Ƶ

Basic Contract for the United States

Basic Contract Template for United States

A Basic Contract is a foundational legal document designed for use in the United States that establishes a formal agreement between two or more parties. It incorporates essential contract elements required under U.S. contract law, including offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent to be bound. This document serves as a versatile template that can be adapted for various business relationships while ensuring compliance with federal and state contract laws. It includes standard sections such as parties, definitions, term, payment provisions, and general legal clauses, providing a solid framework for straightforward business arrangements.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Basic Contract

Let Ƶ's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.

What is a Basic Contract?

The Basic Contract serves as a fundamental legal instrument for documenting agreements between parties under United States law. This document type is particularly valuable for businesses and individuals seeking to formalize straightforward commercial relationships without the complexity of specialized agreements. A Basic Contract typically includes essential elements required for enforceability under U.S. contract law, such as clear identification of parties, scope of agreement, consideration, and term. It's designed to be adaptable across various business contexts while maintaining legal validity. The document is especially useful for small to medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who need a solid legal framework for their business arrangements but don't require industry-specific provisions. Whether used for service agreements, basic sales contracts, or general business relationships, this Basic Contract template ensures that key legal protections are in place while remaining accessible and understandable to non-legal professionals.

What sections should be included in a Basic Contract?

1. Parties: Identifies and defines the contracting parties with their full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Sets out the context and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Scope of Agreement: Clearly outlines what is covered by the contract

5. Term and Termination: Specifies the duration of the agreement and how it can be terminated

6. Payment Terms: Details the financial arrangements, including amounts, timing, and method of payment

7. Obligations of the Parties: Lists the key responsibilities and commitments of each party

8. Representations and Warranties: Standard assurances given by each party

9. Confidentiality: Basic confidentiality obligations regarding sensitive information

10. Liability and Indemnification: Outlines the allocation of risks and responsibilities for damages

11. General Provisions: Standard boilerplate clauses including governing law, notices, and amendment procedures

12. Execution: Signature blocks and execution details

What sections are optional to include in a Basic Contract?

1. Insurance: Required when specific insurance coverage needs to be maintained by either party

2. Intellectual Property: Needed when IP rights are being created, used, or transferred

3. Force Majeure: Important when external events could impact contract performance

4. Assignment: Required when transfer rights need to be specifically addressed

5. Dispute Resolution: Needed when specific dispute resolution procedures (mediation, arbitration) are desired

6. Data Protection: Required when personal data is being processed or transferred

7. Compliance with Laws: Important when specific regulatory compliance needs to be addressed

8. Change Control: Needed when the scope or services may need to be modified during the term

What schedules should be included in a Basic Contract?

1. Schedule A - Services/Deliverables: Detailed description of services or deliverables to be provided

2. Schedule B - Pricing: Detailed breakdown of pricing, payment schedules, and any rate cards

3. Schedule C - Key Personnel: List of key individuals involved in contract performance

4. Schedule D - Service Levels: Performance metrics and standards if applicable

5. Appendix 1 - Contact Details: Contact information for key representatives and notices

6. Appendix 2 - Required Forms: Any standard forms or templates referenced in the agreement

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
























Clauses


























Relevant Industries

Retail

Professional Services

Technology

Manufacturing

Construction

Healthcare

Education

Real Estate

Financial Services

Hospitality

Entertainment

Consulting

Transportation

Agriculture

Relevant Teams

Legal

Operations

Procurement

Administration

Sales

Business Development

Finance

Human Resources

Contract Management

Project Management

Relevant Roles

Business Owner

General Manager

Operations Manager

Project Manager

Contract Administrator

Procurement Manager

Small Business Administrator

Department Head

Executive Director

Office Manager

Account Manager

Sales Manager

Business Development Manager

Independent Contractor

Consultant

Industries








Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Agreement Letter Between Company And Employee

A U.S.-compliant formal agreement establishing employment terms and conditions between an employer and employee.

Download

Contract Letter Between Two Parties

A legally binding agreement in letter format that establishes contractual relationships between two parties under U.S. law.

Download

Agreement For Work To Be Performed

A U.S. legal contract defining terms and conditions for specific work or services to be provided, including scope, payment, and deliverables.

Download

Enforceable Contract

U.S.-compliant enforceable contract template incorporating all essential elements required under federal and state law.

Download

White Label Software License

A U.S.-governed agreement allowing companies to license and rebrand software products under their own name.

