Know what you are signing, clause by clause.
31 contract types used in Indian practice — what each one does, who the standard form usually favours, the clauses that decide risk, and the terms the weaker party should push back on.
Commercial contracts
7 types- Agency AgreementRead closely if you are the agent
- Distribution / Dealership AgreementRead closely if you are the distributor or dealer
- Franchise AgreementRead closely if you are the franchisee
- Master Services Agreement (MSA)Read closely if you are the service provider
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)Read closely if you are the party that has started performing or investing on the strength of the MoU
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)Read closely if you are the party receiving the information
- Supply / Vendor AgreementRead closely if you are the supplier
Employment & engagement
4 types- Consultant / Independent Contractor AgreementRead closely if you are the consultant
- Employment AgreementRead closely if you are the employee
- Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation AgreementRead closely if you are the employee or departing founder bound by the restraint
- Offer Letter / Appointment LetterRead closely if you are the candidate
Property & tenancy
6 types- Agreement to Sell (Immovable Property)Read closely if you are the buyer
- Builder-Buyer AgreementRead closely if you are the home buyer
- Commercial Lease DeedRead closely if you are the tenant
- Leave and Licence AgreementRead closely if you are the licensee
- Residential Rent Agreement (Lease)Read closely if you are the tenant
- Sale DeedRead closely if you are the buyer
Corporate & finance
9 types- Founders' / Co-Founder AgreementRead closely if you are the founder with the smaller stake or the one who leaves first
- Joint Venture AgreementRead closely if you are the smaller or non-controlling venture partner
- LLP AgreementRead closely if you are the minority partner
- Loan AgreementRead closely if you are the borrower
- Partnership DeedRead closely if you are the partner with the smaller capital or profit share, or the incoming partner
- Personal GuaranteeRead closely if you are the guarantor
- Share Subscription Agreement (SSA)Read closely if you are the company and its founders
- Shareholders' Agreement (SHA)Read closely if you are the minority shareholder or the founders
- Term Sheet (Investment)Read closely if you are the founders
IP & technology
4 typesAssistive review, not legal advice — every finding is a starting point for an advocate.