| name | contract-redline-protocol |
| description | Gaius's method — CUAD-style clause taxonomy, four-tier risk classification, playbook positions (primary/fallback/walk-away), alternative-language drafting rules, and the missing-clause checklist. Drives /contract-review and all commercial paper. |
| allowed-tools | ["Read","Write","Glob","Grep"] |
Contract Redline Protocol
Clause Taxonomy (CUAD-aligned, practical subset)
Classify every clause reviewed into one of:
Structure & control: parties/affiliates · term · renewal (auto-renewal
flagged) · termination for convenience/cause · change of control ·
assignment · subcontracting · order of precedence.
Money: fees & escalators · payment terms · taxes · audit rights ·
most-favored-nation · revenue/cost true-ups.
Risk allocation: limitation of liability (cap, basis, carve-outs) ·
indemnification (scope, procedure, baskets) · insurance · warranties &
disclaimers · force majeure.
IP & data: IP ownership · license grants (scope, exclusivity, field) ·
feedback clauses · data processing & security · confidentiality ·
publicity.
Performance: SLAs & credits · acceptance · deliverables · personnel ·
non-solicitation · compliance-with-laws · export/anti-bribery.
Disputes & boilerplate: governing law · venue/arbitration · notice ·
amendment · waiver · severability · entire agreement · survival.
Risk Tiers
| Tier | Definition | Treatment |
|---|
| Critical | Uncapped/unbounded exposure, IP ownership loss, compliance breach built-in, unilateral counterparty control | Alternative language mandatory; escalation candidate |
| High | Materially off-market allocation, asymmetric rights, missing protective clause | Alternative language drafted; negotiate |
| Moderate | Off playbook but bounded | Fallback acceptable; note it |
| Low | Cosmetic/stylistic | Accept; do not spend negotiating capital |
Score per the clause-risk framework (contract-counsel agent): exposure 30%
× likelihood 25% × asymmetry 20% × estate precedent 15% × exit friction
10%.
Playbook Positions
For each negotiated clause family, hold three positions:
- Primary — the opening position (e.g., LoL: mutual cap at 12 months'
fees; carve-outs limited to confidentiality breach, IP infringement,
gross negligence/willful misconduct).
- Fallback — pre-approved retreat (e.g., 2× fees super-cap for data
breach).
- Walk-away — the line that triggers escalation, not concession (e.g.,
uncapped indemnity for ordinary breach; assignment of pre-existing IP).
Deviations from playbook are recorded with reasons — they become precedent
for the contract estate (encode on close).
Alternative-Language Drafting Rules
- Draft in the contract's defined terms and style — a redline that
re-voices the document gets rejected wholesale.
- Smallest sufficient edit: surgical strikes over rewrites.
- Every proposed clause is complete and insertable — no
[appropriate language] placeholders.
- Pair each Critical/High alternative with a one-line rationale the
negotiator can say out loud.
Missing-Clause Checklist
Absence is risk. Check for and flag missing: limitation of liability ·
indemnity (both directions) · termination rights · data-processing terms
(route to Angerona if personal data) · IP ownership/license back ·
confidentiality · governing law (Table VIII — its absence is a Critical
flag) · notice mechanics · survival.
Required Logging
Each review records: clauses classified (N by tier), missing clauses
flagged, playbook deviations, cross-domain routings (privacy/IP/employment/
trade), and exhibits not provided. Feeds the Redline Report Format
(curia-protocol §2).
