Sponsor-Friendly Sponsorship Agreement Template
SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
This Sponsorship Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into on [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date") by and between:
[Sponsor Legal Name], a company duly incorporated and existing under the laws of [Country], having its registered office at [Address], represented by [Name], acting in the capacity of [Title] (hereinafter referred to as the "Sponsor"); and
[Sponsored Party Legal Name], a company duly incorporated and existing under the laws of [Country], having its registered office at [Address], represented by [Name], acting in the capacity of [Title] (hereinafter referred to as the "Sponsored Party").
The Sponsor and the Sponsored Party are hereinafter referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties".
WHEREAS, the Sponsored Party is engaged in the organization, promotion and conduct of [description of event, programme or activity] (the "Property");
WHEREAS, the Sponsor is engaged in the business of [description of Sponsor's business] and desires to acquire certain sponsorship, promotional and marketing rights in connection with the Property upon the terms and conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the Sponsored Party warrants that it possesses all requisite rights, titles, authorizations and capacities to grant such rights to the Sponsor and to perform its obligations hereunder;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises and undertakings contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows.
Definitions and Interpretation
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions shall bear the following meanings.
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Party, any entity which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Party, where "control" means the ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities or equity interests of such entity, or the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
"Sponsorship Rights" shall mean the bundle of rights, privileges, entitlements and benefits granted by the Sponsored Party to the Sponsor pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation the right to be designated as sponsor of the Property, the right to use the Sponsored Party Marks in accordance with the terms hereof, the Sponsor Benefits enumerated herein, and such other rights as may be expressly conferred under this Agreement.
"Sponsor Marks" shall mean the trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos, slogans, trade dress, brand elements, taglines, domain names and other identifiers of the Sponsor and its Affiliates, whether or not registered, as the Sponsor may from time to time notify to the Sponsored Party in writing for purposes of this Agreement.
"Sponsored Party Marks" shall mean the trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos, slogans, trade dress and other identifiers of the Sponsored Party and the Property, whether or not registered, which the Sponsored Party authorises the Sponsor to use pursuant to this Agreement.
"Sponsorship Fee" shall mean the aggregate consideration payable by the Sponsor to the Sponsored Party in respect of the Sponsorship Rights, as more particularly set forth herein.
"Term" shall mean the period during which this Agreement shall remain in force, as determined in accordance with the provisions hereof.
"Confidential Information" shall mean any and all non-public information, in whatever form or medium, disclosed by one Party to the other in connection with this Agreement, including without limitation commercial, financial, technical, operational and strategic information, know-how, trade secrets, and the terms and existence of this Agreement.
The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its construction or interpretation. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa; words importing any gender include every gender; and references to persons include bodies corporate, unincorporated associations and partnerships. The words "include", "including" and "in particular" shall be construed as being by way of illustration and shall not limit the generality of the related general words.
Grant of Sponsorship Rights
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in consideration of the payment of the Sponsorship Fee and performance of the Sponsor's obligations hereunder, the Sponsored Party hereby grants to the Sponsor, and the Sponsor hereby accepts, the Sponsorship Rights with respect to the Property during the Term, together with such designation, status and benefits as are set forth herein.
The Sponsor shall be designated as the "[Official Sponsor / Title Sponsor / Presenting Sponsor / Exclusive Category Sponsor]" of the Property for the entirety of the Term, and such designation shall be reflected in all official communications, marketing materials, publications, press releases and public announcements issued by or on behalf of the Sponsored Party in relation to the Property.
The Sponsorship Rights are granted on a worldwide basis, or in such territory as may be reasonably inferred from the nature of the Property, and the Sponsor shall be entitled to exercise such rights across all media and channels, whether existing or hereafter developed, including print, broadcast, digital, social media, mobile and on-site activations.
The Sponsored Party warrants that it has not granted, and covenants that it shall not during the Term grant, any rights, privileges or entitlements to any third party that would conflict with, derogate from, dilute or otherwise prejudice the Sponsorship Rights conferred upon the Sponsor hereunder.
The Sponsor may, upon prior written notice to the Sponsored Party, exercise any of the Sponsorship Rights through its Affiliates, authorised agents, licensees or marketing partners, provided that the Sponsor shall remain primarily liable for any acts or omissions of such parties in connection herewith.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as creating any partnership, joint venture, agency, employment or fiduciary relationship between the Parties, and neither Party shall have the authority to bind the other except as expressly provided herein.
