Method of Asserting Claims, Etc The party claiming indemnification is hereinafter referred to as the “Indemnified Party” and the party against whom such claims are asserted hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Indemnifying Party.” All Claims for indemnification by any Indemnified Party under this Article 5 shall be asserted as follows:
(a) In the event that any Claim or demand for which an Indemnifying Party would be liable to an Indemnified Party hereunder is asserted against or sought to be collected from such Indemnified Party by a third party, said Indemnified Party shall, within ten (10) business days from the date upon which the Indemnified Party has Knowledge of such Claim, notify the Indemnifying Party of such claim or demand, specifying the nature of and specific basis for such claim or demand and the amount or the estimated amount thereof to the extent then feasible (which estimate shall not be conclusive of the final amount of such Claim or demand) (the “Claim Notice”). The Indemnified Party’s failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of liability hereunder unless such failure materially prejudices the Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend against the claim or demand. The Indemnifying Party shall have 30 days from the giving of the Claim Notice (the “Notice Period”) to notify the Indemnified Party: (i) whether or not the Indemnifying Party disputes the liability of the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party hereunder with respect to such Claim or demand, and (ii) whether or not the Indemnifying Party desires, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to defend the Indemnified Party against such Claims or demand; provided, however, that any Indemnified Party is hereby authorized prior to and during the Notice Period to file any motion, answer or other pleading which he shall deem necessary or appropriate to protect his interests or those of the Indemnifying Party and not prejudicial to the Indemnifying Party. In the event that the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party within the Notice Period that he, she or it does not dispute liability for indemnification under this Article 5 and that such person desires to defend the Indemnified Party against such claim or demand and except as hereinafter provided, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be promptly settled or prosecuted by him to a final conclusion. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party except to the extent that the employment thereof has been specifically authorized by the Indemnifying Party in writing, the Indemnifying Party has failed after a reasonable period of time to assume such defense and to employ counsel or in such action there is, in the reasonable opinion of such separate counsel, a material conflict on any material issue between the position of the Indemnifying Party and the position of such Indemnified Party (a “Material Conflict”). If requested by the Indemnifying Party and there is no Material Conflict, the Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and his, her or its counsel in contesting any Claim or demand which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest or, if appropriate and related to the Claim in question, in making any Counterclaim against the person asserting the third party Claim or demand, or any cross-complaint against any person. No Claim for which indemnity is sought hereunder and for which the Indemnifying Party has acknowledged liability for indemnification under this Article 5 may be settled without the consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(b) In the event any Indemnified Party should have a Claim against any Indemnifying Party hereunder which does not involve a Claim or demand being asserted against or sought to be collected from him by a third party, the Indemnified Party shall give a Claim Notice with respect to such Claim to the Indemnifying Party. If, after receipt of a Claim Notice, the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party within the Notice Period that he, she or it disputes such Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have admitted liability for such Claim in the amount set forth in the Claim Notice.
(c) The Indemnifying Party shall be given the opportunity to defend the respective Claim.
Method of Asserting Claims All claims for indemnification under Section 9, other than any Tax Claim (which shall be asserted and resolved as set forth in Section 9.4) and any Environmental Claim (which shall be asserted and resolved as set forth in Section 9.5), will be asserted and resolved as follows:
9.3.1 Subject to the provisions of each of Section 9.1 and Section 9.2, a party claiming indemnification (the “Indemnified Party”) in respect of, arising out of or involving a claim or demand made by a third party against the Indemnified Party (a “Third Party Claim”) shall deliver notice (a “Claim Notice”) to the other party (the “Indemnifying Party”) within fifteen (15) Business Days after receipt by the Indemnified Party of written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to timely give such Claim Notice shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have (i) been prejudiced as a result of such failure or (ii) forfeited rights and defenses otherwise available to the Indemnifying Party as a result of such failure.
