虽然在学理上可以将"Representation"、"Warranty"和"Covenant"做以上的区别,但是在英文合约的实际撰写上,常常把它们放在同一个条款,而统称为"Representations and Warranties",或是"Covenants and Warranties"。下面为了清楚起见,还是用两个例子分开说明。
当事人通常会约定,保证条款里所叙述过去或现在的「事实」如果有虚假情事,或者当事人违反自己在承诺条款所为之承诺,对方当事人即取得解除契约的权利(right of termination;请参考本编之拾肆「违约条款」一节)。
The Seller hereby represents and warrants as to itself that:
(i) it is a duly organized legal entity&, validly existing and in good standing& under the laws of the Republic of China;
(ii) its Board of Directors has taken all necessary action to duly authorize the execution, delivery and performance& of this Agreement which actions are reflected in the minutes book& of the corporation; and
(iii) its entry into and performance of its obligations under this Agreement do not violate any legal requirements& in the Republic of China as of the date hereof or any material agreements to which it is a party.
出卖人保证下列事项属实:
(i) 本公司为依中华民国法律合法组织存在之法律主体;
(ii) 本公司董事会已依法授权本公司进行与本合约相关的订立与履行事宜,并记载于董事会记录中;
(iii) 本公司订立本合约及因本合约所致生之义务,不违反订约时之任何中华民国法令,或违反其它任何本公司为当事人的合约。
-- in good standing
"good standing"是一个公司合法、有效存在的一种表征。例如在美国,公司每年向各州州政府缴交少许的手续费用,州政府就会对该公司进行一些简单的调查工作,如纳税记录等等,如果没有问题,就会发给一张"certificate of good standing",表彰该公司的状况大致良好。