Contract Law

Whether you are selling goods as part of your business or need to purchase materials to create your product, you should always memorialize agreements for the sale of goods. The contract may establish that the seller is obligated to deliver the goods and that the buyer must make payments according to a specified timeline. You can also establish terms in the agreement that define the quality of goods to be provided, how they are to be delivered, who is liable for damage to the goods while in transit, what happens if the specific item ordered is no longer available and remedies for any breaches. This could include predetermined provisions for withholding or stopping the delivery of goods or cancelling of orders.

• Master Services Agreement. A master services agreement governs the provision of services between two or more parties over multiple engagements. These agreements will often include a customized Statement of Work for each new engagement. Agreements for long-term equipment rentals can fall under this category of agreement. 

• Service or User agreement: A service or user agreement is created between a provider and a user.  A prime example is a terms of service agreement. These agreements can be used to manage expectations for the provision of a wide variety of services from food and beverage catering to IT support.

• Terms of Use or Terms of Service. If you are operating a website or mobile application, a tailored terms of use or terms of service is a vital document outlining the service you provide and the ways in which users can interact with your site, including restrictions on use, ownership of intellectual property created and limitations of liability. 

These agreements establish the relationship between a company and an independent contractor. A lawyer can help you craft an agreement that establishes how, where and what work the independent contractor will do. These agreements also state how much you will pay a contractor, include provisions for termination, ownership of intellectual property and explain how any dispute will be resolved. An independent contractor agreement may also include a non-compete provision. 

Having well-crafted employment documents, including offer letters, Proprietary Inventions and Information Agreements and Employment Agreements, provides long-term protection for both employers and employees. Contracts should establish rules for the use or disclosure of your company’s proprietary information and inventions, as well as what other work employees are permitted to do while employed by your company. 

• Non-Disclosure Agreements. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) obligate the recipient of sensitive information to keep it confidential. If information is disclosed or misused, having an NDA in place may enable you to sue for breach of contract and receive damages. Learn more about how a Priori lawyer can help you create NDAs for your business »

• Non-Compete Agreements. A non-compete agreement is an agreement in which a party agrees not to engage in any activity, trade or profession that would be in competition with the other party.  These are often restricted geographically or time-barred. Learn more about how a Priori lawyer can help you create non-compete agreements for your business »

• Licensing Agreements. A licensing agreement enables one party to pay a fee or royalty in return for permission to use the intellectual property rights of another. Common types of licensing agreements that you may have already encountered include agreements for software and music. Learn more about how a Priori IP lawyer can help you create a licensing agreement for your business »

An attorney can help you create documents establishing the financial and managerial rights and duties of partners, investors and/or owners of a company. This is critical to protect you in the event of conflict among owners or partners. These documents include operating agreements, partnership agreements and corporate bylaws depending on the type of company in question. 

As either a tenant or a landlord, a clear and strong lease will help you understand your obligations and protect your rights. These agreements typically establish the duration of a lease, as well as the amount and payment schedule of rent. Additional provisions may include policies regarding the security deposit, conditions for early termination and subletting. Depending on your situation, a license or sublease might be more appropriate.