay you on the condition that you complete delivery within 24 hours. I will cut your grass tomorrow unless it rains. rule for Defendant Hardy. The most common situation involving a condition subsequent is an insurance claim. Prevention Any active and wrongful interference by the party with the advantage of the condition that prevents the other party from fulfilling the condition will excuse the other party's performance. The insurer is under an obligation to indemnify the insured for any loss. and nothing remained for Hardy to do as a prerequisite to Laurel taking possession of the home. and preventing you from meeting the condition of the contract. I then puncture the truck's tires. Anticipatory Repudiation: I Won't Perform Anticipatory Repudiation is the right of one party to a contract to sue for breach before the date set for performance when the other party conveys his or her intention not to perform. Copyright 1995 by Winning Moves. and I have clearly stated that I won't pay you that money. If you agree. Since my future duty was to pay you $20. For example. from making allegations or denials which are contrary to either a previous statement or act by that person or a previous adjudication") Estoppel as an excuse results when words or conduct occur prior to the time for satisfying the condition that cause the other party to reasonably believe the condition is excused. intentional relinquishment of a known right. tender of delivery had indeed been made.
37 . I would be in breach on the day I sold that the house to that third party. However. In that case. The court would accelerate my duty to convey the house to you. if I agree to sell you my house but then sell it to another person.Handbook of Business Contracts Breach by voluntary disablement is any voluntary act by a party with a future duty that results in that party's future ability to perform.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you would have no choice but to seek monetary damages and sue me for breach by voluntary disablement. this specific performance (forcing me to sell you the house) would not be available if the new buyer bought the house in good faith (without knowledge of our agreement). Breach by voluntary disablement means you cannot perform. For example. You could bring an immediate cause of action and all conditions would be excused.
There are three types of third parties: Intended beneficiary—a third party who is specifically referred to in the terms of the contract. a farmer may assign the proceeds of a crop not yet planted only if he has an economic relationship with the assignee. If his or her rights have not vested. Intended Beneficiaries A third-party beneficiary contract is a contract between two or more parties. since assignments may not materially alter the obligor's (that is. (2) files a complaint initiating a cause of action against the Promisor. the Promisor and Promisee may rescind or modify the contract. on the assignee. Delegate of duties—a third party who assumes the duties of one of the original parties to the agreement. although not referred to in the original agreement. Assignment creates legal rights in the third party but does not release the assignor from liability under the original contract.Gerald W. Personal service contracts are not assignable because any attempt to assign the right to receive services is by its very nature a material alteration of the obligor's duty. There must either be an economic relationship or something specific to assign for the assignment to be good.) The assignor must sufficiently identify the subject matter such that the assignee knows what he is receiving. but is assigned rights in the contract by an assignor who is one of the original parties to the contract. Requirements for a Good Assignment In order for an assignment to be good. The assignor must have the intent to act right here and right now. Rights vest if and when the third party has knowledge of the agreement and he or she: (1) changes position in reliance upon the agreement.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . The Effect of a Valid Assignment Subject to certain rules. For example. (You cannot create a present assignment next week. was subsequently transferred a promise by one of the original parties. along with a personal cause of action to enforce that right. an assignment immediately extinguishes the assignor's right to receive performance from the obligor and confers the exclusive right to that performance. the performance of which is intended to directly benefit a third party. the party to the contract who is not the assignor) duty. if the third-party's rights have vested. Assignee of Rights An assignee of rights is a party that was not intended in the original agreement. Certain types of contracts are not assignable. Johnson A third party is any person or party who was neither the Offeror nor the Offeree when the contract was formed. needs or personality of 38 . Assignee of rights—a third party who. The third party beneficiary cannot prevent changes to the agreement unless his rights have vested. and it must be a total divestment. (3) expressly consents to receive the performance of the Promisor at the request of either the Promisor or the Promisee. it must be a present assignment. (A personal services contract is one where the personal characteristics. .Handbook of Business Contracts Third Parties No man was ever endowed with a right without being at the same time saddled with a responsibility. but who may have rights under that contract. or. This intention gives the intended third-party beneficiary a right to file suit for breach of contract by any of the original contracting parties.
notice of that assignment must be given to the Obligor. Assignments varying time or place of performance are no good. the Delegor may involve the Delegate. If the obligee elects to go after the Delegor. However.) Output and requirements contracts also are not assignable. A delegation is null and void if there is any language in the original contract that does not permit the transfer of duties. For example. then it is not personal and can be delegated. personality or reputation of the obligor may not be delegated. a rescission clause or a clause that declares that if one of the parties assigns. you are the Delegate and Bob is the obligor. You can eliminate any concerns about assignment including those relating to bona fide purchaser by including. I am the Delegor. If the third party is unaware that the assignment violated the terms of the contract. if the change is merely "mechanical" and can be objectively ascertainable as to quality and quantity. the obligee can elect to either bring an action against the Delegate under his or her status as a third party beneficiary or proceed directly against the original Delegor. If the Delegate breaches or performs obligations in a less than suitable manner. the Delegor remains personally liable to the obligee for the performance of all of contractual duties. Unless and until he receives such notice. the Delegor must sufficiently identify the duties that the Delegate is authorized to perform. he may continue to deal with the assignor. however. attorney/client and doctor/patient contracts. for example. Thus anything involving taste. To effectively delegate contractual duties. skill. For example. Delegate of Duties A Delegate of duties is a third party who assumes certain duties from the Delegor.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . If you make an assignment. and took the assignment in good faith. in the original contract. he or she is referred to as a bona fide purchaser.Handbook of Business Contracts the assignor are so dominant that forcing the obligor to perform for a stranger would materially alter the original agreement. a painter could not delegate his agreement to do a portrait. The assignee is subject to any defense or setoff that the obligor could have asserted against the assignor. and the assignment is operable. not even if the variation is insignificant. Third Parties Contracts that Prohibit Assignment When the original agreement prohibits an assignment. then all of the obligor's duties are discharged. If the nature of the obligations are personal. 39 . I own a lawn service and I contract with Bob to cut his lawn. and the Delegate must promise the Delegor that he will perform those duties. and performs these duties for the Promisee or obligee. Defenses An obligor can raise certain defenses to defeat his obligation to an assignee. a subsequent assignment is not necessarily inoperable. For example. then the changes are material and the delegation will not be operative. The assignee is fully vulnerable to counterclaims even though the breach arose after assignment and notice to the obligor. I then delegate those duties to you. because you cannot delegate personal duties. an agreement to collect garbage is mechanical and could be delegated. not the assignee.
Cowabunga sued for an injunction to enforce the noncompetition provision. you must try to lease the apartment again. minimize the damages caused by the breach). The impact of a breach depends on the gravity of the breach. For example. The non-breaching party has a duty to "mitigate" (that is. This is an immaterial breach because I received most of what I contracted for. In a minor breach. between my rent and the new rent plus any expenses you incur in leasing the apartment again. Breaches are classified as being either material (major) or immaterial (minor). Immaterial breach gives the non-breaching party a right to damages. His contract stated that Jobs. Thus I am only responsible for the difference. He worked for the Cowabunga Company. to perform any promise that forms the whole or part of a contract. but I move out after two months. or in any business that competed with Cowabunga. nor are you required to go to a substantially different location. Judge 'n' Jury™ Trial #80 Stanley Jobs is sued for breach of contract. If the subject matter is unique. if the contract is for personal services. Before you can sue me. I contract with you to buy 10. which varies depending on the subject matter.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . but does not excuse performance of the contract. which itself depends on the facts of each case. and took a higher-paying job developing software for Harriette's Hen House. then there is generally nothing that the non-breaching party can do to mitigate the damages. Jobs' attorney countered that such a restrictive contract was nonbinding. the non-breaching party usually gains the substantial benefit of the contract despite the breaching party's lack of complete or defective performance.000 cases of tuna fish.999 cases. For example: I enter into a one year lease to rent an apartment from you. The company's lawyer stated that Jobs had breached a contract.Handbook of Business Contracts Breach of Contract & Available Remedies Madly passionate people rarely make good on their madly passionate promises. Material breach excuses the non-breaching party from further performance under the contract and gives the non-breaching party the right to sue for damages. you must attempt to resell those services. wouldn't engage for two years in the business of developing computer software.Quentin Crisp Breach of contract is the failure of a party. without legal excuse. if any. and I am therefore obligated to keep my end of the bargain. and any money you receive from that lease for the period I am obligated to you is deducted from whatever I owe you. but you do not have to take work of a substantially different character or at a substantially lower rate of pay. Cowabunga had no legitimate 40 ." Jobs did leave the Cowabunga Company. It's called a "noncompetition provision. the breacher's damages are reduced by an amount equal to the loss which could have been avoided. after termination. Immaterial Breach An immaterial (or minor) breach is the opposite of a material breach in that it is not substantial or significant. Note that any expenses incurred in mitigating are recoverable. If the non-breaching party fails to mitigate. Stanley Jobs developed and marketed computer software that controlled feeding programs for dairy cattle. but I only receive 9. Material Breach A material breach is a substantial and significant breach which goes to the essence of the bargain. . For example.
3. Should an injunction be granted? If you believe so. that is. Therefore. only the foreseeable consequential damages are recoverable. the non-breaching party can only recover unavoidable amounts (that is.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . so long as they should have been foreseen by a party with reasonable experience and intelligence. reliance and restitution. or compensated. in each case. and may include may include lost profits. Special damages arise from losses not foreseeable. the purpose of this remedy is to put the non-breaching party back into the position he or she would have been in had they not relied on the promise. vote for the Plaintiff. even though there may be no contract. 2. he can only recover that which can be computed to a fairly certain dollar amount. There are three types of compensatory damages available as legal remedies: expectation. 41 . Speculative damages are not permitted. Inc. The intent of compensatory damages is to restore the non-breaching party to the position he or she was in prior to the breach. those amounts that cannot be recovered by mitigation) and any incidental damages resulting from the costs of mitigation. vote for Jobs. The non-breaching party seeking the damages must show that the damages sought are the result of the breach. Of those damages. Again. They exist for making the non-breaching party whole. Breach of Contract & Available Remedies Remedies for Breach A remedy is a means by which a right is enforced. These "quasi" contracts are imposed by the courts to prevent injustices where no other remedy is available. the amount varies depending on the circumstances. damages compensate the non-breaching party for the injury sustained and nothing more. Reliance Where you change your position because you relied on the promise of another party. and the enriched party did not request the services rendered. a doctor performs necessary emergency surgery on an accident victim in the middle of the highway. General damages are those resulting from losses foreseeable to a reasonable person. even though no benefit has been conferred on the party who made the promise. For example. Cowabunga. If not. Restitution Restitution serves to compensate one party for conferring an "unjust enrichment" on another. The following four conditions must be met for remedy based on expectation or benefit of the bargain. Copyright 1995 by Winning Moves. 4. Where he had no other remedy. or the violation of a right is prevented. and. All Rights Reserved. Expectation is the difference between what was promised or expected and what was actually delivered. Expectation or Benefit of the Bargain The most commonly administered remedy for breach of contract is expectation. Of those amounts. the doctor would be able to recover the value of the services provided. Therefore. 1. the contract was too broad because it went beyond software for dairy feeding programs. only nominal damages will be awarded if damages are speculative. and damages will not include recovery for lost profits. These damages need not have been actually foreseen. Remedies for breach of contract are compensatory awards.Handbook of Business Contracts interest to protect with respect to egg-laying software. redressed. Of those amounts. you may have a right to remedy based on reliance.
punitive or exemplary damages (damages that are awarded to punish the Breacher) are rarely awarded in breach of contract. Many contracts contain provisions that specify the amount or limit of damages for breach. for example. and therefore. Lost profits must be capable of being ascertained with a degree of certainty to be recoverable. The huge awards you hear about involve negligence. Certainty In most cases. acted unreasonably. is not a right at law. and it's difficult to judge and enforce the quality of services rendered. Because of this. the performance need only be substantial. Joe contracts Bob to deliver a replacement shaft overnight. The recent verdict against McDonalds. damages must be proven with a degree of certainty. If Joe had told Bob when he ordered the new mill shaft that it was imperative that he have it the next day or else his mill would be out of operation. For example. therefore. the non-breaching party generally can recover only those damages that were foreseeable. therefore. not recoverable.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Joe sues Bob for profits lost during the additional shutdown period. the most common form of equitable relief is substitutional (money) rather than specific (delivery of the specific goods).Handbook of Business Contracts Restitution is the least generous type of remedy because compensation is not recovered based on the terms of the contract. Equitable remedy. they didn't arise naturally and were not in the contemplation of the parties. She claimed that McDonalds was negligent. Penny could have hired another contractor to complete the theater. but on fair market value of the goods or services conferred. The theater wasn't finished until September 1. where a patron won a multimillion dollar lawsuit for excessively hot coffee that burned her is a case in point. the legal remedy is usually inadequate. and not literal. or the goods contracted for are special. Penny sued Doug for these lost profits. damages for breach of contract are awarded based on the foreseeability of the damage and the degree of certainty with which the damage can be proved. Foreseeable damages are any losses that the party in breach had reason to know of when the contract was made. As such specific performance will generally not be an available remedy for breach of personal services contracts. If the exact fulfillment of an agreement is not practical. Specific performance may be granted where special and peculiar reasons exist such that it is impossible for the injured party to obtain adequate relief by way of damages in an action at law. not with punishing the Breacher. specific performance is generally difficult to enforce because you cannot compel people to work if they don't want to. and. Breach of Contract and Available Remedies With respect to personal services contracts. Contract law is concerned with compensating the non-breaching party. if damages are speculative. These lost profits will not be awarded since the damages were too remote. For example. Limitation on Damages In most cases. then the outcome might be different since both parties would have been aware of the special circumstances. lost profits were too speculative and. For example. the breaching party will be compelled to perform specifically what he or she agreed to do. In that case. Doug agreed to build a drive-in theater for Penny and have it completed by June 1. but since the business was not in operation. and as a result of the delay. people breach their contracts because they can get a better deal elsewhere. Bob delays delivering the shaft. Joe Miner owns a mill and the mill shaft breaks. she could have sued Doug for the difference 42 . The doctrine of specific performance is that if money damages would be an inadequate compensation for the breach of the agreement. Penny lost all of the profits she would have earned had the theater opened for the summer. which results in the mill being shut down longer than expected. In any event. Foreseeability When a contract is breached. Specific Performance: An Equitable Remedy A non-breaching party has standing "in equity" if the legal remedy is inadequate. not breach of contract. however.
she would have anticipated the potential for a delay and included a liquidated damages provision. Copyright 1995 by Winning Moves. (A blunderbuss is a firearm intended to shoot objects at close quarters without exact aim.) Also. the purpose of stipulating penalties is to secure performance. Inc. still in need of a home. another hurricane swept the area and flipped the mobile home on its side. Liquidated Damages & Penalties Liquidated damages and penalties are those provided for in a contractual provision that expressly stipulates the amount of damages to be recovered by either party for a breach of the agreement by the other. under the U. decide in favor of Defendant Slapstick. and received a bill of sale as well as assurance that the title would be delivered along with the home. and the inconvenience or nonfeasibility of otherwise obtaining an adequate remedy. The pre-estimated amount must be a reasonable forecast of just compensation. If not. Laurel paid the $8. the situation that existed when the contract was entered into is important. Slapstick's attorney countered that nothing remained for Slapstick to do as a prerequisite to Laurel taking possession of the home. All Rights Reserved. arguing that his mobile home was never delivered. tender of delivery had been made. Liquidated damages must be set at an amount which is reasonable with respect to the anticipated or actual harm caused by the breach. Judge 'n' Jury™ Trial #87 Slapstick Homes is sued by Laurel for failure to deliver. 43 . Ideally. are usually invalid. any term that fixes unreasonably large liquidated damages is void as a penalty. In the example above. and it must be for the type of harm that is incapable or very difficult to otherwise measure. if drive-in theaters usually earn $500 per day in profits and that amount was included in the original agreement.000 purchase price. Inc. "Blunderbuss" clauses in which a single sum is provided for any breach.Handbook of Business Contracts between the contract price and the cover price. regardless of its nature. In pre-estimating damages. negotiated to buy a mobile home from Slapstick Homes. it would have been a legitimate liquidated damages clause. The purpose of stipulating damages in a contract is to fix the amount to be paid in lieu of performance. Laurel again demanded his money back. In the meantime. Laurel's lawyer argued that risk of loss is on the merchant until he makes a delivery. Laurel. The home was ready to go. but Laurel delayed taking delivery for a week until his site was ready. the difficulties of proof of loss. Therefore.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . decide for Plaintiff Laurel. If you agree.C.C.
We have included the following documents to aid you in conducting your business affairs: Articles of Incorporation Business Assets Transfer Agreement Buy-Sell Agreement Bylaws Finder for Sale of Business Finder's Fee (Lehman Formula) General Partnership General Power of Attorney Legal Services Contingency Fee Legal Services Fee Agreement Legal Services Retainer Letter of Intent for Negotiation and Information Exchange Letter of Intent for Sale of Business Letter of Intent to Sell Business Assets Limited Partnership Partnership Dissolution Revocation of Power of Attorney Stock Redemption Read the following pages if you'd like more information about establishing and operating a business. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. It may also be necessary to register with local. A sole proprietorship is a business entity with a single owner who owns the business and its assets. payment of taxes. keeping your accounting records. and you should discuss each with an attorney and an accountant before making your final decision. each state has its own licensing formalities. one of the first things you need to decide is the type of entity you want to use to structure and subsequently operate your business. risk of personal liability. and local forms that need to be completed. . though a business license is fairly easy to obtain. and comply with the legal formalities relating to that entity. state and federal tax authorities for certain ID numbers and other tax matters. many states require you to register your business name with a "doing business as" certificate. preferably big deals. Note that depending on the particular entity you elect to use. In addition to these registration requirements. Thus if John Smith owns a business called John's Dive Shop.Donald Trump This discussion provides you with information about how to set up and maintain your business. or a limited liability company. You do need to register the name of your sole proprietorship if it is not identical to your name. Ownership Forms When you are planning to start a business. Also. and the "owner's" control over the business. 44 . a corporation. Sole Proprietorship The sole proprietorship is the easiest and most common way to do business. You should contact your local and state tax authorities to find out what specific requirements effect your business. you don't need a lawyer to start a sole proprietorship. You must decide between a sole proprietorship. It is the least regulated business structure. a general or limited partnership. the business is the owner. before you actually begin to operate your business. For all purposes. It is important to make this decision. That's how I get my kicks. he should register it as John Smith d/b/a John's Dive Shop. These professionals can clarify the tax treatment afforded each as well as other entity specific matters such as ease of financing. Other people paint beautifully on canvas or write wonderful poetry. Unlike other types of businesses. state. there may be numerous federal.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . I like making deals. and it has no existence outside of that owner.Handbook of Business Contracts Conducting Business Affairs Deals are my art form.
this may be in the form of money. A partnership may be comprised of individuals. you should keep in mind that the owner is personally liable for all of the debts and legal judgments for damages arising from the operation of the business. Individuals as well as other corporations can be shareholders. that partner shares in the profits and losses of the partnership. who may be shareholders and/or directors as well. if both a general partner and a limited partner each invest $5. though they do elect the corporation's directors. however. wages.Handbook of Business Contracts While a sole proprietorship may be the easiest way to go. Shareholders do not manage the corporation. Except for the simplest of partnerships. other partnerships.000 in a limited partnership (as soon as there is one limited partner in a partnership. we highly recommend that you use one. If you are set on using a partnership. while a limited partner's liability is limited to the value of its investment in the partnership. for the most part. The officers. you may wish to consider incorporating that general partner. however. He or she may lose their investment. You should check out your state's requirements. inactive or limited partners are. Although this doesn't happen very often. vice president. While you are not legally required to have a written partnership agreement. there are situations where a court may "pierce the corporate veil. like limited partners in a limited partnership. Shareholders. or for the sale of a business. so long as you operate your corporation honestly and are adequately capitalized. Thus. and sue (as well as be sued). and are responsible for the partnership itself. In addition. the major difference between general and limited partners is that a general partner has unlimited liability for the partnership's liabilities. silent. some states may require you to have at least two directors. or any combination of these entities. In return for its contribution. as the entity gets more complicated. The directors of a corporation." In such a case. you may want to consider D&O (directors and officers) insurance. and you may not like those implications. unless those profits were received in payment for a debt. There are two basic types of partners. Corporation One of the major benefits and reasons why individuals incorporate is to limit personal liability. but doesn't have to worry about having to pay out additional monies. who may be shareholders as well. believe it or not. but the limited partner won't be responsible. as well as the sole director of a corporation. you should not start doing business with a partner until you have completed your partnership agreement since an agreement may be implied by your actions. you should speak to an attorney. 45 . While it is possible to have a partnership between corporations or individuals and corporations. property or labor. On the other hand. interest on a loan. including appointing the officers. a partnership may be created even when neither of the parties intended to create one. A shareholder is an owner of the corporation and shares in the profits. Most states allow the same person to act as the president. Partnership A partnership is an association of two or more entities to carry on as co-owners of a business for profit. are only liable to the extent of their investment in the corporation. manage the day-to-day activities of the corporation. Because corporations are distinct legal entities. A person will be treated as a partner if he or she receives a share of the profits in a business. are responsible for making major business decisions of the corporation. Furthermore. active and inactive. that partnership is limited) and that partnership goes belly up and owes money to its creditors. Although officers and directors cannot generally be held liable for the activities of the corporation. you should consult with an attorney before signing a partnership agreement. secretary and treasurer. For the most part. enter into contracts. General partners are active in the partnership. a corporation can own property. you should not have to worry about being held personally liable. but want to limit your liability as a general partner. corporations. rent. Each partner contributes something to the partnership.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . In addition to their respective levels of activity. those creditors can go after the general partner. This unlimited liability is the reason why many business choose to incorporate. the officers and directors would be personally liable.
you should be aware of a number of restrictions that effect S corporations. While it is a relatively new entity. rather.Handbook of Business Contracts If you elect to incorporate. permit it. One way to avoid the problem of double taxation is to make an S corporation election. or nonresident aliens can be shareholders. This is important since if the transferee doesn't have knowledge of the agreement. you should verify that yours does. Furthermore. In an LLC. he or she cannot actively participate in the operations of the partnership. the LLC provides some additional benefits that neither limited partnerships nor corporations have to offer. With an LLC not only are the principals free from personal liability. majority or all of the shareholders. both partners are afforded limited liability. These corporations pay a tax on any corporate profits. you are not required to use the services of an attorney in incorporating your business. any stock subject to a shareholder agreement should have an endorsement placed on it so that any transferees will have constructive notice of the agreement. setting up rules for the issuance of dividends. partnerships. both the corporation and the individual taxholder are taxed. whether or not those parties represent a minority. there is double taxation. with each owning 50% of the stock. the shareholders of the corporation are taxed on any profits the corporation may have earned. no corporations. she probably won't be bound by it. and you should complete corporate bylaws. However it is a good idea to have an attorney review your articles of incorporation before filing. Your state's Secretary of State can provide additional corporate information. Managing Your Corporation Shareholders' agreements are a fairly standard method for managing and controlling the structure of a small business corporation. Your attorney can make sure that you haven't missed any important information that might cause your corporate charter to be later invalidated. If two individuals form a partnership. Before choosing this type of entity. A shareholder agreement may be entered into for any legal purpose by two or more shareholders of a corporation. If those same two parties form an S corporation. you must complete articles of incorporation. and the business cannot be a subsidiary of another company. You should also keep corporate minutes and maintain separate bank accounts for your business. Limited Liability Corporation A limited liability corporation (LLC) is a hybrid of a corporation and a partnership. While the limited partner is not personally liable. but those partners or owners have more flexibility in allocating profit and loss. which vary from state to state. Much of this is referred to as adhering to corporate formalities which is very important if you want to make sure that you maintain your corporate status. speak to your lawyer.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . There is a limit of 35 shareholders. each must report 50% of the corporation's profit or loss on its tax return. An LLC provides the same limited liability for its owners as a limited partnership gives its limited partners and corporations give its stockholders. You can use a shareholders' agreement for any of the following: the election or removal of directors. S corporations are not taxed. "C" and "S" Corporations The majority of corporations are C corporations. Thus if a corporation has earnings and distributes those earnings to its stockholders. setting up procedures to be followed in the event of a 46 . in fact. To learn more about what you need to do as a corporation. it is already available in most states. The corporation itself should always be made a party to the shareholder agreement in case it has to be enforced against the corporation. Both of these forms are included in AgreementBuilder. As with C corporations. While most states permit S corporation status. either both are general partners and therefore personally liable or one is a general partner and the other is a limited. only one class of stock can be issued. However.
buying a business from a partnership will probably require consent of all of the partners. The other major use for these agreements is to control voting rights. which would leave the seller still owning the corporation less the assets you purchased. you can either use a Business Assets Transfer Agreement. other than that. Again.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . It's fairly simple to buy a sole proprietorship since one person owns the business. In addition. Note that where the principal business is the sale of goods. he could sell it to anyone.C. and the purchasing company assumed certain liabilities of the seller. and it should be used there are only a few shareholders. The terms of the document may be revised to reflect agreements between the shareholders on issues such as payment terms and determination of value. or you can sell/buy the corporate entity itself (the stock). for example. If.). With respect to corporations. and giving veto powers to certain shareholders in particular circumstances. The agreements provided here are for use in purchasing or selling all or part of a business. the transaction is fairly straight forward as well.Handbook of Business Contracts dissolution of the corporation. and all of that business' assets are in that person's name. and unless you have had a great deal of experience with these matters. Selling or Transferring Your Business or Its Assets The agreements we have provided should not be used without the advise and direction of an attorney. you should consult an attorney. you should be clear as to whether you are taking or transferring the liabilities of the business. the buyer of a business' assets may be subject to some liabilities incurred by the old company. may impose liability on the new company where much of the management is the same. and gives the buyer an opportunity to get a higher tax basis for the corporation's depreciable assets such that if the buyer later sells those assets. the business' location hasn't changed. The buyer of a business should seek 47 . When you are buying or selling a sole proprietorship or a partnership. the purchase of all or part of a business can be riddled with problems. "Successor liability".Sell Agreement. Buy-Sell Agreements can restrict the sale or transfer of stock. you and your business partner each own 50% of your company's stock. the seller quickly stopped its business operation then dissolved. This particular shareholders' agreement is referred to as a Buy. allows leeway in what assets are purchased. establishing methods to resolve deadlocks. the Internal Revenue Code has numerous provisions dealing with such transfers. It restricts the sale or other transfer of shares of stock and provides for a shareholder's interest to be purchased by either the corporation or the other shareholders under certain circumstances such as death or disability. you should use a Business Assets Transfer Agreement. without an enforceable Buy-Sell Agreement. or just the assets. local license laws and other regulations are likely to impact such transactions. The agreement may also provide for certain restrictions regarding the voting rights of shareholders such that the shareholder must vote as provided for in the agreement. a buyer will be better off buying (part of) the assets of a corporation. In addition to federal laws. The most prevalent use of shareholders' agreements is to impose restrictions on the transfer or disposition of stock by the shareholders of closely held corporations. You should be aware that in rare cases. rather than the stock since an asset purchase helps the buyer avoid existing liabilities of the business. there is less of taxable gain. Depending on the partnership agreement. As you will see. it is essential that. In most cases. Because of the complexity of Buy-Sell Agreements. the sale of all or part of that business is subject to the Bulk Transfers Act under Article 6 of the Uniform Commercial Code (U. you consult with an attorney. provides important tax advantages.C. especially in the area of products liability. because the tax effects of such transactions may be significant. If you are selling all or part of the assets of your partnership or sole proprietorship. prior to execution. and he wants out of the business. we suggest that you consult an attorney and an accountant before completing transactions of this nature. and that party would be your new partner.
assuming all or part of the liabilities as well. and employees of the corporation. which vary from state to state. Without them. possibly. The Articles contain numerous provisions including: the purposes for which the corporation is being organized. Important Tips If you elect to incorporate. allow you to include indemnification provisions. while others do not. For example. your corporation does not exist. In some states. Do not use this agreement for the purchase or sale of the business entity itself. in the event that the entity is a corporation. Why/When should you use it? Whenever you buy or sell the assets of a business. One area you should be aware of is the number of shares authorized.Handbook of Business Contracts an Indemnity Agreement (see "Protecting or Transferring Assets" later on in this reference guide) so that if this issue arises." which is very important if you want to make sure that you maintain your corporate status. there are differences from state to state. you will still need to qualify to do business in any other states where you will be conducting business. you will be personally responsible for all of the liabilities of the business. 48 .JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Who should use them? Any business that wants to do business in a particular state as a corporation must first file Articles of Incorporation. A Non-Disclosure Agreement is included in the section titled "Protecting or Transferring Assets. and identifies numerous other issues that might arise in the sale of a business. A number of states. and you must file them before you start doing business. capitalization. name and address of registered agent. How should you use them? They are fairly simple to complete. you should use this agreement because it sets forth the exact terms of the transaction. impose a tax on corporations based on the number of shares authorized. By using this agreement. You should also keep corporate minutes and maintain separate bank accounts for your business. Once your business is incorporated in one state. Furthermore. Why/When should you use them? You have no choice. the Articles may provide for indemnification of the officers. you should complete corporate bylaws. If you do not. in addition to Articles of Incorporation. including California. Articles of Incorporation Articles of Incorporation make a corporation legal." We suggest that you use this agreement before sharing any confidential or proprietary information with another party. Every state requires that you file your Articles of Incorporation before you start transacting business. the seller will cover any damages. Business Assets Transfer Agreement A Business Assets Transfer Agreement is a contract between the seller of a business or its assets and the individual or entity purchasing those assets and. Much of this is referred to as "adhering to corporate formalities. Your state's Secretary of State can provide additional corporate information as well. this agreement is not appropriate for the sale of the stock of the corporation. directors. You must file your Articles of Incorporation if you want to establish your business as a corporate entity. However. The sale may involve a transfer of all or part of the assets and/or liabilities of the seller. some states. assuming you can find him and he still has assets. the parties clearly identify the exact assets and liabilities being transferred. number of shares authorized. speak to your lawyer. including Delaware. To learn more about what you need to do as a corporation. the agreement provides remedies in the event one of the parties defaults.
