Other agreements: Overview, definition and example
What are other agreements?
"Other agreements" refers to any additional contracts or arrangements that are referenced or implied within a primary agreement. These agreements may include side agreements, supplementary documents, or related contracts that support or complement the terms of the main contract. They can cover a wide range of topics, such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), partnership agreements, or service level agreements (SLAs) that are essential to the overall transaction or relationship but are not the primary focus of the main contract.
For example, a business acquisition agreement might refer to other agreements related to intellectual property rights, confidentiality, or employee retention that need to be executed in parallel.
Why are other agreements important?
Other agreements are important because they help provide a complete understanding of the parties' rights and obligations, often covering areas that may not be fully addressed in the primary contract. They are used to manage complex transactions where multiple legal instruments are necessary to address various aspects of the deal.
Including references to "other agreements" in the main contract ensures that the parties acknowledge these additional documents and that all parts of the arrangement are clearly integrated into the contractual framework.
Understanding other agreements through an example
In a franchise agreement, the primary contract governs the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee, while other agreements may cover the use of trademarks, the supply of goods, or the management of employee relations. These side agreements, though not part of the main contract, are essential to the franchise’s operation and enforceable in their own right.
An example of an "other agreements" clause
Here’s how an "other agreements" clause might appear in a contract:
“The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement may be supplemented by other agreements, including but not limited to a non-disclosure agreement, a service level agreement, and a license agreement. All such agreements are considered integral to the performance of this Agreement and are incorporated by reference herein.”
Conclusion
"Other agreements" clauses are essential for ensuring that all related and complementary contracts are acknowledged and enforceable within the context of the main agreement. They help organize and structure complex transactions where multiple agreements are involved. A well-drafted "other agreements" clause ensures that all necessary legal instruments are recognized, integrated, and clear to all parties.
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.