9.3.2 In the case of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to assume and control the defense and settlement thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party. Should the Indemnifying Party so assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party for legal expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof. If the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, provided that the Indemnifying Party shall be permitted to control such defense and any settlement. If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of a Third Party Claim within thirty (30) days following a Claim Notice, the Indemnified Party, by notice to the Indemnifying Party, may employ its own counsel and control the defense of the Third Party Claim and the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel employed by the Indemnified Party in each applicable jurisdiction, provided that in any such case the Indemnified Party shall diligently and in good faith contest such Third Party Claim. Whether the Indemnifying Party or the Indemnified Party controls the defense of any Third Party Claim, the parties shall cooperate in the defense thereof. Such cooperation shall include the retention and provision to the counsel of the controlling party of records and information that are reasonably relevant to such Third Party Claim, and making employees available on a commercially reasonable, mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to settle, compromise or discharge a Third Party Claim without the Indemnified Party’s consent if such settlement, compromise or discharge (i) constitutes a complete and unconditional discharge and release of the Indemnified Party, (ii) does not include any statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by, or on behalf of, any such Indemnified Party and (iii) provides for no relief other than the payment of monetary damages and such monetary damages are paid by the Indemnifying Party (subject to, if Seller is the Indemnifying Party, the Deductible Amount, the Minimum Amount and the Maximum Amount, as provided above). No Third Party Claim may be settled by the Indemnified Party without the written consent of the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnified Party desires to settle a Third Party Claim, it shall provide the Indemnifying Party with a written document signed by the Person making the Third Party Claim and the Indemnified Party setting forth the terms of the proposed settlement (the “Settlement Offer”). The Indemnifying Party shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to such proposed settlement unless it agrees that it shall indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to such Third Party Claim in accordance with this Section 9, subject to the Maximum Amount, the Minimum Amount and the Deductible Amount, provided that the amount of the final settlement or judgment with respect to such Third Party Claim that is in excess of the amount of the Settlement Offer shall not be subject to the Maximum Amount nor shall it be applied against the Maximum Amount.
9.3.3 If an Indemnified Party has a claim against any Indemnifying Party that does not involve a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall deliver notice (an “Indemnity Notice”) within thirty (30) days after the Indemnified Party has Knowledge of any claim that the Indemnified Party has determined has given or could give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement describing in reasonable detail the facts giving rise to any claim for indemnification and shall include in such Indemnity Notice the amount or the method of computation of the amount of such claim, and a reference to the provision of this Agreement upon which such claim is based, provided, however, that failure to timely give such Indemnity Notice shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have (i) been prejudiced as a result of such failure or (ii) forfeited rights and defenses otherwise available to the Indemnifying Party as a result of such failure. If the Indemnifying Party disputes its liability with respect to such claim, the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party will proceed in good faith to negotiate a resolution of such dispute, and if not resolved through negotiations within thirty (30) days, the Indemnified Party may commence an Action in connection therewith.
Notice of Litigation, Right to Prosecute, Etc No Fund shall be liable for indemnification under this Section 5.03 unless a Person shall have promptly notified such Fund in writing of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding brought against such Person in respect of which indemnity may be sought under this Section 5.03. With respect to claims in such litigation or proceedings for which indemnity by a Fund may be sought and subject to applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction, such Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding and, after written notice from such Fund to any Person, such Fund may assume the defense of such litigation or proceeding with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the litigation for which such Fund may be subject to an indemnification obligation; provided however, a Person shall be entitled to participate in (but not control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such litigation or proceeding if such Fund has not acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Person with respect to such litigation or proceeding. If such Fund is not permitted to participate or control such litigation or proceeding under applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction, such Person shall reasonably prosecute such litigation or proceeding. A Person shall not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement in any such litigation or proceeding without providing each applicable Fund with adequate notice of any such settlement or judgment, and without each such Fund's prior written consent. All Persons shall submit written evidence to each applicable Fund with respect to any cost or expense for which they are seeking indemnification in such form and detail as such Fund may reasonably request.
METHOD OF ASSERTING INDEMNIFICATION CLAIMS All claims for indemnification by any Indemnified Party (as defined below) under Section 9.2 shall be asserted and resolved as follows:
(a) In the event any claim or demand in respect of which an Indemnified Party might seek indemnity under Section 9.2 is asserted against or sought to be collected from such Indemnified Party by a person other than a party hereto or an affiliate thereof (a "THIRD PARTY CLAIM"), the Indemnified Party shall deliver a written notification, enclosing a copy of all papers served, if any, and specifying the nature of and basis for such Third Party Claim and for the Indemnified Party's claim for indemnification that is being asserted under any provision of Section 9.2 against an Indemnifying Party, together with the amount or, if not then reasonably ascertainable, the estimated amount, determined in good faith, of such Third Party Claim (a "CLAIM NOTICE") with reasonable promptness to the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnified Party fails to provide the Claim Notice with reasonable promptness after the Indemnified Party receives notice of such Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall not be obligated to indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to such Third Party Claim to the extent that the Indemnifying Party's ability to defend has been prejudiced by such failure of the Indemnified Party. The Indemnifying Party shall notify the Indemnified Party as soon as practicable within the period ending thirty (30) calendar days following receipt by the Indemnifying Party of either a Claim Notice or an Indemnity Notice (as defined below) (the "DISPUTE PERIOD") whether the Indemnifying Party disputes its liability or the amount of its liability to the Indemnified Party under Section 9.2 and whether the Indemnifying Party desires, at its sole cost and expense, to defend the Indemnified Party against such Third Party Claim.
