prompt written notice

Definition

Prompt written notice means you must quickly inform another party about something important by putting it in writing, whether that's an email, letter, or other document. The word 'prompt' means you can't wait around, and 'written' means a verbal heads-up over the phone won't satisfy this requirement. Contracts often require this so that both sides have a clear, dated record of when important information was shared.

Example

If your contract says you must give prompt written notice of any delays, and your supplier causes a three-week setback, you need to send that notice within days, not weeks. Waiting a month to send an email explaining the delay could be considered a violation of the contract.

Watch Out

Many business owners lose their legal rights, like the ability to make an insurance claim or enforce a contract term, simply because they gave notice verbally or waited too long to put it in writing.

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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.