Contract law, drafting and negotiating contracts is a critical part of your business, though one that many owners and operators give little thought to. While the core of your business operations is the sale of goods or services, the ability to provide those goods and services in a manner that is legally compliant, profitable for your organization, limits your liability and manageable for your business is created and protected by your contracts.
Contract Law
The terms and conditions of those agreements, whether they’re manufacturing agreements, licensing agreements, contracts for the sale of goods or other types of contracts, are essential to the health of your business. That is why working with an experienced contract law lawyer is so important.
Some most common types of contracts we prepare for and negotiate for companies working within Technology, Manufacturing, and Distribution include:
- Manufacturing agreements
- Technology and licensing agreements
- Supply of goods contracts
- Purchase orders
We also assist with a wide range of contracts associated with the establishment of a business, such as partnership and shareholder agreements. Although we represent business clients across a range of industries, our attorneys are particularly well-versed in the issues of concern to businesses operating in the technology, manufacturing and distribution industries.
The Danger of Form Contracts
In the Internet age, there’s no shortage of forms and templates for those who want to cut corners and save a bit of money up front by creating their own contracts. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits all solution in business. It may save a bit of time and money up front to repurpose an existing contract for a slightly different customer relationship or use a non-attorney website to plug in basic information. However, those savings may be miniscule in comparison with the losses that can result from a poorly constructed contract that fails to anticipate risks and potential liabilities.
As your contract law lawyers, it is our job to ask the right questions and learn enough about your business in general and the specifics of the agreement we are preparing to make sure we address all the critical issues. An algorithm cannot do that, and neither can a template.
Streamlining the Contract Process
Although working from a form generally is not sufficient for your contract needs, you do not have to start from scratch every time. We work with our business clients to streamline processes, including the creation of checklists that will allow clients to conduct their own simple reviews.
International Contracts
Constructing a contract that clearly and effectively protects your interests becomes even more complex when you are conducting business internationally. In addition to all the considerations and possible pitfalls that must be considered when entering into any contract, you will have a host of new issues to consider. Some most common include regulations relating to international shipping, ensuring compliance with local law and providing a secure means of pursuing payment and otherwise enforcing your rights with clients outside U.S. jurisdiction.
Our cross-border experience allows us to accurately assess the needs of companies doing business internationally and prepare contracts that speak to all aspects of the agreement, whether those issues are likely to arise at home, abroad or in transit.
Force Majeure
Force majeure refers to a common clause that appears in contracts that basically frees both parties from any requirements or obligation to keep the said contract in the case of an extraordinary and unforeseeable event. This event is out of the control of either of the parties in the contact and the force majeure clause eliminates both parties from being capable of fulfilling their contractual obligations. Force majeure can be a tricky clause to navigate. Make sure you are working with a contract lawyer for assistance with this clause.
Making it Easy to Get the Help You Need
If you are running a business or starting one up, there are many demands on your time. Often, the in-the-moment operational demands eclipse important but non-emergent issues like legal planning. We know the realities you are dealing with on a day-to-day basis, but also understand the risks of pushing things like reviewing and updating contracts to the back burner.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the advice you need and protect your business. That is why we offer a variety of communications options. In most cases, you are not required to visit our offices to work with us. We are happy to schedule meetings over the phone or through video conference if that is more convenient for you, and even to answer questions or collect information via email.
Contact an Experienced Contract Law Lawyer
Whether you have been presented with a contract by a vendor or partner and need an experienced contract law lawyer to review the document before you sign or you are drafting your own contract, we can help. Do not risk overlooking something that could have a significant impact on your business: connect with business lawyers experienced in everything involved with contract law like reviewing and drafting contracts and put that relationship to work for you.
Call today to schedule an appointment so that we can learn more about your business and how we may best be able to protect your interests and ensure that your rights are protected.
