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Freelance Contract

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The Freelancer and Client is referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

This Freelance Contract (the “Contract”) is entered into and made valid upon signature by both Parties (the “Effective Date”).

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the Client wishes to engage Freelancer for certain freelance services (the "Services"), as described more fully below;

WHEREAS, the Freelancer has the skills, qualifications, and expertise required to provide the Services to the Client;

WHEREAS, the Freelancer wishes to render such Services to the Client;

NOW, therefore, in consideration of the promises and covenants contained herein, as well as other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged), the Parties do hereby agree as follows:

DEFINITIONS: As used in this Agreement:

  1. "Services" shall be used to refer to the following specific freelance services that the Freelancer will provide to the Client under the terms and conditions set forth herein:

[Insert detailed description of the specific freelance services that will be rendered under this contract]

  1. "Fees" shall be used to refer to the payment the Client will pay to the Freelancer for the rendering of the Services. Specifically, the fees shall be as follows: $[Insert Amount] as a [fixed/hourly] and as [daily/weekly/monthly/other] fee for all Services rendered.

AGREEMENT:

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Contract, the Freelancer hereby agrees to render the Services to the Client, and the Client agrees to pay the Freelancer the Fees required for the Services.

NO EMPLOYMENT:

Neither Party is by virtue of this Contract authorized as an agent, employee, or legal representative of the other. Neither Party shall have the power to control the activities and operations of the other and its status at all times will continue to be that of an independent contractor relationship.

NO LOCATION RESTRICTIONS:

The Client shall not be permitted to place any location restrictions on the Freelancer. The Freelancer does not use any equipment, including electronic equipment, owned by the Client and the Freelancer does not maintain any equipment at the Client's place of business. The Freelancer may work anywhere the Freelancer chooses. [Subject to agreement between parties]

NO SPECIFIC HOURS:

The Client may not control the hours or timing that the Freelancer works.  The Freelancer must keep track of hours for billing purposes only. There is no expectation that the Freelancer works full-time hours. [Subject to agreement between parties]

SUB FREELANCERS:

The Freelancer shall not be permitted to use sub freelancers in the provision of Services to the Client. The Freelancer was hired specifically for the Freelancer's own skill set and may not outsource any work. [Subject to agreement between parties]

FEES:

Method of Payment: the Freelancer will accept the following forms of payment: 

[Insert forms of payment that the freelancer will accept for the fees under this agreement]

Tax Statement: Any and all charges payable under this Agreement are exclusive of taxes, surcharges, or other amounts assessed by state or federal governments. Taxes imposed upon or required to be paid by the Client or the Freelancer shall be the sole and exclusive responsibility of each, respectively. 

For any past due payment or past due deadlines, a late fee of the following will apply for either Party, depending on the cause of the lateness:

[Insert what the late fee will be, either as a percentage or a specific monetary amount]

Invoice Interval: Freelancer will be entitled to invoice the Client at the following time period: Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly/At Completion/Other

Invoice Period: The Client shall have the following time period in which to pay the Freelancer's invoice: [Insert within what time period the client must pay the invoices given by the freelancer]

EXPENSES:

The Freelancer shall be solely and exclusively responsible for any expenses incurred under this Contract. The Client shall not be under the obligation of paying or reimbursing expenses.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

The Freelancer agrees that all work-product, inventions, trade secrets, and confidential and/or proprietary information conceived, created or developed by the Freelancer which is related to the Client's actual business or research and development or developed, made, or discovered by the Freelancer in the course of the performance of the Freelancer's duties for the Client, i.e. anything created through the provision of the freelance Services, shall be the property of the Client. The Freelancer hereby assigns to the Client the entire right, title, and interest in and to all work created and in and to all proprietary rights therein or based thereon including without limitation any and all copyrights, patents, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights relating to all work.

  1. Without limiting the foregoing, the Freelancer agrees that all work created hereunder which is protectable by copyright and may constitute "works-made-for-hire" pursuant to the [Insert Copyright law] shall be deemed to be works-made-for-hire for the Client.
  2. Nothing contained in this provision shall limit the ability to use any concrete work product created for Freelancer's own portfolio, after such work product has been made public by the Client.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

Freelancer hereby acknowledges and agrees that Client possesses certain non-public Confidential Information and may also possess Trade Secret Information, (collectively the "Proprietary Information") regarding their business operations and development. The Parties agree that the Proprietary Information is secret and valuable to the Client and that the Freelancer may have access to the Client's Proprietary Information. Each of the Parties desires to maintain the secret and private nature of any Proprietary Information given.

Confidential Information refers to any information which is confidential and commercially valuable to the Client. The Confidential Information may be in the form of documents, techniques, methods, practices, tools, specifications, inventions, patents, trademarks, copyrights etc.

