IT系（システム系）英会話：契約書の締結

IT系プロジェクトを開始する前に、非常に重要なことがあります。契約書の締結です。ここで失敗すると、自社が非常に不利な立場にたたされたり、顧客から訴訟されるリスクがあります。

契約について学ぶとともに、グローバルプロジェクトでも契約について会話できるようになりたいですね。

◆単語、表現
confidentiality clause : 機密保持条項
compensate : 補償する
tweak : 微調整する

A: I'm thinking about a contract with a client company, what should we do about the confidentiality clause first?

B: Well, confidentiality is very important, so we need to make sure we have a well-written agreement.

A: Yes, that's right. Leaking trade secrets or personal information is not allowed, and the responsibility for that needs to be clearly defined.

B: Right. Then, let's clarify the scope of the confidentiality agreement. For example, only information that is necessary for the performance of the business is covered.

A: Good idea. Also, we should write down our responsibility in case of information leakage.

B: Yes, that's right. For example, if trade secrets are leaked, you would be liable for damages, or you would be subject to legal proceedings.

A: Yeah, and another thing I'm wondering about is the legal action to be taken if the system is not completed on time.

B: Right. If the system is not completed on time, the client company may incur damages, so that needs to be written into the contract as well.

A: Yes, that's right. If the system is not completed on time and the client company suffers damages because of it, we will compensate them for those damages.

B: Right. And it should also say that if the client company is the cause of our delay, we are not responsible for it.

A: Yes, that's right. So that pretty much sets up the contract. Now let's tweak it a little bit and finalize it.