Clear explanations of 500+ contract clauses, written in plain English for businesses and individuals.
Source code is the human-readable instructions that programmers write; the vendor usually keeps this secret and only gives you the compiled version (object code) that runs the software. This clause determines whether you can ever see, inspect, or mod
Read More →This clause defines exactly what you're allowed to do with the software you're paying for. It specifies whether you can use it on one computer or many, whether you can modify it, and whether you can share it with others. This matters because without
Read More →A know-how license gives you permission to use someone's confidential technical knowledge, business methods, or expertise that isn't patented or publicly available. Know-how includes things like manufacturing secrets, customer lists, pricing strategi
Read More →A design right license gives you permission to use someone else's protected design—the visual appearance of a product like its shape, pattern, or ornamental features. Design rights protect the look of products (not how they work) for 15-25 years depe
Read More →A copyright assignment means you transfer complete ownership of creative work (writing, software code, designs, music, etc.) from the creator to another person or company. Copyright automatically protects original creative work for the creator's life
Read More →A trademark license lets you use someone else's brand name, logo, or slogan in your business. Trademarks protect brand identity and customer recognition—they're worth significant money because customers trust familiar brands. Without a license, using
Read More →A patent license gives you permission to use someone else's patented invention without being sued for infringement. Patents protect new inventions for up to 20 years in most countries. This clause matters because using a patented technology without a
Read More →This clause requires insurance on inventory (stock) that moves through a warehouse or distribution center—covering goods from the moment they arrive until they're sold or shipped out. For example, if you operate a warehouse holding 10,000 items worth
Read More →This clause requires insurance on goods while they're being transported from one place to another. For example, if you're shipping 1,000 boxes of electronics from a warehouse to a customer and the truck crashes, transit insurance pays for the damaged
Read More →This clause requires insurance on work being done under the contract—typically used in construction, renovation, or manufacturing. For example, if you're building a house and a fire destroys materials on site, contract works insurance reimburses the
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