Intentionally deleted: Overview, definition, and example

What does "Intentionally deleted" mean?

"Intentionally deleted" is a placeholder used in contracts to indicate that a section, clause, or provision has been deliberately removed. This phrase is often included to maintain the numbering or formatting of a document, preventing confusion about whether content was accidentally omitted.

For example, in a loan agreement, a section that originally contained a specific condition may be marked as "Intentionally Deleted" instead of being removed entirely to preserve the document’s structure.

Why is "Intentionally deleted" important?

Including "Intentionally deleted" in a contract helps avoid misunderstandings by making it clear that a provision was purposely removed, rather than lost due to an editing error. This practice ensures consistency in cross-referencing and maintains the integrity of contract formatting.

For businesses and legal professionals, this phrase is particularly useful in negotiations, where parties may remove provisions but want to keep a record that a section once existed. It also helps when contracts are based on standard templates that require modifications.

Understanding "Intentionally deleted" through an example

A merger agreement originally includes a non-compete clause, but during negotiations, both parties agree to remove it. Instead of renumbering the entire contract, the section is replaced with "Section 5.3: Intentionally Deleted." This ensures that references to other sections remain accurate.

In another case, a real estate lease agreement includes a clause about late fees, but state law prohibits such charges. To comply with the law while maintaining document structure, the lease states "Section 10.2: Intentionally Deleted." This prevents confusion about whether the clause was omitted accidentally.

Example of an "Intentionally deleted" clause

Here’s how "Intentionally deleted" might appear in a contract:

Conclusion

The phrase "Intentionally deleted" is used in contracts to indicate that a section was purposely removed while maintaining document structure and clarity. It helps prevent confusion, ensures consistency in formatting, and provides transparency in contract revisions. Including this notation in agreements ensures that all parties recognize that a provision was removed intentionally, rather than omitted by mistake.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)