you consult with an attorney who specializes in corporate and contract law in your state. Review them carefully to make sure that they aren't too open-ended. Important Tips Consult an attorney and as well as an accountant for anything but the simplest of transactions as there are major tax consequences in the transfer of appreciated and depreciated assets. It is essential that prior to executing the document. partnership. such as the death or incapacity of a shareholder. leaving a shell with the selling stockholders. then. The terms of the document may be revised to reflect agreements between the shareholders on issues such as payment terms and determination of value. Who should use it? This agreement should be used by any seller transferring title to any of the assets or liabilities of its business. However. the shareholders should enter into the agreement. use this agreement to transfer the assets and liabilities of the corporation. How should you use it? This agreement should be used freely whenever assets or liabilities are transferred from one entity to another. buyers prefer to buy the corporation's assets. Sales agreements generally contain numerous warranties and representations by the seller and even a few by the buyer." rather than making broad representations. A corporation. and other concerns. You should use a Buy-Sell Agreement to prevent other shareholders from selling their interests to unknown third parties and to provide a mechanism for purchasing the shares of a shareholder under certain circumstances.Handbook of Business Contracts You could. It's always best to add the words "to the best of my knowledge. Not surprisingly. Why/When should you use it? The Buy-Sell Agreement is intended for use by the shareholders of a closely held corporation and the corporation. capital items. Make sure you spell out the method of valuation clearly. Important Tips Many disputes arise over how to value shares of closely held corporations. as well as any buyer purchasing the assets or assuming the liabilities of a business.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . it's almost always better to sell the corporate stock than to have the corporation sell its assets. Any time new shareholders are added. however. for tax and liability reasons. 49 . sole proprietorship or individual can be a party to this agreement on either side of the transaction. This will protect the selling party in the event that the transaction is not completed. From the seller's perspective. Who should use it? All present and future shareholders of a closely-held corporation should use this agreement. How should you use it? Upon formation of the corporation. Buy-Sell Agreement A Buy-Sell Agreement is an agreement between the shareholders of a corporation in which the shareholders place restrictions on the sale or other transfer of their shares of stock and decide upon a method for the corporation or the other shareholders to purchase another shareholder's interest in certain circumstances. an overwhelming majority of businesses are sold on an asset-sale basis using this type of agreement. they should be required to join the agreement. You may want to execute a Non-Disclosure and Non-Circumvention Agreement prior to entering into negotiations for the sale or purchase of the assets.
the finder's fee is not earned unless and until the sale is consummated. and quorum requirements. As such you might want your attorney to briefly review these and suggest any necessary additions or deletions. if not clearly stated in the agreement. the Directors adopt them. it makes sense to take care of the few corporate formalities that will ensure your limited liability. Furthermore. they should be signed by those individuals.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you should use this agreement. or in the absence of a meeting. How should you use it? 50 . the agreement is company-oriented in that it is non-exclusive (you can use more than one finder). Why/When should you use it? Whenever you retain a finder to locate a buyer for your business or are retained as a finder. when a company wants to sell its business. willing. a finder who delivers a ready. Although officers and directors won't generally be held liable for the activities of the corporation. you should so state in the minutes of the first director's meeting. As drafted. how much notice regarding that meeting needs to be given. "finders" offer to use their best efforts to locate potential purchasers. Finder for Sale of Business Agreement Often. Since one of the main reasons you incorporated was probably to void personally liability. They state specific rules regarding routine corporate matters such as the time and place for the annual meeting of the shareholders. Why/When should you use them? After you file your Articles of Incorporation and elect your first board of directors. It should be executed before the finder begins searching for a buyer. if the Directors adopt them. the incorporators are required to adopt bylaws. Who should use them? All corporations should have bylaws. Important Tips While many companies never adopt bylaws. each state has its own peculiarities regarding certain provisions included in your bylaws. but to whom you decide not to sell to for whatever reason. Who should use it? Both the business who retains a finder or broker to locate a buyer for its business and that finder should use this agreement. This agreement sets forth the specific understanding between the selling business and the finder or broker. directors and shareholders. Bylaws may include authorization regarding corporate signatories. you and your officers/directors will be personally responsible for the corporations obligations. if you don't adhere to the "corporate formalities" such as having regular meetings and using bylaws. Bylaws define the rights and obligations of the corporation's officers.Handbook of Business Contracts Bylaws Bylaws are regulations. On the other hand. you should take the time and get it done now. with only a few inserts. by written consent of the directors." For example. and amendment of the bylaws. However. rules or laws adopted by a corporation regarding its internal governance. there is a possibility that your "corporate veil" will be pierced. Bylaws may also provide for special meetings as well as what the shareholders can do by written consent without holding a formal meeting. In that case. How should you use them? In just a few states. might still be entitled to a commission. you should adopt your bylaws. in some states. It is extremely important that the parties understand and appreciate their "deal. When the incorporators adopt the bylaws. either way is okay. the fiscal year. AgreementBuilder's Bylaws are fairly straightforward. in others. and able buyer for your company.
Handbook of Business Contracts If you own or represent a business for sale. Why/When should you use it? If possible. The difference between a general and a limited partner is that a general partner is responsible for all of the debts and liabilities of the partnership and he can legally bind the partnership. Typically. The finder does not represent either party. but there is an element of exclusivity missing. on the other hand. General Partnership Agreement A General Partnership Agreement is an agreement between two or more parties to enter into a business relationship. Limited partnerships are good to use where you have someone who is a partner but is only investing in the business. how much each partner owns. but a version given to you by a finder may not. the partners relative bargaining power may change once the business is started. As drafted. these are all items that need to be addressed in any venture and 51 . This is because it becomes more and more difficult to agree to an organizational document after the business has commenced. As you can see. who will be managing the business and compensation matters. In many respects the third party is like a broker. Important Tips If you do grant an exclusive right to locate a buyer to the finder. Who should use it? Anyone bringing two parties together for any number of purposes including: Financing. completion of the transaction so that confusion is avoided vis-a-vis when payment is due. you should complete the agreement before starting the partnership. The partners can be individuals. make sure to set a cutoff date. Why/When should you use it? It is very important for the intermediary to have a Finder's Fee Agreement executed prior to bringing two parties together. as opposed to limited partners. Also. corporations or even other partnerships. A limited partner. Note that if you are actively involved in the day to day management of a partnership. a finder's fee would be paid when this third party helps a business raise money or where he identifies a business for his "client" company to acquire. it states how the profits (losses) will be distributed. acquisitions. he puts the two parties together for the purpose of conducting the transaction. have your attorney review it before signing. How should you use it? It can be used in the format presented in the template or it can be modified so as to be part of a letter. Finder's Fee (Lehman Formula) Agreement A Finder's Fee Agreement is an agreement used when a third party is used to bring two parties together. and a finder presents you with an agreement.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . rather. it would be unclear as to whether he was to receive a fee and what that fee was. though you will probably be creating a partnership between two individuals. the initial capital invested by each of the Partners. You may wish to include an addendum with any businesses or individuals you are currently negotiating with so that the finder cannot later say he brought that party to you. this agreement will protect your interests. called a letter agreement. Without an agreement. not actively running it. after which you can use other finders. legally you will be treated as a general partner. however. In a General Partnership all of the partners are general partners. It is important to use this agreement because it sets forth the rights and obligations of the Partners. buying or selling a business. Most importantly. etc. Important Tips Certain terms need to be defined: for example. is only liable to the extent of his investment in the partnership and cannot legally bind the partnership.
General Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney is designed to let you give someone the power to act on your behalf (for example. after the agreement is signed. you need to register it so that no one else uses it. Why/When should you use it? Simply. If you are going to be incapacitated. It is an agreement that is very important and may affect you for a long time to come. you are legally responsible for these actions.) This agreement is a General Power of Attorney. This advice applies whether you are presented with a Partnership Agreement or if you are preparing one yourself. and. In all of these matters. 52 . anything you can do with your signature. Who should use it? The general partners in a general partnership should use this agreement. It is very important for the Partners in a General Partnership to recognize that they have fiduciary obligations to their fellow partners. you may want to consider giving him a Limited Power of Attorney. you should use a Power of Attorney. even then. Who should use it? Anyone who needs a third party to transact their financial and/or business affairs in their absence or incapacitation. Basically. he can now do. etc. you name it. you are limiting his ability to act on your behalf to areas where you have specifically granted authorization. Otherwise. you are going into the hospital due to a serious illness. buy and sell real estate. if. How should you use it? Use it very carefully. Important Tips Unless you need to give the Attorney-In-Fact a general power of attorney. it will probably be too late. in your absence or should you become incapacitated. you may want to appoint an Attorney-In-Fact. for example. There are a number of provisions included here that we specifically suggest you review with your attorney and or accountant. including: borrowing money.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .Handbook of Business Contracts thus it is especially important where partners putting money into the business that they know their status and that of the other partners. writing checks. Important Tips You should strongly consider having an attorney review this Partnership Agreement before signing it. think again. In this way. when certain that your financial and/or business affairs need to be taken care of and you will be unable to perform these functions personally. borrow money. If it is. you should use a Power of Attorney when you are going to be out of the country and you need someone to transact business or handle your personal affairs on your behalf. and gives the Attorney-In-Fact all of your rights and powers. He can sign checks. You are basically giving that person the right to do anything on your behalf. Also you may want to register any trademarks to be used in your Partnership. Thus you should make sure you have complete faith and trust in the Attorney-In-Fact. You may wish to have both an attorney and an accountant review your Partnership Agreement. This is not meant to be an exclusive list of provisions as there are other issues that should be discussed with professionals. Also. How should you use it? You should be extremely careful when granting another person a general Power of Attorney. That means that they must act honestly and in good faith when dealing with one another. Make sure that the name you have selected for your Partnership is available. buying and selling real estate. You should make sure that everything agreed to in the agreement is what you want.
and (3) 45% if the recovery is made after a trial or arbitration. The attorney runs the risk of not making any money so the attorney has good reason to aggressively pursue your claim. However. Take the time to review the "Working with Your Attorney" in Section 1 of this reference guide as well as the other attorney's fee agreements in this section. Communicate with your attorney and keep up-to-date on what is happening. so don't be confused if your attorney asks you to sign a letter agreement. For example. Who should use it? Anyone with a legal claim against someone else may want to consider a contingency fee arrangement with an attorney. Watch out for slacker attorneys—if you have a weak case.Handbook of Business Contracts Legal Services Contingency Fee Agreement In a Contingency Fee Agreement. Contingency fee arrangements are fantastic if you need a lawyer to pursue your claim and you don't have the money to pay the attorney an hourly or fixed fee. How should you use it? Use this agreement to understand the basic terms of an attorney fee agreement. Often these agreements are in the form of a letter. 53 . Your attorney will undoubtedly come up with his or her own agreement. Retainer agreements and contingency fee arrangements are used in different contexts. in a real estate lease transaction your attorney may provide services for a flat fee because the attorney may estimate how much time the transaction will take. How should you use it? Review this agreement to understand the basic terms of a contingency fee agreement. you should have a fee agreement in place at the start of the attorney-client relationship. you may be better off when it comes down to trying to negotiate better terms (such as lower percentages) with your lawyer. a defense litigator who defends you in a lawsuit will want an hourly fee because the attorney cannot estimate the amount of time the case will take. the attorney may avoid spending time on it. an attorney agrees to represent a client for a percentage of the client's recovery. The fee can be fixed or hourly. Why/When should you use it? You would want to enter a fixed or hourly fee agreement in certain types of legal matters. The attorney will assess the merits of the individual's claims and decide whether to take the risk of accepting the case on a contingency basis. If there is no recovery. contingency fee arrangements are only possible when there is a chance for financial recovery as in a personal injury case. Usually the attorney will front costs such as filing fees and will bear the loss of those costs if there is no recovery. Why/When should you use it? The only time contingency arrangements are used is when someone has a claim against someone else. Take a look at those agreements to get a better idea. The standard percentages an attorney will request are (1) 25% if recovery is obtained before the filing of a lawsuit.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . the attorney doesn't get paid. Legal Services Fee Agreement A Legal Services Fee Agreement is an agreement in which a client agrees to hire an attorney to provide certain legal services for a fee. Important Tips Make sure to have your attorney provide you with a general assessment of the merits of your case. The services to be provided should be spelled-out in detail to avoid confusion. Remember. (2) 33% if recovery is obtained after the filing of a lawsuit but before a trial or arbitration. Who should use it? As a client. In contrast. Your attorney will undoubtedly have a similar agreement for you to sign. if you understand what is entailed in a contingency fee relationship.
Who should use it? Where it is foreseeable that additional negotiations will be taking place. there are a few items. take a look at the "Working with Your Attorney" in Section 1 of this reference guide as well as the other attorney's fee agreements in this section. While it is nonbinding with respect to certain specific business points under negotiation. Also. The transaction can encompass anything from an acquisition or merger to developing computer programs. including the confidentiality of certain proprietary information and reimbursement for certain costs. this letter of intent should be used. Why/When should you use it? You should use this type of Legal Services Agreement if you want to have a lawyer on call to answer your questions and you want to pay a fixed rate. Letter of Intent for Negotiation & Information Exchange This is a letter of intent. and a commitment by one or both of the parties not to enter into negotiations with others to complete a similar transaction so long as these negotiations continue. should use this agreement. The Letter of intent sets forth a number of ground rules for the negotiations.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . In this type of legal services agreement the payment to the attorney is non refundable and is made to secure the attorney's availability to provide ordinary business legal services such as giving a client an overview of how to fire an employee without violating the employees rights. any business in negotiation with another regarding a potential business deal. When parties are not ready to reach a final agreement but want to continue their negotiations on a more formal basis. take time to look at the "Working with Your Attorney" in Section 1 of this reference guide as well as the other attorney's fee agreements in this section. the parties intend to execute a binding agreement.Handbook of Business Contracts Important Tips There are numerous laws that apply to attorney's fee agreements. The agreement does not cover extraordinary legal matters such as lawsuits. This can be an ideal and inexpensive method of getting legal advice when you know you will have consistent need for legal advice. as opposed to a binding contract. Who should use it? Small businesses should consider this type of legal services arrangement. between two parties who are currently negotiating a possible business deal and agree to continue these negotiations. How should you use it? If you think this type of legal services arrangement will suit your needs. Finally. Important Tips Make sure to negotiate a fair arrangement. a review process to identify unsettled items. If successful. Also. Why/When should you use it? This Letter of intent notes that preliminary negotiations or discussions have already occurred and have been productive. ask your lawyer to provide you with a Retainer Agreement for your review. How should you use it? 54 . and encourages continued negotiations. Call your local state bar office and ask them what must be included in an attorney's fee agreement. Many states require that almost all attorney's fee agreements be in writing. that are legally binding on the parties. the attorney may be required to state whether the services to be provided are covered by error and omissions insurance. Legal Services Retainer Agreement A retainer agreement is an agreement in which an attorney agrees to provide ordinary business legal services at a fixed monthly rate.
Such a provision would be binding. but it is more than mere words. In other words.Handbook of Business Contracts Other than the provisions dealing with the costs and expenses of negotiation. Important Tips This Letter of intent is intended to protect both parties from any claims by the other that it incurred any legal commitment relating to the business deal in question. acquisition of stock or assets or merger. The form letter provided in AgreementBuilder is written from the Buyer's perspective. If one or both of you are not incorporated. USE IT! Letter of Intent for Sale of Business This is a letter of intent to acquire a business. a statement setting forth the consideration (purchase price) for the business. satisfactory audit of financial statements. While you can draft your letters of intent such that they are not enforceable contracts. or other. you should always use one before going through the time and expense of retaining an attorney to prepare (or review) a purchase agreement. If you are selling your business. How should you use it? 55 . you should review the discussion at the beginning of this section. a statement regarding the timing of the consideration—will it all be paid at closing. While the letter of intent itself is not written to bind either Buyer or Seller. you can make changes to the letter of intent so that it better suits your interests.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . the parties may be "morally" bound by the Letter of intent. and a statement of substantial conditions to the closing. etc. Why/When should you use it? This type of letter of intent lets you set out your basic understanding regarding the acquisition of a business without having to go through the time and expense of preparing more thorough and final documents. If you elect to use a Letter of intent. While it is not binding as drafted. it's better than nothing. and it may help the Buyer get financing for the acquisition. on a deferred payment basis. you should use this letter of intent. It is appropriate to use a letter of intent once you have reached a preliminary agreement regarding the acquisition of a business. As such many of the provisions are biased in favor of the Buyer. Because of the ease of writing a letter of intent. The main disadvantages of a letter of intent is that it may give rise to the argument that an enforceable contract has been created. a letter of intent is something less than a contract. There are many advantages to using a letter of intent: it forces the parties to define certain terms of the acquisition before spending a lot of money on a final agreement. when it comes time to prepare the final agreement. Generally. there are some provisions that provide for costs to be paid in the event that the transaction is not completed. it should include the following information: a statement regarding the exact nature of the transaction. neither party should agree to anything until a final contract is drawn up. this doesn't prevent the other part from litigating the matter. You may also want to make the seller to agree not to negotiate with other buyers for a specified period. As such you should use this agreement as the first step in the acquisition process. Who should use it? When both the Buyer and the Seller are corporations. it provides some level of comfort regarding the completion of the deal. such as board approval. If you do not understand the difference between acquiring a business and acquiring the business' assets. you can modify the agreement to satisfy your needs. and concurrent negotiations. Lastly. the letter of intent should clearly state that neither party deems the Letter a legally binding document. Those provisions apply whether or not the sale is completed. the exchange and protection of information.
How should you use it? Since it is not binding. If you are selling your Business' assets. As stated above. a letter of intent is something less than a contract. As such you should use this agreement as the first step in the acquisition process. The specific agreement provided in AgreementBuilder is written from the Buyer's perspective. the letter of intent provides a solid foundation for you or your attorney to prepare the final agreements. As stated above. you should review the discussion on "Conducting Business Affairs" at the beginning of this section. you should make sure that you aren't signing something that you will later regret. Lastly. there are some provisions that provide for costs to be paid in the event that the transaction is not completed. Important Tips If you are the Seller. Who should use it? When both the Buyer and the Seller are corporations. Much of the minutia can be left for the final agreements. Why/When should you use it? This type of letter of intent lets you set out your basic understanding regarding the sale/purchase of the assets of a business without having to go through the time and expense of preparing more thorough and final documents. you can make changes to the letter of intent so that it better suits your interests as a seller.Handbook of Business Contracts Since it is not binding. Those provisions apply whether or not the sale is completed. Because it helps you settle many of the preliminary issues involved in the purchase of a business' assets. you won't have to renegotiate those items later. It is used to set forth exactly which assets will be sold. to the extent that you get it out of the way now. you don't have to include everything in the agreement. it provides some level of comfort regarding the completion of the deal. the entire agreement can be made binding. If one or both of you are not incorporated. However. With a few changes.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Because of the ease of writing a letter of intent. you should use this letter of intent. while they are generally not binding. Much of the minutia can be left for the final agreements. However. while they are generally not binding. you can modify the agreement to satisfy your needs. you should make sure that you aren't signing something that you will later regret. make sure to carefully rewrite this letter of intent so that it reflects interests. you should always use one before going through the time and expense of retaining an attorney to prepare (or review) a purchase agreement. 56 . Important Tips If you are the Seller. it's one less thing to worry about later. Letter of Intent to Sell Business Assets This is a letter of intent to sell all or most of the assets of a manufacturing business. If you do not understand the difference between selling a business itself and selling the business' assets. In other words. While it is not binding as drafted. make sure to carefully rewrite this letter of intent so that it reflects your point of view. Generally. it's one less thing to worry about later. you don't have to include everything in the agreement. While the letter of intent itself is not written to bind either Buyer or Seller. You may want to have your attorney review any Letters of Intent you use before executing them. You may want to have your attorney review any Letters of Intent you use before executing them. it's better than nothing. to the extent that you get it out of the way now. As such many of the provisions are biased in favor of the Buyer. It is appropriate to use a letter of intent once you have reached a preliminary agreement regarding the sale of most or all of the assets of a business. but something more than mere words.
there are many benefits to working out the details of a written partnership agreement. Who should use it? The partners in a partnership should use this agreement. Partnership Dissolution Agreement A Partnership Dissolution Agreement is designed to dissolve an existing General Partnership. It makes your actions legally binding on the Partners (once they sign the agreement). but you may not like the implications of that agreement. 57 . individual or corporation) who enters into a limited partnership with another entity should execute this agreement. such as how the assets of the partnership are to be distributed. The partners need to reach an agreement on these issues before the Partnership can be dissolved. If any of the partners are contributing property or services (as opposed to cash) to the partnership. You should have your Partnership Agreement completed and executed before you start doing business with partners since an agreement may be implied from your actions. you should consult an accountant. unlike general partners who are personally liable for the partnership's obligations. How should you use it? You should have an attorney review your Partnership Agreement before you sign it. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement to dissolve a Partnership. Why/When should you use it? While you are not required to use a written Partnership Agreement. Important Tips In most circumstances. limits on specific partners' authority. That may not sound so bad. you may be out of luck. Among other things. Limited partners. we recommend that you use an attorney to review this agreement. take no part in managing the business and are only liable for partnership obligations to the extent of their contributions in the partnership. How should you it? Use it carefully. especially Exhibit A which sets forth the specific terms of the Dissolution. this agreement is your last and only chance. Who should use it? Any entity (partnership.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . If you make a mistake or forget something. She will be able to guide you through many of the tax issues involved in the taxation of partnerships and explain how you should treat these non-cash contributions. buying out your partners. Make sure that you are clear as to who gets what. and almost anything else you can imagine. While there are a number of basic things that you will always include in your limited partnership agreements. it sets forth exactly how each of the partners will share in the profits and losses of the partnership. we highly recommend the thoughtful use of a detailed Limited Partnership Agreement such as the one provided in AgreementBuilder. Important Tips As with all of your agreements. you can add as much as you want regarding management responsibilities. and how the liabilities of the business are to be handled. You should pay close attention to the agreement.Handbook of Business Contracts Limited Partnership Agreement A Limited Partnership Agreement is an agreement between one or more general partners who manage the business of the partnership and one or more limited partners who contribute capital and share in the profits.
Because the corporation is a party." insert limiting or specific language such as "to register my 1994 Ford Mustang. Why/When should you use it? A Stock Redemption Agreement should be used when a corporation is owned by relatively few shareholders. must redeem their stock (that is. where the shareholder can no longer function for the benefit of the corporation. Who should use it? All the shareholders of a small corporation would be parties to this agreement. and in other situations." Stock Redemption Agreement A Stock Redemption Agreement is an agreement among the shareholders of a corporation and the corporation itself in which the parties agree to purchase the shares of stock owned by a shareholder in certain situations.Handbook of Business Contracts Revocation of Power of Attorney A Revocation of Power of Attorney is designed to revoke a previously established power of attorney. the Board of Directors of the corporation will most likely have to have a similar vote at a formal directors meeting. Important Tips Stock redemption agreements are usually used along with other special shareholder-oriented agreements. Why/When should you use it? You should use it because you no longer want the Attorney-In-Fact to be able to act on your behalf. either because of disability or otherwise. 1996. How should you use it? The shareholders will have to agree on the terms of this contract. the majority of whom want the corporation to be controlled by the active shareholders. How should you use it? You should use it as soon as your are able to resume acting on your own behalf. 58 . These situations arise when that shareholder dies. retires. resigns from a corporate office. Definitely consult an attorney if you think your corporation could use this type of agreement. Vehicle Identification #ABS12345678 on or before Jan 3.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . becomes disabled. Who should use it? Anyone who has executed a Power of Attorney and thereby given another person his power of attorney should use this agreement once he can perform those services himself and no longer needs the Attorney-In-Fact. These types of agreements can benefit the corporation as well because the provisions of this agreement require that shareholders who can't contribute to the success of the corporation. You can always sign another Power of Attorney if it later becomes necessary. sell it to the corporation or the remaining shareholders). consider limiting the scope of the grant so that you don't need to later revoke that Power of Attorney. rather than saying that the Attorney-In-Fact can do "any and all acts which I could do if personally present. or you no longer require the services of the Attorney-In-Fact. A shareholder meeting will probably have to be convened and the shareholders will vote to adopt this agreement. abandons his or her shares. For example. Important Tips The next time you need to execute a Power of Attorney.
you should decide which form of employment relationship is most appropriate for your business needs.Walter Gilbey People are the heart and soul of most businesses. . and other employee benefits like vacation and holiday pay. be sure to determine your needs and understand the obligations involved in a particular type of employment relationship. employment-related legal issues are quite important and range across a variety of topics from employment contracts to employee benefits programs. consultants and independent contractors. the administrative aspects involved in hiring an employee. Employers need to balance their business goals with the financial constraints and legal obligations imposed by each of these relationships. Who to Hire Before you decide to enter into an employment relationship. Also. A written employment contract is not necessary to have a formal employer / employee relationship. The agreements in this section offer an overview of the types of agreements a business would use when dealing with employees. you should consider if it is appropriate to have a formal written employment agreement. not only are the employee's wages to be considered. a business should consider the financial and tax obligations of hiring an employee as opposed to an independent contractor. unemployment insurance. An oral agreement can be a valid contract provided there is evidence of mutual agreement to employ and be employed.Handbook of Business Contracts Managing Employees & Contractors The employer generally gets the employees he deserves. If the business hires an employee. will have to be considered. Not surprisingly. Businesses have the option of hiring employees. and term of employment. and of the nature and extent of the employees duties. independent contractors and consultants. Hiring Employees If you decide to hire an employee instead of an independent contractor. For example. Before you make any hiring decision. Social Security contributions. compensation. the duration of the employment relationship. if there is a long employment history between the parties. in some special cases.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . compensation 59 . but also worker's compensation insurance. Most states view employment arrangements as "at-will" meaning that either party is not obligated to the other for any fixed term of employment unless there is a written agreement to the contrary or. such as maintaining payroll records. They can set forth the hours and place of employment. Written agreements can be quite useful to both the company and the employee because they spell out the details of the relationship. We have included the following agreements to help you manage your employer-employee relationships effectively: Consulting Employee Non-Disclosure Employee Stock Bonus Plan Employee's Acknowledgment of Employer's Rights in Work Product Employment Employment (Short Version) Employment Continuation Employment Termination & Severance Incentive Stock Option Agreement Independent Contractor Retail Salesperson Salesperson Work for Hire Agreement Read the following pages if you'd like more information about managing employees.
Sample agreements of these types of benefit packages are included in AgreementBuilder to provide you with a basic understanding of the relevant legal language.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . however. If you are contemplating any type of benefit program that utilizes the equity of your business. (2) contractor works full time instead of part time. You have probably heard or read about many wrongful termination lawsuits filed against employers. if the employee will be given access to valuable trade secrets. If you are not sure whether your independent contractor could be classified as an employee. Employee manuals are not only useful in protecting employers from liability by establishing procedures and grounds for termination. the business may have to pay all employment-related taxes for the individual plus additional penalties. (9) contractor does not offer his or her services to the general public. there are other legal considerations to keep in mind. (13) contractor is not reimbursed for costs. but also are great tools for handling all aspects of the employer / employee relationship. you can use these factors as a guide and discuss the issue with your attorney. we encourage you to use JIAN's EmployeeManualMaker. (8) employer provides training to the contractor. an independent contractor may be classified as an employee if the… (1) employer has control of how and when the contractor performs his or her duties.Handbook of Business Contracts and bonus programs. as a consequence. the employer may want the employee to sign a non-disclosure agreement or an employment agreement with a non-disclosure provision. There are many factors the IRS considers in making such an evaluation. if the employee will play a key role in the success of the business. that there are a myriad of legal considerations involved in these types of benefit packages. (15) contractor personally performs all of the work. All of these considerations can be incorporated into a written employment agreement. and confidentiality requirements. the business may not want to make any severance payment for certain types of employment terminations. Written agreements can be very helpful in protecting businesses from wrongful termination liability because they can establish clearcut grounds for termination of the employment relationship. Or. (12) contractor does not bill for services. In any case. (3) contractor cannot hire and supervise his or her own employees. (6) contractor is paid by the hour instead of by the job. For example. (11) contractor's hours are determined by the employer. as these plans do. some of which are somewhat ambiguous. Businesses that desire to attract and keep valuable employees may want to consider special benefit plans such as an incentive stock option plan or an employee stock bonus plan. and (17) contractor has a continuing relationship with the employer. property rights. (7) contractor can be dismissed without cause as in an "at-will" relationship. (4) contractor cannot lose money on a particular assignment. (10) contractor's work is a substantial part of the businesses operations. Independent Contractors If the business decides to hire independent contractors instead of employees. or for any employment terminations. If you are interested in putting together an employee manual. For example. You should take note. if you have a written agreement with an independent contractor you can help to establish the independent nature of the 60 . Responsible employers will incorporate grounds for termination not only in their written agreements but also in employee manuals distributed to employees at the start of the working relationship. (14) contractor is required to submit progress reports. (16) all work is performed at the employer's location. a bonus arrangement may be included in a written employment contract. (5) employer furnishes tools or equipment. In another example. you must consult a qualified attorney and/or benefits consultant. grounds for termination. First and foremost is that the IRS may classify independent contractors as employees and.
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
working relationship. Not only can this document help you to avoid having the individual classified as an employee, but it will also help you to establish the obligations and expectations of the engagement. If a business hires an independent contractor to create or develop products, then the business needs to have an agreement with the independent contractor that spells out who is to own the rights to the product. Without a written agreement to the contrary, the independent contractor may own all rights associated to the work product created during the employment relationship. For example, if a software development company engages an independent contract programmer to write a 3-D graphics software engine, the company would want to own all the rights to the software. The company can protect itself by having a written agreement which defines ownership. The Independent Contractor's Agreement included in this section will give you a better understanding of how the independent contractor relationship should be established. Consultants Also in this section is a Consulting Agreement. This agreement can be changed to meet the requirements of most types of consulting arrangements. It will provide you with a solid understanding of the terms to consider when engaging a consultant. Things to Remember The agreements in this section are a good overview of the types of employment-related agreements a business should use. Of course, there are a multitude of issues to consider when you are hiring an employee or contracting with an independent contractor or consultant. Make sure you understand these issues when deciding upon the language for your written agreement. Also, if you have or will have employees, consider using an employee manual which can help manage your relationship with employees and protect you and your business from legal challenges by your past and present employees.