The grant of Sponsorship Rights shall be deemed to confer upon the Sponsor the first right of refusal with respect to any additional, upgraded or expanded sponsorship opportunities relating to the Property that may arise during the Term, exercisable within thirty (30) days of written notification by the Sponsored Party of such opportunity.
Brand and Intellectual Property Rights
The Sponsored Party hereby grants to the Sponsor a non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free licence during the Term to use, reproduce, display and incorporate the Sponsored Party Marks solely for the purpose of exercising the Sponsorship Rights, promoting the Sponsor's association with the Property and conducting marketing and promotional activities contemplated under this Agreement.
The Sponsor hereby grants to the Sponsored Party a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free licence during the Term to use, reproduce and display the Sponsor Marks solely for the purpose of acknowledging and promoting the Sponsor's sponsorship of the Property and for such other purposes as may be expressly approved by the Sponsor in writing.
Each Party acknowledges and agrees that all right, title and interest in and to its own trademarks, trade names, logos, copyrights, designs and other intellectual property shall remain vested exclusively in such Party, and that nothing in this Agreement shall operate to transfer any ownership interest therein to the other Party.
Any use by the Sponsored Party of the Sponsor Marks shall be subject to the Sponsor's prior written approval as to form, content, placement and manner of use, and the Sponsored Party shall strictly adhere to all brand guidelines, usage specifications and quality standards furnished by the Sponsor from time to time.
All goodwill arising from the use of the Sponsor Marks shall inure exclusively to the benefit of the Sponsor, and all goodwill arising from the use of the Sponsored Party Marks shall inure exclusively to the benefit of the Sponsored Party.
The Sponsored Party shall promptly notify the Sponsor of any actual or suspected infringement, misappropriation, dilution or unauthorised use of the Sponsor Marks of which it becomes aware, and shall cooperate reasonably with the Sponsor, at the Sponsor's expense, in any enforcement action the Sponsor may elect to pursue.
Any intellectual property created, developed or produced jointly by the Parties in connection with this Agreement, including creative content, campaigns, designs or materials specifically commissioned for the sponsorship activation, shall, unless otherwise agreed in writing, vest in the Sponsor, and the Sponsored Party hereby assigns, with full title guarantee, all such rights to the Sponsor to the extent necessary to give effect to this provision.
Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, each Party shall forthwith cease all use of the other Party's trademarks and intellectual property and shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, remove or destroy all materials bearing the same, save that the Sponsor may continue to reference its historical association with the Property in a factual, non-misleading manner.
Term and Renewal
This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions hereof, continue in full force and effect for a period of [number] ([number]) years (the "Initial Term").
Upon expiration of the Initial Term, this Agreement may be renewed for one or more successive terms of [number] ([number]) year(s) each (each a "Renewal Term"), upon such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed by the Parties in writing.
The Sponsor shall have an exclusive right of first negotiation to renew this Agreement, which right shall be exercisable by the Sponsor providing written notice to the Sponsored Party no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Term, whereupon the Parties shall negotiate in good faith the terms of such renewal for a period of not less than sixty (60) days.
During the period of exclusive negotiation, the Sponsored Party shall not solicit, entertain, negotiate or accept any offer, proposal or expression of interest from any third party in relation to sponsorship rights analogous to those granted hereunder.
Should the Parties fail to reach agreement on the terms of renewal within the period aforesaid, the Sponsor shall nevertheless benefit from a right of first refusal to match any bona fide third-party offer for substantially similar sponsorship rights received by the Sponsored Party within twelve (12) months following expiration of the Initial Term.
The Term and any renewal thereof shall be subject in all respects to the termination provisions set forth in this Agreement, and no renewal shall operate to waive or diminish any accrued rights or remedies of either Party.
Sponsorship Fee and Payment Terms
In consideration of the grant of the Sponsorship Rights and the Sponsor Benefits, the Sponsor shall pay to the Sponsored Party a total Sponsorship Fee of [Currency] [Amount] ([Amount in words]) for the Initial Term (the "Sponsorship Fee").
The Sponsorship Fee shall be paid in [number] ([number]) installments as follows: (i) [Currency] [Amount] within [number] days of the Effective Date; (ii) [Currency] [Amount] on or before [Date / milestone]; (iii) [Currency] [Amount] on or before [Date / milestone]; and (iv) the balance on or before [Date / milestone], or on such other installment schedule as the Parties may expressly agree in writing.
