LEGAL FACTORS
These are related to the legal environment in which firms operate.
The introduction of age discrimination and disability discrimination legislation, an increase in the minimum wage and greater requirements for firms to recycle are examples of relatively recent laws that affect an organisation's actions.
Legal changes can affect a firm's costs (e.g. if new systems and procedures have to be developed) and demand (e.g. if the law affects the likelihood of customers buying the good or using the service.
Contractual issues
Contracts do not have to be in writing on a formal document and signed to be legally binding. The major elements of formation of a contract are offer and acceptance; consideration; intention to create legal relations and certainty of terms. Thus, provided these elements are met, a contract may be construed via exchange of e-mails, scribbling on the back of a docket or even verbal exchanges.