Consulting Agreement
This agreement covers the relationship between a company that wants some or all of its promotional, marketing and sales functions performed by a third party (or parties) and the consultant who locates and retains the third party (parties) to perform those functions. Who should use it? Both the consultant providing the types of services described above and the client company receiving those services should use this agreement. Why/When should you use it? It is important to use this agreement so that issues of compensation, exclusivity, rights and relationship of the parties, and contract term be clearly laid out in advance. Without an agreement, the consultant is unable to perform his or her duties because he cannot rely on his or her client. And the client, on the other hand, will not be able to rely on the consultant. You should use this agreement anytime you are retained as a consultant or retain a consultant to find third parties to provide promotional, marketing and sales services. Use it whether or not these services are in addition to identical services provided inhouse or by other third parties. This agreement is appropriate where the company wants a single entity or entities to perform its promotional, marketing and sales functions. While the consultant may find a number of companies to perform these functions, each one must provide selling services at a minimum, and, if desired, promotional and marketing services as well. Because of the way this agreement is drafted, it is not intended where third parties are retained to do promotional and/or marketing services without also providing sales services. In other words, it is okay to use it where the company provides sales services exclusively, but it cannot be used where sales services are not provided. The reason for this is that the contractor is paid based on what is sold, as opposed to marketing or promotional services provided. How should you use it?
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
Be careful using this agreement. It is drafted to be an exclusive arrangement. The consultant is obligated to use his or her best efforts to provide the services contracted for in the agreement; if the consultant does nothing, his or her client may have a cause of action against him. The client should be careful as well, because by granting an exclusive contract to this contractor, he is putting a great deal of faith in the contractor. Make sure to check out the contractor first. Is this the person or company you want performing these services for you? While the company gets to individually approve of and contract with the sales professionals, the company is limited to those the consultant finds. Important Tips Make sure to read "Why/When should you use it?" above. It explains that it is appropriate to use this agreement where sales services are provided exclusively, but it may not be used where sales services are not provided. Recommendations: Execute a Non-Disclosure and Non-Circumvention Agreement for additional protection.
Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement
It is an agreement between the Company who owns or is providing certain proprietary, non-public information and the employee who receives that information. This agreement prohibits the employee from disclosing the information to third parties and from using that information other than in the scope of his employment. This agreement is designed to establish harmonious relationships between you and (potential) employees and to protect your company, ideas, assets and competitive position from inappropriate use of your confidential information. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you hire a new employee, or, if you are seeing this agreement for the first time now, you should have all of your current employees sign a copy of this agreement as soon as possible. The use of this agreement may protect your ideas from being used by other parties. While it does not guarantee that the information you have provided won't be freely disseminated, it affords you some protection. Who should use it? Use the agreement freely; it is better to err on the side of using the agreement than not using it. How should you use it? You should use this agreement when you want to protect your company from inappropriate use of proprietary information. You should enter into an agreement, along with an Employment Agreement, at the beginning of employment, so that all parties understand the nature and scope of their rights and duties. Important Tips Make sure to execute the agreement before you disclose any confidential or proprietary information to anyone. Once you have made the disclosure, it may be too late to ask the other party to complete the agreement.
Employee Stock Bonus Plan & Agreement
Employee Stock Bonus Plan and Agreement are documents used in a specific type of employee incentive special compensation program. This program is designed to allow key employees to purchase stock from their corporate employer at a discount of not less than 85% of the fair market value of the stock. The employees also get a tax break when they sell the stock in the future. Why/When should you use it? This type of employee incentive program is used to attract and keep talented employees. You should use an Employee Stock Bonus Plan and Agreement when you want to provide an incentive compensation plan and this type of program meets your tax needs.
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
Who should use it? Corporate employers who wish to attract and keep talented employees. How should you use it? There are many requirements to consider when establishing any type of employee incentive compensation plan. You should consult with your attorney, your accountant, or a benefits consultant if you are contemplating some type of employee incentive compensation plan. Use this agreement to get a general understanding of how an Employee Stock Bonus Plan works. Important Tips There are different tax consequences to the employer and employee depending upon the type of incentive compensation plan you use. When you consult you lawyer, accountant or benefits consultant, you should ask for a clear explanation of the types of plans and their consequences.
Employee's Acknowledgment of Employer's Rights in Work Product
An Employee's Acknowledgment of Employer's Rights in Work Product is an agreement in which an employee relinquishes all of his or her rights in a work product that he or she generates during the scope of employment. You will note that the Acknowledgment also contains an assignment of rights as reassurance that the employer will retain all rights in work product. Why/When should you use it? As an employer you will generally want to retain all rights in work product produced by employees. For example, if you hire employees to develop an on-line, 3-D graphics engine then that will be the focus of a future on-line shopping business, you want to be sure to own all rights in that graphics engine. Who should use it? Employers who hire employees to develop intellectual property should have employees sign this Acknowledgment or a modified version. How should you use it? Employers who want to utilize this Acknowledgment may find that some employees won't agree to all of the terms. Adjust the terms so that they are agreeable to both sides. Important Tips Leave the assignment provision in this agreement. There maybe situations where the intellectual property created by an employee would not be considered a work made for hire, meaning the rights in the employee's work product would be owned by the employee instead of the employer. The assignment provision acts as a safeguard for the employer by treating the Acknowledgment as an assignment as well.
Employment Agreement
An Employment Agreement is a contract in which an employer and an employee set the terms of their relationship. It covers matters such as duration, termination, compensation, non-disclosure, place of employment and expense reimbursement. Why/When should you use it? Generally, employment relationships not covered by a written contract are "at-will" meaning that neither party has any confirmed obligation to the other. The employment contract solidifies the employer-employee relationship by spelling out what the parties should expect from each other. There may be times when an employer or an employee desires to have the employment relationship defined in writing. An example of such a situation would be when an employee leaves the security of one job for a new job which promises an equity stake in the business. Who should use it?
if your employment agreement states that you can only be fired for cause and that agreement has expired.Handbook of Business Contracts Employers and employees can use this document or construct their own. you should enter into an agreement at the beginning of employment so that all parties understand the nature and scope of their rights and duties. grounds for termination.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . How should you use it? The main goal of using this agreement is to have a written record of the employment relationship. How should you use it? You should use this agreement when you want to solidify the terms of an employer-employee relationship. you should make the effort to set forth important terms. If you do not require that everything be spelled out clearly. It provides general terms such as duration of employment. This agreement should be used when the parties desire to have a written agreement but do not require extensive terms to define the employment relationship. Be prepared to drop terms that you don't find important but demand that important terms be stated clearly and kept in the agreement. Employment Continuation Agreement An Employment Continuation Agreement is an agreement in which an employer and an employee agree to extend the term of employment beyond the employment period previously established in a separate employment agreement. Important Tips Consider all the possible terms your employment agreement could include. 64 . Who should use it? Employers and employees who do not require an extensive agreement but who desire a written agreement would use this form. You can draft your own terms and include them in the appropriate section. Why/When should you use it? This short-form employment agreement provides a quick and easy written contract without getting too particular and cumbersome. However. Basically. You can make modifications to this form or use it "as-is" by filling in the blanks. The Employment Continuation Agreement can be entered into either before or after the original employment agreement expires. still make sure that the terms of the agreement would not somehow work against you in the future. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement if you have entered into a written employment agreement which is due to expire but you would like the employment relationship to continue for an extended period and under the same terms. Usually employment agreements are used when employers hire high level or key employees. you should enter into the Continuation Agreement before the expiration of the original agreement to make sure the terms of the original agreement legally apply throughout the employment relationship. The terms of that separate employment agreement are incorporated into this agreement. and an arbitration clause. it is possible that your employer could fire you for any reason because without a written agreement you could be considered an at-will employee. salary. Review this agreement to understand the types of terms. For example. Employment Agreement (Short Version) This agreement is a bare bones employment agreement which establishes a basic employment relationship. Important Tips If you are signing an employment agreement to have a written record of the employment relationship.
You can incorporate by reference all of the terms of the original agreement then modify those terms or add new terms in the is agreement. and establish a severance payment scheme. How should you use it? This agreement should be used when you will be ending an employment relationship and you would like certain continuing matters like severance payments. For example.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .com) Why/When should you use it? 65 .Handbook of Business Contracts Who should use it? This agreement should be used by employers and employees who have entered into written employment contracts which are due to expire but the parties desire to continue the relationship. It is an opportunity for renegotiating an existing employment contract. Some states require specific language in the release in order for the release to be completely effective. Important Tips If you are using this agreement for more of a release than a severance agreement. if there has been some problem during the employment relationship. Incentive Stock Option Agreement An Incentive Stock Option Agreement is an agreement in which an employer and an employee agree to allow the employee to participate in a special type of employee incentive compensation program called an Incentive Stock Option plan. You can use this agreement or modify it to fit your particular needs. this agreement terminates the employment relationship. the employee can purchase stock from the corporate employer at large discounts and also get a tax break when they are given the option and when they sell the stock at later time. the employer may want a written release to limit its liability exposure. such as sexual harassment allegations.JIAN. Employment Termination & Severance Agreement An Employment Termination and Severance Agreement is an agreement in which an employer and an employee agree to terminate the employment relationship. visit www. to be set down in writing. Who should use it? This agreement or a modified version should be used by employers and employees who will be terminating an employment relationship but who need assurances from each other regarding continuing obligations. (For a comprehensive toolkit for building your own Employee Incentive Stock Option program. Employees should use this type of agreement to insure that their ex-employer will be bound to comply with the financial aspects of the termination such as severance payments and maintenance of health insurance for a certain period following termination. Basically. Why/When should you use it? Employers would want to use this agreement because in it the employee agrees to keep private the company's confidential information and releases his or her claims against the employer. How should you use it? Make sure to reference the original employment agreement in the Employment Continuation Agreement and include that original agreement as an attachment. In this agreement. release each other from liability to the other. Important Tips If you want to change certain terms in your original employment agreement you can do so in this Employment Continuation Agreement. you should consult your attorney about the appropriate language for the release.
How should you use it? If you are entering into an independent contract employment relationship you should consider using this agreement or a modified version. or a benefits consultant if you are interested in establishing an Incentive Stock Option Plan and entering into an Incentive Stock Option Agreement with your employees. you can try and draft them yourself. It is imperative that you consult with your attorney. Who should use it? Corporate employers who wish to attract and keep talented employees. Remember. The agreement establishes that the independent contract will be in control of how the work is to be performed. Use the agreement "as-is" and fill in the missing terms or add your own provisions. so take the time to think through the terms. Important Tips There are different tax consequences to the employer and employee depending upon the type of incentive compensation plan you use. Retail Salesperson A Salesperson Master Commission Agreement is a contract in which an employer establishes a salesperson's compensation. Important Tips If the independent contractor employment relationship is complex. especially if there will be liability exposure to either the employer or the independent contractor. Also. 66 . this one is designed for use in a retail sales situation where the salesperson receives a commission on items sold by him or her. both the employer and the employee can get a tax break.Handbook of Business Contracts Incentive Stock Option Agreements are used in conjunction with Incentive Stock Option Plans. This type of incentive compensation program is used to attract and keep talented employees. you should ask for a clear explanation of the types of plans and their consequences.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you may want to use this agreement to establish a paper trail indicating that the relationship is not a hire. if the independent contractor will be given confidential information you may want to add a non-disclosure provision. your accountant. As an employer. Independent Contractor An Independent Contractor's Agreement is a contract between an individual and an employer agree to establish an employment relationship on a contract as opposed to a hired basis. if the Incentive Stock Option Plan is structured correctly. How should you use it? There are lots of issues involved in establishing Incentive Stock Option Plans. accountant or benefits consultant. Why/When should you use it? You should use it to establish the basic understanding between the employer and the independent contractor. If there are particular aspects of that relationship that are not addressed in this agreement. it is always better to have a detailed agreement. For example. We have included it for educational purposes only. including base salary and commission. While there are numerous types of commission agreements. Take a look at the discussion on "Managing Employees and Contractors" to get a better understanding of the independent contractor employment relationship. When you consult you lawyer. especially if the details of the relationship are complex. Who should use it? Employers and independent contractors should use this agreement or a modified version. control over how and when work will be performed is a factor considered by the IRS when determining if someone is an employee or independent contractor.
It also establishes a time limit for how long after the salesperson leaves your firm that they should be entitled to commissions. Then write the issues you may confront in your commission-based employment relationship and draft a structured agreement similar to this one. compensation and the obligations of the employer. Don't laugh. each of which could mean a great deal of money to the salesperson or the employer. you should use this agreement or a modified version if your industry norm is to hire salespeople on pure commission. particularly in an effort to protect their customer base. This agreement is representative of a traditional commission-based sales arrangement in which profit potential motivates the salesperson to sell product. Salesperson This agreement is a contract for the employment of a salesperson who is to sell in an assigned territory and will be compensated on a commission basis. Also. You will note that the agreement contains a term which prohibits the salesperson from soliciting customers of the employer for a certain period after the end of the employment relationship. we were friends. Employers and salespeople alike can get some ideas on how to structure their commission arrangement by reviewing this agreement. In some industries base salaries are provided as well as commissions. Who should use it? Employers who traditionally hire pure commission salespeople would use this agreement or a modified version. "Net sales" could be defined in a number of ways. For example. It sets forth the sales person's duties. Why/When should you use it? A while back. "net sales" is defined as gross sales less returns and allowances.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Basically. Use this agreement verbatim or modify its terms to meet the needs of your employment relationship. 67 . How should you use it? This agreement or a modified version can be used in industries where commission-only relationships are the norm. Over what? He thought we owed him more money than we did. How dumb was that? After all. beware of provisions which allow the employer to adjust commission rates at any time. it can be changed to accommodate other sales relationships. But several years ago we didn't use the right contract to spell out our deal. Someone we thought was a friend. If you will be employed in a commission-based employment relationship. make sure to watch out for commission programs based on unrealistic sales quotas. Important Tips Commission structures come in all shapes and sizes. Review this agreement to get an idea of its structure and the issues addressed. How should you use it? Use this agreement or a modified version if you will be entering into a commission-based retail employment relationship. Who should use it? While this agreement is designed for the retail environment. So take the time to think through the practical effect of the financial provisions — it could mean a lot of money.Handbook of Business Contracts Why/When should you use it? Encouraging the salesperson to sell product by offering commission is the basis of almost all sales relationships. Important Tips This agreement contains financial provisions which should be clearly understood. we were sued by a former employee.
etc. it is appropriate to use a Work For Hire Agreement to define the relationship and set forth rights relating to that product. A contractor should use this agreement whenever its services are contracted for to create a specific product. The agreement sets forth the terms and conditions. Most importantly. Important Tips You may wish to use other agreements along with this Work for Hire Agreement. but how much the contractor will be paid.Handbook of Business Contracts Work for Hire Agreement When a company uses an outside contractor to provide services which result in a specific product.). In addition. 68 . scheduling and a definition of the specific Work For Hire to be created. How should you use it? You should be very careful to review all of the terms of this agreement. great care should be taken in completing the attachments (or exhibits) to the agreement which provide for fees. the agreement sets forth ownership of the product being created. etc. including NonDisclosure and Non-Circumvention and Independent Contractor agreements. Again.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Who should use it? Any contractor retained to create a Work For Hire as well as any company who retains a consultant/contractor to create a Work For Hire. instruction manuals. Why/When should you use it? It is very important to use this agreement not only because it sets forth exactly what the contractor will be doing for the client. A client of a contractor should use this agreement whenever it uses an outside consultant to create a specific product. It is not necessary to use this agreement where the consultant/contractor is merely providing advisory services and no real tangible product is involved. including scheduling and fees involved in creating the work for hire (prototype production. when the product is to be completed. it is not necessary to use this agreement where you are retaining a contractor to provide advisory or other services and they are not creating a tangible product.
The Uniform Commercial Code. for example. 2004. and the merchant receiving that confirmation does not object within ten days of receipt.000.Anatole France This section provides you with the agreements you will need to effectively buy and sell goods and services. that you agree to send me 100 IBM 486 SX 33 computers on or before March 1. we suggest that you use them whenever possible to avoid problems down the road. The reason for this is that oral agreements afford little protection in the event of a dispute. for the price of $100. Although the U. While written contracts may not always be required.C. or if a monitor is included.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . including conduct by both parties. A merchant is anyone who makes a livelihood buying or selling the particular goods contracted for or says she does.Handbook of Business Contracts Buying & Selling Goods & Services There are very honest people who do not think that they have had a bargain unless they have cheated a merchant. says that where one party sends the other a written confirmation of an oral agreement within a reasonable time after that agreement was made. Note that certain oral agreements to sell goods valued over $500 are enforceable. We have included the following contracts to help you document your agreements to buy and sell goods and services: Bailment Bill of Sale Consign Merchandise Contract to Sell Goods Custom Non-Software Design/ Development Agreement Custom Software Development Equipment Lease Equipment Purchase Exclusive Authorization to Represent Buyer Exclusive Authorization to Represent Seller Extended Service Hardware Maintenance Sales Service Software Maintenance Read the following pages if you'd like more information about buying and selling goods and services. A little time spent now can save you a lot of time. 2004.C. and either one or both of the parties to that agreement are merchants. you should make absolutely sure that the terms of any writings of this type that you may send or receive are 100% accurate. Sale of Goods A contract for the sale of goods may be made in any way that suffices to show an agreement. and you send me a confirmation stating "this memorandum is to confirm our oral agreement of January 1. has been enacted in every state except Louisiana. including any contract for the sale of goods over $500. it is unclear what size hard drive comes in the computer. Written vs. Oral Agreements There are several types of contracts that must be in writing to be enforceable. will allow you to enforce your oral agreement in this situation. you should still put all of your agreements in writing.000 worth of computers. the agreement will be enforceable. Thus if I orally agree to sell you $100. money and heartache. if both of the parties are merchants. Because of the implications of these confirmations.C." that confirmation serves as a legally binding contract unless I send you a written objection within 10 days. the U. and if so what type.C. . Where a seller 69 . which applies to such situations. In the example above. There are different rules that apply to for the sale of goods. However.
C implies "reasonable" terms to fill many. there is no writing requirement though you will have to prove that there was an agreement.C. you may be warranting your product even if you don't know it.C. Although a formal contract is preferred. and. Gap-Fillers If two merchants intend to make a contract for the sale of goods. such a contract does not fail for indefiniteness. time and place of payment or delivery.C. the name and address of the buyer and seller.Handbook of Business Contracts delivers goods to a buyer.C.C. Note. however. and the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Under the U. and he accepts them. omissions.C. in fact. insurance. both buyers and sellers should be aware of these obligations. there is a contract. Express warranties are created when a seller makes a promise or statement regarding goods. that buyer will be able to enforce the agreement. With respect to contracts for the sale of goods under $500. Warranties A warranty is a guarantee that a particular item will be of a certain quality or have certain attributes. create an express warranty.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Statements relating to the value of the goods or the seller's opinion regarding those goods will not create an express warranty. 70 . You should also include payment terms.C. the price or other consideration being paid. Also where goods are specifically manufactured for the buyer and are not suitable for sale to others. believe it or not. and other important provisions so as to avoid any potential conflicts. With a warranty of title. delivery. contain all of the essential terms. though not all. therefore. and the buyer relies on that statement. As you can see. there are four types of warranties: express warranties. In fact they should be easy to understand.C. and need only contain the date of the agreement. of course. However. Scope of Contracts Contracts for the sale of goods need not be complex documents. or copyright infringement. Any statement of fact or promise that describes goods will create an express warranty. that a buyer who furnishes specifications for specific goods to a seller must hold the seller harmless against any claims regarding patent. the easiest way to do this is to have a written contract. "Ford cars are better". or "You will love this car" are not express warranties. the implied warranty of merchantability. and the signatures of the parties. and. Terms relating to price. trademark. the seller warrants that the title transferred is good and that there are no liens or encumbrances of which the buyer is unaware. You can negate any express warranties by including explicit language in your agreements that you are selling the goods "as is" and are disclaiming any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness. but only by specific language. the U. is fairly lenient as to what is required of a written contract. Contents of a Written Contract The U. and you don't need to say "I warranty" or "I guarantee" to create such a warranty." that does. the warranty of title and against infringement. the general quality of goods or any particular warranties may all be omitted because they can be supplied by the U. there may be more than one writing which. where a seller claims that "this automobile is in top mechanical condition..C. copyright or similar claim. when taken together. In addition to the warranty of title. simply requires a written memorandum or memorandums evidencing a sale of goods. The title warranty can be disclaimed. The memorandum(s) must be signed or at least authenticated by the party claiming there was no contract and it must specify a quantity. a merchant seller also warrants that the goods are free of any patent. and they leave one or more terms open. For example. While a single agreement or memorandum will do. a description of the goods being sold. the U. trademark. These warranties impose obligations on sellers of goods.
Furthermore. For example. and. seller is an attorney who. there is an implied warranty of merchantability. does aviation stunts in his personal airplane. he must specifically mention merchantability in the disclaimer. you should not give an express warranty. He sells that airplane to a buyer who is a novice pilot. A particular purpose differs from the ordinary purpose (warranty of merchantability) in that it contemplates the specific use for which the item is purchased. (Note that we have included this provision in most of the agreements in AgreementBuilder.) An integration clause says the written contract is the final and sole expression of the agreement between the parties. and that the item is within fair. at a minimum. the engine malfunctions. in his spare time. then in order to disclaim the warranty. and then try to disclaim it. For example. Furthermore. By including language such as "as is" or "with all faults. While warranty disclaimers do not always need to be in writing. The Act sets forth numerous written warranty requirements. a merchant seller in New York sells goods to a buyer who is 71 . must make the disclaimer conspicuous (either underline it or put it in bold). risk of loss passes to the buyer only upon her taking physical possession of the goods. In addition to your state's laws. and the buyer relies on that seller's skill and judgment to select those goods. it must be in writing. While the buyer is trying to execute a 360 degree loop. Lastly. if the seller is a merchant. A seller can disclaim the warranty for a particular purpose by a conspicuous writing in the contract. even if that disclaimer is in writing. and that nothing said or agreed to prior to the signing of the contract is part of that agreement. packaged and labeled as the contract or usage of trade may require. it is best to put it writing. the warranty of fitness cannot be disclaimed orally. merchant or not. in the case of a written contract. however. The engine would not have malfunctioned under normal use. there would probably not be a breach because the element of selection based on seller's skill is not present. they may not extend it beyond four years. while you can disclaim this warranty orally. we recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which warranties should be disclaimed and the best way to do it since the rules are fairly technical. Reducing Time for Bringing Action An action for the breach of any contract for the sale of goods must be brought within four years after the cause of action accrues (when the breach occurs). It also means that the item is adequately contained. thus. In the original agreement." a seller can effectively disclaim all implied warranties. seller is also a novice pilot. there are federal regulations pursuant to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which covers consumer products. there would not be a breach of the warranty of merchantability since the seller is not a merchant who deals airplanes. average quality of the description given. Note that the serving of food or drink on the premises is a sale of goods subject to the warranty of merchantability.Handbook of Business Contracts In every sale by a merchant who deals in goods of the kind sold. in general this means that the goods are fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used. to be safe we suggest that you include them in you contracts and put them in writing. the parties may reduce this period of limitation to not less than one year. knows or has reason to know the particular purpose for which the goods are to be used. if a seller doesn't use such language. Frequently. With respect to the implied warranty of merchantability. on the other hand. if you are selling consumer products and are offering a written warranty. review the requirements of the Act. Risk of Loss or Damage to Goods In general. There was a breach of the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose if the seller had reason to know that the buyer was relying on him to provide a suitable stunt airplane. The implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose arises whenever any seller. you should speak to an attorney or. As with all implied warranty cases. the seller is responsible even if he did not know of the defect or could not have discovered the problem. Unlike the warranty of merchantability. and the plane crashes. If. In both cases. a buyer will claim that the seller made oral warranties before the written contract was signed One possible way to avoid this problem is to always include an integration clause in your contracts.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .
For example. a New York seller sells 500 computers to a California buyer. Thus. Consignment In a consignment relationship.m. risk of loss falls on the buyer. liability for loss or damage and consignee's responsibility for maintaining insurance. Personal Service Contracts Contracts for the provision of services do not have to be in writing unless they cannot be performed within a year. if the seller is not a merchant. seller would also be responsible for shipping costs. who agrees to pay the consignor any proceeds from the sale of the item(s) less a consignment commission. The risk of loss does not pass to that buyer until she actually takes possession of the goods.O. you avoid these problems by drafting a good consignment contract which should include payment schedules. buyer's warehouse California.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . (Freight On Board) New York. seller. F. Often. if any. including payment after the item is sold. even if the contract term is for less than one year. subject to state employment laws. Where nothing is said regarding the term of employment or service in a written or oral agreement. If the contract requires the seller to deliver the goods to a particular place. Note that unless it is otherwise stated in the contract. or the judge will throw you out of court." This means that either party may terminate the relationship at any time. risk passes to the buyer when one of the following occurs: The buyer receives a negotiable document of title covering the goods. For example. or a reasonable period of time lapses such that the buyer can notify the bailee of his right to the goods after buyer receives a nonnegotiable document of title or otherwise gives written direction to the bailee to deliver the goods. a fire destroys the goods. unless otherwise agreed to in the contract. Therefore. The contract states that shipment should be by carrier but does not specifically require seller to tender them in California.S. In situations where goods are held by a third party bailee and are not to be shipped or even moved as part of the contract. at any time.B. the bailee acknowledges the buyer's rights to the goods.A. buyer still has to pay for them. F. return them to the consignor. that employment will be "at will. New York would not only mean that the buyer bears the risk of loss. if the contract had said F.Handbook of Business Contracts supposed to pick them up. and responsibility for insurance.B. the consignee is not under an obligation to sell those item(s) and may. With respect to carrier cases where the contract requires the seller to ship the goods by carrier but does not require him to deliver them to a specific place. Frequently. sells goods to buyer on Friday afternoon. Of course a buyer of goods may draft his contracts so as to avoid this problem. risk of loss passes to the buyer as soon as the goods are delivered to the carrier. even though he never took possession of the goods and they were destroyed. In most cases. the condition of unsold item(s). At 2:00 p. it is best to have a written agreement. is a maritime term which requires the seller to place the goods alongside a vessel. risk of loss during transit to buyer's warehouse would have been on the seller. if they are damages in transit. problems arise with consignments. The buyer then bears the cost and risk of loading and shipment. On the other hand. 72 . Since the risk passes to the buyer as soon as the goods are placed in the possession of the carrier.O. Since seller tendered delivery at noon when he had the goods ready for Buyer. Of course. a consignor leaves item(s) with a consignee. but the cost of transport as well.O. in the above example. the buyer will bear the loss. Buyer agrees to pick up the goods on Monday at noon but never shows. Furthermore. risk of loss passes to the buyer upon tender of delivery. you better have a written contract. Thus if you go to court and say we had a two year independent contractor's agreement.B. F. a non-merchant. the risk of loss does not pass to the buyer until the goods are tendered to the buyer at that destination.
Handbook of Business Contracts Artist-Gallery Consignment A number of states have adopted special artist-gallery consignment laws which deal with a number of these problems. Missouri. Oregon. others do not include such crafts in their definition of art. Most of the statutes impose these obligations even if there is a loss that could not have been avoided by the highest degree of care. As such. Iowa. While each state's version is unique. Arkansas. If you are accepting property for other parties you should also use this agreement. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement anytime you accept goods from another for money or anytime you leave goods with another for storage. metal. plastic. Washington. California. Pennsylvania. As such. and thereafter either redelivers the goods to the Bailor or otherwise disposes of those goods in line with the purpose of the trust. The Bailee keeps the goods in trust to carry out some purpose. wood. Texas. there is a presumption that a consignment is created. you might have lost your goods. New York. Bailment A Bailment Agreement documents the delivery of goods from one person (Bailer) to another (Bailee). if you leave art with a dealer. it doesn't hurt to have a written agreement. fiber. Florida.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . You should be aware. and lighting strikes destroying your art or any proceeds. many share basic provisions. you should use this agreement to document the bailment. It is important to use this agreement so that the Bailor a receipt for his goods. Thus while some of the statutes include craftwork which they may define as those items made with clay. The Bailment may either be for the benefit of the Bailee. and the consignee owed money to a creditor or went bankrupt. a minimum selling price and the dealer's fee or percentage. Montana. Illinois. AgreementBuilder's Bailment Agreement is exclusively for the storage of property. Basically. Even if there is. New Mexico. this was a big problem in that if you consigned something. theft or damage occurring to the consigned art work or proceeds. Massachusetts. While there are many different types of bailments (for example you lend your car to a friend to go to the store) most involve the storage of goods. Tennessee. How should you use it? Make sure you adequately describe the property in the agreement. New Jersey. or glass. Important Tips This agreement is not meant to be used by pawnbrokers. this means that the consignee/art dealer is responsible for any loss. The Bailee should use this agreement because it sets a fee and establishes the terms of the bailment. Also. however. North Carolina. including a trustee in bankruptcy. Thus. Who should use it? If you are leaving your property with another party. In fact many of the artist-gallery statutes require artist and dealer to have a written agreement which sets forth the value of the artwork. The artwork itself along with any proceeds from the sale of the artwork is held in trust on behalf of the artist. Idaho. 73 . New Hampshire. that every state defines art differently. Arizona. Colorado. Minnesota. unless she is paid in full before or upon delivery. Maryland. the Bailor or both. and Wisconsin. the following states have enacted special laws: Alaska. Connecticut. Because of the large number of consignments involving art work. the dealer is responsible for the loss and must pay you. you should make sure to have a good contract whenever you consign merchandise unless you are sure that there is an applicable statute. Ohio. Traditionally. most of theses statutes protect the artwork from any claims made by creditor's of the art dealer. Kentucky. Michigan. When an artist leaves her artwork with a gallery.
whether it be a new or used television. Even if you pay (or sell) by check or credit. If you pay (or sell) with cash. Likewise. When a seller takes merchandise on consignment. duration. anytime a seller takes possession of merchandise from another party for the purpose of selling that merchandise. With warranties means that the seller is warranting that it has the authority to transfer legal title to the buyer and that there are no outstanding debts or liabilities relating to the property. It says that the sale has been consummated. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement anytime you buy or sell goods or personal property. Who should use it? A small business owner or anyone else selling property. and the item delivered. the owner of the merchandise agrees to take it back. With warranties may also provide that the property is in good working order. but if he does not. it operates as a "title" to those items. It establishes a minimum purchase price. most importantly. it is a good idea to use a Bill of Sale so that there is no misunderstanding regarding the transaction. Likewise. you might end up getting stuck. How should you use it? You can either use the Bill of Sale with or without warranties." Here the Buyer is taking it with defects. Consign Merchandise Agreement An agreement to Consign Merchandise is. car or sewing machine. an agreement between the owner of a particular item or items and the entity which will take possession of that item or items for the purpose of selling it. If you are buying goods or property. it is a good idea to get a Bill of Sale. Like other agreements. with a third party for the purpose of selling that item(s). Without warranties. Who should use it? Anyone taking possession of merchandise on consignment and anyone leaving merchandise with another party on consignment. he is agreeing to try to sell that item. Important Tips In addition to executing this agreement. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement because it establishes the relationship and obligations of the store owner and the consignee. A consignee should use it anytime he leaves merchandise. Consignee should get a receipt from Seller for any merchandise left with Seller on Consignment. Important Tips Be careful when selling something—even though you say nothing about a warranty or you attempt to disclaim certain warranties. quite simply. whether it be greeting cards. and. How should you use it? Use it freely whenever a consignment takes place. the Bill of Sale is evidence of the transaction.Handbook of Business Contracts Bill of Sale A Bill of Sale is a receipt for both the Buyer and Seller of any goods (chattels) or personal property. the seller's fee. if any. It is a straightforward agreement to document a fairly simple transaction. a painting or a car. it is important to use in that a written agreement is better than an oral one.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . this agreement should be used. if and when the merchandise is returned to 74 . By verifying that the Buyer has obtained legal title to the property from Seller. means that the Seller is selling "as is. it is your way of proving that you paid for the item in question.
