International Commercial Contract Advisory for Chennai Businesses

What is international commercial contracts?

International commercial contracts cover a broad category including sale of goods, distributorship, agency, franchise, technology transfer and outsourcing agreements where at least one party operates outside India. These contracts intersect with Indian contract law, the Sale of Goods Act, FEMA, and applicable competition law considerations around exclusivity and territorial restrictions.

Getting these contracts right requires balancing standard international commercial terms, such as Incoterms for goods, with Indian-specific requirements around stamping, taxation and dispute resolution.

When you may need this service

• Manufacturers and exporters entering international supply agreements
• Businesses appointing or acting as distributors or agents abroad
• Companies licensing technology or software to or from foreign parties
• Indian franchisees or franchisors dealing with international brands
• Service companies structuring cross-border outsourcing agreements

How LexNova Legal Associates can assist

Typical process

1. Requirement discussion

   Understanding the nature of the international relationship and commercial priorities.

2. Term sheet review

   Reviewing any term sheet or heads of agreement already exchanged.

3. Drafting

   Preparing the full contract with commercial, legal and compliance terms integrated.

4. Negotiation support

   Assisting through rounds of negotiation with the counterparty.

5. Execution and stamping

   Advising on proper execution, stamping and, where required, registration.

Documents and information commonly required

• Commercial proposal or term sheet
• Company details and authorisation of both contracting parties
• Product or service specifications relevant to the contract
• Details of pricing, currency and payment terms
• Any existing framework agreement or prior correspondence
• Information on applicable export or import licences

Key legal considerations

• Exclusivity and territorial clauses should be checked against competition law concerns
• Stamp duty treatment can differ depending on where the contract is executed
• Indemnity and limitation of liability clauses need careful drafting to be enforceable in India
• Incoterms should be expressly referenced where goods are involved to avoid ambiguity
• Termination clauses should address transition and handover obligations, not just notice periods

Common issues and risks

Legal services for clients across Chennai

Working out of our Saidapet office, we support Chennai-based exporters and technology companies in drafting international commercial contracts for buyers and partners across markets including the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Related Chennai page: Corporate Lawyer in Chennai.

Relevant insights

Information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts; please speak to a lawyer before acting.