Don't wait! File your ITR before September 15 to avoid penalties.File Now

Master Service Agreement (MSA) in India

Q: What is the difference between an MSA, a regular contract, and an SLA?

An MSA is broader than a regular contract, as it covers the overall business relationship and sets the foundation for multiple future projects, while regular contracts focus on a single transaction. MSAs allow new projects to be added via Statements of Work (SOWs) under the same terms, saving time and effort. In contrast, an SLA focuses on service quality and performance standards like response times and uptime and is often attached to an MSA to set clear expectations for service delivery.

Q: What is included in a typical Master Service Agreement?

A typical Master Service Agreement includes clauses about the scope of work, payment terms, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, warranties, dispute resolution, and termination. It may also cover insurance, compliance, and the geographic location of services. These terms help manage risk, clarify expectations, and protect both parties throughout the business relationship.

Q: Who are the parties involved in an MSA?

The parties involved in a Master Service Agreement are usually a service provider and a client or customer. Both parties’ names, addresses, and legal status are mentioned in the agreement to avoid confusion. In some cases, more than two parties may be involved if the business relationship requires it, such as in joint ventures or partnerships.

Q: What is a Statement of Work to an MSA?

A Statement of Work (SOW) is a separate document that details the specific tasks, deliverables, and timelines for a particular project under the MSA. Each new project gets its SOW, but all SOWs follow the main rules set in the Master Service Agreement. This makes project management more organized and efficient for both parties.

Q: How does an MSA help in managing disputes?

A Master Service Agreement usually includes a dispute resolution clause that explains how disagreements will be handled. This can involve negotiation, mediation, or arbitration before going to court. Having this process in writing helps resolve issues more quickly and fairly, saving time and reducing the risk of long legal battles.

Q: Is an MSA legally binding in India, and do I need a lawyer to draft or review it?

Yes, a Master Service Agreement (MSA) is legally binding in India once signed by both parties. It must meet the requirements of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, such as offer, acceptance, and lawful consideration, to be enforceable in court. It’s highly recommended to have a lawyer draft or review your MSA to ensure it is clear, fair, and compliant with Indian law, helping you avoid future disputes and protecting your interests.

Q: What are the benefits of using a Master Service Agreement?

The main benefits of a Master Service Agreement include saving time and money, reducing legal risks, providing clarity, and making it easier to start new projects. It also helps build stronger business relationships by setting clear expectations from the beginning and providing a reliable framework for future work.

Q: Can the terms of an MSA be changed after signing?

Yes, the terms of a Master Service Agreement can be changed if both parties agree to the amendments in writing. These changes are usually made through an addendum, which becomes part of the original agreement. This flexibility allows the MSA to adapt to changing business needs over time.

Q: What happens if one party breaches the MSA?

If one party breaches the Master Service Agreement, the other party can use the remedies listed in the agreement, such as demanding damages, ending the contract, or seeking legal action. The dispute resolution process in the MSA will guide how the issue is handled, helping both sides find a fair solution.

Need clarity in long-term service partnerships? A well-drafted Master Service Agreement protects your business, avoids misunderstandings, and keeps every project on track from day one. What you get:

Legally Compliant, Business-Specific MSA Drafting

Defines Roles, Scope & Accountability Clearly

Strong Data Privacy & Intellectual Property Protection

Continuous Expert Legal Support

Trusted by 20000+ Businesses & Startups

4.6 out of 5

(5895)

4.0 out of 5

(1,907)

Full Name*

Phone Number*

Enter Your Email*

What Sets Us Apart

500+MCA Certified Experts

10,000+Trusted Reviews

2500+Monthly Clients Onboarded

Serving Businesses Across India

What Sets Us Apart

500+

MCA Certified Experts

10,000+

Trusted Reviews

2500+

Monthly Clients Onboardings

Serving Businesses Across India

Full Name*

Phone Number*

Enter Your Email*

Connect with RegisterKaro and let our experts handle the legal hassle while you grow your business.

Talk To Our Experts

We're Here To Help You

Your Information Is Safe With Us. We Never Share Your Details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Master Service Agreement (MSA), and its main purpose?

−

A Master Service Agreement (MSA) is a legal document that sets out the main terms and conditions for a long-term business relationship. It outlines key areas like payment terms, scope of services, intellectual property, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. The purpose of an MSA is to establish a clear and consistent framework, helping both parties understand their rights and responsibilities, reducing confusion, and allowing future projects to start quickly without renegotiating core terms.

What is the difference between an MSA, a regular contract, and an SLA?

What is included in a typical Master Service Agreement?

Who are the parties involved in an MSA?

What is a Statement of Work to an MSA?

How does an MSA help in managing disputes?

Is an MSA legally binding in India, and do I need a lawyer to draft or review it?

What are the benefits of using a Master Service Agreement?

Can the terms of an MSA be changed after signing?

What happens if one party breaches the MSA?

How long does an MSA last?

What industries commonly use MSAs?

How RegisterKaro Can Help You Draft a Master Service Agreement?

Get expert legal guidance and seamless service for your Master Service Agreement needs.

Expert Legal Minds, Simple Language: We have a team of expert legal minds who draft every Master Service Agreement in clear, simple language, so you always understand your rights and obligations.
Fast, Affordable, and Transparent Process: Get your agreement quickly without hidden costs or delays because of our fast, affordable, and transparent process.
Customized for Your Unique Indian Business: Every agreement is customized for your unique Indian business, whether you need a consulting services master agreement or a business-to-business MSA.
End-to-End Support from Draft to Signature: With us, you will get end-to-end support, guiding you from the first draft to the final signature, making sure your interests are protected at every step.

How RegisterKaro Can Help You Draft a Master Service Agreement?

Latest Blog

View All