Hereunder: Overview, definition, and example
What is “hereunder”?
“Hereunder” is a formal legal term used in contracts to mean “under this agreement” or “under the terms of this document.” It refers to something that is governed by, provided for, or arising from the contract in which the word appears. It's often used to avoid repeating the full phrase “under this Agreement” and to make references more concise—though it can sound archaic in modern usage.
Why is “hereunder” important?
“Hereunder” is important because it helps clearly link obligations, rights, or actions to the agreement itself. It’s a shorthand that can reduce repetition and improve legal precision, though in some cases, it can make contracts harder to read for non-lawyers. Despite being somewhat old-fashioned, it's still commonly used in formal contracts, especially when describing duties, limitations, or rights that apply throughout the agreement.
Understanding “hereunder” through an example
If a clause says, “The Company shall pay all fees due hereunder within 30 days,” it means the Company must pay all fees under this agreement—not under a separate agreement or unrelated document. The term limits the obligation specifically to what's covered by the current contract.
Example of how “hereunder” may appear in a contract
Here’s a typical use of the term “hereunder” in a legal agreement:
"The Licensor grants to the Licensee a non-exclusive license to use the Software solely for the purposes set forth hereunder, and subject to the limitations contained herein."
Conclusion
“Hereunder” is a contract drafting term that ties specific obligations or rights to the agreement in which it appears. While formal and somewhat dated, it remains widely used in legal documents to maintain precision and reduce redundancy. For clarity, many modern contracts may choose simpler alternatives like “under this Agreement,” but understanding “hereunder” is still important for reading and interpreting traditional legal language.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.