Independent Contractor Agreement
An Independent Contractor Agreement defines the working relationship between a company and a contractor, establishing that the worker is not an employee.
Key Provisions
- Statement of independent contractor status
- Services and deliverables
- Compensation and payment schedule
- Intellectual property assignment
- Confidentiality obligations
- Termination provisions
Common Use Cases
- 1Hiring freelance developers or designers
- 2Engaging consultants
- 3Project-based work arrangements
- 4Outsourced professional services
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
This Independent Contractor Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE] (the "Effective Date"), by and between:
[TO BE COMPLETED], a [TO BE COMPLETED] organized under the laws of the State of [TO BE COMPLETED], with its principal place of business at [ADDRESS] (the "Client"); and
[TO BE COMPLETED], [TO BE COMPLETED], with an address at [TO BE COMPLETED] (the "Contractor").
Client and Contractor may each be referred to herein individually as a "Party" or collectively as the "Parties."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Contractor to perform certain services as described herein; and
WHEREAS, Contractor represents that Contractor has the skills, qualifications, and experience necessary to perform such services; and
WHEREAS, Contractor desires to perform such services for Client as an independent contractor and not as an employee.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1
Services
1.1 Scope of Services. Contractor agrees to perform the following services for Client (the "Services"):
[TO BE COMPLETED]
1.2 Statements of Work. The Parties may enter into one or more written statements of work (each, a "Statement of Work" or "SOW") that describe specific Services to be performed, deliverables, timelines, and fees. Each SOW shall be attached hereto as an exhibit and incorporated by reference. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and a SOW, the terms of this Agreement shall control unless the SOW expressly states otherwise.
1.3 Standard of Performance. Contractor shall perform all Services in a professional, workmanlike manner, consistent with industry standards and practices. Contractor represents and warrants that Contractor has the skills, experience, and qualifications necessary to perform the Services.
1.4 Deliverables. Contractor shall provide Client with all deliverables specified in this Agreement or any applicable SOW (the "Deliverables") within the timeframes set forth herein or as otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing.
1.5 Acceptance. Client shall have [TO BE COMPLETED] days from receipt of any Deliverable to review and either accept or reject such Deliverable. If Client rejects a Deliverable, Client shall provide Contractor with written notice specifying the deficiencies. Contractor shall have [TO BE COMPLETED] days to cure such deficiencies. If Client fails to provide notice of rejection within the acceptance period, the Deliverable shall be deemed accepted.
SECTION 2
Term and Termination
2.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until [TO BE COMPLETED], unless earlier terminated as provided herein (the "Term").
2.2 Termination for Convenience. Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, upon [TO BE COMPLETED] days' prior written notice to the other Party.
2.3 Termination for Cause. Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice if the other Party:
(a) Materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within [TO BE COMPLETED] days after receiving written notice thereof;
(b) Becomes insolvent, files for bankruptcy, or has a receiver appointed for its assets; or
(c) Engages in fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct in connection with this Agreement.
2.4 Effect of Termination. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement:
(a) Contractor shall immediately cease performing Services and shall deliver to Client all completed and in-progress Deliverables, work product, and Client materials in Contractor's possession;
(b) Client shall pay Contractor for all Services satisfactorily performed and accepted Deliverables delivered through the date of termination, less any amounts previously paid;
(c) Each Party shall return or destroy all Confidential Information of the other Party as provided in this Agreement; and
(d) If Client terminates for convenience, Client shall pay Contractor for any non-cancelable expenses reasonably incurred by Contractor prior to receiving notice of termination.
2.5 Survival. The following provisions shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement: Sections 4 (Intellectual Property), 5 (Confidentiality), 6 (Representations and Warranties), 7 (Indemnification), 8 (Limitation of Liability), and 14 (General Provisions).
SECTION 3
Confidentiality
3.1 Confidential Information. "Confidential Information" means any and all non-public information disclosed by one Party to the other Party in connection with this Agreement, whether disclosed orally, in writing, or by any other means, including but not limited to: trade secrets, business plans, financial information, customer lists, technical data, software, designs, and any information designated as confidential.
3.2 Obligations. Each Party agrees to:
(a) Hold the other Party's Confidential Information in strict confidence;
(b) Use the Confidential Information solely for the purposes of this Agreement;
(c) Not disclose the Confidential Information to any third party without prior written consent, except to employees, contractors, and advisors who need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations; and
(d) Protect the Confidential Information with at least the same degree of care used to protect its own confidential information, but in no event less than reasonable care.
3.3 Exclusions. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving Party; (b) was rightfully in the receiving Party's possession prior to disclosure; (c) is rightfully obtained from a third party without restriction; or (d) is independently developed without use of the Confidential Information.
3.4 Required Disclosure. A Party may disclose Confidential Information if required by law, provided that the Party gives prompt notice to the other Party and cooperates in seeking a protective order.
3.5 Return of Information. Upon termination of this Agreement or upon request, each Party shall promptly return or destroy all Confidential Information of the other Party and certify such return or destruction in writing.
3.6 Survival. The confidentiality obligations under this Article shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of [TO BE COMPLETED].
SECTION 4
Representations and Warranties
4.1 Mutual Representations. Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that:
(a) It has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder;
(b) The execution and performance of this Agreement does not violate any agreement to which it is a party; and
(c) This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
4.2 Contractor Representations. Contractor additionally represents and warrants that:
(a) Contractor has the skills, experience, and qualifications necessary to perform the Services;
(b) The Services shall be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards;
(c) The Deliverables shall conform to the specifications set forth in this Agreement and any applicable SOW;
(d) The Work Product shall be original and shall not infringe or misappropriate any third party's intellectual property rights;
(e) Contractor is authorized to work in the jurisdiction where Services will be performed and shall comply with all applicable laws;
(f) Contractor is not subject to any agreement that would prevent Contractor from performing the Services or granting the rights granted herein; and
(g) Contractor shall perform all Services in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
4.3 Disclaimer. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
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