Each installment shall be payable within thirty (30) days of receipt by the Sponsor of a valid, duly issued invoice from the Sponsored Party conforming to applicable tax and legal requirements, and no installment shall fall due in the absence of such compliant invoice.
All payments hereunder shall be made by electronic funds transfer in [Currency] to such bank account as the Sponsored Party shall designate in writing. The Sponsor shall bear only such bank charges as are levied by its own remitting bank.
The Sponsorship Fee is stated exclusive of any applicable value added, sales, use, goods and services or similar transactional taxes, which, if properly chargeable, shall be added to the invoice and borne by the Sponsor. The Sponsored Party shall bear and be solely responsible for all taxes imposed on its own income, revenues, profits, employment or business operations.
In the event that applicable law requires the Sponsor to withhold any amount from any payment hereunder, the Sponsor shall be entitled to make such withholding and remit the net amount to the Sponsored Party, and such withholding shall constitute due payment under this Agreement. The Sponsor shall furnish the Sponsored Party with evidence of such withholding to enable the Sponsored Party to claim any available credit or refund.
The Sponsor shall be entitled to set off, deduct or withhold from any sums payable to the Sponsored Party hereunder any amounts due and owing by the Sponsored Party to the Sponsor, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, including liquidated damages, service credits and sums claimed by way of indemnification.
If the Sponsored Party fails to deliver, in whole or in material part, any Sponsor Benefit or deliverable required hereunder, the Sponsor shall be entitled, without prejudice to any other remedy, to a pro rata abatement or refund of the Sponsorship Fee reasonably attributable to such undelivered or deficient benefit.
Representations and Warranties
Each Party represents and warrants to the other that it is duly organised, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has full corporate power, authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.
Each Party further represents and warrants that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorised by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not contravene any law, regulation, order, judgment, articles of association, contract or other instrument binding upon it.
The Sponsored Party represents, warrants and undertakes that: (i) it is the sole and lawful owner of, or has obtained all necessary licences, consents and authorisations in respect of, the Property and the Sponsored Party Marks; (ii) it has the full and unencumbered right to grant the Sponsorship Rights to the Sponsor; and (iii) the exercise by the Sponsor of such rights shall not infringe any intellectual property, privacy, publicity or other right of any third party.
The Sponsored Party further represents and warrants that there are no actions, suits, proceedings, investigations or claims pending or, to its knowledge, threatened against it which, if adversely determined, would materially impair its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or would adversely affect the value or enjoyment of the Sponsorship Rights.
The Sponsored Party represents and warrants that it shall comply, and shall procure that its personnel, agents and contractors comply, with all applicable laws, regulations, codes and industry standards in the conduct of the Property and the performance of its obligations hereunder, including without limitation those relating to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, sanctions, data protection, consumer protection and advertising.
The Sponsored Party warrants that it has not offered, promised, given or authorised, and shall not offer, promise, give or authorise, any undue financial or other advantage to any person for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or any improper advantage in connection with this Agreement.
Each Party acknowledges that the other has entered into this Agreement in reliance upon the foregoing representations and warranties, which shall be true and accurate as of the Effective Date and shall be deemed repeated throughout the Term.
Approvals and Quality Control
All uses by the Sponsored Party of the Sponsor Marks, and all materials, communications, press releases, advertisements, promotional items, signage and digital content prepared by or on behalf of the Sponsored Party which incorporate, reference or depict the Sponsor, its products, services or association with the Property, shall be subject to the Sponsor's prior written approval.
The Sponsored Party shall submit all such materials to the Sponsor for approval not less than ten (10) business days prior to the proposed date of use, publication or deployment, and the Sponsor shall respond within a reasonable period, provided that absence of a response shall not be deemed to constitute approval.
The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to require modifications, revisions or withdrawal of any material that it considers inconsistent with its brand values, image, standards or guidelines, or otherwise detrimental to its reputation or commercial interests.
The Sponsored Party shall ensure that all goods, services, facilities, events and activations provided or conducted in connection with the Property, and in connection with which the Sponsor is identified or associated, are of a quality consistent with the Sponsor's premium brand positioning and reputation.
The Sponsor shall be entitled to conduct, at its own cost and upon reasonable prior notice, periodic audits and inspections of the Property, the venue, the sponsorship activations and the Sponsored Party's compliance with its obligations hereunder, and the Sponsored Party shall provide reasonable cooperation and access for such purposes.
