Several that reached recent settlements similarly put off the pain by deferring raises to the ends of contracts, otherwise known as delayed mortification.

To bring oil and gas reserves to market, minerals are leased by oil companies through a legally binding contract known as a lease.

None of the three companies selected know yet what portion of the total business they will receive under the contract, known as Networx Universal.

That contract, known as FTS-2000, has suffered several delays because of disputes over competition.

A British example was training contracts known as 'articles of clerkship'.

At that time they have been asked to accept a tough contract known on Wall Street as a "hell or high water contract."

The case involved a contract known as a fixed annuity with discretionary interest features.

Both agreements fall under a category of contracts known as "restrictive covenants," she said.

The contract, known as spot deferred, allows Barrick to postpone delivery, however, for up to 15 years.

Like an increasing number of new franchise owners, Ms. Solomon has entered into a type of contract known as an "area development agreement."