Custom Non-Software Design/Development This is an agreement for use by individuals or companies doing custom development work. Seller should get a receipt. Generally. How should you use it? This agreement is set up to cover a series of projects. You should tailor this agreement to fit the needs of your custom design and development relationships. Unlike a Sales Agreement which anticipates completion of the transaction some time in the future. This is important. can be included as specific terms in this agreement. such as milestones. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement anytime there is an agreement between a buyer and seller to transfer personal property now. but unlike a Bill of Sale. as opposed to some time in the future. Contract to Sell Goods A Contract to Sell Goods is an agreement between a seller and a buyer to make a current transfer of personal property. whenever you engage a new client. but make sure to adequately describe the property being transferred. the details of that project. How should you use it? It is a simple agreement. you would use a Bill of Sale. you should use AgreementBuilder's Sales Agreement. For example. Who should use it? Designers and their customers should use this agreement. It outlines working and billing policies regarding the production of promotional materials and placement of advertisements.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Be careful to use only the financial terms that are relevant to your transaction. As with most agreements.Handbook of Business Contracts the consignee. Why/When should you use it? You should use a Custom Non-Software Design/Development Agreement whenever you engage a designer to perform custom design services or. a Contract to Sell Goods is used to evidence a current sale. Important Tips If you are transferring the property in the future. Who should use it? Both the seller and buyer of personal property should use this agreement. it is not necessary to use it for small purchases. 75 . the seller warrants that he owns the item(s) and that there are no encumbrances. if you are a designer. otherwise the party in possession of the item(s) might argue that the item(s) was never returned to him. You wouldn't use this agreement to sell a book. It's like a Bill of Sale in that it is a receipt for the item(s) purchased. such as Agency or Design firms. A Contract to Sell Goods protects you in the event that another party owns the property or if there are any encumbrances. if only one project will be performed. This is especially true in the custom development area where the services to be provided by the designer must meet a production schedule and must be performed in cooperation with the client. Important Tips There are quite a few terms in this agreement concerning financial issues. it is very important for the parties to define the nature and scope of their relationship.
In fact. delivery dates. The agreement anticipates that the developer will create a customized computer software program (and user manual) for the client. How should you use it? It's a fairly simple agreement (as agreements go). it provides that if the parties don't agree on a price once the specifications are agreed upon. How should you use it? Negotiate the terms of your lease before you sign it. Important Tips 76 . Anytime you contract to perform or contract with another company to perform customized software development you should use this agreement. in the developer's work product. but rather by the third party who buys the equipment and subsequently leases it to the lessee. the most important of which include making clear who owns the work product. This agreement anticipates internal use of the software only. If your lease is for something less than a full year. Make sure to consider all of these issues. You should execute it before development work commences. You may want to take a look at the discussion titled "Structuring Real Estate Transactions. Once final agreement is reached on the specifications. The first step in the agreement is its execution. Then the parties meet to discuss the project requirements. the agreement terminates and the client may have to pay the developer a fee for creating the final specifications. the developer sets a price.Handbook of Business Contracts Custom Software Design/Development A Custom Software Development Agreement is a contract between a client and the software company/developer it contracts with to provide programming services and software development. Who should use it? The owner of equipment or his agent as well as the lessee should use an Equipment Lease Agreement. It is not drafted to be used by the manufacturer of the equipment. Equipment Lease This is an agreement between the owner or lessor of certain equipment and the lessee of that equipment. this particular agreement anticipates execution even before specifications are established. but it forces you to consider a number of issues that will affect the deal. you find some of it informative. If the client does not then approve that price. customer must pay the developer a preset fee for creating the final specifications. however. To be enforceable. Important Tips Always check out your developer's references before signing the contract. how it will be paid for. Who should use it? Both the company providing customized software development and the client needing these services should use this agreement. The parties should expand the agreement (basically by eliminating the license provision) if wider distribution is anticipated. and payment terms. The client acquires all ownership rights.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . In that case the developer may wish to provide for royalties. it's still a good idea to put it in writing. Why/When should you use it? You should use a Commercial Lease Agreement whenever you lease any type of equipment. Although it is not intended to provide information for the leasing of equipment." It provides a lease checklist intended to aid businesses (as well as individuals) negotiate favorable real property lease terms. subject to a license. Why/When should you use it? There are a number of reasons to use this agreement. a lease for more than a year must be in writing. The developer then creates a set of project specifications which the client can then approve or modify.
Important Tips This agreement provides for a Purchase Money Security Interest by the seller. that your agreement does not disclaim warranties. It establishes a relationship between the buyer and the broker whereby the broker is given the authority to act on behalf of the buyer. How should you use it? It is best to execute the agreement before the broker begins acting on the buyer's behalf. If you sell large amounts of equipment (or merchandise for that matter). or computer). boat. training. You may not like what you see. Who should use it? The buyer who retains the services of a broker or intermediary as well as the broker himself. intellectual property (a patent or trademark) or a business.Handbook of Business Contracts Don't just sign a lease when a lessor hands it to you. If you are the lessor. If you take a security interest in the items you sell on credit and then file the Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement with the appropriate public office.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Make sure that if you are leasing directly from the manufacturer. and this is your last chance to negotiate. but with care to include all of the elements of your agreement. warranty. You should use it because it protects your rights as a buyer (or broker). Equipment Purchase Agreement An Equipment Purchase Agreement is the agreement to be used when an individual or company purchases equipment or a piece of equipment from a dealer or manufacturer. The buyer should carefully review the warranties contained in this agreement. Why/When should you use it? This agreement should be used anytime you hire someone or are hired to locate and purchase a piece of property. make sure that everything you want your lessee to agree to is included in the lease. you can become a secured creditor. It sets forth their terms and conditions of the sale: price. personal property (a car. A further advantage to being a secured creditor is that in the event the customer files for bankruptcy. Furthermore. etc. Of course the manufacturer would still be liable. You should use it so that the duties of the dealer and customer are clearly set forth before the equipment is delivered so that there is no debate as to the items described above. whether it be real property (a home or office). you have the right to take back or seize that property if the customer doesn't pay its debt. Because the equipment lessor in this Equipment Lease Agreement is not the manufacturer of the equipment itself. How should you use it? Use it freely. Important Tips 77 . Exclusive Authorization To Represent Buyer This is an agreement used when a representative or broker is retained to handle the purchase of a single item or conduct a single transaction on behalf of a buyer. as opposed to a non-exclusive agreement. it establishes certain parameters and guidelines pursuant to which the broker is authorized to act. mainframe computer. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement anytime you sell or purchase a piece of equipment such as a copy machine. it is an exclusive agreement. delivery. you will come before general or unsecured creditors in terms of getting all or part of what you're due. Who should use it? Both the seller and buyer of equipment. as many are limited in scope and duration. the agreement contains certain warranty disclaimers. The buyer is agreeing to retain this broker only and no one else. or other similar type of equipment.
You should use it because it protects your rights as a Seller (or Broker). or computer for example. then this extension can only help you. whether it be real property (a home or office for example). Who should use it? The Seller who retains the services of a broker/intermediary as well as the Broker himself. if Seller sells the property on his/her own. If you do and you sell through one. it is an exclusive agreement. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement anytime you retain someone or are retained to sell a piece of property. you may still be obligated to pay the other.Handbook of Business Contracts Since this is an exclusive arrangement. you may still be obligated to pay the other. Furthermore. If you do and you buy through one. see the "Sales Representative Agreement" or "Manufacturer's Representative Agreement. an Extended Warranty shows that you stand behind your products. 78 . Who should use it? The manufacturer of any number of products should use this agreement. If the product is highly reliable and unlikely to fail during a certain period beyond that which the manufacturer warrants it. if the buyer finds and purchases the property on his or her own. It makes your customers feel more confident in the product and compelled to purchase it from you—it is virtually a cost-free incentive and an advantage over competitors. personal property (a car. Furthermore. intellectual property (a patent or trademark. as opposed to a non-exclusive agreement. especially if marketed correctly. it establishes certain parameters and guidelines pursuant to which the Broker is authorized to act. If you are confident that your product(s) are reliable. Important Tips Since this is an exclusive arrangement. you should use this agreement. How should you use it? You should implement a marketing program that calls attention to the fact that you are offering this extended service program.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . The Seller is agreeing to retain this Broker only and no one else. the Extended Service Agreement provides the satisfaction of knowing that certain repairs will be covered for the duration of the extension. How should you use it? It is best to execute the agreement before the Broker begins acting on the Seller's behalf. you cannot use any other brokers for the duration of the agreement. often used for marketing and competitive positioning purposes. he may still be obligated to pay the Broker the fee. boat." Exclusive Authorization To Represent Seller This is an agreement used when a representative or broker is retained to handle the sale of a single item or conduct a single transaction on behalf of a seller. For an ongoing representative relationship. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you manufacture goods and wish to offer an Extended Warranty providing for replacement of covered products as a result of manufacturing defects. Furthermore. see the "Sales Representative Agreement" or "Manufacturer's Representative Agreement. Such a stance ought to enhance your competitive position.). It establishes a relationship between Seller and Broker whereby the Broker is given the authority to act on behalf of the Seller. For the buyer of warranted goods. you may not use any other brokers for the duration of the agreement. he may still be obligated to pay the broker his or her fee." Extended Service Agreement An Extended Service Agreement is an optional extension of the normal manufacturer's warranty. it is relatively safe to offer this extension. for example) or a business. For an ongoing representative relationship. For the manufacturer.
agrees to buy that item(s) pursuant to that price and terms.C.e. You wouldn't use a Sales Agreement to sell a book. How should you use it? The parties to this agreement will have to specify the equipment covered and the charges for service and maintenance. These two alternatives are included because the U. Also. the main reason to enter into a hardware maintenance agreement is to protect against potentially devastating computer failures. Basically. Generally. they should use this agreement.Handbook of Business Contracts Important Tips The manufacturer should carefully review the section in the agreement template on "What This Repair Agreement Does Not Cover. it is not necessary to use it for small purchases. This agreement is very similar to the Service Agreement that appears later on in this section. and the other for consumer transactions. treats warranty provisions differently depending on whether the purchaser is a merchant or a person. it's a promise by a seller to sell a specific item or items of personal property for a specified price pursuant to specified terms to a buyer who. In this agreement. Why/When should you use it? You should consider using this type of agreement when you purchase expensive computer equipment or a computer system. one alternative for use in commercial transactions. Often. As with any service and maintenance agreement. Hardware Maintenance Agreement A Hardware Maintenance Agreement is an agreement between a computer maintenance company and a lessee or purchaser of computer equipment. Important Tips There are alternative warranty provisions in this agreement. the lessor will often require the lessee to enter into a service and maintenance agreement to insure that their interest in the equipment is protected. the buyer is required to pay the him the agreed upon price. but you would use one to sell a car. Unless the sale is completed at the time you agree to buy or sell the item(s) in question.C.. Sales Agreement A Sales Agreement is an agreement between a seller and a buyer to transfer personal property. if the computer equipment is leased. lessees and lessors of computer equipment would use this type of agreement. Why/When should you use it? Anytime there is an agreement between a buyer and seller to transfer personal property some time in the future (i. in turn." Make sure that everything you don't want included is specifically excluded. If a buyer makes an offer. Who should use it? Purchasers. Refer to the discussion at the beginning of this section for more details on this issue. not today).JIAN AgreementBuilder® . but we've included it because of its specific application in the computer maintenance context. a purchaser or lessee knows that the maintenance company will be there to provide service and maintenance for a specified rate. A Sales Agreement anticipates that the transaction will be completed some time in the future. the computer maintenance company will be the same company that sold or leased the computer. the maintenance company agrees to maintain and service the computer equipment over a period of time for specified fees. there is nothing obligating either party to finalize that transaction. Who should use it? 79 . Once accepted there is an agreement. It obligates the parties to the agreement to complete the transaction. By entering into this agreement. and you should use this contract to document that agreement. At a specified time when the seller delivers the item(s) to the buyer. there isn't a contract until the seller accepts that offer. sellers.
Who should use it? Customers who purchase commercial software from resellers or sales representatives should consider using this type of agreement. Why/When should you use it? A software purchaser or licensee would enter into this agreement to obtain protection against software problems after any warranty period has expired. In fact. double check the list of equipment you want to be serviced and include that list as an attachment to the agreement. Software Maintenance Agreement This is an agreement between a software supplier and a licensee or buyer in which the supplier agrees to provide maintenance of the software for a specified period of time. Important Tips You may wish to execute AgreementBuilder's Bill of Sale once payment is made. This agreement may be used in conjunction with a Commercial Software Licensing Agreement. also included in AgreementBuilder. this agreement should be used in conjunction with a Commercial Software Licensing Agreement. If you are transferring the property now. Service Agreement A Service Agreement is an agreement in which a business hires a service company to provide maintenance and repair services of equipment such as computers. Important Tips As always.Handbook of Business Contracts Both the seller and buyer of personal property should use this agreement. you could hire a computer specialist to maintain and repair your office computers which your company owns. the recitals in this agreement refer to a license or purchase agreement. Basically. as opposed to in the future. For example. Also. Use this agreement to understand the basics of a service agreement or use this agreement with certain modifications. You need to make sure the maintenance objectives are sufficient or you can add your own terms which better define such obligations. you would want to have an established relationship with a servicing company. you should use AgreementBuilder's Contract to Sell Goods. you don't have to lease equipment to enter into this type of agreement. If your use of equipment is a necessity for your business. How should you use it? As noted above. Often these agreements are used in conjunction with an equipment lease in which the leasing company or another company provides maintenance and repair services as part of the arrangement. make sure to negotiate the terms of any service agreement. 80 .JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Who should use it? Businesses with important equipment needs should consider entering into a servicing relationship using this type of agreement. However. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement as a type of equipment insurance. How should you use it? It is a simple agreement. this agreement is an insurance policy for commercial software. How should you use it? Usually service companies will want you to use their form agreement. but make sure to adequately describe the property being transferred. It is better to understand what services you will be provided and what you will have to pay for those services before your equipment breaks down.
the warranty provisions of the related licensing or purchasing agreement are incorporated by reference. this is an agreement for services. and maybe change them in some fashion.Handbook of Business Contracts Important Tips In the "Warranty Provisions" section of this contract. not for products.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . You may want to spell out such warranties in this agreement. 81 . After all.
Since sales and marketing is probably the most dynamic part of your business.Zelda Fitzgerald Practically every small business is market driven. You can optimize sales performance and minimize costs by tying the commissions and discounts in your sales agreements directly to sales performance. you can make a salesperson's commission or the discount to a retailer variable based upon their sales performance. salespeople are creative. since sales and marketing can be rather unpredictable. but an annoyance when negotiating their commission or payment with you. you may not know the importance of the legal agreements that document these relationships. . each sales agreement is unique from those you've used before. you can vary the level of discount offered to retailers based upon the volume they sell as long as you are consistent with like dealers or retailers. While you may know the importance of marketing—packaging. you can expect to pay a lower commission. Also.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . AgreementBuilder makes this process as predictable as possible by providing you with instructions along with detailed sales and marketing agreements including:. however. Sales "You can't live with 'em and you can't live without 'em. You should try to cover all possible variables in your contracts. I still believe that one can learn to play the piano by mail and that mud will give you a perfect complexion.Handbook of Business Contracts Building Sales & Marketing Relationships We grew up founding our dreams on the infinite promise of American advertising. and promotion—and sales. and each marketing agreement reflects a new opportunity in an untested media source. The same holds true for a Dealer Resale Agreement. Ordinarily. and. programs in these areas will change frequently and rapidly. it is important to draft agreements that take into account all conceivable scenarios." By their nature. The Act prohibits price discrimination 82 . Much like a performance based compensation plan you would set up for an employee. Advertising Cooperative Co-Marketing Dealer Resale Exclusive Distribution Foreign Sales Representative General Licensing International Distribution International Licensing Sales Representative Mailing List Exchange Mailing List Rental Manufacturer's Representative Non-Exclusive Distribution (Short Version) OEM/Remarketing Product Licensing Read the following pages if you'd like more information about sales and marketing. an invaluable characteristic when negotiating a deal for your company. conversely. that pursuant to the RobinsonPatman Act of 1936. pricing. Note. you can expect to pay a higher commission. if sales are low. Establish Performance-based Packages You must clearly establish expectations for your in-house salespeople and contractors. This means that if your company's sales are high.
Work out the highest possible risk based on your forecasted sales performance. Do the Math! Be sure you understand and are comfortable with any cost associated with your agreement.Handbook of Business Contracts by manufacturers and wholesalers in dealing with other business firms.JIAN AgreementBuilder® ." "promotional units" or "evaluation units. whether it be in advertising or promotion." Whatever they may call these products. They are so creative that they develop a new name for a program that is actually an older program in disguise. Such contractual provisions will be interpreted according to your state's competition laws. like salespeople are creative. they are yours.5% of sales. By using your agreements whenever possible. you can avoid having to decipher hidden acronyms and abbreviated programs. all of these are discounts taken off your cost of goods sold to help fund the marketing of your products. By using your agreements whenever possible. Unless you document in your agreement the specific placement and frequency of advertising regarding your product or service. the money can end up in a general marketing fund used to run ads that never feature or even mention your product. Watch Out Dealers may attempt to get creative with their contracts. certain sales agreements. sometimes. We say sometimes because you should be clear in your agreements where the money is being spent. Multiply the total percentage of all programs by the forecasted revenue and decide if it's worth the cost associated with the sales. but it's worth the effort to avoid surprising fees later. the law is designed to protect independent retailers in their fight against large chains. Where a supplier agrees to meet a dealer's "requirements. Some examples of abbreviated programs are "MDF. you will better understand your agreements. may be subject to dealership or business opportunity laws. you should have a better understanding of your agreement. you also cut down on the administration time and therefore the cost spent calculating commissions or payments." such a requirements clause may be enforceable against the dealer if the supplier offers substantial services or invests in significant advertising and promotion. Be Consistent Be as consistent as possible with like vendors or partners. It requires a bit of work. By being consistent with your sales agreements." an abbreviation for Marketing Development Funds. Be Consistent Be as consistent as possible with like vendors or partners. and the dealer is trying to get them for free. negotiating for such things as "seed units. these laws make it particularly difficult for a supplier to terminate its agreement with that dealer and may further provide the dealer with remedies that are not within the apparent scope of the contract itself. Be careful as these small percentage points will start adding up and will eat into your profits. Furthermore. "RAD" for Reseller Account Development Program. Fundamentally. Furthermore. you can avoid having to decipher hidden acronyms and abbreviated programs. or "RMF" for Reseller Marketing Funds. Precautionary Notes 83 . Precautionary Notes In a number of states. Marketing Beware of Abbreviated Programs and Small Percentage Points Marketing people. In particular. All that is needed to trigger their provisions is a small investment by the dealer. Where a dealer makes an investment. for example Dealer Resale. Each of these abbreviated programs can carry an non-intimidating small percentage point ranging from 1% to 4. These laws protect small business people and dealers from termination of dealership appointments without good cause.
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
In certain marketing arrangements such as OEM/Remarketing, a number of states regulate a supplier or primary vendor's right to terminate an arrangement with a distributor or remarketer depending on the circumstances of the termination and the nature of the business arrangement. To avoid this and other problems, you should make sure that your agreements ensure that delivery and volume commitments are set at appropriate levels.
Advertising Cooperative Agreement
An Advertising Cooperative Agreement is an agreement between the vendor or producer of certain products and the end seller of those products who, in addition to selling, is actively engaged in marketing and promoting those products. The agreement provides that a marketing promotional allowance will accrue for seller's use based on a fixed percentage of its total purchases from vendor. Those monies are then used to promote vendor's products. Why/When should you use it? You should use it so that there is a clear understanding between the parties as to exactly how much and how monies will accrue for promotional purposes. Because the agreement requires the vendor's approval for any particular promotions which exceed a predetermined amount, it affords the vendor certain protection. You should use it any time you enter into a marketing alliance relationship where a vendor pays an end seller or other party to promote its products based on the amount of purchases that end seller makes from the vendor. Who should use it? Where some type of advertising cooperative arrangement is anticipated, both the end seller and the producer or vendor of products should use this agreement. How should you use it? You should complete the agreement prior to agreeing to commence accruing for the program. Since it is a fairly straightforward agreement, you shouldn't have much trouble using it. Make sure, however, to thoroughly think through the Cap Amount, and other terms that may affect your business. Important Tips Watch the term of the agreement. If you are a vendor and plan on doing a lot of your own advertising, you may not want to agree indefinitely to having someone else take care of this important aspect of your business (unless, of course, that vendor is responsible for most of your sales). Be careful regarding remaining balances. Make sure you understand what happens where the vendor spends more money on advertising and promotion than has accrued.
Co-Marketing Agreement
A Co-Marketing Agreement is exactly what it sounds like. It is an agreement between two or more companies which have similar or complementary products or services and want to work cooperatively to realize opportunities for those products or services. The agreement addresses numerous issues affecting the co-marketing relationship including: specific marketing functions like assessing market needs and potential customers; promotional efforts such as joint seminars, public relations events, press releases, and joint participation in trade shows; joint training of your respective work forces; and sales referrals and presentations. Why/When should you use it? You should use a Co-Marketing Agreement whenever you agree to co-market your products or services with another company. As with all of your agreements, you should use this contract to avoid any misunderstandings regarding the nature of your co-marketing arrangement. It is a fairly easy agreement to understand so you don't have any excuses. In addition, it is important to use this agreement because it contains certain confidentiality provisions as well as restrictions regarding the
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
use of your trademarks by your co-marketing partner(s). Try to have the agreement signed before you actually begin co-marketing. Who should use it? Where two companies want to work cooperatively to realize opportunities for their respective products and/or services, such that they desire to "co-market" themselves, they should use a Co-Marketing Agreement. How should you use it? Since the agreement is fairly easy to use, you should use it freely with any potential co-marketers. To the extent that the agreement imposes certain obligations on you and you are unclear as to the effect of those obligations, you may wish to consult an attorney. Important Tips If you are providing confidential or proprietary information to your comarketing partner(s) but have either not gotten to the point where you are both ready to sign this agreement or you do not plan on using it, you should use a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Furthermore, you may never even enter into a Co-Marketing Agreement. The Non-Disclosure may prohibit the other party from disclosing the information you disclose.
Dealer Resale Agreement
A Dealer Resale Agreement is a contract between the manufacturer or producer of certain goods and the reseller of those goods. The agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of those parties. Why/When should you use it? It is especially important to use the agreement if you are a manufacturer or producer of goods because it sets forth the terms under which a reseller can sell your goods. It covers many of the aspects of a sale such as payment and delivery terms, warranties, etc. As these are all items which should be discussed by a Producer and its Reseller, this agreement should be used. Generally, the agreement is used with products such as consumer electronics, automobiles, or other items that are available in limited situations. There is a degree of exclusivity in the use of a Dealer Resale Agreement—it's not the kind of agreement a candy company would use with each of the stores that sold its candy bars; it is however, the kind of agreement that ought to be used where the product is more expensive and requires special knowledge or expertise to sell like a computer or stereo. Who should use it? The manufacturer or producer of goods such as those described above should execute this agreement whenever it appoints a Reseller for its products. How should you use it? You should use it carefully. There are many provisions that require you to insert dates. Be careful to review them and establish times that fit within your company's policies. Important Tips If the company will be providing confidential information or trade secrets to Reseller, it may want to consider having Reseller execute a Non-Disclosure and Non-Circumvention Agreement. There are a number of inserts in this agreement relating to periods of time. In many cases, there is only one amount of time in the brackets. This is the standard amount of time provided for in these types of agreements. However, in most cases, you may shorten or lengthen the time periods.
Exclusive Distribution Agreement
An Exclusive Distribution Agreement is a contract between the supplier (manufacturer, owner, producer) of certain products and the distributor who actually distributes those products to authorized dealers or others who then sell them to their end-users. Because of the exclusivity of the relationship,
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
the agreement will generally contain numerous marketing commitments by the distributor to the supplier, including assurances that it will use its best efforts to promote the sale of the products, and a guarantee that it will deal only with authorized dealers. It may also provide that Distributor must maintain minimum inventory quantities and purchase minimum monthly quotas. Often, the Distributor will agree to train and support its authorized dealers and train and maintain a minimum number of sales and technical staff. Why/When should you use it? Because of the complexity of distributorship relationships and the number of issues that need to be discussed whenever you name or are named an exclusive distributor, it is imperative that you use this agreement. Furthermore, since both parties are making major commitments to each other, you need to protect yourself. You should use this agreement—and that means completing the contract and making sure you both sign it—before you actually start supplying or distributing the products. From the distributor's perspective, you will be spending a lot of money marketing the products, and you don't want the supplier to suddenly say he doesn't want to work with you. From the supplier's point of view, you don't want the distributor to use less than best efforts to distribute your products, and you don't want to have to worry about where your products are sold. In short, there are a multitude of reasons why you should get the agreement completed before you start doing business together. Who should use it? Any business that is supplying a single distributor with its products for distribution. Whether you are the manufacturer or owner of a certain product or line of products, you need this agreement. Any distributor who is given the exclusive right to distribute a product or line of products should use this agreement. How should you use it? As with all of your agreements, you should use it carefully. In most cases, you should have an attorney review the agreement before you sign it. That is because it is fairly complex, and while we have tried to explain things as thoroughly as possible, there may be areas that remain unclear to you. Although there aren't too many blanks to fill in considering the length of the document, there are a number of choices you will need to make; think first. Important Tips If you are a supplier, consider using a non-exclusive distribution agreement. You can always grant an exclusive to a particular territory. If you use this agreement, you are betting your business' success (to the extent that the products being supplied are your only products) on one distributor's ability to get those products to market. Depending on the nature of the product(s), it may be in the supplier's interest to make this agreement "at will," that is terminable by either party upon short notice. While this provides the parties with the ability to quickly adapt to changing market needs, it may make your relationship less reliable in the long run. Probably a better way to provide for termination is to establish quotas; in the event that distributor doesn't meet these quotas, supplier may terminate the relationship. The supplier should make sure that he protects his trademarks. AgreementBuilder provides a fairly comprehensive set of terms regarding distributor's use of those trademarks.
