Formation and identity
Contract formation
English law looks at what a reasonable person would understand from the parties' words and conduct. In commercial negotiations, that means WhatsApp messages, emails, electronic signatures, and follow-on performance can matter as much as a formal draft.
Pillar guide
Contract formation under English law in the digital era.
English law looks at what a reasonable person would understand from the parties' words and conduct. In commercial negotiations, that means WhatsApp messages, emails, electronic signatures, and follow-on performance can matter as much as a formal draft.
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How WhatsApp messages, emails, electronic signatures, subject-to-contract wording, and written-form rules affect binding obligations.
Can a WhatsApp message be a binding contract?A practical guide to when informal messages and follow-up emails can create enforceable commercial commitments.
Is an email signature legally binding?When an automated email footer can count as a signature under English law, and how to stay in control of it.
Are electronic signatures legally binding in the UK?What counts as a valid electronic signature under English law, and the single intent test that decides it.
"Subject to contract": meaning and how to use itHow "subject to contract" keeps negotiations non-binding, how to use it correctly, and when conduct can waive it.
Which contracts must be in writing?The six categories of contract that English statute requires to be in writing, and why an oral deal can fail.
Product demo
Know the rule. Then inspect what changed in the document.
Watch Claude compare negotiation drafts and create a separate Word document with proposed tracked changes.