Think Before You Ink: What to Check Before Signing a Business Contract
As your startup grows, signing contracts becomes part of day-to-day operations. Whether it is with customers, suppliers, or partners, these agreements shape how your business runs. However, many founders focus on closing the deal and overlook the contract details.
When contracts are not well drafted, issues often surface later. Unclear terms, missing protections, or one-sided obligations can lead to disputes, unexpected costs, or limits on how you operate. Addressing these risks early helps you understand what you are agreeing to and avoid problems that can slow your growth.
5 Practical Tips Before Signing a Contract
- Check key terms carefully: Make sure pricing, payment terms, and timelines match what you have agreed commercially.
- Understand your obligations: Be clear on what your business must deliver and any ongoing responsibilities under the contract.
- Identify risk areas: Review indemnities, liability limits, and termination rights to understand where risk sits.
- Confirm intellectual property ownership: Check who owns any intellectual property created and how it can be used.
- Review before signing: Read the full contract or seek advice to avoid agreeing to terms that do not protect your business.
Free Webinar: Think Before You Ink – What To Review Before Signing Business Contracts
To help you understand what to look for in contracts and reduce your business’ risks, LegalVision is hosting a free webinar, Think Before You Ink: What To Review Before Signing Business Contracts.
Join LegalVision on Tuesday, 28 April at 11 am NZDT when Rebecca Nilsen (Practice Leader) will discuss:
- indemnities: who pays if something goes wrong;
- liability exclusions: limits on responsibility to protect you;
- navigating intellectual property;
- commercial obligations: understanding each party’s roles and responsibilities; and
- insurance: safeguarding your interests.
Following the webinar, there will be a live Q&A. If you cannot make it, you can still register and LegalVision will send you a copy of the recording. You are also eligible to receive a free legal consultation.
Register for free today.
About LegalVision
LegalVision is a commercial law firm that provides unlimited legal support to startups through a fixed-fee membership. We help founders manage all aspects of starting and running a business, including capital raising, corporate governance, employment incentive schemes and contracts, commercial contracts, intellectual property, and business disputes, with fast, practical advice, using custom-built tech to deliver predictable pricing and on-demand access to specialist lawyers across New Zealand, the UK and Australia. Visit legalvision.co.nz or call 0800 005 570 to get in touch with our team.
Insights from the team at LegalVision.