Foreign Sales Representative Agreement
A Foreign Sales Representative Agreement is an agreement used by a business to appoint its foreign sales representatives. The agreement sets forth the status of the sales representative as either exclusive or non-exclusive, designates the representative's sales territory, and indicates the products he is authorized to sell. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you appoint a foreign sales representative or are appointed as a foreign sales representative, you should use this agreement. It should be executed before the representative begins acting on the company's behalf. You should use this agreement because it sets forth the rights and obligations of
Who should use it? Both the licensor and the licensee should use this agreement when they enter into an agreement to license property. export. Assignment of Copyright. and. intellectual property (patents. Who should use it? Any company who uses independent sales representatives outside the United States. you should execute a licensing agreement. How should you use it? As with all of your agreements. copyrights. or any such foreign representative should use this agreement. amongst other things. it is in the best interest of the sales representative to have an agreement with the business. How should you use it? You should leave this agreement as intact as possible. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you license or are licensed property of the type anticipated by this agreement. 87 . If you are permanently assigning as opposed to licensing all of your rights to the property for all territories. or it may give him stock. one section of the agreement permits termination of the agreement by either party without cause upon ninety days notice—while this benefits the company. trademarks). The license may grant either exclusive or non-exclusive rights. In return for licensing the property. import. the agreement sets forth the representative's commission rate. The license may permit some or all of the following: to use in any manner. Important Tips If you will be licensing the property outside of the country. You may want to modify some of the agreement's provisions. most importantly. manufacture. The licensor should check out the fitness and suitability of the licensee before granting any trademark rights. and that it will continue to pay for its use. it might be difficult to terminate the appointment. Imagine if you appointed sales representatives verbally—you would have little or no control over the territory the representative sold to. pay the licensor royalties.Handbook of Business Contracts both parties. and it may limit the licensee's use of the property both in scope and area. use AgreementBuilder's International Licensing Agreement. Make sure to review the entire agreement. you may want to simply transfer or sell the property. you should use AgreementBuilder's Independent Sales Representative Agreement. cash. use it with care. such as software. the licensee may. Product License A General Licensing Agreement licenses or permits another party (the licensee) to use some item or items of property belonging to or controlled by the licensor. sublicense and otherwise commercially export in any manner. Important Tips If you are appointing a sales representative for territories inside the United States. modify. In fact. On the other side. market.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . the licensee should use this agreement to make clear its legal right to use the property. The licensor must be confident that the licensee will use licensor's property appropriately. Among other things. or any combination of the above. improve. distribute. Although trademarks. For example. if the license is solely to license that intellectual property and nothing else. and Assignment of Patented Invention). copy. making sure to define any and all uses and limitations of the license. copyrights and patents may fall within the scope of this agreement. it would be difficult to establish and maintain quotas. it may not be in the sales representative's best interest. you should use AgreementBuilder's agreements specifically treating those areas (Assignment of Trademark. or a proprietary machine. it's hard to imagine a situation where the owner of property within the scope of this type of agreement would not want to put the deal in writing. For many of the same reasons.
In most cases. you don't want the distributor to use less than best efforts to distribute your products. it may make your relationship less reliable in the long run. Whether you are the manufacturer or owner of a certain product or line of products. in the event that distributor doesn't meet these quotas. you will be spending a lot of money marketing the products. this agreement is almost identical to AgreementBuilder's General Licensing Agreement. and you don't want the supplier to suddenly say he doesn't want to work with you. In short. supplier may terminate the relationship. You should use this agreement—and that means completing the contract and making sure you both sign it—before you actually start supplying or distributing the products. Although there aren't too many blanks to fill in considering the length of the document. Important Tips Be careful to check out your distributors before you contract with one to distribute your product(s). AgreementBuilder provides a fairly comprehensive set of terms regarding distributor's use of those trademarks. improve. Make sure to clearly identify the territory that each distributor will have responsible for. Any distributor who is given the right to distribute a product or line of products outside the United States should use this agreement. and while we have tried to explain things as thoroughly as possible. modify. You should use the standard Distribution Agreement (there are exclusive and non-exclusive versions included in AgreementBuilder) for each distributor appointed within the United States. or a proprietary machine. The supplier should make sure that he protects his trademarks. 88 . you need to use this agreement. While this provides the parties with the ability to quickly adapt to changing market needs. International Licensing Agreement Other than being for use with international companies intending to license your property for use abroad. That is because it is fairly complex. Depending on the nature of the product(s). there are a number of choices you will need to make. From the distributor's perspective. producer) of certain products and the distributor who actually distributes those products outside the United States." that is terminable by either party upon short notice.Handbook of Business Contracts International Distribution Agreement An International Distribution Agreement is a contract between the supplier (manufacturer. you should have an attorney review the agreement before you sign it. there may be areas that remain unclear to you. It is an exclusive agreement to the extent that the distributor is granted the exclusive rights to distribute the product(s) in the specific territory described in the agreement. there are a multitude of reasons why you should get the agreement completed before you start doing business together. intellectual property (patents. Why/When should you use it? Because of the complexity of distributorship relationships and the number of issues that need to be discussed whenever you name or are named a distributor. It also includes assurances that the distributor will use its best efforts to promote the sale of the product(s). such as software. How should you use it? As with all of your agreements. you should use this agreement. owner. think first. Who should use it? Any business that is supplying a distributor with its products for international distribution. it may be in the supplier's interest to make this agreement "at will. and it may limit the licensee's use of the property both in scope and area. and you don't want to have to worry about where your products are sold. Probably a better way to provide for termination is to establish quotas. A supplier should complete one of these agreements for each of its international distributors. copy. you should use it carefully. From the supplier's point of view.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . The license may grant either exclusive or non-exclusive rights. trademarks). The license may permit some or all of the following: to use in any manner. copyrights. An International Licensing Agreement licenses or permits another party (the licensee) to use some item or items of property belonging to or controlled by the licensor.
In return for licensing the property. The agreement allows you to contractually bind the user to specific use(s) of the list.000 name list to be used only once. use AgreementBuilder's General Licensing Agreement. the parties exchange lists. it's hard to imagine a situation where the owner of property within the scope of this type of agreement would not want to put the deal in writing. it is essential that you document the exchange. Mailing List Exchange Agreement A Mailing List Exchange Agreement is a contract between one owner or provider of a mailing list and another owner or provider of a mailing list. or it may give him stock. if the license is solely to license that intellectual property and nothing else. nothing prevents the user from using the list over and over again. but you should be careful to be as specific as possible regarding the description of the list and its use. Assignment of Copyright. pay the licensor royalties. export. Get it in writing! If you own mailing lists. Who should use it? Both the licensor and the licensee should use this agreement when they enter into an agreement to license property. Why/When should you use it? If you are exchanging mailing lists. Important Tips 89 . you may still want to charge (or have to pay) a rental fee depending on the nature of the transaction.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Without a binding agreement. the licensee may. market. How should you use it? You should leave this agreement as intact as possible. the licensee should use this agreement to make clear its legal right to use the property. or any combination of the above. On the other side. The licensor must be confident that the licensee will use licensor's property appropriately.Handbook of Business Contracts manufacture. import. copyrights and patents may fall within the scope of this agreement. cash. you should execute a licensing agreement. it may command more than the 20. With an exchange. the only difference between this and a Mailing List Rental Agreement is that the user pays for the latter. you should use this agreement anytime you exchange your list with another party. Although trademarks. and Assignment of Patented Invention). Why/When should you use it? Anytime you license or are licensed property of the type anticipated by this agreement for use outside the United States. It is intended for use by a licensee located outside the United States. For example. you should use AgreementBuilder's agreements specifically treating those areas (Assignment of Trademark. Important Tips If you will be licensing the property for use inside of the United States.000 names and will be used multiple times. despite the fact that you only wanted it used once. and that it will continue to pay for its use. distribute. it provides some protection in the event that you don't get what you bargained for. Of course. making sure to define any and all uses and limitations of the license. The licensor should check out the fitness and suitability of the licensee before granting any trademark rights. In fact. amongst other things. Basically. It describes the lists and includes the terms and conditions for their use. if your list has 100. How should you use it? It is a very simple agreement. sublicense and otherwise commercially export in any manner. Since the agreement describes the list. If you are permanently assigning as opposed to licensing all of your rights to the property for all territories. Who should use it? The owners of mailing lists who exchange their lists should use this agreement. you may want to simply transfer or sell the property.
it is essential that you document the rental. not a promotional. Manufacturer's representatives serve a similar purpose: they promote the company's products. the number of times it can be used and for what purpose it can be used. Who should use it? Both the owner of a mailing list who is renting that list or the party getting the list should use this agreement. Since the agreement describes the list you will be renting. Make sure you clearly state how the list is to be used. Obviously. How should you use it? The company and the manufacturer's representative can negotiate the terms of this agreement. but more importantly the agreement allows you to contractually bind the renter to specific use(s) of the list. Get it in writing! If you own mailing lists. not a promotion. Important Tips You should review the Sales Representative Agreement. It also states the fee for renting the list. both the number of times it can be used and what it can be used for. such as the geographic area to be covered by the representative. Mailing List Rental Agreement A Mailing List Rental Agreement is a contract between the owner or provider of a mailing list and the user of that list. How should you use it? It is a very simple agreement. which is similar to this agreement. and then enter into the agreement. it provides some protection in the event that you don't get what you bargained for. 90 . it is important to state the consideration being paid to use your list. but you should be careful to be as specific as possible regarding the description of the list and its use. you should use this agreement anytime you are renting your list to another party. primarily to resellers.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . If you are renting a list. Important Tips This is an agreement. Make sure you clearly state how the list is to be used. Why/When should you use it? Companies often rely on an independent sales representative to represent their products to customers. it's also a good idea to get an agreement. nothing prevents the user renter from using the list over and over again. Who should use it? Companies that have a need to promote their products to resellers should use this agreement. Why/When should you use it? If you are renting your mailing list. Decide which agreement best suits your needs. Without a binding agreement. don't make the list sound better than it is. Some companies have a national network of sales representatives who act as the company's sales force. despite the fact that you only wanted it used once.Handbook of Business Contracts This is an agreement. It describes the list and includes the terms and conditions for its use. don't make the list sound better than it is. Manufacturer's Representative Agreement A Manufacturer's Representative Agreement is a contract between a manufacturer of goods and a company or individual in which the company or individual agrees to act as the manufacturer's agent in the sale of the manufacturer's product in a specific geographic area. You should use a Manufacturer's Representative Agreement when you decide to engage an individual or entity to market and sell your products or product line.
there are a number of choices you will need to make. From the supplier's point of view. you will be spending a lot of money marketing the products.Handbook of Business Contracts Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement A Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement is a contract between the supplier (manufacturer. Although there aren't too many blanks to fill in considering the length of the document. The agreement will generally contain numerous marketing commitments by the distributor to the supplier. Whether you are the manufacturer or owner of a certain product or line of products." that is terminable by either party upon short notice. you don't want the distributor to use less than best efforts to distribute your products. It may also provide that Distributor must maintain minimum inventory quantities and purchase minimum monthly quotas. From the distributor's perspective. Depending on the nature of the product(s). it may be in the supplier's interest to make this agreement "at will. owner. producer) of certain products and the distributor who actually distributes those products. The supplier should make sure that he protects his trademarks. it may make your relationship less reliable in the long run. Why/When should you use it? Because of the complexity of distributorship relationships and the number of issues that need to be discussed whenever you name or are named a distributor. Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement (Short Version) This is a very abbreviated version of the Non-Exclusive Distribution Agreement. In short. and you don't want to have to worry about where your products are sold. Who should use it? Any business that is supplying a distributor with its products for distribution. you should use this agreement. Often. in the event that distributor doesn't meet these quotas. You should use this agreement—and that means completing the contract and making sure you both sign it—before you actually start supplying or distributing the products. and while we have tried to explain things as thoroughly as possible.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . owner. Important Tips Be careful to check out your distributors before you contract with one to distribute your product(s). including assurances that it will use best efforts to promote the sale of the products. How should you use it? As with all of your agreements. and you don't want the supplier to suddenly say he doesn't want to work with you. supplier may terminate the relationship. there are a multitude of reasons why you should get the agreement completed before you start doing business together. Make sure to clearly identify the territory for which each distributor will be responsible. producer) of certain products and the distributor who actually distributes those products to authorized dealers or others who then sell them to their end-users. It is a contract between the supplier (manufacturer. and a guarantee that it will deal only with authorized dealers. While this provides the parties with the ability to quickly adapt to changing market needs. think first. The long form includes a number of provisions not contained in this agreement including: the granting of exclusive territories and numerous marketing commitments by the distributor to the supplier. you should use it carefully. The long form may require Distributor to maintain minimum inventory quantities and 91 . That is because it is fairly complex. Any distributor who is given the right to distribute a product or line of products should use this agreement. the Distributor will agree to train and support its authorized dealers and train and maintain a minimum number of sales and technical staff. A supplier should complete one of these agreements for each of its distributors. you need to use this agreement. you should have an attorney review the agreement before you sign it. there may be areas that remain unclear to you. In most cases. Probably a better way to provide for termination is to establish quotas. including assurances that it will use its best efforts to promote the sale of the products. AgreementBuilder provides a fairly comprehensive set of terms regarding distributor's use of those trademarks.
OEM / Remarketing Agreement An OEM/Remarketing Agreement is a contract between a supplier of certain computer equipment and programs (basic operating systems. application software." that is terminable by either party upon short notice. Because of the complexity of distributorship relationships and the number of issues that need to be discussed whenever you name or are named a distributor. Now that we've told you what this agreement doesn't contain. The supplier provides computer equipment and/or software to the OEM/ Remarketer who then combines these products with its own or a third party's hardware and/or software in order to offer a combined product directly to the end-user. While this is a fairly simple document. it covers a lot of ground. you should use it carefully. Whether you are the manufacturer or owner of a certain product or line of products.Handbook of Business Contracts purchase minimum monthly quotas. whereas Type 2 programs may be modified and supplemented buy the OEM/Remarketer after evaluation and testing. Important Tips Be careful to check out your distributors before you contract with one to distribute your product(s). How should you use it? As with all of your agreements. and you don't want the supplier to suddenly say he doesn't want to work with you. it may make your relationship less reliable in the long run. the agreement reflects these differences. From the distributor's perspective. it sets forth 92 . Depending on the nature of the product(s). Who should use it? Any business that is supplying a distributor with its products for distribution. and it identifies a payment structure. In most cases.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . You should use this agreement—and that means completing the contract and making sure you both sign it—before you actually start supplying or distributing the products. it may be in the supplier's interest to make this agreement "at will. Type 1 is provided to end-users as a built-in part of the hardware. utilities and tools (Type 2). It would be a bad idea to try to enter into an OEM/remarketing arrangement without an agreement. The agreement deals with two types of software: operating software for the supplier's hardware (Type 1) and related application software. and it provides for the confidentiality of certain information between the two parties. However. A supplier should complete one of these agreements for each of its distributors. if you feel that such a long agreement would be overkill. not employee/employer. Any distributor who is given the right to distribute a product or line of products should use this agreement. tools and utilities) and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). you should have an attorney review the agreement before you sign it. that distributor must make regular reports to supplier regarding its distribution of supplier's products. you may want to use this. Why/When should you use it? It is important to have some type of written contract to support and enforce the relationship between supplier and distributor. you need to use this agreement. Because of these differences. While this provides the parties with the ability to quickly adapt to changing market needs. you might want to use the long form. the parties have differing rights and obligations depending on the type. it may not address numerous issues that are vital to your business. As stated above. Make sure to clearly identify the territory that each distributor will have responsible for. Why/When should you use it? Although the agreement is fairly straightforward. you may be spending a lot of money marketing the products. and it may require the distributor to train and support its authorized dealers and train and maintain a minimum number of sales and technical staff. The agreement sets forth both the supplier's and the OEM/remarketer's rights and obligations and risks. It makes clear that the distributor and supplier are independent contractors with respect. It also limits distribution to authorized dealers. we'll let you know what it does say.
How should you use it? Use this agreement as you would use any other. Depending on the nature of the deal and the particulars of the termination. While it is somewhat lengthy. Who should use it? The licensee who licenses to sell and distribute a product owed by the licensor. and it may or may not designate a specific territory.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . territorial restrictions.Handbook of Business Contracts the parties' rights. The agreement sets forth the status of the sales representative as either exclusive or non-exclusive. and indicates the products he is authorized to sell. you should be able to customize it to your specific needs. Important Tips Make sure to specifically identify the territory. Be clear as to what parts of the license are exclusive and which are nonexclusive. Who should use it? The supplier/manufacturer of computer equipment or producer of software programs including basic operating systems. tools and utilities and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)/remarketer who combines these products with its own or a third party's hardware for sale to end-users should use this agreement. Any time you enter into a licensing arrangement. designates the representative's sales territory. and risks. Why/When should you use it? It is important to use a Product Licensing Agreement so that the terms of the license are clear. Make sure you read and understand each and every section. The license may be exclusive or non-exclusive. if you have any questions. Product Licensing Agreement A Product Licensing Agreement is a contract between the owner of a product or line of products and the individual or company to whom the Owner grants the right to manufacture and distribute that product or line. obligations. a number of states regulate a supplier's ability to terminate relationships with its remarketers and distributors. You should sign the agreement before either party begins performing any of its obligations. along with a host of other issues affecting the arrangement. Furthermore. Important Tips You should be particularly careful to set delivery and volume commitments at suitable levels. an OEM/Remarketing Agreement should be used. Anytime a supplier provides computer equipment or software programs to an OEM who will combine these with other equipment and/or software programs so as to create OEM products which it will market to end-users. Without a definitive agreement. Sales Representative A Sales Representative Agreement is an agreement used by a business to appoint its sales representatives. Furthermore. it is essential that you thoroughly review the Product Licensing Agreement. you should use this agreement. and it is extremely important to do this clearly and with evidence of an agreement. as well as the licensor itself should use this agreement. You should check the particular law in your state before such a termination. you may wish to consult an attorney. How should you use it? Because of the significance and value of any license and the legal obligations being assumed or transferred. application software. the parties might not have the same understanding regarding the exclusivity (or non-exclusivity) of the agreement. Why/When should you use it? 93 . you ought to consult an attorney.
you should use AgreementBuilder's Foreign Sales Representative Agreement. it is in the best interest of the sales representative to have an agreement with the business. For example. For many of the same reasons.Handbook of Business Contracts Anytime you appoint an independent sales representative or are appointed an independent sales representative. You should use this agreement because it clearly states the nature of the relationship between the representative and the company (that of independent contractors). it might be difficult to terminate the appointment. and. and it sets forth the rights and obligations of both parties. most importantly. the agreement sets forth the Representative's commission rate. Who should use it? Any company who uses independent sales representatives in the United States. it probably isn't in the sales representative's best interest. or any such representative in this country should use this agreement.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . one section of the agreement permits termination of the agreement by either party without cause upon thirty days notice—while this benefits the company. How should you use it? As with all of your agreements. you should use this agreement. use it with care. Important Tips If you are appointing a sales representative for territories outside the United States. 94 . Make sure to review the entire agreement. Among other things. it would be difficult to establish and maintain quotas. Imagine if you appointed sales representatives orally—you would have little or no control over the territory the representative sold to. It should be executed before the representative begins acting on the company's behalf. You may want to modify some of the agreement's provisions.
it will definitely lessen their possibility and frequency. you probably don't have to worry. Furthermore. For example. your landlord will almost certainly present you with a commercial lease. Make sure the proper party signs. in fact. ask to see the deed or a title insurance policy. also referred to as the lessee. as with your other agreements. Most landlords use standard form leases. you should be absolutely sure that the party executing the lease on behalf of the landlord has the proper authority. When you are dealing with well established real estate management companies. The owner of the property should sign the lease. the more comprehensive you make your agreements. a general partner should sign the lease. Written or Oral Leases can be written or oral. 95 . a corporate officer should sign. . Furthermore. though leases for more than a year must be in writing to be enforceable. this is the same as a lease. At a minimum. You may have heard the expression "rental agreement" before. also referred to as the lessor. If you are leasing property. 2. and despite what the landlord may say. you should request that the landlord pay your attorney's fees in the event that the landlord breaches the lease. have authority to execute leases on behalf of the owner. Lease Checklist 1.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Read the following pages if you'd like more information about real estate transactions: Lease Modification Commercial Lease Residential Lease Commercial Sublease Residential Sublease Lease Assignment by Lessee Sublease Guaranty Lease Assignment by Lessor Lease Guaranty Lease Agreements A lease is an agreement between a landlord. If a partnership owns the property. and a tenant. you might want to request a letter from the owner that the agent does. the more you discuss now. you can negotiate the terms of that lease. a careful review of our commercial lease agreement along with this discussion on the following pages will help you more thoroughly understand and better negotiate your real estate transactions. Negotiate favorable terms. you should request the same treatment as the landlord. if the lease calls for attorney's fees in case you breach the lease. Because you are laying out a lot of money. this is the only chance you will get. the less likely a dispute will arise. Although a written lease will not eliminate disputes.Handbook of Business Contracts Structuring Real Estate Transactions Ultimately property rights and personal rights are the same thing. If you have any doubts. While you may prefer short term month-to-month leases. Where a rental agent is signing. we still recommend that you put it in writing so as to avoid the potential for disputes.Calvin Coolidge The agreements provided here will enable you to conduct simple real estate transactions. Nevertheless. The agreements listed below are included in AgreementBuilder to assist you. and if a corporation owns it.
repairs. Consider Incorporating. you must decide who will bear the expense. The last type of lease which is fairly common in the retail market is the percentage lease which is calculated by adding a base rent to a percentage of your business' gross income. If you are a sole proprietorship. if there are common areas. If you want your security deposit held in an interest bearing account or by a third party in trust for you. ask the landlord to release you from the guarantee if you pay your rent on time for an agreed upon period. the tenant pays a base rental fee plus his share of operating costs. Negotiate your security deposit. Rent is either gross. Your best bet is to set it now since rentals rarely decrease. This is especially important where the space is being constructed or repaired. or percentage. In other words. then the tenant is responsible for 10% of the total operating costs. 9.I.000 square feet of a 50. and maintenance. for example. you should include a provision in case the premises are not ready when promised. net (and there are three types of net leases). the lease should provide after hours access. 10. (Consumer Price Index) for example. Liquidated damages provisions fix damages for each day of delay and are fairly common in these circumstances. Furthermore. With respect to computing total square footage. otherwise you might get stuck with a huge increase and have no recourse. Understand your rent structure. the lease should set forth whether or not you will need to restore the space to its original condition when the lease ends. Clearly state lease starting and ending dates. If the adjoining office or store becomes available.P. You should include a right of first refusal in your lease so that you guarantee yourself that opportunity. this share is a based on that tenant's percentage of the total space. annual increases may be either built in preset amounts or calculated using some type of index. Provide for the cost of improvements. Generally. you may want to lease that space. including taxes. and courts don't like to award speculative damages. Most states require the landlord to keep residential lease deposits in interest bearing accounts on behalf of the tenant. Often. the tenant pays a base rental fee plus some or all of the real estate taxes. however. generally. In the event that remodeling or other improvements are required. a landlord will still ask for a personal guarantee. Options can set forth the price upon renewal or leave it open. As you might 96 . you will be personally liable for the lease.Handbook of Business Contracts 3. ask for a cap on the guarantee.000 square foot office. you don't have to exercise the option. one of the most important items in your lease is the cost of the space or rent. One way to avoid personal liability is to incorporate your business. but a similar requirement is not imposed on commercial landlords. Alternatively. If the landlord is stuck on the idea. An option to renew gives you the security of knowing you can stay if you want to without forcing you to renew. including parking and storage. If you keep unusual hours. guarantee a limited period. If the tenant is leasing 5. For fairly obvious reasons. Include an option to renew. make sure you understand how square footage is measured. Furthermore. from the inside or outside walls. landlords will ask for the last month's rent plus 1/2 to a full times the monthly rent. The reason for setting this amount in advance is that it might otherwise be speculative. Include the right of first refusal to expand. such that the tenant pays a flat monthly fee. the tenant pays a base rental fee plus real estate taxes and the landlord's insurance. Describe the leased premises.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . 7. You may want to negotiate a cap on operating costs. 5. insurance. you should provide for this in your lease. 8. If they do decrease. 4. the C. With respect to all three forms. With a standard net lease. two months. however. With a net-net-net (also referred to as triple net). In these cases. Spell out in exact detail the space to be rented. This flexibility is very important to some businesses. the lease should state who maintains those areas. Often. you may be paying for the option so in those cases you should be sure that you need it. being careful not to leave out common areas and access. With a net-net lease. 6.
Furthermore. 14. The lease should be clear regarding the costs and responsibilities as to existing utilities as well. make sure you get it into the lease. 19. make sure the lease states the exact nature and extent of those improvements. an air conditioning system. Review compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). landlord fails to cure a default that has the effect of materially effecting tenant's business. carefully read the fine print. Some tenants require special water or electrical hookups. but certainly not least. 11. With respect to any improvements to be completed by the landlord. the lease should state who will be providing these services and bearing the cost. Provide for the right to withhold rent. 16. since the lease will probably require you to get the landlord's approval. These improvements will be done in a workmanlike manner and comply with all local. If the landlord has agreed to make improvements. make sure the lease gives you permission. once you agree on what will be done. This is particularly important where the lease term exceeds a year since to be enforceable such leases must be in writing. 15. Make sure your lease identifies who pays for what. This way you don't have to worry about the landlord not liking your signs. Make absolutely sure that every item that the landlord has agreed to is included in the lease. make the improvements more fully described in Exhibit A. For example. Also. You might want to consider including a clause in the lease that allows you to withhold rent if the landlord does or fails to do certain things. Provide for alternative dispute resolution. 12. Try to negotiate an option to cancel your lease if certain income levels are not met or if the building is damaged in a fire or flood. we suggest that you include in your lease a clause stating that the landlord cannot unreasonable withhold consent to a transfer. this can get expensive. state and federal laws regarding such improvements. Get approval for signage before signing the lease. 18. As to improvements by the tenant. Restrict the landlord's ability to prevent transfer (assignment and sublease). Make sure there's a clause which makes any compliance the landlord's responsibility. Generally. at its sole expense. 97 . and that those charges are not passed on to you. Landlord will. it is best to submit any proposed plans before signing the lease. list any items that you may want to remove in a separate exhibit to the lease. any improvements become the property of the landlord. Both tenant and landlord are responsible for making premises accessible to the disabled. Give yourself an out. "if within ten days written notice by tenant. include drawings and specifications as exhibits to the lease so there is no ambiguity as to what was promised." 17." You should be as specific as possible regarding the materials being used. tenant shall be entitled to reasonable abatement of rent for the default period and may withhold all rent until the default is cured. so if you want to keep anything. For example. faster and easier than using the courts. Because only a few states impose a reasonableness requirement on a landlord with respect to consent for transfer.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . 13. you should add the following language to your lease: "Prior to the commencement of the lease term. Furthermore. Both mediation and arbitration are cheaper. Last.Handbook of Business Contracts imagine.
For a tenancy from year-to-year. the tenancy ends at the end of the month (unless. In this situation. The specific period of that tenancy (month. in order to terminate a periodic tenancy. the tenant is still liable for rent. and no notice is required to end the tenancy. this will give rise to a month-to-month lease. If a local housing code exists. Furthermore. notice a full period in advance of the period in question is required (for example. Implied Warranty of Habitability Although the implied warranty of habitability is rarely applied to commercial leases. Generally. and sue the landlord for damages. the tenant does not have a duty to make any substantial repairs. Unless the lease provides otherwise.). quarter. or remain in possession. All of the lease agreements in AgreementBuilder provide for fixed period tenancies though you can easily modify them to reflect a periodic tenancy. you pay your rent monthly and there is no lease term specified. notice must be in writing and. however. reduce or abate the rent to reflect the fair market value of the property with the defects. it must be delivered to the other party or deposited at his residence or place of business. months. for example. For tenancies lasting less than a year. Others say 30 days from the date notice is given.will may be terminated by either party without notice. or if the landlord executes a term lease for that same property with a third party. quarter to quarter. In the event that you do not sign a lease or you do but fail to fix the term of the tenancy. thus in a monthto. Tenancy-at-Sufferance When a term tenancy ends but the tenant remains in possession of the property. They are automatically renewed at the end of a period for an additional period until terminated by proper notice. states vary as to the timing of that notice: Most states say that if you give notice on June 15 for a month-to-month lease running from the first of the month. if the landlord transfers his interest in the property. make the repairs and deduct those costs from future rents (a few states put limitations on this remedy). year to year). month to month. the tenant's liability to the landlord for damages to the leased property will be covered in the lease. Unless they expressly agree to a tenancy-at-will. six months' notice is generally required to terminate the tenancy. the standard is whether the conditions are reasonably suitable for human residence. if it is not. Periodic Tenancies Periodic tenancies continue from period to period (i. then the lease will terminate on July 30. etc. here July 15. many states apply it to residential tenancies. a tenancy-atsufferance arises. the tenant is still liable for any intentional or negligent destructive acts. If the warranty is violated. however. such as monthly or quarterly. for a month-to-month tenancy. then depending on the state.month tenancy that started on the first of the month. a periodic tenancy automatically arises. of course.e. one or more of the following remedies may be available: The tenant may do any of the following: move out and terminate the lease.Handbook of Business Contracts Types of Tenancies Term Tenancies Term tenancies last for a specified period of time (a fixed or computable number of years. Tenant's Liability for Damages Liability to the Landlord Generally. if the tenant attempts to assign his tenancy. a tenancy-at-will will be terminated if either the landlord or the tenant dies. the regular payment of rent.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . year) is based upon either an express understanding between the parties or an implied understanding based upon the payment of rent. both parties agree otherwise). If. pay full rent. A tenancyat. a full month's notice is required). otherwise. 98 . Many states have established guidelines for terminating periodic tenancies: Most end the tenancy at the completion of the "natural" lease period. then it sets the standard for habitability. Furthermore. Tenancy-at-Will A tenancy-at-will results from a specific understanding between the landlord and his tenant that either party may terminate the tenancy at any time. will create a periodic tenancy.
