Service agreement checklist: 12 terms to settle before signing
Turn a proposal into an operational contract by aligning scope, acceptance, payment, changes, IP, risk, and exit terms.
Overview
Turn a proposal into an operational contract by aligning scope, acceptance, payment, changes, IP, risk, and exit terms.
What to review
- Parties, authority, scope, deliverables, timetable, dependencies, and acceptance.
- Fees, currency, taxes, expenses, invoices, late payment, and change control.
- Personnel, subcontracting, ownership, licences, confidentiality, privacy, and security.
- Warranties, service levels, indemnities, liability, insurance, term, termination, law, and disputes.
What to do next
Test the agreement against delay, scope changes, failed milestones, disputed invoices, data incidents, and early termination. Keep the main agreement, statement of work, order form, policies, and amendments consistent.
Official sources and further reading
- WIPO Guide to Trade Secrets and Innovation — Trade Secret Management — World Intellectual Property Organization
- Fact Sheet 13: Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the FLSA — U.S. Department of Labor
This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Rules and outcomes depend on your facts and jurisdiction. Consult a qualified local professional before acting.
Jurisdiction
General, not jurisdiction-specific
Review status
Editorially reviewed by the LegalGPT Editorial Team. Not independently reviewed by a licensed attorney.