Drafting Cautionary: Be Very Specific with “No Oral Modification” Clause

A “no oral modification” clause (“NOM clause“) is a boilerplate clause included in an agreement to require any variations of an agreement to be in writing. The Singapore Court of Appeal recently held in Charles Lim Teng Siang v Hong Choon Hau [2021] SGCA 43 that a NOM clause which stated that any variation, supplement, deletion, or replacement of a term must be in writing did not preclude an oral rescission of the contract. This decision illustrates the importance of ensuring that NOM clauses are properly drafted such that oral recission and termination are captured in the plain language of the clause if that is intended. 

In obiter, the Court of Appeal further expounded on the legal effect of an NOM clause at some length, raising the possibility that despite the presence of an NOM clause, the court may still uphold oral modification or rescission in some circumstances.

We examine the Singapore Court of Appeal’s decision and its implications below.

For more information, click here to read the full Legal Update.

CONTACTS

Head, Corporate and Transactional Group
+65 6232 0465
Singapore, South Asia,
Deputy Head, Mergers & Acquisitions
+65 6232 0277
Singapore,
Deputy Head, Dispute Resolution
+65 6535 3600
Singapore, South Asia,

Country

EXPERTISE

SECTORS

Share

Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of legal practices based in Asia.

Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local legal requirements. Services provided by a member firm are governed by the terms of engagement between the member firm and the client.

This website is solely intended to provide general information and does not provide any advice or create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on this website.

© 2024 Rajah & Tann Asia. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.