A covenant not to sue is a covenant entered into by a party who had a cause of action at the time of making it, and by which he agrees not to sue the party liable to such action. Covenants of this nature, are either covenants perpetual not to sue, or covenants not to sue for a limited time; for example, seven years.
A covenant not to sue is not a release. The difference is one of intent and grows out of the construction placed on the terms of the instrument, since a covenant not to sue is not a present abandonment or relinquishment of a right or claim but merely an agreement not to enforce an existing cause of action, and, although it may operate as a release between the parties to the agreement, it will not release a claim against joint obligors or joint tortfeasors. In the case of a release, there is an immediate discharge, whereas, in the case of a covenant not to sue, there is merely an agreement not to prosecute a suit.
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