Handbook of Business Contracts However. the tenant will be responsible for any damage or defect not the result of ordinary wear and tear. for example. If the unexpired term on the lease is more than a year. the surrender must be in writing to be enforceable. then the tenant is relieved from further liability. If the landlord invades the tenant's right to possession. generally he or she won't be liable for normal wear and tear. you cannot change the property to residential or change the number or location of the rooms. and the tenant has made a promise to repair. If. Liability to Third Persons Even if the lease says that the landlord has a duty to keep the premises in good repair. Most states now require the landlord to make reasonable efforts to mitigate damages by reletting to a new tenant. however. Constructive eviction or breach of implied warranty may also give the tenant the right to terminate the lease. 99 . Generally. This is a change in the nature or character of the leased premises. and offers to relet the property. the mere fact that the landlord enters the property after abandonment. the tenant has a duty to keep the premises wind and water tight. these states even require the landlord to take affirmative steps such as advertising the space. Surrender The tenant no longer has to pay rent once the leased property is effectively conveyed back (surrendered) to the landlord. takes back the keys. If you do make such changes. and it implies that the landlord will not interfere with the tenant's right to possess the leased property. but never for the cost of the repair. if the lease indicates that normal wear and tear is included. in which case rent no longer has to be paid. a tenant who has been leasing from the landlord for 25 years). If the landlord fails to take reasonable steps to lease the property.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . he or she will have to pay for reconstruction. you will be liable for the cost of restoration. his recovery against the original tenant will be reduced. the tenant is still responsible for injuries to third parties. If the lease calls for a tenant to keep the premises in good repair. a tenant must return the leased premises in the same nature and character as received. Abandonment by Tenant In the past if a tenant unjustifiably abandons the property. In any case. If the landlord accepts the abandonment or surrender of the property. Furthermore. Termination of Tenant's Duties There are a number of circumstances where a tenant will no longer be responsible for its duties pursuant to the lease. and the change reflects a change in the nature and character of the neighborhood. Unless the landlord otherwise agrees. including damage caused by third parties or acts of God. Some states will allow tenants to make changes in the character of the leased premises if the value of those premises has decreased and the tenant's change will increase their value. a tenant may have to bear those costs. For example. However. you have responsibility for keeping the premises in good repair. therefore. the tenant may either assert his or her rights and retake possession or terminate the lease relationship. If the tenant does not make those repairs. Breach of the Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment This covenant or promise is implied into all landlord-tenant relationships. you lease a five room commercial office. the change is performed by a long term tenant (for example. liability is incurred for any resultant damages. a tenant is also responsible to the landlord for ameliorative waste. Interestingly. the tenant must repair broken windows or a leaking roof. This occurs when the landlord and the tenant agree that the lease will end. does not constitute an acceptance of the surrender. If you are a tenant. if the premises are completely destroyed. the landlord could simply do nothing and continue to collect rent from the tenant. makes repairs.
and the landlord has made a written demand to the tenant to vacate. you will still be liable to the landlord 100 . then the lease is not terminated. the landlord could go after this third party directly. If. Many people believe that an assignment. Destruction of the Premises Most. Therefore. if you rent the land and build an office building which is destroyed. if your lease requires the landlord to redecorate. as opposed to sublease. relieves a tenant from liability under a lease. the taking is for less than the remaining lease term or only part of the property is taken. and you would then have to go after the third party. the right to reenter and reclaim the premises is reserved. If you sublet the property. for example three of the four remaining years on the lease. but not all. or bind the tenant to a new periodic tenancy. In any case. the government forces you to sell your property so it can build a highway. as opposed to a sublease. However. and the terms of the transfer must be identical to those of the underlying lease. This is not true. If the landlord creates a periodic tenancy. However." If possible. or things might slow down and you may want to share your space with another tenant or move out altogether. should company A fail to pay its rent. Of course. you no longer have to pay rent. most states have enacted unlawful detainer statutes which allow a landlord to terminate a lease where the tenant fails to pay rent. Assignment & Sublease Although you might think you want to stay where you are for the duration of your lease. you still have to pay the rent. the lease is terminated. the tenant must pay that rent even if he or she objects. Furthermore. The main difference between a sublease and an assignment is that the former is a transfer by a tenant of less than all of his leasehold interests. does not allow the landlord to terminate the lease. your business might increase such that you need more space. On the other hand. the landlord can either treat this hold-over tenant as a trespasser and evict. the landlord notifies the tenant that occupancy after termination will be at a higher rent. for example. No matter what. the failure to pay rent. however. but he or she refuses to do so. It merely gives the landlord a cause of action for damages. for example. but you cannot terminate the lease.Handbook of Business Contracts Condemnation A condemnation occurs when. the assignment would say "To company A for the balance of the lease term. so that the landlord has a legal relationship with the assignee. The Hold-Over Doctrine When a tenant no longer has a right to be in possession of the leased property. Breach In some states. whereas the latter is a transfer of all of the tenant's interests. Where the original term was for a year or more. Thus. on the other hand. with one exception. a year-to-year tenancy will result. if. you should assign. states relieve a tenant from his obligation to pay rent where that tenant leases part of an improvement and that improvement is destroyed. this was an assignment. and the tenant no longer has to pay rent. you always want the ability to transfer (assign or sublet) all or part of your lease. Take. prior to the termination of the original lease. it must be for the entire balance of the lease term. What this means is that if you rent an office in a building and that office is destroyed through no fault of your own. On the other hand. In the event of a condemnation where 100% of the property for the balance of the lease is taken. you can sue. the tenant will get his fair share of the condemnation award. the landlord has no relationship with the new party so the landlord would have to come after you. Many states give the landlord double rent in hold-over situations where the tenant does not have a bona fide belief that justifies the hold-over. and the tenant must still pay rent. the situation where a transferee does not pay his rent. If.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . the terms and conditions of the old lease will apply. the tenant may reserve a right of reentry (termination) if the original assigned lease is breached. in order for a transfer to be an assignment.
You should use a Commercial Sublease whenever you sublease commercial property. T1 has the burden of taking action. if the landlord can prove damage. Although it is always better to have an assignment so that the assignee is directly liable to the landlord for all of the covenants in the lease. How should you use it? Negotiate the terms of your lease before you sign it. and the landlord accepts that rent. not void. Who should use it? The owner of commercial property or her agent as well as the tenant should use a Commercial Lease. Important Tips Don't just sign a lease when a landlord hands it to you. Not only is the T1 (now landlord) still legally bound to all of the terms and conditions of the original lease (referred to as the master lease). he or she can sue you. the transfer is voidable. not T2.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . subleasing it to a new lessee/ tenant (the subtenant) (T2). Commercial Lease? This is an agreement between the landlord or lessor of commercial property and the tenant or lessee of that property. not the landlord. then the landlord waives the right to avoid the transfer. as opposed to business purposes. of that property. you will need your landlord's consent to the transfer. however. make sure that the assignee/transferee expressly assumes the performance of all covenants contained in the original lease. If your lease is for something less than a full year. it probably doesn't hurt to ask. as opposed to business purposes. Although the tenant may not agree. if an assignment is not feasible. a sublease for more than a year must be in writing. it's still a good idea to put it in writing. Assuming your lease has a non-assignment clause. legal or otherwise against T2. Why/When should you use it? To be enforceable. In a commercial sublease. Who should use it? 101 . In both cases. You should use a Commercial Lease whenever you lease commercial property. you should still put it in writing. Modifying Your Lease Use AgreementBuilder's lease modification agreement to ensure that any changes or modifications to your lease are enforceable. if T2 doesn't pay or otherwise breaches the lease. and this is your last chance to negotiate. make sure that everything you want your tenant to agree to is included in the lease. Even if your lease is for something less than a full year. A residential sublease would be used where the property being leased was for residential. If you are a landlord. We suggest that you carefully read the preceding discussion titled "Structuring Real Estate Transactions. If the transferee pays the landlord rent. a landlord or lessor of commercial property leases property to a tenant or lessee (T1). A residential lease would be used where the property being leased was for residential. the assignee will be liable to perform those covenants In most cases. You may not like what you see. Commercial Sublease In a commercial lease. if you transfer (assign or sublet). a lease for more than a year must be in writing.Handbook of Business Contracts whether you assign or sublet. or lessor. but since there is no relationship between T2 and the original landlord. that tenant becomes a landlord. That means that the landlord can either take steps to avoid the transfer. or. Why/When should you use it? To be enforceable. The landlord only has recourse against T1." It provides a lease checklist intended to aid businesses (as well as individuals) negotiate favorable lease terms. though this varies depending on your original lease.
the landlord can still take action against T2 directly. so that the landlord has a legal relationship with the assignee. Understand the difference between a sublease and an assignment. whereas an assignment is a transfer of all of the tenant's interests. With an assignment. Furthermore. A sublease is a transfer of less than all of a tenant's interests. the Assignment of Lease assigns the lease to the buyer. If possible. Unless the landlord cancels the master lease. try to use AgreementBuilder's Lease Assignment. We suggest that you carefully read the preceding discussion titled "Structuring Real Estate Transactions. for example three of the four remaining years on the lease. this agreement includes a separate provision for the lessor's consent to the assignment. You should either get them signed at the same time. it must be for the entire balance of the lease term. T2 is directly responsible to the original landlord. 102 .JIAN AgreementBuilder® ." It provides a lease checklist intended to aid businesses (as well as individuals) negotiate favorable lease terms. and the terms of the transfer must be identical to those of the underlying lease. you should use this agreement as evidence of the assignment even if it's for less than a year. That buyer is then entitled to all rights and remedies. How should you use it? Negotiate the terms of your lease before you sign it. Remember. Important Tips Most master leases require the landlord's approval before a tenant is permitted to sublease. an assignment of more than one year must be in writing. you should try to get your landlord to release you from the lease altogether because even if you assign the lease. the buyer takes the place of the original lessor. It is to your advantage to assign. T1 remains responsible to the landlord until that lease expires. something not doable in a sublease situation. Therefore. If the landlord approves. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you assign your lease to a third party. as opposed to a sublease. Important Tips If possible. if possible. Lease Assignment by Lessee This agreement is an assignment by a lessee of his or her interest in a lease. including rents due on the lease. in order for a transfer to be an assignment. How should you use it? Since the lessor's consent is generally required before a lessee can assign his lease. AgreementBuilder's Sublease includes a separate form for the landlord to complete. Who should use it? A lessor who is transferring its entire interest in a lease should use this Lease Assignment. Lease Assignment by Lessor When the lessor of leased property sells this property. To be enforceable. or get the landlord to sign its consent first. Make sure you either get the landlord's approval before executing a sublease or make the sublease expressly conditioned on obtaining the landlord's approval. basically. A subtenant shouldn't just sign a sublease when it is handed to them. you will still be responsible if the assignee defaults. you should use this agreement. this is the last chance to negotiate.Handbook of Business Contracts The tenant of commercial property who wants to sublet all or part of its space should use a Commercial Sublease. this makes T1's life a lot easier. Although T1 is still liable to the landlord if T2 breaches. It provides that the assignment is to be under the same terms and conditions as the master lease and that the assignee specifically assumes each and every obligation of the lease.
How should you use it? Before you execute this assignment . A personal guaranty is just a form of a Lease Guaranty. You should use it anytime you lease real or personal property and have any doubt about the financial wherewithal of the Lessee. The Modification Agreement is the best way to make sure those changes have legal effect. remember that if the corporation goes under. How should you use it? As it is extremely brief and easy to use. Who should use it? Both landlord and tenant have an interest in using this agreement. but is usually included with the master lease agreement. Important Tips Always do a credit check before leasing property. This is a formality. Important Tips Generally. You can require this guaranty. change or amend your lease in any way. How should you use it? Make the guaranty a condition of leasing the property.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Lease Modification Agreement A Lease Modification Agreement is an addendum to a real property lease between landlord and tenant. Who should use it? Anyone who leases real or personal property should consider using a Lease Guaranty. you will have nothing to go after in the absence of a lease guaranty. You should review your lease(s) to see if a sale of the property will cause a termination of the lease. For example. Why/When should you use it? You should use a guaranty because it will protect you in the event that the Lessee doesn't pay you. Who should use it? Either the buyer or seller of leased property. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you modify. the sale of leased property does not end the lease. The Personal Guaranty is usually provided by the partners of a partnership or officers of a corporation. make sure you get a guarantee from a solid third party. If the Tenant/Lessee doesn't pay the Lessor. and if the results are less than satisfactory. you should use this agreement. just describe the modification and have your tenant/landlord sign it. Although a real property grant will generally take with it the seller's rights and remedies as landlord. Lease Guaranty A Lease Guaranty is an agreement whereby a third party (Guarantor) guarantee's payment of a lease. you could use this agreement to amend the lease to allow pets or the use of a parking space. you should obtain a signed estoppel certificate from each tenant. 103 . either one or both parties may have reserved the right to cancel the lease if the property is sold. It is a form agreement in that you describe the change to the lease that you are agreeing to. If you are leasing to a corporation. you should use an Assignment of Lease. you won't need to explain it. then the guarantor will be responsible for payment.Handbook of Business Contracts Why/When should you use it? Anytime you buy or sell property that is currently being leased. it is still a good idea to complete this assignment. But in some leases.
of that property. as opposed to residential purposes. Although the tenant may not agree.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . but since there is no relationship between T2 and the original landlord. Residential Sublease In a Residential Lease. that tenant becomes a landlord. Don't just sign a lease when a landlord hands it to you. A Commercial Sublease would be used where the property being leased was for commercial. require that residential leases be written in "plain language. legal or otherwise against T2. a lease for more than a year must be in writing. if you are leasing residential property. We suggest that you carefully read the preceding discussion titled "Structuring Real Estate Transactions.Handbook of Business Contracts Important Tips Make sure that if you use this agreement and it conflicts or differs in any way from the lease itself. Who should use it? The owner of residential property or her agent as well as the tenant should use a Residential Lease. T1 has the burden of taking action. How should you use it? Negotiate the terms of your lease before you sign it. subleasing it to a new lessee/ tenant (the subtenant) (T2). The landlord only has recourse against T1." It provides a lease checklist intended to aid businesses (as well as individuals) negotiate favorable lease terms. Even if your lease is for something less than a full year. it probably doesn't hurt to ask. If you are a landlord. You may not like what you see. and this is your last chance to negotiate." It provides a lease checklist intended to aid individuals negotiate favorable lease terms. not the landlord. this later agreement will prevail. including New York. Why/When should you use it? You should use a Residential Sublease whenever you sublease residential property. Important Tips Note that a few states. you should still put it in writing. or lessor. Who should use it? The tenant of residential property who wants to sublet all or part of its space should use a Residential Sublease . however. a landlord or lessor of residential property leases property to a tenant or lessee (T1). 104 . How should you use it? Negotiate the terms of your lease before you sign it. make sure that you don't include legalese or other obscure language or the lease may be unenforceable. A Commercial Lease would be used where the property being leased was for business. that you are comfortable with the changes." In other words. make sure that everything you want your tenant to agree to is included in the lease. a sublease for more than a year must be in writing. Not only is the T1 (now landlord) still legally bound to all of the terms and conditions of the original lease (referred to as the master lease). If your lease is for something less than a full year. In a Residential Sublease. To be enforceable. Why/When should you use it? You should use a Residential Lease whenever you lease residential property. it's still a good idea to put it in writing. If there are any conflicts. not T2. as opposed to residential purposes. if T2 doesn't pay or otherwise breaches the lease. To be enforceable. We suggest that you carefully read the preceding discussion titled "Structuring Real Estate Transactions. Residential Lease This is an agreement between the landlord or lessor of residential property and the tenant or lessee of that property.
You can require this guaranty. of that property. either reconsider leasing to that tenant or make sure you get a guarantee from a financially secure third party.Handbook of Business Contracts Important Tips Most master leases require the landlord's approval before a tenant is permitted to sublease. try to use AgreementBuilder's Lease Assignment. This would be appropriate where you are leasing to a partnership and want personal guarantees from the partners or to a corporation and you want personal guarantees from the officers. With an assignment. How should you use it? Make the guaranty a condition of subleasing the property. you will have nothing to go after in the absence of a guaranty. AgreementBuilder's Sublease includes a separate form for the landlord to complete. T1 becomes a landlord. Make sure you either get the landlord's approval before executing a sublease or make the sublease expressly conditioned on obtaining the landlord's approval. 105 . remember that if the corporation goes under. the landlord can still take action against T2 directly. Who should use it? Anyone who subleases commercial or residential property should consider using a Sublease Guaranty. Sublease Guaranty In a Lease. something not doable in a sublease situation. Unless the landlord cancels the master lease. If the landlord approves. If possible. subleasing it to a new lessee/tenant (the subtenant or T2). T2 is directly responsible to the original landlord. this makes T1's life a lot easier. You may wish to include a personal guaranty with the sublease itself. If you are subleasing to a corporation. Why/When should you use it? You should use it anytime you sublease commercial or residential property and have any doubt about the financial wherewithal of the new tenant. this is the last chance to negotiate. A subtenant shouldn't just sign a sublease when it is handed to them. a lessor/landlord leases property to a tenant or lessee (T1). If T2 doesn't pay or otherwise violates the provisions of the lease. then the guarantor will be directly responsible to T1. Remember. or lessor. Important Tips Always do a credit check before leasing property. In a Sublease. A Sublease Guaranty is an agreement whereby a third party (Guarantor) guarantees all of T2's obligations pursuant to the lease to T1. A tenant who subleases property should use a guaranty because it provides additional protection in the event that the subtenant doesn't pay or otherwise violates its lease.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . and if the results are less than satisfactory. Although T1 is still liable to the landlord if T2 breaches. as opposed to a sublease. T1 remains responsible to the landlord until that lease expires.
as well as several agreements relating to the protection of your rights to assets should you experience future problems in business or personal matters.Handbook of Business Contracts Protecting or Transferring Assets Beware of little expenses. other businesses or individuals may be willing to purchase or license these assets for a substantial amount of money or to steal these assets for their own benefit. so 106 . or even a list of suppliers. Or you may have spent countless research dollars figuring out how to manufacture a product. a copyright in a book. These intangible assets have value and are therefore deserving of protection. chances are you've used it to your advantage and have not readily disclosed it to anyone who asks. Other examples of confidential information can include a market analysis. demographic statistics relating to your customer preferences. you should.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . This information may be deemed a trade secret under state law. The benefit of having information classified as a trade secret is that you are given certain legal rights to restrict the use of that information. Trade secret laws apply to people and businesses alike. The right to sue someone to pursue a legal claim is called a "cause of action" or "claim for relief" in legal parlance. Included here are agreements that cover the protection and transfer of intangible assets. Misappropriation means a wrongful acquisition or disclosure. Undoubtedly you've treated this type of information as confidential.Benjamin Franklin You have probably heard the term intellectual property before. information may be a trade secret if… (1) it is not readily ascertainable to others outside of your business. . you have a cause of action if someone who had knowledge of the secret nature of the information misappropriates it. if you haven't. Most if not all states have laws protecting trade secrets. Generally. a customer list. These agreements are: Commercial Software Licensing Agreement Copyright Assignment Indemnity Agreement Licensing Assignment for Sale and/or Manufacture of Patented Invention Non-Disclosure Agreement Non-Disclosure and NonCircumvention Agreement Patent Assignment Prenuptial Agreement (Version 1) Prenuptial Agreement (Version 2) Security Agreement Technology Assignment Technology Evaluation Licensing Agreement Trademark Assignment Trademark Licensing Agreement Trade Secrets & Confidential Information You may have spent years developing a customer database that includes specific aspects or idiosyncrasies of individual customers. you can sue people who misappropriate your trade secret. a small leak will sink a great ship. In the trade secret context. Basically. If you have developed this type of information. and (3) the information has economic value as a result of not being known to others. and. It could be a patent for a breakthrough drug. (2) if you have taken precautions to protect the confidentiality of the information to prevent its disclosure. a computer database or a business plan. Because they are valuable. a trademark for a cola can logo. Sometimes the most valuable asset owned by a business can be its intellectual property.
a lawyer has a duty of confidentiality to the client which prohibits the attorney from disclosing certain information about the attorney-client relationship. In this section of AgreementBuilder we have included a Patent assignment and a Patent Licensing Agreement. For example. which convey a 14 year monopoly in the design. Disclosure of private information may constitute a breach of a duty of confidentiality. if you have employees who will be learning all about your trade secrets and other confidential information. Design patents. which offer a 17 year monopoly. Trademarks are like patents in that you must apply to the United States Patent and Trademark Office to obtain a federally registered trademark. Trademarks & Copyrights Patents To obtain a patent you have to file a special application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. You can also transfer all or some of the rights to your patent to someone else. As you may guess. as it if often referred to. which identifies. the name of any soft drink you have ever tasted is probably trademarked. like a giant beanstalk. the mark has to be presently used on products or in conjunction with services. novel and useful. The Non-Disclosure Agreement included in this chapter establishes a contractual duty of confidentiality. A "service mark" is also a trademark but it identifies services rather than goods. The holder of a utility patent has a 17 year monopoly on its use. differentiates and distinguishes one party's goods from another's. you could license the seed of a giant beanstalk to some guy named Jack. These laws are distinct from those relating to trade secrets and are designed to protect information which may be confidential but may not rise to the level of a trade secret. name or symbol should be given trademark protection. For more information about employment matters. Trademarks are everywhere you look. there are abundant distinctions about what is "not obvious" or "novel". a confidential relationship exists if two software companies exchange technical know-how and sign an agreement in which each promises to keep all information confidential. a design patent. A duty of confidentiality may arise because of a special relationship between the parties or by written agreement. A trademark can be a word. The PTO uses certain standards to judge whether a work. and a plant patent. your application would be 107 . Patents. may be granted to for inventions or discoveries of a new variety of plant. For example. The PTO will grant an applicant a utility patent for an invention that is not obvious. are granted only if the design is novel.Handbook of Business Contracts individuals and corporations can be liable for misappropriation of trade secrets. Analogous to trade secret protection are legal rights relating to the wrongful disclosure of confidential information. In another example. Infringement means the use. Plant patents. so use it when you are disclosing information or trade secrets which you don't want the general public to know. if you filed a trademark application for the word "tomato". Or. Before the PTO will officially register a trademark. using an example noted above. name. symbol or device. For instance. If you hold a patent you can sue anyone who infringes upon the patent. you could license the patent to an airline manufacturer for use only on 747s. not obvious and ornamental. Also. including a utility patent. For example. there are many issues to consider. so if you think you have a patentable idea. issues several types of patents. if you held a patent for a jet engine. Trademarks Trademarks are a different type of intellectual property. The PTO. or any combination of these. see the chapter of Managing Employees and Contractors. sale or manufacture of the patented invention in the United States during the monopoly period without permission from the patent holder.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . make sure to notify them in writing that the information is considered confidential and maybe have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement or include a nondisclosure provision in an employment contract.
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
rejected because the word "tomato" is not by itself distinctive. Distinctiveness is the main standard applied by the PTO. An example of a distinctive mark would be the name "JIAN". Once you obtain a registered trademark you have special rights to protect the registered mark. For example, you are given certain procedural rights when suing someone who has infringed upon your mark by using it without your permission. Like patents, you can assign or license the use of your trademark to others. We have included both a trademark license and trademark assignment in this chapter. Copyrights Copyrights are property rights in an author's particular method of expressing an idea. Most people think of copyrights as applying to books and other writings. However, copyright law also encompasses photographs, videos, paintings, software - anything that can be defined as a "work of authorship" under the Copyright Act of 1976. The full definition of a copyright under the Act is an "original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which it can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device." A copyright protects the idea, not the physical manifestation of the idea. For example, a photographer can sell a picture but retain the copyright in that picture. U.S. copyrights are economic rights to control the use of and benefits derived from the work. Some foreign countries imbue more personal rights, such as the right to protect one's reputation, in their copyright laws. Like patents and trademarks, copyrights are assets which, because of their economic nature, have value. The Copyright Office of the Library of Congress registers copyrights and issues certificates of registration. You don't have to register the work to have a copyright. Registration acts as an office acknowledgment of the existence of the copyright. The most important factor in creating a copyright is that the work of authorship be fixed in tangible form. As in the photographer example above, the copyright is the expression of the idea—the scene depicted in the photo—whereas the tangible form is the photograph itself. A copyright is really a bundle of rights which include the right to: (1) reproduce the work; (2) prepare derivative works; (3) distribute copies of the work: (4) publicly perform the work, in the case of music; and (5) publicly display the work. When you license or assign the rights to a copyright, you can include all or some of these rights. We have included a Copyright Assignment in AgreementBuilder. Tax Aspects of Transferring Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights Yes, it's true, there are tax consequences to transferring rights in patents, trademarks and copyrights. These tax rules can be quite complex, so you would be well-advised to seek counsel when transferring rights in these forms of intellectual property. Generally, the tax consequences depend on whether the transfer is a sale or a license. A license is something less than an ownership interest. Income received from the transfer of a license is taxed as ordinary income. If the transfer is a sale then income may be characterized as capital gain or as ordinary income. The rules get pretty complex, so take the time to understand what tax effect you may encounter as a transferror, licensor, transferee, or licensee of a patent, copyright or trademark. Talk to your accountant and/or your lawyer.
Protecting Property Rights for the Future
Sometimes you may find yourself entering a transaction or partnership arrangement where you are required to risk your property rights or in which you need to protect those rights. We have included three agreements which involve the protection of rights against problems which may arise in the future. These agreements include an Indemnity Agreement which can protect you and your assets from the wrongdoing of another, a Security Agreement which gives you rights to another's property, and a
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
Prenuptial Agreement which can help you protect your personal and business assets in case of divorce. Take the time to review these agreement to get a better idea of how and when they can be used.
In Conclusion
Many of the agreements in this section may be new to you. We have included them in AgreementBuilder to provide an overview of the legal considerations relating to the protection and transfer of assets. You may find the need to use one or several of these agreements in the course of business, but remember that there may be lots of issues tied up in an agreement which require the attention of an attorney.
Commercial Software Licensing Agreement
What is a Commercial Software Licensing Agreement? This is an agreement in which an off-the-shelf software package is licensed to individuals or businesses through dealers or sales representatives. Why/When should you use it? If you publish software and market it through resellers or sales representatives, you would want purchasers of your software to sign this agreement because it protects your ownership interest in the software. Also, it limits liability exposure through its special warranty provisions. Who should use it? Commercial software publishers and their resellers and sales representatives would have the endpurchaser sign this agreement. How should you use it? If you are a software publisher who uses resellers and sales representatives, have them require their customers to sign this agreement when they purchase your product. Also, you should have a separate agreement with the reseller or sales representative. Take a look at the related sales agreements in AgreementBuilder to get an idea of what type of agreement to use with resellers and sales representatives. Important Tips Make sure to have your resellers and sales representatives require customers to sign this agreement or a modified version of it and return the original to you.
Copyright Assignment
A Copyright Assignment is a document which, when executed by the owner of the copyright, allows the Assignee to hold all rights to the copyright, including the right to sue others who may infringe on that copyright. An assignment is much broader than a mere license which only grants the use of a copyright with specific limitations. Why/When should you use it? If you want to have all of the rights to a copyright, including the right to prevent others from using it, you should use this form of assignment. Who should use it? Anyone who want to acquire another's copyright. How should you use it? The copyright holder need to execute this document and return it to you. Important Tips Remember, if you only need limited use of someone' copyright, you don't need an assignment, you need a license.
JIAN AgreementBuilder® - Handbook of Business Contracts
Indemnity Agreement
An Indemnity Agreement is an agreement in which one party, the Indemnifier, agrees to assume legal liability of another party, the Indemnitee, which may rise out of the Indemnitee's actions. This type of assumption of liability is used in special circumstances. For example, if a company hires an independent contractor to design a magazine layout and provides the independent contractor with images to use in the layout, the independent contractor may want to be indemnified against all personal liability which may arise from the use of those images. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement if you are performing duties for another party and the ordinary course of performance of those duties may give rise to personal liability. Use this agreement to protect yourself from liability if you are to perform duties for another party. Who should use it? Anyone performing duties for another party. How should you use it? This agreement may be used on its own or its provisions may be incorporated into another agreement. Important Tips This type of agreement may be difficult to apply in a given situation. Just remember that, if you are required to act on behalf of another party and your actions take in the ordinary course of performance of your duties could expose you to liability, you should ask to be indemnified for any liability arising out of your actions. This is not an unreasonable request. You should not have to assume the risk of liability that really belongs to someone else.
License Assignment for Sale or Manufacture of a Patented Invention
A person who holds a patent to an invention may grant others licenses to manufacture or use the patented invention. That party in turn may assign that right to another party unless prohibited to do so in the original licensing agreement. This agreement is an assignment by the license holder to a third party. Why/When should you use it? When someone has the right to manufacture or use a patented invention, they may need to assign the right to another business. For example, if a semiconductor fabrication company no longer wants to bear the burden of manufacturing and selling a licensed microchip, the company may want to assign that right to another fabricator. A business which holds a license to manufacture and/or sell a patented invention may need to restructure its business operations or its product line. For example, a board game manufacturer may want to terminate a low volume board game from its product line. The company will want to realize value from the game, so it will assign its rights to the game to another company for a fee. Who should use it? Businesses holding licenses to manufacture and/or sell a patented invention would use this agreement to assign their licensing rights to a third party. How should you use it? Spell out the consideration to be paid and the rights involved. Important Tips This agreement requires the assignee to assume royalty payments to the original patent licensor. The assignee to this agreement should understand those royalty terms before entering into this agreement.
