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Types of Contracts in Business Law - Explained with Examples

Sonika Jun 23, 2025 1K Reads

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Business Law is a branch of law that regulates the rights and conduct of individuals, relationships, and business conduct involved in sales, trade, or commerce. Various key areas are covered by business law, including corporate governance, employment law, intellectual property, securities law, antitrust law, contracts, consumer protection, bankruptcy law, and many more. Below are a few points that need to be considered if you wish to learn more about Business laws.

  • The legal issues of establishing and operating a business are governed by business law. 
  • It guarantees that companies abide by tax and licensing regulations. 
  • It assists in settling conflicts between companies or people. 
  • It governs the drafting and enforcement of contracts. Acquisitions, dissolutions, and mergers are all covered under business law. 
  • The rights of both employers and employees are maintained by business law. 
  • It encourages fair competition and moral corporate conduct.

Business contracts

Business contracts are the terms of agreements that are to be signed by two or more parties who are working together. Certain key aspects of business contracts include risk management, which is enforceable in a court of law. Let’s get an idea of the types of Business Contracts and keep reading this blog to get to know about them in detail.

Types of Business Contracts

Based on Validity

  • Valid contract
  • Void contract
  • Voidable contract
  • Illegal contract
  • Unenforceable contract

Based on the formation

  • Express contract
  • Implied contract
  • Quasi-contract
  • E-contracts

Based on Performance

  • Executed contracts
  • Executory contract
  • Partly executed and partly executory contract
  • Unilateral contract
  • Bilateral contract

Specialized business contracts

  • Employment Contracts
  • Sales and Purchase Agreements
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
  • Partnership Agreements
  • Franchise Contracts

Importance of Contracts in Business 

It is a must to have a contract signed before starting a project or business this will ensure and explain the detailed roles for each of the partners.

Let’s see what the importance of contracts in business is:

  • Defines Obligations: Contracts minimize disputes by outlining each party's obligations in detail.
  • Clarifies Terms: Contracts make sure that everything is clear by outlining terms of payment, due dates, deliverables, and limitations.
  • Facilitates Business Relationships: By demonstrating a professional dedication to contractual terms, they contribute to the development of trust.
  • Supports Compliance: Contracts help companies work according to the rules, guidelines, and industry standards. This is the only way to adhere to the rules and support compliance.
  • Offers Legal Recourse: Contracts provide a foundation for pursuing risks or a legal remedy in the event of an infringement or breach.
  • Creates Ownership Rights: Contracts specify data ownership, trade rights, and intellectual property.
  • Strengthens Negotiations: By outlining conditions and expectations precisely, contracts operate as instruments for successful negotiation.
  • Secures Payments: By including explicit billing and penalty provisions, contracts guarantee on-time and complete payments.
  • Exhibits Professionalism: A well-written contract shows competence in the business and a dedication to ethical behavior.
  • Legal Protection: In any case of a conflict, they offer a legal framework in the name of a contract that prevents each party's interests. This is a must to consider in any kind of business so that there may not be any dispute among two or more parties working together.
  • Controls Liability: By outlining responsibilities, guarantees, and disclaimers, they reduce both legal and financial liabilities.
  • Encourages Dispute Resolution: Contracts are developed to agree with the partners to avoid any future disputes through the contracts or agreements. Thus, it is said that it supports or encourages dispute resolution.
  • Boosts Operational Efficiency: By eliminating uncertainty and increasing accountability, clear contracts simplify processes.
  • Maintains Confidentiality: Contracts with non-disclosure clauses safeguard private company data.
  • Reduces Risk: Drafting the documents of the contracts limits the risks associated with the finances and the operations of settling down the consequences and expectations.

Types of contracts

Based on Validity

Based on validity, business contracts are classified into the following types:

Based on Validity

Valid contract

A valid contract is an agreement between two or more parties that is created with mutual consent, a legal purpose, and lawful consideration, ensuring rights and obligations are clearly defined, discussed, and protected.

Void contract

A contract that is void from the start because it lacks necessary components or involves unlawful or impractical activity is known as a void contract.

Voidable contract

A legally binding agreement can be rejected or enforced by one party for reasons such as deception, coercion, inappropriate influence, or incapacity.

Illegal contract

An illegal contract contains actions that violate public policy or the law, rendering it void from the start and ineffective in court.