Download

Electronic Confidentiality Agreement

A U.S.-compliant agreement protecting confidential information shared electronically between parties, incorporating federal electronic signature and trade secret laws.

Download

Basic Contract

A standard U.S.-compliant contract template establishing fundamental terms and conditions between parties, suitable for various business relationships.

Download

Prenuptial Agreement

A U.S. legally binding contract executed before marriage that establishes property and financial rights of spouses in case of divorce or death.

Download

Agreement Letter Between Two People

A legally binding agreement letter used in the U.S. to document mutual understanding and obligations between two individuals, following American contract law principles.

Download

Home Contract Agreement

A legally binding agreement under U.S. federal and state laws that documents the terms and conditions for the purchase and sale of residential property.

Download

Statement Of Agreement

A U.S.-compliant formal document that outlines agreed terms between parties, serving as a legally binding agreement while being more streamlined than a full contract.

Download

Agreement Between Principal Employer And Contractor

A U.S.-governed contract defining the relationship and terms between a principal employer and independent contractor.

Download

Business Percentage Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing percentage-based revenue or profit sharing terms between business parties.

Download

Rent In Exchange For Services Agreement

A U.S. legal agreement establishing terms for rent-free accommodation in exchange for specified services provided to the property owner.

Download

Catering Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between caterers and clients for professional food service provision, covering service terms, pricing, and regulatory compliance.

Download

White Label Software License Agreement

A US-governed agreement allowing companies to license and rebrand software products under their own brand name.

Download

Business Cooperation Agreement

A US law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for business collaboration between multiple parties, defining rights, obligations, and operational framework.

Download

Terms Of Business Agreement

A US law-governed agreement establishing core terms and conditions for business-to-business service provision.

Download

Online Lease Agreement

A U.S.-compliant digital rental contract establishing terms between landlord and tenant for residential property use.

Download

Business Contract

A U.S.-governed Business Contract establishing terms and conditions for commercial relationships between business entities.

Download

Yearly Contract Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for a twelve-month contractual relationship between parties.

Download

Working Partner Agreement

A U.S. legal agreement defining the terms and conditions of a working partner's involvement in a business, including ownership rights and operational responsibilities.

Download

Work For Hire Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing ownership rights of commissioned work under the work-for-hire doctrine.

Download

Work For Hire Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing ownership rights and terms for work created by a contractor for a hiring party, under copyright law.

Download

Work Contract Agreement

A legally binding employment agreement that establishes work terms and conditions between employer and employee, compliant with U.S. federal and state employment laws.

Download

Work Contract

A legally binding employment agreement that establishes terms and conditions of employment under U.S. federal and state laws.

Download

Work Agreement

A U.S.-compliant agreement establishing employment terms between employer and employee.

Download

Wholesaling Houses Contracts

A U.S. legal agreement enabling the transfer of property purchase rights from a wholesaler to an end buyer, subject to federal and state real estate regulations.

Download

White Label Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement enabling one company to rebrand and sell another company's products or services under their own brand name.

Download

Website Development Agreement

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement between a website developer and client establishing terms for website development services, including scope, timeline, and deliverables.

Download

Website Design Contract

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement between a website designer and client defining the terms of website design services and deliverables.

Download

Website Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement between website developers and clients defining website development terms and obligations.

Download

Web Development Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement between a web developer and client specifying terms for website development services, including scope, deliverables, and rights.

Download

Web Design Contract

A U.S.-governed legal agreement between a web designer and client specifying terms, deliverables, and rights for website development services.

Download

Volunteer Contract

A legally binding agreement under U.S. law that establishes terms and conditions between a volunteer and an organization for unpaid service provision.

Download

Voluntary Service Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms and conditions for volunteer services, protecting both the volunteer and the organization.

Download

Virtual Assistant Contract

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing the terms and conditions between a client and a virtual assistant, governing remote work arrangements and protecting both parties' interests.

Download

Venue Rental Agreement

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement governing the temporary rental of a venue or facility, establishing terms, conditions, and responsibilities between the venue owner and renter.

Download

Vendor Services Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract defining the terms and conditions for services provided by a vendor to a client.

Download

Vendor Contract

A legally binding agreement under U.S. law that governs the relationship between a vendor and purchaser, establishing terms for goods or services provision.

Download
See more related templates

ұԾ’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it