Who should use it? An individual or organization (corporation. it can be modified to apply to any situation in which you need to disclose protected information. How should you use it? This agreement is designed to be used when disclosing information to solicit investments. This agreement prohibits the latter party from disclosing the information to third parties and from using that information other than as set forth in the agreement. Once you have made the disclosure. Important Tips Some people won't sign Non-Disclosure Agreements. you should have the testing company sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. a patent idea. For example. Who should use it? Anyone who needs to disclose confidential information should have the receiving party sign a NonDisclosure Agreement. You should discuss with the other party their feelings about non-disclosure agreements before asking them to sign one. using or selling the patent holder's invention. it affords you some protection.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . partnership. nonpublic information and the party who wants to see or learn about that information.Handbook of Business Contracts Non-Disclosure (NDA) This is an agreement in which the parties decide to share protected information with each other and agree not to disclose that information for a specified period of time unless access to that information becomes available through other lawful means. Why/When should you use it? You should use a Non-Disclosure Agreement to protect the confidential nature of your information. therefore. While it does not guarantee that the information you have provided won't be freely disseminated. For example. How should you use it? Use the agreement freely. Use this agreement or a modified version of it when you will share protected information with another party. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you share non-public. In most cases. the use of this agreement may protect your ideas from being used by other parties. However. Confidentiality & Non-Circumvention It is an contract between the owner or provider of certain proprietary. generally to evaluate a potential relationship with the owner of the information. The information can be a business plan. it is better to err on the side of using the agreement than not using it. a screenplay—anything that you do not want the world to know. if you have designed a microprocessor and you would like some engineering testing performed. you won't be able to go forward with an idea unless you share it with others. proprietary information with a third party. it is important to try to protect your ideas. venture capitalists who review hundreds of business plans are reluctant to sign an agreement which could prevent them from investing in a similar idea. Important Tips Make sure to execute the agreement before you disclose any confidential or proprietary information to anyone. Patent Assignment A patent is a grant of right by the government to a patent holder which excludes others from making. the patent includes the right to license others to make 111 . sole proprietorship) who wants to share proprietary information with a third party. it may be too late to ask the other party to complete the agreement.
make sure that the assignor actually owns the patent before you execute this agreement.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Why/When should you use it? Whenever you are getting married and have assets that you want to make clear are separate property. forever. An Assignment transfers everything. then you are licensing. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you assign or are assigned a patent. This agreement deals with property that you enter the marriage with. If you want to keep property acquired after marriage separate. it is imperative that latter be represented by an attorney. will remain that party's separate property if and when the marriage ends. Who should use it? Prospective spouses should use a Prenuptial Agreement. The agreement includes provisions for the certification by an attorney for both spouses. The agreement secures to one or both or their children their property and financial rights. you should use AgreementBuilder's Prenuptial Agreement (Version 2). on the other hand. and all earnings attributable to that property. Specifically. empowers the licensee to make. it may be helpful to use a Prenuptial Agreement so as to avoid later confusion regarding the extent of that party's separate property. use or sell the patented article for a limited period or in a limited territory. A Patent Assignment is the contract used to effect the sale and transfer of all of the rights and interest to a patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office from its owner (assignor) to a buyer (assignee). However. Furthermore. it ensures that their separate property. Although property owned by a prospective spouse before marriage and any earning attributable to that property earned during marriage is separate property even without this agreement. Important Tips If you are limiting the assignment in any manner. any property acquired by either party will be subject to community property laws of that state. A patent license.Handbook of Business Contracts use of or sell that invention. How should you use it? It's a fairly straightforward agreement so it should be easy for you to complete. 112 . How should you use it? In community property states. and you should use AgreementBuilder's Patent Licensing Agreement. as opposed to assigning the patent. Prenuptial Agreement (Version 1) A Prenuptial Agreement is an agreement entered into by prospective spouses prior to marriage. In that case. you should execute a Patent Assignment. You need to have a written agreement in order to assign a patent. the agreement makes it clear that the assignee now has the legal right to use or sell the invention. This is very important if one of the spouses is coming into the marriage with considerable assets and the other is not. Who should use it? Both the assignor and the assignee of a patent should use this agreement. The Assignment is like a bill of sale for personal property. which directs the content. and modification of Prenuptial Agreements. This means that each spouse needs to have a attorney review this document before executing it. you need to make these disclosures to help ensure enforceability of the overall agreement. execution. that property which they will come into the marriage with. This agreement provides for comprehensive disclosure of your assets. Important Tips Many states have adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. you should use this agreement.
The law for property acquired during marriage differs depending on the state. This means that each spouse needs to have a attorney review this document before executing it.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . the Lender can repossess the asset. Who should use it? Any lender who lends money to allow a borrower to purchase specific goods or equipment or the seller of those items should use a Security Agreement. The Security Interest he or she has in the property gives him or her a preference in the event that more than one creditor goes after that asset. it is imperative that latter be represented by an attorney. While this agreement may provide guidance. In that case. In the event that the debtor defaults on the debt. This is very important if one of the spouses is coming into the marriage with considerable assets and the other is not. Why/When should you use it? Whenever you are getting married and have or will acquire assets that you want to make clear are or will be separate property. you cannot repossess the truck unless you have a Security Interest.000 he borrowed to buy his truck. It ensures that their separate property. Consult an attorney. Why/When should you use it? Whenever you lend money to another party for the purpose of purchasing specific goods or equipment. which directs the content. you should use this agreement. part of the Security agreement allows the Lender to attach the wages of the Borrower. This agreement provides for comprehensive disclosure of your assets. you need to make these disclosures to help ensure enforceability of the overall agreement. and all earnings attributable to that property. you should use this agreement. use this agreement if you are financing all or part of the purchase price and receiving a security (ownership of the item contingent upon failure to pay the debt) interest in the property. the Security Agreement gives the Lender priority in collecting the debt (evidenced by a promissory note) in the event of bankruptcy. In other words. Important Tips Many states have adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. but if he doesn't pay. A Borrower can agree to pay you back the $20. Also. This particular Prenuptial Agreement also includes any property acquired by either party once the marriage is entered into (after acquired property). that property which they will come into the marriage with. Furthermore. How should you use it? The agreement includes provisions for the certification by an attorney for both spouses.Handbook of Business Contracts Prenuptial Agreement (Version 2) A Prenuptial Agreement is an agreement entered into by prospective spouses prior to marriage that secures to one or both or to their children their property and financial rights. we recommend that you consult an attorney. Although property owned by a prospective spouse before marriage and any earnings attributable to that property earned during marriage is separate property even without this agreement. will remain that party's separate property if and when the marriage ends. as opposed to Version 1 which only protects property you bring into the marriage. Security Agreement A Security Agreement is used to give meat to a loan to purchase certain goods and equipment. you should look into becoming a secured creditor. Who should use it? Prospective spouses should use a Prenuptial Agreement. If you want to keep after acquired property separate. it may be helpful to have a Prenuptial Agreement so as to avoid later confusion regarding the extent of that party's separate property. and modification of Prenuptial Agreements. 113 . execution.
Handbook of Business Contracts How should you use it? The Uniform Commercial Code ("U. Thereafter. How should you use it? 114 . which is then filed with some public office such as the county clerk or secretary of state. paperwork and money to create a security interest. documents. market or sell the technology or any products based on it. In that case.C. Financing Statement. While banks generally take a security interest when they loan money to a customer to purchase large amounts of equipment. The Evaluator agrees to examine. and the Evaluator might think it has additional rights to the technology. Generally. you should use this agreement. the relationship of the parties might be unclear. this agreement gives you all rights associated with that technology. Who should use it? The owner or Developer of technology and the individual or entity evaluating that technology should use this agreement. but can include any manner or type of technology. The assigned assets generally include software technology and programs. consider taking a credit card and letting someone else worry about getting paid. Without this agreement. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you assign or are assigned technology. modify and enhance the technology during an Evaluation Period. You should use it so that it is clear that you have the legal right to use another company or individual's technology. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you license or are licensed technology to evaluate. all you have to worry about is accurately and specifically describing the technology being transferred. you should execute this agreement. Important Tips If any trademarks are being assigned. Technology Evaluation License A Technology Evaluation Licensing Agreement is a contract between the developer and/or owner of a certain form or type of technology and the individual or entity it contracts with to evaluate that technology to determine if it can be developed into a commercially viable product(s). you may wish to use this agreement in conjunction with the Trademark Assignment. Furthermore. Technology Assignment A Technology Assignment is an assignment by one party (the assignor) to another (the assignee) of specific technology defined in the agreement along with related properties. Important Tips It takes time. you may not want to go through the hassle.") provides a method for the seller/ lender to get a security interest in the property.C. It is important to use this agreement so that it is clear that the Developer is only licensing the technology to the Evaluator to evaluate. agreements and intellectual property rights. At no time during or after the evaluation may the Evaluator manufacture. the customer/ debtor signs this agreement along with a U. How should you use it? Its a straightforward agreement so it should be fairly easy for you to complete.C. For the most part. if you are assigned a specific technology. especially if it modifies and improves the technology. the Evaluator returns the Technology to the Developer.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .C. Who should use it? Both the assignor and the assignee of technology should use this agreement.
whereas the assignee will want as broad of an assignment as possible. The Assignment transfers everything. name. and the licensor can grant either an exclusive or non exclusive license in the territory. this agreement gives you all rights associated with that trademark. Who should use it? Both the assignor and the assignee of a trademark should use this agreement. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you license or are licensed a trademark. forever. you may wish to compensate the Evaluator by offering an option to purchase the Technology. The Assignment is like a bill of sale for personal property. You should use it so that it is clear that you have the legal right to use another company or individual's trademark. The licensor's trademark is generally a valuable asset. This option could be executed along with this agreement. Furthermore. then you ought to use AgreementBuilder's Trademark Licensing agreement. How should you use it? It's a fairly straightforward agreement so it should be fairly easy for you to compete. Trademark Assignment A trademark includes any word. or devise used to identify or distinguish particular goods of one business from those sold or manufactured by another. With the license. you should execute a Trademark Assignment. Why/When should you use it? Anytime you assign or are assigned a trademark. the licensee agrees to pay the licensor royalties. Important Tips To be effective. If you are limiting the assignment in any manner. The license may limit the licensee's use of these trademarks. symbol. the assignment of rights in a trademark must include a transfer of goodwill associated with that trademark. Important Tips Assuming the developer is not in the business of manufacturing or marketing. Trademark Licensing Agreement A trademark includes any word. This agreement is written from the perspective of a licensee. this is because there a trademark represents the goodwill that is associated to it. make sure that the assignor actually has the right to the trademark before you execute this agreement. if you are assigned a trademark. If you need to share confidential or proprietary information with the Evaluator before either one or both of you are prepared to sign this agreement. the licensor may qualify the license by making it nonexclusive or exclusive or for a limited or unlimited territory. there are sections that assign the assignee (the person buying the trademark) the rights to sue not only for past and future infringements. symbol.Handbook of Business Contracts Make sure to execute this agreement before actually giving or transferring the technology to the Evaluator.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . This will protect you in the event that the Technology Evaluation Licensing Agreement is not used. we recommend that you execute AgreementBuilder's Non-Disclosure and Non-Circumvention agreement. but to past infringements as well. In return for licensing the trademarks. The assignor may want to limit the scope of the assignment. this agreement preserves and protects that asset. A Trademark Licensing Agreement licenses or permits another party (the licensee) to use one or more of the licensor's trademark(s) in a designated territory. you should execute a Trademark Licensing Agreement. The licensee should use the agreement so that it is clear that it has the legal right to 115 . However. name. A Trademark Assignment is the contract used to effect the sale and transfer of all of the rights to the trademark from its owner (assignor) to a buyer (assignee). For example. or devise used to identify or distinguish particular goods of one business from those sold or manufactured by another.
One frequently overlooked reason to use this agreement is to establish and require the licensee to adhere to certain quality standards. 116 .Handbook of Business Contracts use licensor's trademarks. and that it will continue to pay for the use of the trademarks. If you are permanently assigning as opposed to licensing all of your rights to the trademark(s) for all territories. Important Tips The licensor should check out the fitness and suitability of the licensee before granting any trademark rights.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . The licensor must be confident that the licensee will use licensor's marks appropriately. How should you use it? You should leave this agreement as intact as possible. Who should use it? Both the assignor and the assignee of a trademark should use this agreement. you should use the Trademark Assignment.
Personal Guaranty In situations where there is no direct individual liability as with corporations.000 computer. directors or shareholders. We also discuss issues involving disputed accounts and dishonored checks. you can reclaim the property. the assets of the sole proprietor. sex or marital status. you can only go after the general partner.C. Be aware that while it is legal to ask for such a guaranty. financing statement. along with those of the business are available to satisfy the business' debts.Handbook of Business Contracts Handling Financial Matters Financial sense is knowing that certain men will promise to do certain things. it is fairly uncommon when selling on consignment or in dealings between manufacturers and distributors.C. in most cases.C. . you may want a personal guaranty. what options you have to ensure timely payment. if you do get a personal guaranty. not the limited partner(s). If the customer doesn't pay. you may need to get a new guaranty each time you extend credit to a particular customer. usually. national origin. color. and fail. the Uniform Commercial Code (U. To help you handle some of these financial matters. limited or general partnership. and what to do if payment is not made. and depending on where your business is located. it may violate certain trade practices. you cannot go after officers.) provides a method to get a security interest in items you sell. with respect to limited partnerships. religion. AgreementBuilder includes the following agreements: Account for Collection Assignment Agreement to Settle Disputed Account Collection Agent Appointment Credit Application/Agreement Debt Assignment Non-Delinquent Accounts Receivable Assignment Personal Loan Guaranty Personal Loan Guaranty (Short Version) Promissory Note Extending Credit Since the ultimate liability for any debts incurred by a business will vary depending on whether that business is a sole proprietorship. This discussion introduces you to some of the issues involved with extending credit to your customers. usually the county clerk or secretary of state. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act It is illegal to discriminate against a credit applicant on the basis of his race. as opposed to a $400 printer). We address a few of the numerous federal and state laws that affect how and to whom you may extend credit. In general you cannot discriminate on the basis of age. most sellers 117 . Encouraging Payment While payment in full is common in retail transactions. however. it's only worth it for expensive items (a $20. the customer signs a U. Secured Creditors Some businesses take a security interest in goods it sells on credit. With corporations.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . If the business is a sole proprietorship. however. and then you file that statement with the appropriate public office. Where the debtor is a general partnership.Ed Howe Most businesses extend credit. it is very important to identify the entity you are dealing with before extending credit. you can reject minors. Basically. you can go after any of the general partners. or corporation.C. In these situations. Adopted in all states.
Although they only pay you a small percentage of the moneys owed. you can bring an action in small claims court. traditional methods for enforcing judgments–property liens or garnishment of wages– may not be available. we suggest that if you want to charge interest. Filing fees and other court costs range from $40 to over $100. As discussed above. even if you win. the defendant might still refuse to pay. the offer of a 5% discount for early or on-time payment may keep your customers current. when you sell something. One of the major drawbacks of small claims court in many states is that although you may win. however. going to small claims court. Better safe than sorry! Court Costs and Attorney's Fees Either in your credit applications or in a separate agreement. Go to Small Claims Court When a modest debt is involved (from maximums of between $500 to $2. you have a number of options available to you including: filing a lawsuit. you transfer your right to moneys owed you to a collection business. there are a number of approaches you can take to collect moneys owed you. many states put a cap on the interest you can charge.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you must initiate proceedings to execute or force payment of the initial judgment. payment due dates. and the debtor has three or more other small-claims judgments outstanding. Furthermore.500 depending on the state). Furthermore. such as New York. Filing fees are usually less than $50. and you are forced to take legal action. You should be aware.Handbook of Business Contracts agree to extend credit. In addition. and it could become quite costly. Collection Problems Generally. usury or finance charges. Unlike regular lawsuits. which applies chiefly to consumer sales. If you do not get paid. you should include a section that requires the customer to pay for court costs and reasonable attorney's fees if he doesn't pay as agreed. We suggest that you either contact an attorney or head to a good law library to check out your state's code. requires exact credit terms including the monthly finance charge. total price of the item(s) including service or other charges. Offer Cash Discounts Not surprisingly. you have a legal right to demand payment in full upon delivery. these disclosures have been included in AgreementBuilder's agreements. Charge Interest on Overdue Accounts Inspire buyers to pay on time by charging interest on late payments. small claims' suits are relatively inexpensive. Where applicable. only allow for an enforcement action if the debt resulted from a business transaction (as opposed to a consumer sale). individual state laws set the actual rates you can charge. The Federal Truth-in-Lending Act. and each defendant must be personally served at a cost of $15-$20 or more each. Whatever they collect they keep. Although many of these disclosures may seem inapplicable to your sales transactions. Assuming you are one of the many businesses that delay payment. you must inform your customers exactly how it will be computed. you leave these sections intact. unless you are owed a lot of money. the annual interest rate. assigning the account for collection and appointing a collection agent. 118 . the judgment itself may be uncollectible. It is not uncommon for creditors to end up spending more in costs collecting the debt than they end up collecting. look under interest. in the long run it may be easier to let someone else worry about collecting so you can stick to your business and thus avoid the hassle and expense of the collection process. and late payment charges be disclosed on any contract or bill that charges interest. Some states. you might not want to go this route as you will probably need to retain an attorney. Assign the Account for Collection In this situation. if any. quick and easy. In that case. whenever you charge interest. File a Lawsuit Many states require you to make a formal demand for payment before initiating a lawsuit.
it prohibits: Using or threatening to use physical force to collect a debt. Furthermore. if you accept such a check. credit cards are more cost effective than extending credit directly to your customers. using profane language. accepting the risk that the customer won't pay. frequent problems arise over personal checks. often this fee is negotiable if you are a big enough customer. Although many businesses are unaware of the fact. If you follow the credit card company's rules which usually involves nothing more than getting authorizations for charges over $50. most states have a law that applies to you. In most states. Another situation where a check won't be honored occurs where the signatory to the check of a partnership or corporation doesn't have the authority to sign for the business. When a customer charges goods or services using a bank credit card. forcing the debtor to make long distance calls at its expense regarding the debt. The person writing the check might have stolen the check. 119 . but there are insufficient funds to cover the check. California's Fair Debt Collection Practices Statute is a good example of such a law. you have nothing to worry about since they absorb any loss if the customer fails to pay. you may want to appoint a collection agent. Dishonored Checks A number of circumstances can and often do prevent checks from being honored by banks. The fee the bank charges you is for handling the transaction itself and. Here you hire a collection agency to attempt to collect your delinquent accounts. including California. and. there is no federal law that applies to businesses that collect their own debts. or check. Generally. In fact. Many states go further and provide for treble (three times) damages. When You Get Paid by Check Cash and credit card transactions involve little risk. communicating with the debtor so frequently as to be unreasonable. Frequently. however. the bank will credit your business account the amount of the purchase less its fee. Among other things. credit card. One of these exceptions arises when you sell defective goods and the customer refuses to pay his charge. The most common situation involving dishonored checks occurs where the customer has an active bank account. annoying the debtor with continuous phone calls. There is one small matter that you should be aware of regarding credit cards and identification.Handbook of Business Contracts Appoint a Collection Agent If you want to be more involved with the collection process and you do not want to assign the account for collection. You should carefully review your contract with the bank to see what the rules are in these situations and whether you will have to bear the cost. In roughly 10 states. There are a few exceptions to the general rule that you will always get paid if you follow the credit card company's rules. costs of litigation and attorney's fees. you can bring a lawsuit in small claims or otherwise depending on the sum involved to recover the amount of the check.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . the collection agency gets a percentage of any moneys it recovers on your behalf. most importantly. you are not allowed to record personal identification information about a cardholder such as his address or phone number unless the credit card company requires it or you need it for shipping related purposes. Prohibited Collection Practices Although federal law regulates collection agencies through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Credit Card Transactions Point of sale payments can be either by way of cash. it is a crime to knowingly write a check when you do not have adequate funds. usually between 3-5%. and communicating with a debtor's employer except to verify employment or to carry out a garnishment following a civil suit. However. roughly 450 million bad checks are written each year. If you get stuck with a bad check. you're probably out of luck unless the impostor is caught and subsequently makes restitution. in some states. many electronic systems now used by credit card companies automatically credit you business' banking account when a charge is made.
Furthermore. In some states. California alone allows you to cross out "Payment in Full. The collection business pays a certain dollar amount. another possibility for recovering moneys owed you is to use a collection agency or to assign the account for collection. Rhode Island. you are entitles to all of the remedies described above. you may want to consider using small claims court. In most states. such as $0. call and ask him make the check good. and don't be rude. it is assumed that you are accepting that payment as satisfaction for the debt owed you. if you cash that check. Why/When should you use it? You should consider using this contract when you want to realize income on your delinquent accounts and avoid any further involvement in the collections process. and. send the customer a demand letter. Some states require that you first send a written demand letter so as to avoid innocent mistakes. If the items purchased are somehow defective.m. the fact that you have sent a written demand letter may permit you to collect extra damages. If he intentionally defrauded you. now permit you to reserve your right to sue for the balance if you write the words "Under Protest" or "Without Prejudice" along with your endorsement. you may be entitled to two or three times the amount of the check as damages plus certain costs. As many states place limitations on what can be said or done to recover debts. South Carolina. crossing out the words "payment in full" has no effect.) Account for Collection Assignment An Assignment of Account for Collection is a contract in which a business assigns its delinquent accounts receivable to a collection business.Handbook of Business Contracts If a customer's check bounces. South Dakota. A few states. West Virginia and Wisconsin. Missouri. If you are considering filing charges (or even if you are not) do not threaten prosecution since some states' statutes consider this harassment or even extortion. Furthermore.m. Depending on the amount of the check. If you want to be more involved in the 120 . however.000 and $5. Delaware. you won't be able to prosecute or collect multiple damages in a civil lawsuit. New Hampshire. if there is no merit to the claim. most states let you put a lien against the debtor's real estate. Minnesota. it is illegal to threaten a debtor with publication of his debt or notification of his employer. in some cases. when your time can be better used elsewhere. since there may be a few ways out for the debtor. In the event that a customer intentionally passes a bad check. including Alabama. If the phone call doesn't get you anywhere. the demand letter will set the stage for possible criminal prosecution. if any." cash the check and sue for whatever is still owed you. return receipt requested. potentially two or three times the value of the check. Generally. Checks which Say "Payment In Full" You should be very careful cashing checks marked "payment in full" when you are owed more than the amount of the check. the customer will only have to pay you what they're worth. don't say anything about the bad check to the customer's employer. if you are owed more than that amount. you can either waive the excess and sue for the maximum or file an ordinary law suit. New York.00 owed. (You should take a look at California Civil Code Section 1526 first. when the debtor has a good faith dispute involving the amount owed and he writes "payment in full" on the check. When a customer stops payment on his check and he has a legitimate claim. if you have given the customer proper notice. As discussed above. Additionally. some states have post-judgment proceedings which may allow you to attach wages and bank accounts if the person has a job or bank account. be careful not to call before 9:00 a.000. nothing at all. Ohio.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . or after 9:00 p.. On the other hand. Massachusetts. to obtain the rights to collect and keep the proceeds of the delinquent accounts. you won't have to bother dealing with it yourself. As discussed in more detail above. While you will have to pay the agency a hefty fee. you may elect to seek criminal prosecution.25 per $1. Most states have a limit of between $2.
if you would like to have the option of treating these accounts as bad debts for accounting purposes. but you bill him $300. Who should use it? Companies with delinquent accounts receivable. instead of receiving all or part of the amount the business says is due it sometime in the future. Collection Agent Appointment An Appointment of Collection Agent document is a contract in which a business hires a collection agency which will attempt to collect on the business' delinquent accounts receivable. Important Tips If the account isn't in dispute. but also it can help bring an uncomfortable situation to a positive ending. How should you use it? You should use this agreement when entering into an arrangement with a collection company or you should compare this agreement to any given to you by the collection company. By selling all the rights to its delinquent accounts a business can cut its losses and move on. it can receive a lesser but acceptable amount now. and it is financially reasonable for you to settle. Important Tips When negotiating the dollar value of your accounts receivable. then you don't need to use this agreement.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Who should use it? Businesses with disputed accounts may want to use this type of agreement with their customers. he can either return it you or send you $200. He refuses to pay anything unless you accept the $200 as full payment. Since you sent him the wrong item. nothing is disputed. Who knows? Maybe you won't lose a customer forever. Why/When should you use it? You should consider using this type of contract when you want to take action to collect delinquent accounts receivable but do not want to give up your rights to those accounts. For example. such that once executed neither party has any right to question the agreed upon payment. How should you use it? Send duplicate copies to the customer and ask that he or she sign them and return one copy to you. In other words. You can use this agreement to settle the account. Why/When should you use it? You should use this agreement when a customer has expressed willingness to settle a disputed account. It is quite similar to an Assignment of Account for Collection except that the company retains the ownership of the accounts receivable. For example. make sure to have done some research beforehand. It may be useful for a business to enter into such an arrangement when it would like to realize some income without the hassle and expense of chasing down debtors. A business would want to use this agreement to help liquidate an outstanding debt. Settlement & Release An Agreement to Settle Disputed Account is a contract in which a business and its customer agree to settle a disputed account. you would chose this method over an assignment of accounts receivable. Not only can it help in the collection of outstanding accounts. Assuming you acknowledge that he ordered the 19" model. For example. in good faith. a customer. you should consider using the Appointment of Collection Agent form which is included with this package.Handbook of Business Contracts collections process. says that he only owes you $200. if a customer ordered a 19" television for $300 and you shipped him a 17" television along with a bill for $200. Sometimes companies can spend more money to collect an account than the account is actually worth. It may be useful for a business to 121 .
and if and when you charge interest or add finance charges. which extends credit to its clients or customers ought to use a Credit Agreement. This is fairly routine. Also. Many businesses give their customers 30 days. If you are one of these businesses and don't have a Credit Agreement with your customers. service and interest charges. Furthermore. the agreement makes clear to your customers when payment is due. make sure to have an idea of the going market rates.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Who should use it? Any business. you need to find out the maximum interest rate permitted which differs from state to state–look at the index to the annotated statutes for your state (usually called a "code"). 60 days." You need to understand the Fair Credit and Reporting Act and state laws dealing with credit. Who should use it? Companies with delinquent accounts receivable. along with the more detailed credit provisions of a credit agreement. thus allowing you to obtain a security interest in the goods sold. such as a promissory note. Important Tips Before you discuss the collection agent's percentage. or even longer to pay for goods and services. including professional and personal service businesses and wholesale and manufacturing business. in professional and personal service businesses. 122 . Credit Application/Agreement? A Credit Application/Agreement is both an application for credit and an agreement by the individual or company seeking credit to certain terms and conditions if and when credit is extended. whether you offer discounts for early payment. Important Tips Review the previous discussion on "Handling Financial Matters. Debt Assignment An Assignment of Debt is a contract in which one party assigns to another party the right to collect a debt. Why/When should you use it? You should require all of your customers to complete a Credit Agreement before extending credit to them. For example. use a credit reporting agency to check out your customer's credit. Why/When should you use it? A Debt Assignment should be used whenever a debt is being assigned so that the Assignee will have legal standing to collect the debt. How should you use it? Don't use this agreement in isolation. you won't be able to enforce your credit terms. if you reject someone based on that credit report. These terms may include due dates. AgreementBuilder combines aspects of a credit application. you may want to use this document when it is unclear whether the debt instrument is a negotiable instrument.Handbook of Business Contracts enter into the type of arrangement when it does not have the resources to collect its own delinquent accounts. and you must identify the specific credit reporting agency that gave you the information. Before extending credit. If you charge interest. It should be used when a creditor wants to liquidate a debt that is not yet due. you have to explain the basis of the rejection. How should you use it? You should use this agreement when entering into an arrangement with a collection agency. and the policy regarding past due customers.
Who should use it? Businesses with non-delinquent accounts receivable would use this agreement. Try to get one whenever you are dealing with someone with a limited credit history or a newly formed corporation. Make sure to spell out the details of the debt being transferred. you should notify the debtor of the assignment. this type of agreement could conceivably be used for happier reasons. How should you use it? One party should complete the necessary information and both parties should sign. You may be leasing a warehouse or store or lending money for the debtor to buy a car. such as the assignment of accounts receivable to a local charity. Important Tips When assigning accounts receivable.Handbook of Business Contracts Who should use it? Creditors and purchasers of debt instruments should use this document. Be very clear in identifying the accounts and the amount of each account. the company can assign the right to collect the accounts to a factoring company (which is basically a high-risk lender) in exchange for immediate cash. you can collect from him or the Guarantor. In the event that the original Debtor to an obligation defaults. and even if you did. Of course. Why/When should you use it? Usually. they wouldn't give one to you. How should you use it? Describe the accounts to be assigned in a separate attachment. However. A Personal Guaranty provides additional protection for a lender or other company giving credit. you would use this type of agreement in unfortunate circumstances. A business would use this type of agreement to obtain immediate financing or to settle a dispute. if a company is dangerously short of cash flow. Delinquent Accounts Receivable Assignment An Assignment of Accounts Receivable is a contract in which a business assigns its existing. but it has some significant accounts receivable that can't be paid for several months. You have the option of whom to go after first. date due. 123 . Personal Credit Guaranty A Personal Credit Guaranty provides a personal guaranty by a third party individual by backing up the obligations of the primary debtor. In all of these cases the person providing the credit or lending the money should get a personal guaranty. you can still get paid. nondelinquent accounts receivable to another party in exchange for cash or some other consideration. such as amount owing. Why/When should you use it? It's always in the best interest of a creditor to get a personal guaranty as it provides additional protection for the collection of a debt. It can be modified for any type of transaction that you may wish to enter. Also. where the original Debtor is a corporation. Sometimes a Personal Guaranty is used when you want a corporate officer to personally guaranty payment for an obligation made by his/her corporation. Who should use it? Any company or person who is extending credit to another person or company. if you were lending money to IBM. For example. make sure you are buying a real debt and not just some phony piece of paper. a Personal Guaranty provides recourse against an individual so that in the event the corporation goes bankrupt. Important Tips If you are a purchaser. For example. Since a Guarantor usually has more money than the Debtor. it is a great way to protect yourself. etc. you wouldn't need a Personal Guaranty.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you may not ask for one. in many cases.
The Guarantor's obligation to pay comes due immediately upon the Obligor's failure to make timely payment. Thus. you can use AgreementBuilder's short form Loan Guaranty. Why/When should you use it? You should use a Loan Guaranty anytime you lend money and have any doubt about the financial wherewithal of the Obligor. the Guarantor must pay the Lender directly. and if the results are less than satisfactory and you are still determined to make the loan. A borrower may find it easier to get a loan if he has someone with a solid financial background to guarantee his debt. Always do a credit check before lending money. for example.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . you will have nothing to go after in the absence of a guaranty.Handbook of Business Contracts How should you use it? Use it freely in any of the situations described. as soon as the Obligor misses a payment. If the Obligor doesn't pay the lender. you ought to run a credit check before you extend credit to the debtor. If you are lending to a corporation. It cannot hurt to have the added protection of a guaranty. the Lender does not first have to give notice or satisfy any legal requirements with respect to the Obligor. Who should use it? Anyone who lends money should consider using a Loan Guaranty. The Personal Guaranty is usually provided by the partners of a partnership or officers of a corporation. get a guaranty from a solid third party. Personal Loan Guaranty A Personal Loan Guaranty is an agreement whereby one or more parties (the Guarantors) guaranty the loan obligations of another party (Obligor) to a Lender. Important Tips If you are relying on the creditworthiness of the guarantor. A Personal Guaranty is just a form of a Loan Guaranty but is generally included with the loan agreement itself. remember that if the corporation goes under. 124 . How should you use it? This agreement can be used to guarantee a single loan obligation or to provide an ongoing guaranty for all debts between an Obligor and a Lender. A lender should use a Loan Guaranty because it provides protection in the event that the Obligor doesn't pay its debt. then the Guarantor will be responsible. Important Tips When detailed provisions affecting the guaranty are not necessary.