Should the Sponsor identify any deficiency, non-compliance or quality concern, the Sponsored Party shall promptly, and in any event within such reasonable time as the Sponsor may stipulate, remedy the same at its sole cost and expense.
The Sponsored Party shall not make any public statement, representation or warranty concerning the Sponsor, its products, services or affiliation with the Property, save as expressly approved in writing by the Sponsor.
Sponsor Benefits and Entitlements
The Sponsor shall be entitled to the following benefits and entitlements throughout the Term, each of which shall be delivered by the Sponsored Party at its sole cost unless otherwise expressly agreed: prominent branding and logo placement on all official signage, backdrops, stages, banners, tickets, programmes and merchandise associated with the Property.
The Sponsor shall receive prominent mention and logo placement in all press releases, advertising, broadcasts, publications, websites, social media channels and digital properties operated by or on behalf of the Sponsored Party in relation to the Property, with such placement being commensurate with the Sponsor's designation as [Official Sponsor / Title Sponsor / Presenting Sponsor].
The Sponsor shall be allocated [number] complimentary premium passes, [number] VIP hospitality places and [number] general admission tickets to each event or occasion forming part of the Property, together with such other hospitality, access and courtesy benefits as are customary for a sponsor of its stature.
The Sponsor shall be entitled to designated on-site activation space of not less than [square metres/feet] at a prime location within the venue of the Property, together with such utility, infrastructure and logistical support as is reasonably required to enable product sampling, demonstrations, promotional activities and consumer engagement.
The Sponsor shall receive speaking opportunities, including but not limited to [number] keynote slots, [number] panel participation opportunities and the right to introduce or present at [specify segments], at each principal occasion comprising the Property.
The Sponsor shall be furnished with comprehensive post-event or periodic reporting, including attendance figures, media reach and value, demographic data, digital engagement metrics and photographic and audiovisual documentation of its activations, within thirty (30) days of each relevant occasion.
The Sponsored Party shall extend to the Sponsor the right to use event footage, imagery and content, including non-exclusive, royalty-free licensing of still and moving images of the Property, for the Sponsor's internal and external marketing, promotional and corporate communications purposes, in perpetuity.
The Sponsor shall receive such additional benefits as are reasonably necessary to give full and meaningful effect to its designation and status under this Agreement, and the Sponsored Party shall act in good faith to maximise the value of the sponsorship to the Sponsor.
Category Exclusivity
The Sponsored Party hereby grants to the Sponsor full category exclusivity, pursuant to which the Sponsored Party shall not, during the Term, enter into any sponsorship, endorsement, marketing, promotional, advertising, supply, licensing or similar arrangement with any person, entity or brand that competes, directly or indirectly, with the Sponsor in the category of [specify Sponsor's product and/or service category] (the "Exclusive Category").
The Exclusive Category shall be construed broadly in favour of the Sponsor and shall include, without limitation, all products, services, brands, trade names and business activities that are of the same, similar or substitute nature to those of the Sponsor and its Affiliates, as reasonably designated by the Sponsor from time to time in writing.
The Sponsored Party shall not, during the Term, permit any competitor of the Sponsor within the Exclusive Category to have any presence, visibility, signage, promotional activity, sampling, advertising, vending, supply or association of any nature whatsoever in connection with the Property.
The Sponsored Party shall take all reasonable measures to prevent and prohibit ambush marketing and any unauthorised association by third parties within the Exclusive Category with the Property, and shall promptly notify the Sponsor and cooperate with any enforcement action undertaken in respect thereof.
Should the Sponsor expand its business activities during the Term into adjacent product or service categories, the Sponsored Party shall, upon written notice from the Sponsor, extend the scope of the Exclusive Category accordingly, provided that such extension is reasonable and does not conflict with pre-existing contractual obligations of the Sponsored Party of which the Sponsor was notified in advance.
Any breach by the Sponsored Party of this exclusivity obligation shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement entitling the Sponsor, in addition to and without prejudice to any other right or remedy, to immediate termination hereof and to recovery of damages including a pro rata refund of the Sponsorship Fee.
The Sponsor's exclusivity rights hereunder shall survive any temporary suspension of the Property or any portion thereof and shall apply equally to any substituted, rescheduled, relocated, digital, hybrid or virtual version of the Property.