Unenforceable contract

Although a contract is legally enforceable, it cannot be enforced in court because of technological difficulties or improper legal procedures.

Based on the formation

The following are the types of contracts based on the formation:

Based on the formation

Express contract

A written or verbal agreement with explicit provisions that demonstrate the parties' shared desire and understanding to create a legally enforceable relationship is an express contract

Implied contract

A shared purpose to create a legally binding agreement is indicated by an implied contract, which is created by the parties' conduct, behavior, or situation rather than by written or spoken words.

Quasi-contract

Even in the absence of a formal agreement among parties, a court can establish a quasi-contract as a legal requirement to prevent undue enrichment.

E-contracts

E-contracts, which are frequently used in online activities and are enforceable within contract law principles, are digital agreements that are made and performed electronically.

Based on Performance

Based on performance, business contracts are divided into the following types:

Based on Performance

Executed contracts

Contracts that have been executed are those in which all parties have fulfilled their end of the compromise or agreement, leaving no responsibilities to be fulfilled and the agreement complete and enforceable.

Executory contract

A contract that stipulates that the parties involved still have duties or responsibilities to fulfill in the future is executory (contract).

Partly executed and partly executory contract

A contract that is partially executed and partially executory is one in which one party has performed all of their duties while the other party's compliance is still outstanding or lacking.

Unilateral contract

In a unilateral contract, one party promises something in return for another party performing a certain act; once the act is finished, the promise becomes legally binding.

Bilateral contract

A bilateral contract is an arrangement in which both parties pledge to carry out specific tasks, resulting in a legally binding agreement that is enforceable after both parties have accepted it.

Specialized business contracts

Specialized contracts are those contracts that conclude various other contracts used in businesses. Let’s have a look at their description:

Specialized business contracts

Employment Contracts

To provide clarity and legal protection for both parties, employment contracts are official contracts between employers and staff members that specify job duties, compensation, length, perks, and termination clauses.

Sales and Purchase Agreements

Legal contracts that specify terms for purchasing or selling commodities or goods, such as price, delivery, warranties, and the obligations of both parties, are trade and purchase agreements.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

Legal contracts known as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) protect private information by preventing parties from sharing or releasing it without consent, guaranteeing both privacy and business security.

Partnership Agreements

Partnership agreements provide seamless operation and legal clarity in a business partnership by outlining obligations, liabilities, profit-sharing, and decision-making guidelines amongst partners.

Franchise Contracts

Franchise agreements, which specify costs, responsibilities, and conditions between the franchisor and franchisee, grant the right to conduct business under a brand's name.

How to choose the right contract type for your business

Choosing the right contract type is a must in a business. Several criteria are there that an individual needs to consider before drafting one. These criteria are: 

Criteria 

Description

Understand Your Business Needs

Determine whether the transaction is a sale, partnership, job, service, or lease.

Consider the Parties Involved

To determine the ideal contractual framework, consider each party's positions and duties.

Review Legal Requirements

Certain contract kinds are necessary for certain industries to adhere to legal requirements.

Determine the Complexity

Contracts with several terms and clauses may be necessary for complex transactions.

Decide on Contract Formation

Depending on how the agreement is started, you can choose between express, implicit, or informal contracts.

Validity Status

Verify that, under current business legislation, your contract will be legal and legitimate.

Include Confidentiality & IP Clauses

These are essential in contracts that involve technology, employment, and alliances.

Seek Legal Advice

To be sure the chosen contract type is both legally sound and in line with your business goals, speak with a legal expert.

Know the Purpose

Decide whether the contract should outline deliverables, provide protection, or be clear.

Assess Duration

To choose the appropriate format, determine whether the relationship is one-time, continuing, long-term, or short-term.

Factor in Risk

Examine the associated legal and financial risks and select a contract that reduces them.

Check for Customization Needs

Instead of adopting generic templates, some contracts must be customized to particular company requirements.

Performance Obligations

Consider about if the contract will be performed or executory, unilateral, or bilateral.

Clarity of Terms

Select a contract that has few uncertainties and permits precise, quantifiable phrases.

Dispute Resolution

Select agreements that include formal channels for resolving disputes, such as mediation or a hearing.

Common mistakes to avoid in business contracts

Business is growing at a fast pace in this competitive world. Every business needs to set certain rules and regulations to maintain the decorum of the office. However, certain common mistakes are still left behind in business contracts. Let’s know about those mistakes to avoid in business contracts:

Mistakes to avoid

Description

Vague Language

Legal problems and uncertainty can result from the use of unclear or incorrect words.

