What is it?
Clause type in contract law that governs the survival and enforceability of specific obligations.
full force
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
FULL FORCE usually means a provision stays effective for its entire term. In contracts, it matters because obligations may survive termination, creating ongoing risk. Before signing, check which duties the clause keeps alive.
Definitions
What is full force?
Legal Definition
A clause stating that a provision remains effective and enforceable for its entire intended duration. It creates an ongoing right or duty that cannot be terminated early without mutual consent. Practitioners watch for carve‑outs that limit the clause’s reach.
Plain-English Translation
Imagine a hall pass that stays valid until the bell rings; you can’t lose it early unless the teacher takes it away.
Contract relevance
Why full force matters in contracts
If the clause is omitted or misapplied, a party may lose the right to enforce a key promise, exposing the drafting party to breach liability.
Document context
Where full force appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Loan agreement | Security provisions | Determines if lien survives repayment |
| Commercial lease | Rent obligations | Keeps rent payable after lease ends for damages |
| ISDA Master Agreement | Default provisions | Ensures netting continues post‑termination |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "All covenants shall remain in full force and effect" | The covenants never expire unless parties agree | Verify any listed exceptions |
| "This Section survives termination" | The section continues after contract ends | Confirm which sections are listed |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"full force"
Clearer wording
"remains enforceable until December 31, 2028"
Vague wording
"survives termination"
Clearer wording
"continues for two years after contract ends"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Identify every clause that references full force
2
Confirm the exact expiration date or event
3
Look for carve‑outs that limit the clause
4
Check if state law imposes a maximum survival period
5
Ensure notice provisions align with the clause
6
Verify that all parties understand ongoing duties
Party impact
How full force affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Lender | Must confirm security interest survives default |
| Tenant | Should know rent obligations persist after vacating |
| Guarantor | Needs to understand liability continues post‑payment |
Comparison
full force vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from full force |
|---|---|---|
| Survival clause | Keeps specific provisions alive after termination | Full force applies to all or broader set of obligations |
| Continuation provision | Extends a single duty beyond term | Narrower than full force which may cover many duties |
| Termination for convenience | Allows ending contract early | Contrasts with full force which prevents early end of obligations |
Missing or vague
If full force is missing or vague
If the agreement lacks a clear full‑force clause, parties may argue that all duties ended with termination. Disputes arise over who must continue paying rent or maintaining security. Courts often interpret silence as the obligations ending, leaving the drafting party exposed to breach claims.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for definition of "full force" or "survival" |
| Term and Termination | Verify how termination interacts with the clause |
| Obligations | Check which duties are listed as surviving |
| Miscellaneous | Ensure no contradictory language elsewhere |
Visual model
Understand full force fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord includes a full‑force rent‑payment clause, so the tenant must pay rent even after lease termination for damages.
02
Borrower signs a loan agreement with a full‑force covenant, meaning the guarantor remains liable after the loan is paid off for any pre‑payment defaults.
Document context
How full force shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
If the clause is omitted or misapplied, a party may lose the right to enforce a key promise, exposing the drafting party to breach liability.
When does it matter?
When a contract reaches its expiration date or a termination event occurs, the full‑force clause determines which provisions survive.
Where is it usually seen?
Standard in UCC § 2‑207 amendment clauses, ISDA Master Agreements, and many commercial lease contracts.
Who is affected?
Lender gains continued security interest; Tenant retains liability for rent through the lease term; Franchisor preserves royalty collection rights.
How does it work?
First, the parties insert a full‑force provision in the agreement. Then, upon a termination trigger, the contract references that clause to identify surviving duties. Within the notice period, each side must honor those ongoing obligations.
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Wikipedia
External reference for full force
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Where full force 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
NDA
Legal & Corporate: Signing an NDA is easy. Understanding what you just agreed never to say is harder.
Lease Agreement
Legal & Corporate: Your lease is a 12-month financial commitment — read every line.
Non-Compete Agreement
HR & Recruitment: A non-compete can lock you out of your industry for years — if you sign blindly.
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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