Deliverables and Obligations of the Sponsored Party
The Sponsored Party shall deliver to the Sponsor each and all of the Sponsor Benefits set forth herein, together with such further deliverables as may be reasonably required for the full and effective enjoyment of the Sponsorship Rights, in a timely, professional and competent manner and in accordance with the standards of a reputable and experienced organiser of events and sponsorship arrangements.
The Sponsored Party shall be responsible, at its own cost and expense, for the planning, staging, production, operation and management of the Property, including without limitation obtaining all permits, licences, authorisations, insurances and consents required for the lawful conduct thereof.
The Sponsored Party shall provide the Sponsor with a detailed activation plan, delivery schedule and project timeline not less than sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of each principal occasion comprising the Property, and shall provide regular progress updates thereafter.
The Sponsored Party shall designate a dedicated account manager, of appropriate seniority and experience, to serve as the Sponsor's principal point of contact for all matters relating to this Agreement and the sponsorship, and such person shall be reasonably available to the Sponsor during normal business hours.
The Sponsored Party shall not, without the Sponsor's prior written consent, alter, modify, postpone, relocate, cancel or materially change the nature, scope, format, schedule, venue or branding of the Property in any manner that would adversely affect the value or enjoyment of the Sponsorship Rights.
The Sponsored Party shall promptly notify the Sponsor of any matter, circumstance or development that may materially affect the Property, the sponsorship or the Sponsor's reputation, including without limitation any adverse publicity, controversy, incident, litigation, regulatory action or safety concern.
The Sponsored Party shall ensure that all third-party suppliers, contractors, agents, licensees and personnel engaged in connection with the Property are bound by contractual obligations consistent with, and sufficient to enable the Sponsored Party to perform, its obligations under this Agreement, including with respect to confidentiality, intellectual property and compliance with law.
The Sponsored Party shall maintain accurate records of its performance of its obligations hereunder for a period of not less than three (3) years following the expiration or termination of this Agreement, and shall make such records available to the Sponsor upon reasonable request for audit, verification or compliance purposes.
Indemnification
The Sponsored Party shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Sponsor, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the "Sponsor Indemnitees") from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, proceedings, losses, damages, liabilities, judgments, settlements, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) (collectively, "Losses") arising out of or in connection with: (i) any breach by the Sponsored Party of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under this Agreement.
The indemnity hereunder shall further extend to any Losses arising out of or in connection with the organisation, conduct, operation or cancellation of the Property, including but not limited to personal injury, death, property damage, infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, violation of law, or any claim brought by any attendee, participant, employee, contractor or supplier of the Sponsored Party.
The Sponsored Party shall also indemnify the Sponsor Indemnitees against any Losses arising from any defect, deficiency or non-conformance of the Sponsored Party Marks, the Property or any materials, goods, services or facilities supplied by the Sponsored Party, including any claim that the use of the Sponsored Party Marks as contemplated herein infringes or misappropriates any third-party right.
The Sponsor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Sponsored Party from and against Losses arising out of (i) any breach by the Sponsor of its material obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) any claim that the Sponsor Marks, as used strictly in accordance with the Sponsor's written instructions and this Agreement, infringe any registered trademark of a third party, provided always that the Sponsor's aggregate liability under this indemnity shall not exceed the limitations set forth in this Agreement.
The indemnified Party shall: (i) promptly notify the indemnifying Party of any claim in respect of which indemnity is sought; (ii) permit the indemnifying Party to assume sole control of the defence and settlement thereof, provided that no settlement adversely affecting the indemnified Party shall be entered into without its prior written consent; and (iii) provide reasonable cooperation, at the indemnifying Party's expense, in the defence of the claim.
The indemnified Party shall at all times be entitled to participate in the defence of any claim at its own cost through counsel of its own choosing, and failure by the indemnified Party to give timely notice shall not relieve the indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder save to the extent that such failure materially prejudices the defence of the claim.
The indemnification obligations set forth in this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights or remedies available at law or in equity.
Limitation of Liability
Subject to the following provisions, the aggregate liability of each Party to the other under or in connection with this Agreement, whether arising in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, misrepresentation or otherwise, shall not exceed, in respect of the Sponsored Party, an amount equal to twice (2x) the Sponsorship Fee paid or payable hereunder, and, in respect of the Sponsor, an amount equal to the Sponsorship Fee then due but unpaid.
