Contract law and contract drafting

Summary

Maximise your contribution to complex engineering contracts

Engineering contracts can be among the most complex and demanding that are put in place and often require input from a range of specialists, including engineers, scientists and project managers. 

This course is designed to dispel the mystique which surrounds the legally binding contract and to demonstrate that, provided some basic ground rules are followed, an engineer can make an important contribution in a contract negotiation.

The course also helps the technical specialist guide commercial and legal colleagues on what is realistic and possible. Drawing upon engineering examples and case studies, this course will support you to maximise your contribution to the contract process.

Who should attend?

Engineers and non-engineers at all levels, especially those who might negotiate on contracts or who want to up-skill to gain a competitive edge.

How will I benefit?

After the course you will be able to:

• Apply the fundamentals of contract law and intellectual property law to maximise your contribution to the process.

• Understand model forms of contract and methods of drafting a contract.

• Confidently agree, negotiate or dispute your own contracts.

Key topics

• Why written contracts are important.
• The need for detailed written technical specifications.
• The danger of pre-contractual statements.
• The importance of involving commercial colleagues at an early stage.
• The risks of making an unintentional amendment to a contract.
• Methods of protecting confidentiality.
• An overview of intellectual property rights.
• Legal principles underlying the contract.
• Model forms of contract.
• Incorporating specifications and other documents.
• Drafting for a contract for the supply of goods.
• Drafting for a contract for the supply of services.
• Contract Amendments.