Commercial terms & deal structure · Core
Initial term
Also called: base term
ELI5
The first committed duration of an agreement before renewal.
Used in conversation
“Counsel wants initial term clarified before anyone signs.”
Pitch context
You will see “Initial term” in go-to-market plans, sales forecasts, account reviews and commercial proposals when the discussion reaches commercial terms & deal structure.
Why it matters: In commercial terms & deal structure, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16