Trade Secret Information shall be defined specifically as any formula, process, method, pattern, design or other information that is not known or reasonably ascertainable by the public, consumers, or competitors through which, and because of such secrecy, an economic or commercial advantage can be achieved.

The Freelancer hereby agrees to:

  1. Not disclose the Proprietary Information via any unauthorized means to any third parties throughout the duration of this Contract;
  2. Not disclose the Confidential Information via any unauthorized means to any third parties for a period of 3 (three) years following the termination of this Contract;
  3. Not disclose the Trade Secret Information forever, or for as long as such information remains a trade secret under applicable law, whichever occurs first, to any third party at any time;
  4. Not use the Confidential Information or the Trade Secret Information for any purpose except those contemplated herein or expressly authorized by the Client.

WARRANTIES:

The Freelancer represents and warrants that it will perform the Services using reasonable care and skill for a Freelancer in their field and that any results, end products, or materials given by the Freelancer to the Client under the terms and conditions of this Contract will not infringe on or violate the intellectual property rights or any other right of any third party.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:

Except in cases of death or personal injury caused by either Party's negligence, either Party's liability in contract, tort or otherwise arising through or in connection with this Contract or through or in connection with the completion of obligations under this Contract shall be limited to Fees paid by the Client to the Freelancer.

INDEMNIFICATION:

The Freelancer shall indemnify the Client for any damages, claims, liabilities, loss and expense including reasonable attorney’s fees arising out of any act or omission of the Freelancer in performing the Services or the breach of any provision of this Contract by the Freelancer.

TIME FOR PERFORMANCE:

Time shall be of the essence for the performance by the Freelancer of its obligations under the Contract. Any dates, periods, or times for performance specified in the Contract are to be met, and in default, the Freelancer will be in breach of the Contract. Specifically, the Freelancer shall have all work completed by: [Insert Date]

TERMINATION:

This Contract shall terminate automatically on the following date: [Insert Date]

This Contract may also be terminated by either Party, upon notice in writing:

  1. if the other Party commits a material breach of any term of this Contract that is not capable of being remedied within fourteen (14) days or that should have been remedied within fourteen (14) days after a written request and was not;
  2. if the other Party becomes unable to perform its duties hereunder, including a duty to pay or a duty to perform;
  3. no on-going relationship between the Parties is contemplated and the Client may not assign additional work to the Freelancer. The Parties may decide, through an addendum to this Contract, to expand the scope of Services, but such agreement may only be in writing and with explicit terms.

GENERAL PROVISIONS: 

GOVERNING LAW: This Contract shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the state of [Insert state name] and any applicable federal law. Both Parties consent to jurisdiction under the state and federal courts within the state of [Insert state name]. The Parties agree that this choice of law, venue, and jurisdiction provision is not permissive, but rather mandatory in nature.

ASSIGNMENT: This Contract, or the rights granted hereunder, may not be assigned, sold, leased or otherwise transferred in whole or part by either Party.

AMENDMENTS: This Contract may only be amended in writing signed by both Parties.

NO WAIVER: None of the terms of this Contract shall be deemed to have been waived by any act or acquiescence of either Party. Only an additional written agreement can constitute waiver of any of the terms of this Contract between the Parties.

SEVERABILITY: If any provision or term of this Contract is held to be unenforceable, then this Contract will be deemed amended to the extent necessary to render the otherwise unenforceable provision, and the rest of the Contract, valid and enforceable.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous understandings, whether written or oral.

HEADINGS: Headings to this Contract are for convenience only and shall not be construed to limit or otherwise affect the terms of this Contract.

FORCE MAJEURE: The Freelancer is not liable for any failure to perform due to causes beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of civil authorities, acts of military authorities, riots, embargoes, acts of nature and natural disasters, and other acts which may be due to unforeseen circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Template does not constitute any form of legal advice, and the User is at all times encouraged to request external specific legal advice in respect of the execution of legal documents.
Freelance Contract

Freelance contract agreements made easy with tips, suggestions, and a free template download. Discover how to safeguard both parties from legal challenges.

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What is a freelance contract? 

A freelance contract is a legal framework defining the relationship between a freelancer and a client, outlining the services to be provided and the corresponding compensation. This document establishes clear expectations regarding the freelancer's work and the agreed-upon payment terms. 

You may have heard of freelancer contracts called freelance agreements. They are the same thing, and clear and precise contracts are the secret ingredient for a successful work partnership. 

Think of it as your compass, guiding you through the collaboration journey, ensuring everyone's on the same page and happy with the outcome. 

Do I need to send a contract as a freelancer?

Embarking on a freelance gig without a contract? Think again. 

It's a surefire way to set yourself up for potential pitfalls. 

A freelancer contract is not just a piece of paper; it's a shield against disagreements, a roadmap for payments, and a safety net for responsibilities.

Why should you use a freelance agreement?

