Independent contractor clause（独立缔约方条款）

何季明 2012年12月19日星期三

许多合同或协议中常会出现Independent contractor clause（独立缔约方条款），用以明确双方的关系。

例如：

The parties are independent contractors to each other. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between the parties. （双方之间为独立缔约方关系。本协议无意在双方之间建立合伙、合资或代理关系。）

再如：

It is understood and agreed that each of the parties hereto is an independent contractor and that neither party is, nor shall be considered to be, an agent, distributor, fiduciary or representative of the other. Neither party shall act or represent itself, directly or by implication, as an agent of the other or in any manner assume or create any obligation on behalf of, or in the name of, the other.（双方理解并同意，合同各方均为独立承包人，任何一方不是、亦不应被视为另一方的代理人、经销商、受托人或代表。任何一方均不得直接或暗示其作为另一方代理人行事或自称是另一方代理人，亦不得以任何方式代表另一方或以另一方的名义承担或产生任何义务。）

在专业顾问协议中的独立缔约方条款可能会涉及下列内容：

1. 不享有员工福利。有些独立缔约方条款会明确双方之间的关系不是劳资关系。

例如：

No Employee Benefits. Except as specifically provided herein, Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Consultant will not be eligible for any Company employee benefits(不享有员工福利。除非本协议中另有具体规定，顾问确认和同意，顾问不享有公司的任何员工福利。) 

类似的表达还有：

The contractor shall not have any rights to participate in any employee benefits, as the contractor does not enjoy such a status with the company.

Since the contractor is not an employee, the company shall not be required to deduct taxes, provide workers’ compensation, insurance or fulfill any other statutory obligation that normally accompanies employer employee relationships.

2. 没有约束另一方的权力。

No Authority to Bind Company. Consultant has no authority to enter into contracts that bind the Company or create obligations on the part of the Company. (无权约束公司。顾问无权签订对公司形成约束力或使公司产生义务的协议。)