Assign To transfer. to come into being or notice. The act of transferring to another all or part of one's property. real and personal. such as the right of property. Administrators decedent. originate. Whether. The taking and receiving of anything with the intention of retaining it. or The act of conceding or taking for granted Laying claim to or taking Assignee Assignment rights. Person(s) covered by policy in addition to the named insured Actual Damages Additional Insured (purchaser). consisting of a statement of account with debits and credits arising from relationships or parties. Accounting A system of making up or settling accounts. even though they be in a damaged condition. Action The state or process of acting or doing. American Arbitration Association National organization for arbitrators from whose panel arbitrators are selected for labor and commercial disputes. or set over to another. To present itself. Accrual Basis A method of accounting that reflects expenses incurred and income earned for any one tax year. To change or modify for the better. Aforesaid Agent Amend A person appointed by the court to administer the assets and liabilities of a Previous. Arbitration A process for dispute resolution in which a neutral third party (arbitrator) renders a decision after a hearing at which both parties have an opportunity to be heard. to cover the liabilities of a person or business. Assumption 125 . Compensation for actual injuries or loss. Acquire rights and interest To gain possession of rights and interest which are owing to his or her own procurement. Whether. make over. tangible and intangible.Handbook of Business Contracts Legal Glossary Abatement Acceptance The suspension or cessation of a continuing charge. To improve. or Amendment addition. A person authorized by another to act for or in place of him. deletion. interest. To change for the better by removing defects or faults. As to whether or not As to whether As-Is A sale of goods by sample "as is" requires that the goods be of the kind and quality represented.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Assets Property of all kinds. Arise(ing) To spring up. To alter by modification. A person to whom an assignment is made or granted.
Best Efforts With respect to a new securities issue. Breach When one party to an agreement fails to perform the obligations he has agreed to. absent express agreement to contrary. The party to whom personal property is delivered under a contract or bailment. Bargain A mutual undertaking. and sincerely. or in law. Bankruptcy The state or condition of a person (individual. a commitment by the investment banker or group handling the new issue to sell the securities as an agent of the issuing party. Bona fide In or with good faith. May include bonds. rules or laws adopted by an association or corporation or the like for its internal governance. once one party breaches. or the nonperformance of an executory stipulation. the non-breaching party is no longer obligated to perform his obligations under the contract and may take legal action against the breaching party. Capitalization The total amount of the various securities issued by a corporation. without deceit or fraud. Bailee In the law of contracts. by. Catastrophe A notable disaster. one to whom goods are bailed. preferred. Binding To obligate. Attachments The legal process of seizing one's property in accordance with a writ or judicial order for the purpose of securing satisfaction of a judgment yet to be rendered. Binding Arbitration A process of dispute resolution in which neutral third party renders a decision after a hearing at which both parties have an opportunity to be heard. a more serious calamity that might ordinarily be 126 . for some particular purpose. or agreement A contract or agreement between two parties. Both parties are bound by the ruling. ordinances. At Law According to law. Attorney-In-Fact A private attorney authorized by another to act in his place and stead. the failure or falsehood of an affirmative promise or statement. Attach Seizure of property under a writ of attachment. corporation. and common stock.Handbook of Business Contracts possession of. rather than as an underwriting of the entire issue. for. Cash Basis A method of accounting that reflects deductions as paid and income as received in any one tax year. The consent of one of the parties is enforced by statutory provisions. openly. for any reason.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . particularly by a bond or covenant. Generally. either employer or employee may terminate their relationship at any time. or become due. Business Entity An organization that possesses separate existence for tax purposes. Bylaws Regulation. partnership. At Will Employment This doctrine provides that. to bring or place under definite duties or legal obligations. contract. one to whom goods are entrusted by a bailer. Breach of Warranty In real property law and the law of insurance. he may be in breach. Bankruptcy Code A federal law for the benefit and relief of creditors and their debtors in cases in which the latter are unable or unwilling to pay their debts. municipality) who is unable to pay its debts as they are. honestly. debentures.
Others who guarantee the repayment of the loan. intended to be held in confidence or kept secret." Cause of action against another. motive. Community property Property owned in common by husband and wife. approval or permission. The finishing or accomplishing in full of something already Condition A provision making the effect of a legal instrument contingent on the occurrence of an uncertain future event. Contemporaneous Originating. Claim To demand as one's own or as one's right. each having an undivided one half interest by reason of their marital status. Completion of Transaction begun. Consequence The result following in natural sequence from an event which is adapted to produce. final steps) of a real estate transaction. The act or result of coming into harmony or accord with another party. Voluntarily yielding one's will to the proposition of another. Consideration The inducement to a contract. Consent Agreement. 127 . Common Carrier Any carrier required by law to convey passengers or freight without refusal if the approved fare or charge is paid in contrast to private or contract carrier. as distinguished from real property. but only from some of the consequences or results of such act. Consequential Damages Such damage. Surety under a loan. Common stock Class of corporate stock which represents the residual ownership of the corporation.JIAN AgreementBuilder® .Handbook of Business Contracts understood from the term "casualty. This may be a flat fee or a percentage of the selling price or a combination. Collateral Security A security given in addition to the direct security. Commercial Of or relating to commerce. Chattel The fact or facts which give a person a right to judicial redress or relief An article of personal property. Common stock has voting powers. or to aid in producing such result. the creditor may fall back upon the collateral security. granting acquiescence or compliance therein. to urge. Contained in In. to assert. Commission The fee or payment paid to a sales person or broker for consummating a transaction. existing.e. loss or injury as does not flow directly and immediately from the act of the party. to insist. and receives dividends. intended to guarantee its validity or convertibility or insure its performance so that if the direct security fails. The cause. A cause of action. Closing Date Co-Makers Written analysis of closing (i. Confidential Entrusted with the confidence of another with his secret affairs or purposes. Competent Jurisdiction As applied to courts and public officers this term imports jurisdiction and due legal authority to deal with a particular matter in question. or happening during the same period of time. price or impelling influence which induces a contracting party to enter into a contract. and subordinate to it.
termination. Distribution The giving out or division among a number.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Defense suit. Discharge Disclaimer The repudiation or renunciation of a claim or power nested in a person or which he had formerly alleged to be his. Act or process of dissolving. guide. Distribute. Cure The ability to correct a breach. Drop Ship Shipment of goods directly from manufacturer to dealer or consumer rather than first to wholesaler. shortage or insufficiency. To do. Direct To point to. command. disencumber. or security of the product. order. To advise. dismiss. which may be recovered in the courts by any person who has suffered loss detriment or injury whether to his person. (Eg. Convey To transfer or deliver to another. All manner of taxes. legal sufficiency. apportioning. unburden. instruct. to make. Covenant The legal term for a promise. property. Does not operate to Does not. to produce. or rights through the unlawful act of another. Counterclaim A claim presented by a defendant in opposition to or deduction from the claim of the plaintiff. liberate. suggest. a legal obligation asserted in the courts. to bring to pass. Defend To prohibit or forbid. request. enforce.) Contract An agreement between two or more persons which creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing. sharing or parceling out. Copyright The right of literary property as recognized and sanctioned by positive law. winding up. Deliver To bring or transport to the proper place or recipient. 128 . annul. Defective Products Lacking in some particular which is essential to the completeness. That which is offered and alleged by the party proceeded against in an action or Deficiencies A lack. The contiguous United States means all the states except Hawaii and Alaska because they are not next to any/all of the other states.Handbook of Business Contracts Contiguous to Next to. Default By the omission or failure to perform a legal or contractual duty. To release. accomplish. dispensing. Damages A compensation or indemnity. allotting. See Capital. to execute. During such times as Duties Effect Earned Capital While. Disclaims Dissolution Implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. charges or governmental impositions. To deny. To pass or transmit the title to property from one to another. Demand The assertion of a legal right.
takes effect. Express approval Approval granted and manifested by direct and appropriate language. Exclusive warranty See warranty. Enforcement The act of putting something such as a law into effect. funds for payment of real estate taxes are commonly paid into escrow account of bank -mortgagor by mortgagee. to sign. or articles in a tariff schedule Equitable Relief Where financial damages are inappropriate. the court might consider forcing the breaching party to do or refrain from doing something. to make. Exclusive Pertaining to the subject alone. and to dispose of the property according to the deceased will and testament. Shutting out. as the expiration date of a lease. or sign and deliver a note. or the like. termination or end. Sole. insurance policy. Exonerate To free from blame. Enumeration To specifically name or list. Escrow Account A bank account generally held in the name of the depositor and an escrow agent which is returnable to the depositor or paid to third person on the fulfillment of escrow condition. obligation or task. to follow out. Exclusive Right Pertains to a right granted whereby only the "grantee" can exercise its privileges. or the carrying out of a mandate or command.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . debarring. Execute To perform all necessary formalities. To free from a responsibility. Executors A person appointed to carry out the directions and requests in one's will. Encumber End-User designed. or to carry out according to its terms. Expiration Cessation. admitting or pertaining to any others. and the like. not including. law insurance policy. statute.g.. An assurance by one party 2 . courses. the execution of a law. as in speaking of "enumerated" governmental powers. to fulfill the command or purpose of some action. certifying for the benefit of another party that a certain statement of facts is correct as of the date of the statement. or rights. as to make and sign a contract. items of property. Express warranty A promise that a proposition of fact is true. such as a tenant or a mortgagee. To complete. all others are prohibited or shut out from. Coming to a close. to perform. termination from mere lapse of time. especially one for whom the product was Encumbrance Endorsed A document that has one's signature as evidence of a legal transaction to indicate approval of contents or terms.Handbook of Business Contracts Effective Date Date on which contract. burden. e. as distinguished from that which is inferred from conduct. Election The act of choosing or selecting one or more from a greater number of persons. A lien or claim on property. To put a heavy load on. Estoppel Means that party is prevented by his own acts from claiming a right to detriment of other party who was entitled to rely on such conduct and has acted accordingly. The ultimate consumer of a product. Estoppel Certificate A signed statement by a party. to hinder or impede. to do. things. Execution Carrying out some act or course of conduct to its completion.
allegiant. A finders fee is generally paid by the buyer to the third party for "finding" the property. unmistakable. Fixtures An item that is fixed or attached property in such a way to be deemed part of the property. reliable. in direct or unmistakable terms. or the kitchen sink. subject to specified limitations. example. Foregoing Previous. or a "superior force". not dubious or ambiguous.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . indirect or unmistakable terms. superior or irresistible force. capable of being perceived. For Cause With respect to "removal from office 'for cause'".B. Fiscal Year A twelve month period for which an organization plans the use of its funds. Faithful Performance The parties must act in good faith towards accomplishing the stated conditions of the contract. patent. Explicitly. this means the seller assumes all responsibilities and costs up to the point of delivery. as distinguished from mental or moral. visible from the outside. For the purpose of [x]ing Force Majeure Also known as an "Act of God". Faithful Honest. without expense to buyer. Express(ly) directly. Because. of or a character analogous to that of a trustee. In an express manner. Express Directly and distinctly stated. External Apparent. conscientious. Fiduciary Refers to a person holding the character of a trustee. direct. Extraordinary Expenses of occurrence. Finders Fee A payment to a third party for bringing a buyer and a seller together. a furnace in a house. A promise that certain facts are true as they are represented to be and that they will remain so. Clear. 3 . loyal. Removal for reasons which law and public policy recognize as sufficient to warrant removal. For the duration of For the reason that During. trustworthy. exterior. outward. Generally. Filed A paper is said to filed when it is delivered to the proper officer and by said officer kept on file as a matter for record and reference.O. (Free on Board) The seller will deliver subject matter contracted for. definite. plain. The fee may be in addition to a commission or in lieu of one. explicit. on certain conveyance. Acting from without. definitely. Express Written Consent Written permission expressly granting consent for approval of some action to be entered upon by another party.Handbook of Business Contracts to agreement of existence of facts upon which other party may rely. This clause is common in construction contracts to protect the parties in the event that a part of the contract cannot be performed due to causes which are outside the control of the parties and could not be avoided by using exercise of care. In the law of insurance. An expense characterized by its unusual nature and infrequency F. Expressly In an express manner. To [x].
One who inherits property. section. or both. Hypothecate To pledge property as security or collateral for a debt. with or without compensation. Implied warranty A promise that a proposition of fact is true. either real or personal.Handbook of Business Contracts Forfeiture A comprehensive term which means a divestiture of specific property without compensation. a place of litigation. Heirs. document. responsible for a crime of tort or other offense or fault. Guilty Having committed a crime or other breach of conduct. Legal Representatives limitation and not purchase. to an estate in lands. section. by descent and right of relationship. contract]. Hereat Hereby Herein Hereof Hereto At this [paragraph. To this [paragraph. section. By this [paragraph. contract]. It imposes a loss by the taking away of some preexisting valid right without compensation. Of this [paragraph. Generally the pledged property remains the possession of the lendee. 4 . contract]. contract]. a gift of bestowal by one having control or authority over it. Grantor trusts Trusts whereby the grantor retains control over the income or property. Grantor The person by whom a grant is made. document. or hereditaments upon the death of his ancestors. Along with this [paragraph. section. document. pertaining to or concerning this. to such an extent that such grantor will be treated as the owner of the property. The creator of a trust is usually designated as the grantor of the trust. This phrase is normally used as words of Heirs The person appointed by law to succeed the estate in the instance of death without a written or formal will. tenements. section. In this [paragraph. Assigns. document. the absence of malice and the absence of design to defraud. Previously. Under this [paragraph. The "transferor" of property. Such agreements are typically found in leases and easements. document. Good Faith An honest belief. document. but the lender has the right to sell upon default. contract]. Implied Reservation Type of easement created by grantor for benefit of land retained by him and not included in conveyance. contract]. justly chargeable with a crime. Heretofore Hereunder Herewith Hold Harmless Agreement A contractual arrangement whereby one party assumes the liability inherent in a situation. section. Gross Negligence Failure to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful person would use under similar circumstances. an administrative body. contract]. A person who succeeds. Forum A court of justice. Forthwith Immediately.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . as of land or money. therefore relieving the other party of responsibility. Grant To bestow or confer. or judicial tribunal. Particular place where judicial or administrative remedy is pursued. by the rules of law. section. document.
Used especially with patents. injury or deterioration. Indemnify To give security for the reimbursement of a person for any loss or damage falling on him. something necessary. or right. and trademarks. Infringe To violate encroach. Indemnity Reimbursement of a person who is technically at fault by another who is actively responsible. Independent Sales Representative Sales Representative not in the direct employee of a product's manufacturer. By mentioning the first document inside the second document. something incidental to the main purpose. or break into. (Also known as a "trigger" or "triggering event") In the event that Incidental Damages Loss. A business or person unable to pay debts as Anything reduced to writing. Infringement A violation or encroachment of a law. Insolvency Insolvent agreed. Where a court orders the breaching party to do or refrain from doing The inability or lack of means of a person or business to pay debts. Injunctive Relief something. Instrument evidence. Industry Standards Generally recognized level of conformity or established practice by competing businesses. Usually has access to several manufacturers. contract. Incur(red) To gain something undesirable. Indemnification Your acceptance of responsibility for fees or actions incurred by individuals of the company. In case In lieu of If. Incorporated by Reference One complete document is included inside a second separate document because of a reference.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . pertaining to or depending upon another which is termed the principal. The intention is not manifested by explicit and direct words. Independent Contractor One who contracts to complete a job independently of the customer's direct daily supervision. caused by the negligence. design. Liabilities outweighing assets. Only the end result is negotiated. the entire first document is included inside the second. Related. copy rights. Injunction A court order commanding someone to undo some wrong or injury. Indirect Damages Indirect Secondary loss injury or deterioration caused in a roundabout way. A document given as a means of affording 5 . Incidental Depending upon or pertaining to something else as primary. such as a liability. Instead of. regulation. but not by plain or obvious means. or prohibiting someone from doing a specific act.Handbook of Business Contracts Implied Used in law to contrast "express". or accident of one person to another. If. Roundabout.
called the "tenant. One who rents property from another. Interpolated terminal reserve value The value of insurance policies for gift and tax purposes. granted by an appropriate governmental body for a person or legal entity to pursue some occupation or to carry on some business subject to regulations of the government. 6 . All character of debts and obligations.e. i. License A permit. action or alliance. Legal Proceeding All proceedings authorized or sanctioned by law. Liabilities Liability Insurance Contract by which one party promises on consideration to compensate or reimburse other if he shall suffer loss from specified cause or to guaranty or indemnify or secure him against loss from that cause. Inure Invalid To take effect.Handbook of Business Contracts Intellectual Property The exclusive ownership of any ideas or systems written or otherwise conceived by a person. [x] shall. absolute. who has leased it to another person. Leasehold Improvements Improvements made by lessee to the leased property. Legal Entity A thing (not a person) which can be legally sued or sue and make decisions through agents as in the case of corporations.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . A person who oversees the legal affairs of another. Willful transgression of some rule of action. Area of authority by a court. To deprive of legal force. [x] is responsible for… Invalidate Joined It is incumbent on [x] to Jointly and Severally Jurisdiction United to combine in time. Legal title Lessee Lessor Full and absolute title or apparent right of ownership." Latent Defects A hidden or concealed defect undetectable by reasonable and customary observation or inspection. and represent the interest of another. Landlord The owner of an estate in land. Void. or likely. Legal Representatives Those who stand in place of. Liability A broad legal term including almost every character of hazard or responsibility. To come to the benefit of a person. when the policy is not paid up or paid in full at time of transfer. painting. behavior. Intentional Misconduct by premeditated design. or a rental property. etc. Not of binding force. contingent. and brought or instituted in a court for the acquiring of a right or the enforcement of a remedy. Inadequate to its purpose. Both parties bind individually and together as a unit (jointly). duty or law A statement or action designed to lead to inaccurate Intentional Misrepresentation representation of actual facts. effort. Addition of a garage. Liable Bound or obliged by law or equity. One who rents property to another. Responsible. [x] must.
To have cleared. Material Provision Foresight and plan for a possible important condition.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . which may exist when there is no "concealment. Monies money Person that takes. or receives a mortgage. beliefs. Modification An alteration which inserts or deletes some details while leaving the general purpose and effect of the subject-matter intact. Life insurance premium policy. or actually derived by him from a proper source. Turning assets into payment of debts. Liquidator Litigation Loss Payee Legal action A person appointed to carry out the settling up or dissolution of a company. settled or paid a debt. Refusal or failure to conform to accepted customs. Manufacturing Defect Flaw made during the making of the product which would not be present if built correctly according to the design. A Lawsuit A Contest in a court of law to enforce a right or seek resolution. Monetary Damages Money compensation sought or awarded as a remedy for breach of contract.Handbook of Business Contracts Life insurance policy A paid for contract between a person and an insurance carrier agreeing to pay a designated sum upon the death of the person to a beneficiary. or practices. Notice of Protest A formal declaration made by a person interested or concerned in some 7 . i. To decrease or increase in an incidental way. actually communicated to a person by an authorized person. Modify To Alter.e." Mortgagee Necessitate Necessity of Non-conformity Nondisclosure Notice Information concerning a fact. or paying a debt. holds. or any party who can be compelled to pay the instrument. Merger Absorption of one entity into another. Misrepresentation Action or word from one entity which if accepted leads to false assertions or beliefs in others. Person named in an insurance policy to be paid in a settlement. settling. loss or injury. Require. and is regarded in law as "actual" when the person sought to be affected by it knows thereby of the particular fact in question. Liquidation The process of clearing. Liquidate Liquidated Amount paid to insurance carrier to purchase life insurance To settle or lessen a debt. Material Breach Major violation of contract usually to the extent that the aggrieved is excused from remaining terms and is given the right to sue for damages. Need to. A failure to reveal facts. Notice of Dishonor May be given to any person who may be liable on the instrument by or on behalf of the holder or any party or other party that has received notice. Life insurance double indemnity clauses in case of accidental death.
fulfill. Penalty The sum of money which the obligor of a bond undertakes to pay in the event of his omitting to perform or carry out the terms imposed upon him by the conditions of the bond. the act of binding oneself by a social. Notwithstanding Despite. entitled by law to be protected by the issuance of a patent. Perform To perform an obligation or contract is to execute. Personal Representatives A person or thing that represents. Personal Injury A hurt or damage done to a person's body. Patent A grant of right to exclude others from making. or accomplish it according to its terms. using or selling one's invention and includes right to license others to make. If no due date is stated in note. to another person or thing. or series Present Value of payments. of other obligation according to its terms. replaces. A social. Occasion (verb) On Demand on demand. or that in some way corresponds to. such is payable By. stands for. or affirms his will against it. or moral tie. legal. legal. Possess Have. Personal Services Contract A written agreement to perform maintenance or repair (or both) on a consumer product for a specified duration. Patentable Suitable to be patented. Own. a broken limb. the current value of a future payment . or already performed. such as a cut or bruise. An option may be sold or given away. whereby he expresses his dissent or disapproval. contract or promise that compels one to follow or avoid a particular course of action. The time value of money. On the part of Cause. Option An option is the right to buy something for a fixed term. or is equivalent. their contract liability on an obligation which means they are obligated to pay the debt without someone else refusing to pay. or moral requirement.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Pledge A deposit of personal property to a creditor as security for some debt or engagement. No matter what has been stated so far… Notwithstanding the foregoing Obligation That which a person is bound to do or forbear. The device must embody some new idea or principle not before known.Handbook of Business Contracts act about to be done. Promissory note A signed paper promising to pay another a certain sum of money. contract. use or sell it. The price can either be fixed or left open. as distinguished from an injury to his property or reputation. or the like. or stands for a number or class of persons or things. relieving such person of all further obligations or liability thereunder. Primary Liability A description of the nature of a signer's engagement. It is generally transferable. personal property transferred to pledgee as security to a creditor for payment of debt or other obligation. such as a duty. Note payable upon request. Performance The fulfillment or accomplishment of a promise. an unconditional written promise to pay a specified sum of money on demand or at a specified 8 .
To send back. Rejection An offeree's communication to an offeror that the offeree refuses to accept the terms of the proposal made by the offeror. To be successful in a suit. bank or finance company repossesses or takes back an item if the buyer misses an installment or payment. or applying the property in satisfaction of a creditor's claim.Handbook of Business Contracts date. In trade secret law. Pursuant to Under. Once something is in the public domain. 9 . the one who is actually and substantially interested in subject matter as distinguished from one who has only a nominal. usually inserted in leases and conveyances on the part of the grantor promising that the tenant or grantee shall enjoy the possession and use of the premises in peace and without disturbance.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . to collect or obtain amount. territory. it may be used freely. Recorder A judge who has criminal jurisdiction in a city. agent or spokesperson. Recovery of Possession The obtaining of a thing by the judgment of a court. Repossession To take back -. as to remit money. or compensated. Public Domain A figurative place where information or knowledge that is generally known or available to the public resides. Recover To regain as lost property. appetite. information in which the owner has a One who possesses the exclusive dominion or ownership of a thing in his own Provision Foresight of the chance of an event happening. The state or condition of serving as an official delegate. The act or process of organizing again or differently. Reorganization A thorough alteration of the structure of a business corporation. Remedy The means by which a right is enforced or the violation is prevented. redressed.as when a seller. Proprietary Information protectable interest. Release A writing or oral statement manifesting an intention to discharge another from an existing or asserted duty. Representation Any conduct capable of being turned into a statement of fact. Proprietary right. without permission. In effect. Purchase Money Security Interest (PMSI) One which is taken or retained by seller of item to secure its price or taken by person who advances funds to enable one to acquire rights in collateral. as the result of an action brought for that purpose. Quiet Enjoyment A covenant. formal or technical interest. sufficient to indicate that any present undertaking upon which its assumed realization might exert a natural and proper influence as entered upon in full contemplation of it as a possibility. Remit To send or transmit. Receiver A person appointed by a court for the purpose of preserving property of a debtor pending an action against him. as to remit a check or refer a case back to a lower court for further consideration. to have judgment. to obtain a favorable or final judgment. health. courage. the information is now owned by the public. Real party in interest Person who will be entitled to benefits of an action if successful.
or is equivalent. These corporations usually avoid the corporate income tax. A just or legal claim or title. Often the word "lien" is used is used as a synonym. Serve To deliver or present (a writ or a summons). Residual Value The value of a depreciable asset after depreciation charges have been deducted from the original cost. to another person or thing. or offer that had been valid until revoked. S Corporation A small business corporation with a statutorily limited number of share holders. Secondary Liability certain conditions. and corporate losses can be claimed by the shareholders. whose physical conduct in performance of the service is controlled or is subject to right to control by the master. and reserves to himself. Servants An employee. deposit. deed. or stands for a number or class of persons or things. the possibility that actual future returns will deviate from expected returns.Handbook of Business Contracts Representations Elements of actionable fraud. or profit in the estate granted. stands for. arising out of a transaction extrinsic of plaintiff's cause of action. given by a debtor in order to assure the payment or performance of his debt. under certain conditions. Risk The danger or hazard of a loss of the property insured. Shareholder (stock holder) stock company. Security Interest Any interest in property acquired by contract for the purpose of securing payment or performance of an obligation or indemnifying against loss of liability. pledge. Reservation A clause in a deed or other instrument of conveyance by which the grantor created. capable of being divided. or thing granted. Severability Admitting of severance or separation. or a destroying or making void of some will. A liability which does not attach until or except upon the fulfillment of Security Protection. has elected to have its taxable income taxed to its shareholders at regular income tax rates. which. Restraining Order An order in the nature of an injunction which may be issued upon filing of an application for an injunction forbidding the defendant from doing the threatened act until a hearing on the application can be had. Rights Justice. Revocation The withdrawal or recall of some power.. Set-Off A counter-claim demand which defendant holds against plaintiff. lien. interest. mortgage. or consonance with the rules of law or principles or morals. acts or artifices calculated to mislead another. authority. etc. but not the necessary. Representative A person or thing that represents. One employed to perform service in master's affairs. ethical correctness. assurance. capable of being severed from other things from which it was joined. usually applies to an obligation. Special damages A person who owns shares of stock in a corporation or joint- Those which are the actual. some right. which had no previous existence as such. separable. tradition or nature. as well as words or positive assertions. or that in some way corresponds to. Something due to a person by law. Any statements meant to induce another to enter into contract are representations. result of the injury 10 . replaces. includes deeds.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . The element of uncertainty in an undertaking. Right of first refusal Right to meet terms of a proposed contract before it is executed.
Under that [x]. To put an end to. formed by the contributions of subscribers or sale of shares. Stock certificate The written evidence of ownership of stock.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . Termination of employment is the time employment ends. After this period of time. no legal action can be brought regardless of whether any cause of action ever existed. A supporting document given as a means of affording Subsequent to Subsisting Legal Instrument evidence. or make void. Stock The goods and wares of a merchant or tradesman. in existence. or the violation of some private obligation resulting in damages. Of that [x]. Statute of Limitations Statutes of the federal government and various states setting maximum time periods during which certain actions can be brought or rights enforced. rights or prices specifically agreed upon. by reason of special circumstances or conditions. in order to guarantee the terms of the second party's performance. 11 . replace. One who takes the place of or follows after another. written evidence of ownership of land or property. A word or phrase. also called inventory or goods. Tort A legal wrong. In that [x]. After. denotation of social rank.Handbook of Business Contracts complained of. Successor Suffer Supersede Allow. in force or operation beyond any period or event specified. obligations. Thereunder Time of the Essence of Contract Agreement that a time deadline is placed on one party. and which in fact follow it as a natural and proximate consequence in the particular case. May also mean the capital or principle of a corporation or joint stock company. To the effect that That. Survive To remain alive. A direct invasion of some legal right. Take into consideration Term Terminate Consider. By that [x]. the infraction of some public duty resulting in damages. annul. Title The name by which anything is known. To set aside. kept for sale and traffic. Survivorship Where a person becomes entitled to property by reason of his having survived another person who had an interest in the property. Termination The ending of the time of a condition or agreement. Terms Thereby Therein Thereof Conditions. Sublease A lease made between the lessee and a third party for land or premises. A fixed and definite period of time. and of the rights and liabilities resulting from such ownership.
Transferability The limits in capability of ownership to be passed from hand to hand. Unconditional Guarantee An promise without any conditions for payment or performance of principal contract on default. Waiver of Claims and Defenses A term in a contract whereby the obligor explicitly agrees not to assert against an assignee of the contract any claim or defense the obligor has against the assignor. How. Treasury stock Stock issued by a company but later re-acquired. On which. Until. Warrant An authority issued that empowers a person to carry through a specified task. Trademark A distinctive mark of authenticity.JIAN AgreementBuilder® . To give an immediate. Whensoever Whereas Whereby Whereof Whereon Whenever. by means of which. To take effect. industrialists and merchants to identify their businesses. of what. It receives no dividends and has no vote. Warranty A promise that certain facts are truly as they are represented to be and that they will remain so. fixed right of present or future enjoyment. and still carry all rights of the original owner. inasmuch.Handbook of Business Contracts Trade name That name which is used by manufacturers. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) One of the Uniform Laws drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and the American Law Institute governing commercial transactions. Person interested with property for the benefit of one or more others. Under the provisions of Unenforceable Unforeseeable Under. It may be held in the company's treasury indefinitely. in accordance with. Having no legal effect or force in a court action. 12 . Of which. or retired. The change of title of property from one person to another. Trustee Person holding property in trust. Arrest Warrant authorizes the holder to arrest the person named in the warrant. Void. Until such time as Utilize Vest Use. subject to any specified limitations. Waiver The intentional or voluntary relinquishment of a known right. on what. re-issued to the public. through which the products of one manufacturer may be distinguished from those of another. Transfer To remove from one person place or thing and pass to another. which actually symbolizes the reputation of the business. The inability to foresee or expect. Transferee Transpire One to whom a transfer is made. Happen. It being the fact that.
Handbook of Business Contracts Work made for hire A work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment. 13 .JIAN AgreementBuilder® . A work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a collective work.