https://valensteinandfatt.com/ Contracts, disputes and regulation, explained. en Sun, 08 Nov 2026 15:06:41 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/contract-behind-award-public-sector-terms-suppliers-challenge-2026/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/contract-behind-award-public-sector-terms-suppliers-challenge-2026/ With the UK public procurement regime now fully embedded, suppliers face contract terms that can transfer disproportionate risk long after the award. This article identifies the flow-downs, audit rights, termination for convenience and payment provisions that warrant negotiation, pricing or, in some cases, a decision to walk away. Valenstein & Fatt Technology & Regulation Sun, 08 Nov 2026 13:50:16 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/notice-to-remedy-termination-disputes-drafting-cure-periods/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/notice-to-remedy-termination-disputes-drafting-cure-periods/ Termination disputes often turn on the validity of a cure notice, a withheld payment or a remedy period rather than the underlying breach. This article examines the drafting traps in notice mechanics and cure clauses through a realistic UK supply scenario, and sets out a practical checklist for enforceable terms. Valenstein & Fatt Commercial Contracts Sun, 08 Nov 2026 13:50:16 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/regulatory-breach-contractual-response-playbook/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/regulatory-breach-contractual-response-playbook/ Generic promises to comply with all applicable laws rarely give a business the remedy it needs when a supplier or customer breaches FCA, CMA or ICO requirements. This article sets out a drafting playbook for express compliance warranties, notification duties, cure periods and termination triggers, together with the liability carve-outs that keep those remedies usable. Valenstein & Fatt Technology & Regulation Sun, 08 Nov 2026 09:49:22 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/lean-contract-drafting-restraint-uk/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/lean-contract-drafting-restraint-uk/ The instinct to pad commercial agreements with every conceivable protection can create ambiguity, conflict and disputes. This article argues for a disciplined lean-drafting approach for UK companies, with a practical checklist drawn from English contract interpretation principles and a cautionary note from the firm's own name. Valenstein & Fatt Commercial Contracts Sun, 08 Nov 2026 09:49:22 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/guarding-perimeter-failure-to-prevent-fraud-contracts/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/guarding-perimeter-failure-to-prevent-fraud-contracts/ The failure to prevent fraud offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 exposes large UK organisations to criminal liability for fraud committed by associated persons. Contracts with agents, distributors and subsidiaries should be revisited to embed due diligence, warranties and compliance controls. Valenstein & Fatt Technology & Regulation Sun, 08 Nov 2026 05:52:56 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/mediation-first-court-dispute-resolution-clauses/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/mediation-first-court-dispute-resolution-clauses/ UK courts are increasingly willing to require parties to attempt mediation before trial, and 2026 is likely to bring further formalisation of alternative dispute resolution. Commercial parties should revisit their dispute resolution clauses to avoid costs penalties and preserve the right to litigate where settlement fails. Valenstein & Fatt Commercial Contracts Sun, 08 Nov 2026 05:52:56 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/authority-formality-illusion-binding-deal/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/authority-formality-illusion-binding-deal/ A contract can look signed, sealed and settled while still failing to bind the company behind it. This analysis examines the execution gaps that matter most under English law, from electronic signatures and delegated authority to the enduring myth that the commercial deal will override the written page. Valenstein & Fatt Commercial Contracts Sun, 08 Nov 2026 01:54:19 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/beyond-saas-template-ai-procurement-controls/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/beyond-saas-template-ai-procurement-controls/ Generic SaaS terms are a poor fit for AI tools that generate outputs, change models and process sensitive data in new ways. This clause-by-clause audit sets out the contractual controls UK buyers should secure before the next renewal cycle. Valenstein & Fatt Technology & Regulation Sun, 08 Nov 2026 01:54:19 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/office-christmas-party-contracts-vicarious-liability-2026/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/office-christmas-party-contracts-vicarious-liability-2026/ Festive planning is underway, and the office Christmas party brings a familiar mix of supplier contracts, alcohol policies and employment risk. This practical guide explains how HR, operations and legal teams can allocate liability, brief managers and handle incidents without turning a celebration into a tribunal claim. Valenstein & Fatt Employment & Liability Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:58:15 GMT https://valensteinandfatt.com/drafting-endeavours-clauses-tougher-trading-conditions-2026/ https://valensteinandfatt.com/drafting-endeavours-clauses-tougher-trading-conditions-2026/ Endeavours clauses promise effort rather than outcome, but vague drafting can leave a business without a realistic remedy when performance slips. This analysis sets out how UK courts approach best, reasonable and all reasonable endeavours, and offers a practical drafting and evidence checklist for 2026. Valenstein & Fatt Commercial Contracts Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:58:15 GMT