A TermScore is an AI-generated risk rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates the fairness and risk level of any legal document. A score of 86-100 means the contract is highly favorable, while 0-30 indicates dangerous terms you should walk away from.

What types of documents can TermScore analyze?

TermScore analyzes any legal document including freelance contracts, employment agreements, residential leases, NDAs, brand sponsorship deals, SaaS vendor agreements, and rental applications. Upload PDFs, Word documents, or images.

How much does TermScore cost?

TermScore offers a free plan with 3 scores per month. The Team plan is $15/month for 30 scores, and the Professional plan is $50/month for 500 scores with team collaboration features.

Is my document data secure?

Yes. Documents are processed in memory and analysis results are stored encrypted. TermScore never shares your document data with third parties and you can delete your data at any time from your dashboard.

What evidence proves an unsigned contract is valid?

Courts look for 'conduct manifesting assent.' This includes written emails confirming terms, invoices sent and paid, and the actual performance of services described in the document.

How can I protect myself if an agency refuses to sign?

Always send a 'final' version via email, confirm receipt, document all work milestones, and maintain a paper trail of all communications regarding project scope and payment.

Is a freelance contract enforceable if it is not signed by the agency?

Yes, a freelance contract is often enforceable even without a formal signature from the agency. Under common law principles, a contract is formed when there is an offer, acceptance, and consideration. If both parties act as if the contract is in effect—through performance, payment, or email confirmation—courts will generally uphold the agreement.

The Legal Basis for Unsigned Contracts

In most jurisdictions, including the U.S. and U.K., a signature is merely one way to prove that a party has agreed to the terms of a contract. It is not the only way. If you can demonstrate that the agency intended to be bound by the agreement, the lack of a physical or digital signature is not a fatal flaw.

Key Indicators of Enforceability

Performance: You have begun the work, and the agency has accepted the deliverables.
Payment: The agency has paid at least one invoice based on the terms outlined in the draft.
Correspondence: Email threads show the agency acknowledging the terms or requesting changes that were subsequently incorporated.
Reliance: You have turned down other work or incurred expenses based on the agency's instructions.

Key takeaway: Courts prioritize the 'objective theory of contracts.' If a reasonable person would conclude that the agency intended to be bound by the terms based on their actions, the contract is likely enforceable.

Action Item: Immediately archive all email threads where the agency discusses project scope, deadlines, or payment terms. These are your primary evidence in a dispute.

Comparison: Signed vs. Unsigned Contracts

Feature	Signed Contract	Unsigned Contract
Proof of Intent	Explicit (Signature)	Implicit (Conduct)
Burden of Proof	Low	High
Legal Certainty	High	Moderate
Enforcement Ease	Standard	Requires evidentiary support

Risks of Proceeding Without a Signature

While an unsigned contract can be enforceable, it is significantly harder to prove in court. Without a signature, the agency may claim that the document was merely a "draft" or "proposal" rather than a binding agreement. This creates ambiguity regarding specific clauses, such as termination rights, intellectual property ownership, and liability caps.

Common Red Flags

Silence on Terms: The agency ignores your requests to sign but continues to ask for work.
Scope Creep: The agency demands work outside the original draft without acknowledging the contract's existence.
Payment Delays: The agency uses the lack of a signed contract as an excuse to withhold payment.

Key takeaway: An unsigned contract is a liability. It leaves you vulnerable to the agency claiming that certain terms—like your hourly rate or kill fees—were never agreed upon.

Action Item: If an agency refuses to sign, send a follow-up email stating: "Per our previous discussions, I am proceeding with the work based on the terms outlined in the attached document. Please let me know if you have any objections by [Date]."

Steps to Solidify Your Position

If you find yourself in a situation where a contract remains unsigned, follow these steps to protect your interests:

Document Everything: Keep a chronological log of all communications.
Confirm Receipt: Send the contract via a platform that tracks opens or requires a read receipt.
Invoice Regularly: Send invoices that explicitly reference the contract number or date.
Limit Exposure: If the agency refuses to sign after multiple requests, consider pausing work until the agreement is formalized.

When to Seek Legal Counsel

If the contract involves high-value intellectual property or significant financial risk, an unsigned agreement is insufficient. If the agency refuses to sign, you should consult with an attorney to draft a "Letter of Agreement" or a simplified "Memorandum of Understanding" that can be signed quickly. If you have already performed significant work and are not being paid, you may need to pursue a claim for quantum meruit—a legal doctrine that allows you to recover the reasonable value of services rendered, even in the absence of a formal contract.

TermScore can automatically analyze your contracts to identify missing signatures, ambiguous clauses, and potential enforcement risks before you start work. By uploading your documents to our platform, you can ensure your agreements are legally sound and protect your freelance business from unnecessary disputes.