Contract Red Flags Checklist

Use this checklist to screen common contract red flags before you sign, especially when a contract was written by the other side or sent as a take-it-or-leave-it template.

Money and delivery red flags

Watch for unclear due dates, payment only after client approval, broad refund rights, no late-fee language, unlimited revisions, and vague deliverable definitions.

Liability and indemnity red flags

Look for uncapped liability, one-sided indemnity, responsibility for indirect damages, broad confidentiality penalties, and insurance obligations that do not fit the deal size.

Ownership and control red flags

Review work-for-hire terms, assignment language, license scope, moral rights waivers, portfolio restrictions, unilateral change rights, and termination clauses.

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