International Contract Format Samples for Business, Trade & Services
Doing business globally requires clear, legally sound agreements. Whether entering a trade deal, outsourcing services, or forming a joint venture across borders, an international contract format helps define terms, avoid disputes, and ensure compliance with laws in multiple countries. In this blog, we’ve included ready-to-use international contract templates — written in clear language — that cover various global business scenarios. Each format includes essential clauses like governing law, jurisdiction, currency, delivery terms, and dispute resolution. Let’s dive into the most practical formats below.
International Contract Format Samples for Business, Trade & Services
General International Trade Agreement Format
Purpose: To buy/sell goods between two countries.
INTERNATIONAL SALES CONTRACT
This Agreement is made on [Date], between:
Seller: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
Buyer: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
1. Products: __________________[List of goods]
2. Quantity: __________________[Units/Volume]
3. Price & Currency: __________________[$X per unit, in USD]
4. Delivery Terms: FOB/CIF [Port], Incoterms 2020
5. Payment Terms: __________________[Advance, L/C, 30% deposit, etc.]
6. Governing Law: __________________[e.g., United States]
7. Jurisdiction: __________________[City, Country]
Signed:
__________________
(Seller)
__________________
(Buyer)
International Service Contract Format
Purpose: To hire freelancers or B2B services internationally.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into on [Date] by:
Client: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
Service Provider: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
1. Scope of Services: __________________[Detailed work description]
2. Project Timeline: __________________[Start & end dates]
3. Payment: __________________[Amount, Currency, Milestones]
4. Confidentiality Clause
5. Dispute Resolution: __________________[Arbitration/Legal venue]
6. Governing Law: __________________[e.g., UK Law]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed:
__________________
(Client)
__________________
(Service Provider)
International Joint Venture Contract Format
Purpose: When two companies form a new entity or shared venture.
INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on [Date], between:
Party A: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
Party B: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
1. Objective: To jointly operate __________________[Describe venture]
2. Capital Contribution: __________________[Amounts by each party]
3. Shareholding: __________________[e.g., 50%-50% or 60%-40%]
4. Board of Directors & Voting Rights
5. Profit/Loss Sharing
6. Exit Clause & Buyout Terms
7. Applicable Law: __________________[Choose jurisdiction]
Signed by:
__________________
(Party A)
__________________
(Party B)
International Licensing Agreement Format
Purpose: To grant international rights to use IP, software, trademarks, etc.
INTERNATIONAL LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on [Date], by:
Licensor: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
Licensee: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
1. License Scope: __________________[Exclusive/Non-exclusive]
2. Territory: __________________[Countries covered]
3. Duration: __________________[Start & end date or perpetual]
4. Royalties/Fees: __________________[Details of payment]
5. IP Ownership: Retained by Licensor
6. Termination Clause
7. Governing Law: __________________[Jurisdiction]
Signed:
__________________
(Licensor)
__________________
(Licensee)
International Distributor Agreement Format
Purpose: For appointing an exclusive or non-exclusive distributor overseas.
INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
Date: __________________[Insert Date]
Manufacturer: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
Distributor: __________________[Company Name], [Country]
1. Products: __________________[List of goods]
2. Territory: __________________[Country/Region]
3. Exclusivity: __________________[Exclusive/Non-exclusive]
4. Minimum Sales Targets
5. Price List & Discounts
6. Term: [Years or open-ended]
7. Governing Law: __________________[Country’s law]
8. Termination Terms
Signatures:
__________________
(Manufacturer)
__________________
(Distributor)
Key Clauses to Include in Every International Contract:
- Governing Law: Specify which country’s laws apply.
- Jurisdiction: Choose where disputes will be resolved.
- Currency & Payment Method: USD, Euro, or others.
- Force Majeure: Protects both parties from events beyond their control.
- Dispute Resolution: Court, arbitration, or mediation?
- Language of Agreement: English or bilingual if needed.
Explore More Similar Formats:
Final Thoughts
The proper international contract format reduces legal risk and builds professional trust when doing cross-border deals. Customize these templates per your business type and always have a legal review before execution.
