What is it?
Expire is a clause type that governs the cessation of rights or obligations under contracts, statutes, and regulations.
expire
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Expire usually means a right or duty ends on a set date. In contracts, it matters because obligations stop and breach risk rises. Before signing, check the exact expiration date and any notice or renewal requirements.
Definitions
What is expire?
Legal Definition
When a contractual right, license, or statutory provision reaches its predetermined end date, it expires. The expiration cuts off the obligee’s entitlement and triggers any termination or renewal provisions. Courts often look to whether a notice period or automatic renewal clause was included.
Plain-English Translation
Think of a library book: once the due date passes, you can no longer borrow it without paying a fine.
Contract relevance
Why expire matters in contracts
Failing to honor an expiration can void the agreement or cause a breach, putting the obligor at risk of liability.
Document context
Where expire appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lease agreement | Termination section | Determines when tenancy ends |
| Software license | Grant of License section | Sets the license’s end date |
| Promissory note | Maturity clause | Marks when repayment obligation ceases |
| UCC‑secured transaction | Collateral clause | Defines when security interest lapses |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "This agreement shall expire on December 31, 2025" | Ends on that date | Verify the date is correct |
| "The license terminates automatically upon expiration" | Ends without further action | Confirm renewal steps |
| "Rights herein shall cease upon expiration" | Rights end then | Check for survival clauses |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"Expires"
Clearer wording
"Ends on June 30, 2024"
Vague wording
"Expires upon notice"
Clearer wording
"Ends 30 days after written notice"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Identify the exact expiration date or condition
2
Confirm any required notice period for termination
3
Determine whether the term auto‑renews
4
Check for survival clauses that persist after expiration
5
Ensure the date aligns with your business timeline
6
Verify who bears the risk of early expiration
Party impact
How expire affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Lessor | Must track expiration to reclaim property |
| Borrower | Needs to plan repayment before the loan expires |
| Franchisee | Should prepare for brand use cessation |
| Licensee | Must stop using software after the date |
Comparison
expire vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from expire |
|---|---|---|
| Termination | Ends a contract before its natural expiration | Can be invoked early, whereas expire is predetermined |
| Renewal | Extends the term beyond the original end date | Opposite of expire |
| Lapse | Fails to act, causing rights to disappear | Often due to inaction, not a set date |
Missing or vague
If expire is missing or vague
If the expiration provision is vague, parties may argue over when duties actually end. One side might claim the contract is still alive, while the other stops performance. This can trigger breach claims, damages, or costly litigation. Courts will look to the parties' intent and industry practice to fill the gap.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for the defined expiration date or event |
| Term | Verify the length and any renewal language |
| Termination | Check for notice requirements tied to expiration |
| Renewal | Ensure any automatic extension is disclosed |
| Survival | Identify obligations that survive expiration |
Visual model
Understand expire fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord sends a notice that the month‑to‑month lease expires on June 30, and the tenant must vacate.
02
Borrower’s line of credit expires on December 31, ending the lender’s obligation to advance funds.
03
Franchisor’s agreement expires after five years, automatically terminating the franchisee’s right to use the brand.
Document context
How expire shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Failing to honor an expiration can void the agreement or cause a breach, putting the obligor at risk of liability.
When does it matter?
When the fixed date or event specified in the agreement arrives, the right or duty ends automatically.
Where is it usually seen?
The term appears in lease agreements, software license agreements, loan agreements, and in statutes such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Who is affected?
Lessor gains the right to reclaim premises; borrower loses access to loan proceeds; franchisor can end franchise rights without further obligation.
How does it work?
First, the contract sets a clear expiration date or condition. Then, upon that date, the parties must cease performance. Within a reasonable period, the party entitled to enforce the end sends a notice if required by the agreement.
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Wikipedia
Expire
Expire was an American hardcore punk band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, active from 2009 to 2017. They were signed to Bridge 9 Records.
Open on Wikipedia →Knowledge graph
Where expire connects to real contract work
This layer links the term to nearby glossary entries, document use cases, and contract-risk guides so readers can move from definition to context without dead ends.
Glossary
Use Cases
Termination Notice
HR & Recruitment: When you receive a termination notice, every word matters — especially what isn’t in it.
Employment Contract
HR & Recruitment: Your employment contract is longer than your offer letter — and far more binding.
Lease Agreement
Legal & Corporate: Your lease is a 12-month financial commitment — read every line.
Contract Risks
Automatic contract extension risk
Plain-English risk guide for automatic contract extension risk.
Post termination obligations risk
Plain-English risk guide for post termination obligations risk.
Financial obligations clause risk
Plain-English risk guide for financial obligations clause risk.
Source & disclosure
This page is an AI-assisted plain-English explanation based on LexPredict Legal Dictionary context and contract-review patterns. It is not legal advice. Meaning may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and exact clause wording.
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