Insights

Before signing a commercial contract

Confirm the parties, objective, payment terms, responsibilities, termination rights, dispute mechanism and incorporated documents.

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General note

Confirm the parties, objective, payment terms, responsibilities, termination rights, dispute mechanism and incorporated documents.

Understand the commitment before signing

Start with the parties, their authority and the real commercial objective. Review the scope, price, performance dates and what constitutes a breach before focusing on wording alone.

Review payment, exit and dispute terms

Check that payment, variation, termination, governing law, jurisdiction, dispute procedure and incorporated documents are clear and workable.

Do not rely on informal assurances

If there is a side agreement, amendment or approval, confirm how it must be documented and who has authority to approve it for each party.

A quick preparation checklist

Arrange dates from earliest to latest
Identify the parties and their roles
Keep complete and signed copies
Record any approaching deadline

A note of caution

This information is general and does not replace legal advice. Do not send highly sensitive or time-critical information until the firm confirms the appropriate channel.

Discuss the matter with the team