In no event shall either Party be liable to the other for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, loss of revenue, loss of business, loss of goodwill, loss of anticipated savings or loss of data, howsoever arising, whether or not foreseeable and whether or not such Party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall operate to exclude or limit the liability of either Party for (i) death or personal injury caused by its negligence; (ii) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; (iii) its indemnification obligations hereunder; (iv) breach of confidentiality obligations; (v) infringement of the other Party's intellectual property rights; or (vi) any liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
The Sponsored Party's liability for breach of the category exclusivity provisions and for breach of any representation or warranty concerning its right, title and authority to grant the Sponsorship Rights shall not be subject to the aggregate liability cap set forth above.
The limitations and exclusions set forth in this section shall apply irrespective of the form of action, and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the expiration or termination of this Agreement, including termination for breach.
Each Party acknowledges that the allocation of risk reflected in this section is reasonable in light of the subject matter of this Agreement, the Sponsorship Fee payable hereunder, and the respective bargaining positions of the Parties.
Confidentiality
Each Party (the "Receiving Party") undertakes to the other (the "Disclosing Party") that it shall hold in strict confidence all Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party, disclose, publish, divulge or disseminate the same to any third party or use the same for any purpose other than the performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement.
The Receiving Party shall limit disclosure of Confidential Information to those of its directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, professional advisers and authorised contractors who have a bona fide need to know such information for the purposes contemplated hereunder, and shall ensure that each such recipient is bound by obligations of confidentiality no less onerous than those set forth herein.
The obligations of confidentiality shall not apply to any information which: (i) is or becomes publicly available other than through breach of this Agreement; (ii) was lawfully in the possession of the Receiving Party prior to disclosure by the Disclosing Party; (iii) is lawfully received from a third party without obligation of confidence; or (iv) is independently developed by the Receiving Party without reference to or use of the Disclosing Party's Confidential Information.
The Receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information to the extent required by law, regulation, court order or competent regulatory or governmental authority, provided that, to the extent lawfully permitted, it shall give the Disclosing Party prompt prior written notice of such requirement so as to afford the Disclosing Party an opportunity to seek a protective order or other appropriate relief.
Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, or earlier upon written request, the Receiving Party shall promptly return or, at the Disclosing Party's option, destroy all Confidential Information in its possession or control, together with all copies, extracts and derivative materials, and shall certify such return or destruction in writing.
Each Party acknowledges that monetary damages may be an inadequate remedy for any breach of this confidentiality section and agrees that the Disclosing Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity.
The obligations contained in this section shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for a period of five (5) years thereafter, provided that in respect of information constituting trade secrets, such obligations shall continue for so long as such information retains the character of a trade secret.
Insurance
The Sponsored Party shall, at its own cost and expense, procure and maintain in full force and effect throughout the Term and for a period of not less than two (2) years thereafter, insurance policies with reputable insurers of international standing, providing coverage appropriate to the nature, scale and risks associated with the Property and its obligations hereunder.
Such insurance shall include, without limitation: (i) commercial general liability insurance (including public liability and product liability) with a minimum limit of not less than [Currency] [Amount] per occurrence and in the aggregate; (ii) event cancellation and non-appearance insurance in an amount sufficient to cover the Sponsorship Fee; (iii) professional indemnity insurance; and (iv) such other coverages as are customary for sponsored events of a similar nature.
The Sponsored Party shall cause the Sponsor and its Affiliates to be named as additional insureds under its commercial general liability policies, and shall ensure that such policies include a waiver of subrogation in favour of the Sponsor and are primary and non-contributory with respect to any insurance maintained by the Sponsor.
The Sponsored Party shall, upon request, furnish the Sponsor with certificates of insurance evidencing the coverages required hereunder, and shall provide the Sponsor with not less than thirty (30) days' prior written notice of any cancellation, non-renewal or material adverse modification of such coverages.
The maintenance of insurance hereunder shall not be construed to limit or discharge the Sponsored Party's liability or indemnification obligations under this Agreement, and any deficiency in insurance proceeds shall be borne by the Sponsored Party.
Failure by the Sponsored Party to maintain the required insurance shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement entitling the Sponsor to terminate hereunder and to recover any resulting Losses.
Termination
Either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience, without cause and without liability (save for accrued obligations), by giving the other Party not less than ninety (90) days' prior written notice; provided, however, that where termination for convenience is exercised by the Sponsor, the Sponsor's sole financial obligation shall be to pay such installments of the Sponsorship Fee as have fallen due as of the effective date of termination, and no further installments shall thereafter accrue or be payable.
