With vs. By Means of

[Allen165]

"By means of/with this Agreement the Parties are arranging the use of trademarks by X."

Do you see any difference in meaning between "by means of" and "with" in the above sentence? I don't.

Thanks!

 

[probus]

Your questions always trouble me J165 because you are a lawyer and money may depend on the answer. I'm not a lawyer, but I used to read reasons for judgment to earn my living.

I don't see any significant difference between the two, but I am happier with "by means of" than "with", not for a reason I can articulate very clearly. I just feel that no matter how skillful the arguments, no judge could ever misinterpret "by means of this agreement". I'm a little less certain about "with". It's a tiny difference to my mind, but there must be some reason why you asked the question, and if the smallest doubt exists, go with your gut.