Ignoring Legal Review

Ignoring important terms or compliance concerns may arise from not consulting a legal expert.

Unclear Payment Terms

Insufficient information on prices, invoices, and penalties might impact cash flow and lead to disputes.

No Dispute Resolution Clause

Agreements become expensive and time-consuming if the conflict resolution process is not clearly defined.

Skipping Signatures

Contracts that are not signed are void and not legally enforceable.

Lack of Specificity

The enforceability of the contract is weakened when duties, deadlines, and deliverables are not specified.

No Termination Clause

Leaving out exit plans or termination clauses might put parties in a difficult situation.

Verbal Agreements

When informal agreements or spoken commitments are used in place of formal contracts, enforceability problems arise.

Overlooking Jurisdiction

Enforcement may become more difficult if relevant laws or legal jurisdiction are disregarded.

Using Generic Templates

One-size-fits-all contracts frequently lack the necessary customization for particular business requirements.

How to become a business lawyer who can help businesses?

To become a lawyer who can resolve disputes and help businesses through their legal expertise, they must look for top universities that offer a good-quality education. 

Here is a list of top universities offering LLM programs along with their fee structure and specializations offered.

Top Law universities (Based on NIRF ranking 2024)

Law schools are branching out into more areas and specializations. Every year, the National Institutional Ranking Framework creates its list by taking into account several parameters and inspecting universities to examine them. The NIRF ranking list is created by assigning grades to each institution based on these elements and criteria.

The top ten Indian universities according to the NIRF 2024 ranking are shown below:

Rank

Name

City

Fees

Specializations

1

National Law School of India University

Bengaluru

Admission fee (one time) – Rs. 12,000/-

Tuition and Facilities fee – Rs. 2,69,000/-

Off-campus housing fee (optional) – 1,12,500/-

Total fee per annum – Rs. 3,93,500/-

 

One-Time Refundable Deposit

Refundable deposit for SC/ST category students – Rs. 15,500/-

Refundable deposit for other students – Rs. 20,000/-

 

The total amount payable by SC/ST category students is Rs. 4,09,000/-

The total amount payable by other students is Rs. 4,13,500/-

  • Public Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Commercial Laws
  • Law and Technology

2

National Law University

New Delhi

For Indian students, the program's tuition is INR 1,25,000.

Foreign students must pay USD 3500 in tuition.

There will also be additional costs for re-registration, retake exams, etc.

  • Criminal Law
  • Banking and Finance Studies
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Environmental Law and Justice
  • Consumer Law and Practice
  • Health Law and Policy
  • Taxation Law

3

NALSAR University of Law

Hyderabad

For the LL.M. 2-year full-time course

  • Tuition fee for 1 semester - INR 5,50,000
  • Refundable fee - INR 20,000
  • Application Fee (non-refundable): INR 5,000/- (INR 4,000/- for OBC / PWD; INR 3,500/- for SC/ST/EWS)

For the LL.M. 1-year course

  • Total fee including refundable deposit - INR 1,89,500

2-year LLM program

  • Criminal Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Law 
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Public Law and Legal Theory
  • International Trade and Business Law
  • LL.M. Programme in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws 
 

1-year program

  • Corporate and Commercial Laws (including consumer laws)
  • Intellectual Property Laws
  • Legal Pedagogy and Research
  • International Trade and Business Laws
  • Personal Laws
  • Criminal Laws 
  • Public Law and Legal Theory

4

NLU Kolkata - The West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences

Kolkata

Fee for 1-year LL.M. program - INR 2,08,200

Fee for 2-year LL.M. program (for first year) -  INR 1,67,000

2-year program

  • Data Science and Data Protection Law
 

1-year program

  • Corporate and Commercial Law 
  • International & Comparative Law
  • Criminal & Security Law
  • Law & Technology
  • Intellectual Property Law

5

Symbiosis Law School

Pune

First installment (including 10,000 refundable institute deposit) - INR 1,35,000

Second installment - INR 1,25,000

  • Business and Corporate Law
  • Criminal and Security Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Innovation, Technology, and Intellectual Property Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Family Law
  • European Union Legal Studies
  • Law, Policy, and Good Governance

