The Pactix independent-contractors clause is a simple, one-sentence statement that the parties intend for their relationship to be strictly that of independent contractors, and obligating each party to conduct itself accordingly. The latter is a covenant whose breach should be actionable.

If a contract's drafters feel compelled to be even more specific, they can snap in optional clauses stating that:

• neither party is an employee, agent, partner, joint venture, division, subsidiary, branch of the other
• that neither party has authority to make commitments or representations on behalf of the other party except to the extent, if any, that the contract says otherwise
• each party will defend and indemnify the other against third-party claims arising from failure to comply.