Either Party may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by written notice to the other Party in the event of a material breach by that other Party which is incapable of remedy, or which, being capable of remedy, is not remedied within thirty (30) days of written notice specifying the breach and requiring its remedy.
The Sponsor may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by written notice to the Sponsored Party in the event of: (i) breach of the category exclusivity obligations; (ii) material breach of representations or warranties; (iii) any act, omission, publicity or circumstance that, in the Sponsor's reasonable judgment, brings or is likely to bring the Sponsor, the Property or the sponsorship into public disrepute, scandal or contempt (a "Morals Clause event"); (iv) cancellation, postponement by more than six (6) months or material alteration of the Property; or (v) a Force Majeure Event affecting the Property for a continuous period exceeding sixty (60) days.
Either Party may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect upon written notice if the other Party (i) becomes insolvent, enters liquidation, administration or receivership, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or becomes subject to any analogous proceeding; or (ii) undergoes a change of control to a party reasonably objectionable to the terminating Party.
Termination of this Agreement for any reason shall be without prejudice to any accrued rights or remedies of either Party and shall not affect those provisions which, by their nature, are intended to survive termination.
Consequences of Termination
Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason: (i) all Sponsorship Rights granted to the Sponsor shall forthwith cease, save as expressly provided herein; (ii) each Party shall cease all use of the other Party's trademarks, Confidential Information and intellectual property, subject to the sell-off and reference rights set forth below; and (iii) each Party shall return or destroy, in accordance with the confidentiality provisions, the Confidential Information of the other.
In the event of termination by the Sponsor for breach by the Sponsored Party, or in circumstances where the Property is cancelled, materially altered or does not take place for reasons attributable to the Sponsored Party or beyond either Party's control, the Sponsored Party shall promptly refund to the Sponsor such proportion of the Sponsorship Fee as corresponds to the Sponsor Benefits not received or substantially diminished in value, together with any other sums paid by the Sponsor for which no corresponding benefit has been received.
In the event of termination by the Sponsored Party for material breach by the Sponsor, the Sponsored Party shall retain all installments of the Sponsorship Fee properly accrued and paid up to the date of termination, but shall not be entitled to any installments that have not yet fallen due.
The Sponsor shall be entitled, for a period of ninety (90) days following termination, to continue to use existing inventory of marketing, promotional and collateral materials bearing the Sponsored Party Marks or references to the Property, solely for the purpose of exhausting such existing inventory in the ordinary course.
Termination shall not relieve either Party of any obligations accrued prior to the effective date of termination, including the obligation to pay sums then due and owing, and shall not prejudice any claim, right or remedy that either Party may have in respect of any prior breach.
The provisions of this Agreement which by their nature are intended to survive termination, including without limitation those relating to intellectual property, indemnification, limitation of liability, confidentiality, consequences of termination, governing law and dispute resolution, shall survive and remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination.
Force Majeure
Neither Party shall be liable for any delay in performing or failure to perform any of its obligations hereunder (other than obligations for the payment of sums already accrued and due) to the extent that such delay or failure is caused by any event, act or circumstance beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, riot, insurrection, pandemic, epidemic, government action, embargo, strike or industrial action, fire, flood, earthquake, extreme weather, failure of utilities or telecommunications networks, cyberattack, or any other similar event (each a "Force Majeure Event").
The Party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall promptly notify the other Party in writing of the occurrence thereof, the nature and expected duration of the event, and the obligations affected, and shall use all reasonable endeavours to mitigate the effects of the event and resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable.
During the subsistence of a Force Majeure Event, the obligations of the affected Party shall be suspended to the extent affected, and the time for performance shall be extended by a period equivalent to the duration of the event, provided that no such suspension shall relieve the Sponsored Party of any obligation to procure the delivery of the Sponsor Benefits for which the Sponsor has already paid, nor shall it extend the Term.
Should a Force Majeure Event continue for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or more, or should it be reasonably apparent that it will continue for such a period, the Sponsor shall have the right, at its sole option, to (i) terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by written notice and receive a pro rata refund of the Sponsorship Fee corresponding to the undelivered benefits; or (ii) suspend the Agreement pending resumption of performance.
A Force Majeure Event shall not excuse the Sponsored Party from its obligations to maintain the insurance required under this Agreement or to safeguard the Sponsor's Confidential Information and intellectual property.
