Unilateral contract意思

Unilateral contract, also known as a unilateral agreement, is a type of contract in which one party makes an offer and the other party accepts it by performing the action called for in the offer, rather than by communicating their assent. In other words, it is a contract in which only one party makes a promise, while the other party's obligation is to perform an act.

In a unilateral contract, the offeror promises to pay or provide something of value to the offeree if the offeree performs the requested act. For example, if a homeowner offers a reward for the return of a lost pet, the homeowner is making a unilateral contract. The finder of the pet accepts the offer by returning the pet, rather than by promising to do so.

Unilateral contracts are different from bilateral contracts, which are contracts in which both parties make promises. In a bilateral contract, each party's promise is a consideration for the other's promise. For example, a contract for the sale of goods is a bilateral contract, because the buyer promises to pay for the goods and the seller promises to deliver them.

Unilateral contracts are generally enforceable, provided that they meet the other requirements for a valid contract, such as being made by competent parties, for a lawful purpose, and with mutual agreement. However, the terms of the contract must be clear and the performance must be completed in order for the contract to be enforceable.