  • Stop disagreements before they happen. 
  • Clearly define payment, time, and deliverables.
  • Legally bind everyone to the agreed terms.
  • Freelance contracts act as protection for both the freelancer and the client. 

Have you ever heard the saying "prevention is better than cure"? 

In the freelancing world, having a contract is your best prevention strategy. 

Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or looking for your first gig, relying on past experiences without a formal agreement in place can result in:

  • Payment issues: Non-payment risks loom large without a freelancer contract to protect all parties involved. 
  • Scope ambiguity: Projects lacking clear boundaries can quickly become monstrous and catch everyone off guard. 
  • Enforcement void: With a freelance agreement, you won’t have to play the he-said-she-said-they-said game. 
  • Legal complexities: Exposing yourself to additional legal complications and liabilities is way more possible without a freelance contract… not to mention prolonged and avoidable legal battles.

Time to prioritize protection and navigate your freelancing journey with ease. Start with the freelancer contract template above to protect yourself. 

How do I write a freelance contract?

Your freelance contract should fit snugly into your industry and local legal landscape. While the specifics may vary based on your unique circumstances, a well-crafted freelance agreement will always cover the essentials. 

  • Clearly define the tasks at hand
  • Outline the compensation details
  • Set deadlines if needed
  • Establish who owns the final results
  • Lay out the conditions for terminating the contract
  • Add confidentiality clauses, including intellectual property and NDAs  

The freelance agreement should include an extensive description of the work that is to be completed by the freelancer. This consists of a description of the material, quantity, and deadline for delivery. 

The fee and method of payment should be specified as well. Should it be paid continuously? On delivery? Is it a fixed amount or an hourly fee? And what if the work still needs to be completed? How is the fee to be paid in that event?

It’s also necessary for both parties to make it clear who owns the copyright for eventual publications. Who owns the rights? How long does the copyright last? How may it be used? 

Finally, it helps to agree on who is credited for the publication and who can edit it.

If employed using a freelance agreement, one typically needs to issue an invoice instead of receiving a paycheck.

A comprehensive freelance agreement covers all bases to ensure a smooth working relationship. 

  1. Contact details — Full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and additional business information.
  2. Project scope — Describes the freelancer's work's purpose, duration, and expected hours.
  3. Deliverables — Clearly outlines what the freelancer is expected to produce or complete.
  4. Pricing and rates — Specify the freelancer's hourly or per-deliverable compensation.
  5. Payment schedule — Defines the method, timeline, and currency for compensating the freelancer.
  6. Deadlines and timeline — Establishes the start date, expected completion date, and potential repercussions for missed deadlines.
  7. Ownership/copyright — Clarifies who owns the completed work, typically remaining with the freelancer until payment.
  8. Legal terms — Provides definitions of crucial legal concepts to ensure mutual understanding of obligations.
  9. Kill fee and cancellation terms — Outlines compensation if the project is canceled before completion.
  10. Equipment and expenses — Specifies responsibility for tools, software, equipment, or training costs.
  11. Signatures — The binding element, where both parties sign to validate the freelance agreement as a legal document.

You may also want to include additional legal documents like the ones we’ve listed below:  

  • Non-disclosure agreement: It ensures the freelancer will not share sensitive company information with others. 
  • Intellectual property (IP) agreement: For freelancers, this usually means transferring the IP rights of their work to the company.
  • Non-compete clause: These agreements also prohibit freelancers from revealing proprietary information or insider secrets to those outside the organization. 
  • Data protection agreement: Does the freelancer need access to sensitive company data to complete their work? If yes, have them comply with your company’s data secrecy and security policies.

Can you break a freelance contract?

The terms governing freelance contract termination are typically outlined within the contract itself. If you need to end the contract prematurely, refer to these terms, as compensation may be required.

Being "fired" isn’t very common in the freelance world. This is because of the project-based nature of their work. However, clients can terminate a project or contract prematurely if dissatisfaction arises or contractual obligations are breached.

When to use a freelance contract template 

The freelance contract is the best way to navigate client/freelancer relationships. Regardless of project scale or complexity, this tool is a non-negotiable element in your professional toolkit.

Even with repeat clients, refreshing the contract for each new project is essential to accommodate changes in scope or expectations.

Our free freelance contract template provides a valuable starting point for freelancers new to the game, offering a general framework adaptable to unique project needs. However, it's vital to customize the template for each project, incorporating specific payment terms, confidentiality clauses, and deliverable requirements.

As your business evolves, so should your contract. 

With growing experience, specific clauses may need adding, removing, or tweaking to align with professional needs. 

Ultimately, a freelance contract is a cornerstone of your business, essential for building and maintaining client trust. Without it, the risk of losing both trust and business looms large. 

There are better ways to deal with your contracts.

Ditch Google Docs or a static PDF and use the potential of the Contractbook app. Tame your chaos with a central place to store and manage contracts, so you can analyze, decide and act quicker!

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