Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A zipper clause is a part of a contract that says everything that needs to be agreed upon is written in the contract and nothing else can be added or changed unless it is also written in the contract. It is called a zipper clause because it "zips up" the contract and doesn't allow any other changes to be made.
A zipper clause is a provision in a contract that serves as both an integration clause and a no-oral-modification clause. This means that it is intended to prevent any claims of representations made outside of the written contract.
For example, if a company and an employee sign a contract with a zipper clause, the employee cannot later claim that the company made promises to them that were not included in the written contract. The zipper clause "zips up" the contract and prevents any additional terms or promises from being added.
Another example could be a lease agreement between a landlord and a tenant. If the lease includes a zipper clause, the tenant cannot later claim that the landlord promised to make repairs or provide additional services that were not included in the written lease agreement.
Overall, a zipper clause is a way to ensure that all terms and promises are included in the written contract and to prevent any misunderstandings or disputes that may arise from oral agreements or representations.