6

Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia

New Delhi

Ranges between INR 1 Lakhs - 10 Lakhs

  • Corporate Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Personal Law
  • Corporate Law (self-financed)
  • Criminal Law (self-financed)
  • Personal Law (self-financed)

7

Indian Institute of Technology

Kharagpur

INR 2.5 Lakhs to INR 3 Lakhs

  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Taxation
  • Criminal Law
  • International Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Competition Law

8

Gujarat National Law University

Gandhinagar

INR 1.2 Lakhs to INR 6 Lakhs

  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Criminal and Security Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Intellectual Property Law

9

Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University - SOA National School of Law

Bhubaneshwar

INR 1.5 Lakhs

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Criminal and Security Law

10

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU)

Lucknow

Tuition fee for LL.M. (Law) 2-year program and Human Rights - INR 1,500 per semester

Tuition fee for paid seats - INR 45,000 per semester

Tuition fee for 1-year LL.M. program - INR 55,000 per semester

2-year LL.M. program

  • Human Rights Law
  • Law

1-year LL.M. program

  • International and Comparative Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Law and Governance
  • Legal Pedagogy and Research
  • Family and Social Security Law
  • Criminal and Security Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Law

Universities offering a 1-year LLM program

Various universities in India are offering a 1-year LLM program that allows students to learn at their own pace and study at any time. Students get the biggest advantage of flexibility; they can study from anywhere in the world. Let’s get to know about such universities or colleges that offer 1-year LLM programs with their offered specializations.

Top colleges offering a 1-Year LLM program

Colleges

Specializations

Jindal Global Law School (Blended Learning Program)

  • Corporate & Financial Law
  • AI and Emerging Technologies
  • Intellectual Property & Technology Law
  • Dispute Resolution

Lovely Professional University

  • Business Law 
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Law

National Law University, Delhi

  • Criminal Law
  • Banking and Finance Studies
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Environmental Law and Justice
  • Consumer Law
  • Health Law and Policy
  • Taxation Law

Symbiosis Law School International, Pune

  • Business and Corporate Law 
  • Constitutional Law and Administrative Law 
  • Innovation, Technology, and Intellectual Property Law
  • Criminal Law and Security Law 
  • Human Rights Law
  • Law, Policy, and Good Governance
  • Family Law
  • EU Law and International Law
  • Telecommunication, Media, and Technology Law 
  • Climate Change Law and Policy* (Approval in process) 

UPES

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Alternate Dispute Resolution
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Environmental and Energy Law
  • Cyber Security and Digital Law

NLU, Kolkata

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • International Law & Comparative Law
  • Criminal and Security Law 
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Law and Technology

Here is the fee for the above-listed universities or colleges that offer 1-year LLM programs:

LLM 1-year program fees for various institutions

Institutions

Total Fees 

Jindal Global Law School (Blended Learning Program)

INR 3,50,000

Lovely Professional University

INR 1,60,000

National Law University, Delhi

INR 1,25,000

Symbiosis Law School International, Pune

INR 2,50,000

UPES

INR 2,79,000

NLU, Kolkata

INR 1,39,000

Jindal Global Law School

The LLM program at Jindal Global Law School is offered in a hybrid, or blended, learning mode. The college provides access to its Learning Management System, where students can learn through many forms of study material, including live lectures, assessments, recorded lectures, e-libraries, case studies, and more. Let us take a closer look at the available specializations, the cost, and the course outline.

Advantages of pursuing an LLM through a blended learning mode:

  • Flexibility
  • Face-to-face interaction
  • Guest lectures
  • Enhance digital skills
  • Various growth opportunities
  • Self-paced learning
  • Learn from global faculty
  • Balances personal and professional life
  • Access to recorded lectures

Specialization offered:

Eligibility criteria:

  • Must have completed a bachelor’s degree in law with a minimum of 55% from a recognized university or equivalent institution.
  • Entrance exam scorecard - LSAT, or JSAT 

Fee structure: Course fee - INR 3,50,000

Syllabus: 

Every university offers certain subjects in particular specializations. They use it to develop the best syllabus possible. At Jindal Global Law School, they take the help of law professionals and legal experts to develop their syllabi for each of the specializations offered by them. Let’s get a detailed knowledge of the syllabus offered by the Jindal Global Law School:

Syllabus at Jindal Global Law School (Blended Learning Program)

