Emails provide us with the benefit of instantaneous and reliable written communication. Furthermore, this modern business tool provides an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to paper correspondence. However, for those who regularly use emails in business transactions, it is crucial to be aware that email exchanges may have significant legal implications. As indicated by the Supreme Court, it is possible that a binding agreement can be inferred from email dialogues, in the absence of a signed contract and while terms are still being negotiated.

 

Here is our list of five tips to consider when using emails to negotiate business transactions:

Australian courts have responded in the shift to online communication by accepting emails as a means of creating binding agreements. As a result, it is crucial to treat all business correspondence with the same caution and precision that you would a formal document.

 

The use of legal terms found in business contracts, such as “offer” and “acceptance” may be used as evidence by the courts to infer the intention to create a binding contract. As a result, it is important to be mindful of including such terminology in your email exchanges.

 

In assessing whether or not the parties have entered into a legally binding agreement, the courts will look at the broader context of communications between the parties. This includes factors such as whether there is any indication that the parties intended to be legally bound immediately by the negotiated terms.

The Queensland Supreme Court recently provided that a binding contract for the sale of land had been made by email.

Significantly, the disputed offer and acceptance emails referred to the agreement being “subject to contract” and “subject to execution”.

 

The NSW Supreme Court recently found that a binding settlement agreement between parties had been made through email negotiations between their lawyers. As a result of this decision, it is advisable to check that emails from your solicitor contain the phrase: “This is subject to final instructions from our client”.

Email negotiations are a fast and effective way to conduct business. However, it is important to be mindful that your email exchanges may constitute a binding contract. If you’re unsure on whether your online behaviour has formed an unintentional contract, it is critical to seek legal advice.