Financial inability, difficulty in sourcing supplies at commercially acceptable prices, or any event which is reasonably foreseeable at the Effective Date shall not constitute a Force Majeure Event for purposes of this Agreement.
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
This Agreement, and any dispute, claim or obligation (whether contractual or non-contractual) arising out of or in connection with it, its subject matter or formation, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Country/Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
The Parties shall endeavour in good faith to resolve amicably any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, through direct negotiations between their respective senior representatives, who shall meet within fifteen (15) business days of a written request from either Party.
Should the dispute not be resolved through such negotiations within thirty (30) days, the Parties shall refer the matter to mediation administered by [name of mediation institution / mutually agreed mediator] in accordance with its applicable rules, with the costs of mediation being shared equally.
Any dispute, controversy or claim not resolved through negotiation or mediation shall be finally and exclusively resolved by arbitration under the rules of [name of arbitration institution], which rules shall be deemed incorporated by reference. The seat of arbitration shall be [City, Country], the arbitration shall be conducted by [one (1) / three (3)] arbitrator(s), and the language of the arbitration shall be English.
The arbitral award shall be final and binding upon the Parties, and judgment thereon may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to award all appropriate relief, including interim and injunctive relief and costs, and the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and arbitration costs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party may seek interim, provisional, injunctive or equitable relief from any court of competent jurisdiction in order to protect its intellectual property, Confidential Information or other rights pending resolution of a dispute, without such application being deemed a waiver of the arbitration agreement.
Each Party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection it may have to the choice of law, forum or venue set forth herein, and any right it may have to a trial by jury in connection with any dispute arising hereunder.
Notices
Any notice, consent, approval or other communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing, in the English language, and shall be delivered personally, sent by internationally recognised courier service with proof of delivery, or transmitted by electronic mail (with confirmation of transmission), to the addresses set forth below or such other address as the recipient Party may from time to time designate by written notice.
Notices to the Sponsor shall be addressed to: [Sponsor Name], Attention: [Name/Title], Address: [Address], Email: [Email Address].
Notices to the Sponsored Party shall be addressed to: [Sponsored Party Name], Attention: [Name/Title], Address: [Address], Email: [Email Address].
Notices shall be deemed to have been duly given: (i) upon receipt, if delivered personally; (ii) on the third (3rd) business day following dispatch, if sent by courier; and (iii) on the business day of successful transmission, if sent by electronic mail (provided such transmission occurs during normal business hours in the recipient's location, and otherwise on the next business day).
Notices concerning breach, termination, indemnification claims or dispute resolution shall additionally be delivered by courier, and shall not be effective if sent solely by electronic mail.
Each Party shall promptly notify the other of any change in its notice details, and failing such notification, communications sent to the last notified address shall be deemed validly given.
Miscellaneous Provisions
This Agreement, together with any documents expressly referred to herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, representations and discussions, whether oral or written, relating to such subject matter.
No amendment, modification, supplement or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by duly authorised representatives of both Parties. No failure or delay by either Party in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power or remedy.
Neither Party may assign, transfer, delegate, sub-license or otherwise dispose of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that the Sponsor may assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any of its Affiliates or in connection with any merger, consolidation, reorganisation or sale of all or substantially all of its assets or the business to which this Agreement relates, upon written notice to the Sponsored Party.
If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be severed from this Agreement, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The Parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace the severed provision with a valid, enforceable provision that most closely reflects the original intent.
Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be deemed to create a partnership, joint venture, agency, employment, franchise or fiduciary relationship between the Parties, and neither Party shall have any authority to act for, bind or incur obligations on behalf of the other, except as expressly authorised in writing.
This Agreement is made for the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and is not intended to confer any rights or benefits upon any third party, save that each Sponsor Indemnitee may enforce the indemnification provisions directly.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Execution and delivery by electronic signature or by scanned signature transmitted by electronic mail shall be deemed valid and binding for all purposes.
Each Party shall bear its own costs, expenses and professional fees incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorised representatives as of the Effective Date first above written.
For and on behalf of the Sponsor:
[Sponsor Legal Name]
Signature: ___________________________
Name: [Name]
Title: [Title]
Date: [Date]
For and on behalf of the Sponsored Party:
[Sponsored Party Legal Name]
Signature: ___________________________
Name: [Name]
Title: [Title]
Date: [Date]
Witness (optional):
Signature: ___________________________
Name: [Name]
Address: [Address]
Date: [Date]