Specializations 

Syllabus/Subjects

Corporate & Financial Law

  • Legal Research Methodology
  • Law and Justice in a Globalizing World
  • Comparative Public Law
  • Advanced Company Law
  • A Practitioner’s Approach to Competition Law in India
  • Commercial Contract Drafting
  • M&A and Private Equity
  • Corporate Insolvency Law
  • Dissertation

AI and Emerging Technologies

  • Legal Research Methodology
  • Law and Justice in a Globalizing World
  • Comparative Public Law
  • Advanced IPR and IT Law
  • Intellectual Property and New Technology, AI
  • GDPR: A European Example of Data Protection Law, AI Introduction to GDPR
  • Regulating AI
  • Ethica, Law, and AI
  • Comparative AI Regulation
  • Dissertation

Intellectual Property & Technology Law

  • Legal Research Methodology
  • Law and Justice in a Globalizing World
  • Comparative Public Law
  • Advanced IPR and IT Law
  • Intellectual Property and New Technology, AI
  • Music and Copyrights
  • TRIPS and Public Health
  • GDPR: A European Example of Data Protection Law

Dispute Resolution

  • Legal Research Methodology
  • Law and Justice in a Globalizing World
  • Comparative Public Law
  • International Commercial Arbitration
  • Principles and Practice of Arbitration in India
  • Investment Arbitration
  • Negotiation and Meditation
  • Recognition, Enforcement, and Execution of Arbitral Awards
  • Ethical Issues in Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Dissertation

Taxation Law, Policy, and Regulation

  • Structure and implementation of GST
  • Registration, compliance, valuation, and input credit mechanisms
  • Audit and appeals processes under indirect tax laws
  • Legal and procedural aspects of Customs regulations
  • Import-export duties and Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
  • Enforcement mechanisms and recent legal developments
  • Use of technology in tax administration - theory and practical insights

Conclusion

In this blog, you get to learn about various contracts and their types. In every business, contracts and agreements should be there so that every individual knows their roles and responsibilities. This prevents the chances of confusion in the future. If you are looking for a future in business law, then you get to learn about various universities and colleges that offer law studies and degrees. You just need to work hard on your studies while practicing on the court. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Various types of business contracts are there that are used in the business or commercial field: Based on Validity (Valid contract, Void contract, Voidable contract, Illegal contract, Unenforceable contract), Based on the formation (Express contract, Implied contract, Quasi-contract, E-contracts), Based on Performance (Executed contracts, Executory contract, Partly Executed and partly executory contract, Unilateral contract, Bilateral contract), Specialized business contracts (Employment Contracts, Sales and Purchase Agreements, and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Partnership Agreements, Franchise Contracts).

The conditions of agreements that two or more parties operating collectively must sign are known as business contracts.
 

Yes, many universities offer a 1-year LLM program to students after completing a law degree.

  • Jindal Global Law School (Blended Learning Program) - INR 3,50,000
  • Lovely Professional University - INR 1,60,000
  • National Law University, Delhi - INR 1,25,000
  • Symbiosis Law School International, Pune - INR 2,50,000
  • UPES - INR 2,79,000
  • NLU, Kolkata - INR 1,39,000
     

Various points are there. Still, here are a few important ones and those are: regulates contracts, guides mergers & acquisitions, manage disputes, projects intellectual properties, and more.
 

Becoming a lawyer in India is one of the greatest positions that one can do. For this position also, lawyers need to be good at several things and skills. A few of them are communication, analytical skills, contract drafting, attention to detail, problem-solving, ethical judgment, client management, and more.
 

Choosing the right contract type is a must in a business. Several criteria are there that an individual needs to consider before drafting one. These criteria are: Understand Your Business Needs, Consider the Parties Involved, Review Legal Requirements, Determine the Complexity, Decide on Contract Formation and validity Status, Include Confidentiality & IP Clauses, Seek Legal Advice, Know the Purpose, Assess Duration, Factor in Risk, Check for Customization Needs, Performance Obligations, Clarity of Terms, and Dispute Resolution.
 

Below are the top listed listed universities in India that are offering Law degrees to students. These universities are listed based on the NIRF ranking 2024:

  • National Law School of India University
  • National Law University
  • NALSAR University of Law
  • NLU Kolkata - The West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences
  • Symbiosis Law School
  • Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia
  • Indian Institute of Technology
  • Gujarat National Law University
  • Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University - SOA National School of Law
  • Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU)
     
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By Sonika

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