Legal Definitions - Unilateral Contract

A unilateral contract is a type of contract where an offer is made that can only be accepted by performing a specific action.

For example, if someone offers a reward for finding their lost dog, this is a unilateral contract. The offer can only be accepted by finding the dog, which is the required performance.

Another example of a unilateral contract is a contest. If a company offers a prize for the best photo submitted, this is a unilateral contract. The offer can only be accepted by submitting a photo that meets the requirements of the contest.

It's important to note that in a unilateral contract, the offeror can revoke the offer before the offeree begins to perform. However, the revocation must be expressed.

Unilateral contracts are governed by state laws, not federal laws.