cláusula de integración
Definition
An integration clause is a section in a contract that says the written agreement is the complete and final deal between the parties, replacing all previous conversations, emails, handshakes, and promises made before signing. If something is not written in the contract, this clause means it legally does not exist as part of the agreement. Courts will look only at what is on paper and ignore anything either party claims was agreed to verbally beforehand.
Example
You negotiate a lease and the landlord verbally promises to repaint the space before you move in, but that promise never makes it into the written contract, which contains an integration clause. When moving day comes and the walls are not painted, the landlord can point to that clause and argue the promise was never part of the real deal.
Watch Out
Before you sign any contract with an integration clause, make sure every single promise that matters to you is written into the document, because anything left out will be nearly impossible to enforce later.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.