(i) If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party within the Dispute Period that the Indemnifying Party desires to defend the Indemnified Party with respect to the Third Party Claim pursuant to this Section 9.3(a), then the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, such Third Party Claim by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be vigorously and diligently prosecuted by the Indemnifying Party to a final conclusion or will be settled at the discretion of the Indemnifying Party (but only with the consent of the Indemnified Party in the case of any settlement that provides for any relief other than the payment of monetary damages or that provides for the payment of monetary damages as to which the Indemnified Party shall not be indemnified in full pursuant to Section 9.2). The Indemnifying Party shall have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party may, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnified Party, at any time prior to the Indemnifying Party's delivery of the notice referred to in the first sentence of this clause (i), file any motion, answer or other pleadings or take any other action that the Indemnified Party reasonably believes to be necessary or appropriate to protect its interests; and provided further, that if requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party will, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, provide reasonable cooperation to the Indemnifying Party in contesting any Third Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party elects to contest. The Indemnified Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement of any Third Party Claim controlled by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this clause (i), and except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Indemnified Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnified Party may takeover the control of the defense or settlement of a Third Party Claim at any time if it irrevocably waives its right to indemnity under Section 9.2 with respect to such Third Party Claim.
(ii) If the Indemnifying Party fails to notify the Indemnified Party within the Dispute Period that the Indemnifying Party desires to defend the Third Party Claim pursuant to Section 9.3(a), or if the Indemnifying Party gives such notice but fails to prosecute vigorously and diligently or settle the Third Party Claim, or if the Indemnifying Party fails to give any notice whatsoever within the Dispute Period, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, the Third Party Claim by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be prosecuted by the Indemnified Party in a reasonable manner and in good faith or will be settled at the discretion of the Indemnified Party(with the consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld). The Indemnified Party will have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof; provided, however, that if requested by the Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party will, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, provide reasonable cooperation to the Indemnified Party and its counsel in contesting any Third Party Claim which the Indemnified Party is contesting. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this clause (ii), if the Indemnifying Party has notified the Indemnified Party within the Dispute Period that the Indemnifying Party disputes its liability or the amount of its liability hereunder to the Indemnified Party with respect to such Third Party Claim and if such dispute is resolved in favor of the Indemnifying Party in the manner provided in clause (iii) below, the Indemnifying Party will not be required to bear the costs and expenses of the Indemnified Party's defense pursuant to this clause (ii) or of the Indemnifying Party's participation therein at the Indemnified Party's request, and the Indemnified Party shall reimburse the Indemnifying Party in full for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Indemnifying Party in connection with such litigation. The Indemnifying Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement controlled by the Indemnified Party pursuant to this clause (ii), and the Indemnifying Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation.
(iii) If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party that it does not dispute its liability or the amount of its liability to the Indemnified Party with respect to the Third Party Claim under Section 9.2 or fails to notify the Indemnified Party within the Dispute Period whether the Indemnifying Party disputes its liability or the amount of its liability to the Indemnified Party with respect to such Third Party Claim, the amount of Damages specified in the Claim Notice shall be conclusively deemed a liability of the Indemnifying Party under Section 9.2 and the Indemnifying Party shall pay the amount of such Damages to the Indemnified Party on demand. If the Indemnifying Party has timely disputed its liability or the amount of its liability with respect to such claim, the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall proceed in good faith to negotiate a resolution of such dispute; provided, however, that if the dispute is not resolved within thirty (30) days after the Claim Notice, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to institute such legal action as it deems appropriate.
(b) In the event any Indemnified Party should have a claim under Section 9.2 against the Indemnifying Party that does not involve a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall deliver a written notification of a claim for indemnity under Section 9.2 specifying the nature of and basis for such claim, together with the amount or, if not then reasonably ascertainable, the estimated amount, determined in good faith, of such claim (an "INDEMNITY NOTICE") with reasonable promptness to the Indemnifying Party. The failure by any Indemnified Party to give the Indemnity Notice shall not impair such party's rights hereunder except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party demonstrates that it has been irreparably prejudiced thereby. If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party that it does not dispute the claim or the amount of the claim described in such Indemnity Notice or fails to notify the Indemnified Party within the Dispute Period whether the Indemnifying Party disputes the claim or the amount of the claim described in such Indemnity Notice, the amount of Damages specified in the Indemnity Notice will be conclusively deemed a liability of the Indemnifying Party under Section 9.2 and the Indemnifying Party shall pay the amount of such Damages to the Indemnified Party on demand. If the Indemnifying Party has timely disputed its liability or the amount of its liability with respect to such claim, the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall proceed in good faith to negotiate a resolution of such dispute; provided, however, that if the dispute is not resolved within thirty (30) days after the Claim Notice, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to institute such legal action as it deems appropriate.
(c) The Indemnifying Party agrees to pay the Indemnified Party, promptly as such expenses are incurred and are due and payable, for any reasonable legal fees or other reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim.
(d) The indemnity provisions contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar rights of the Indemnified Party against the Indemnifying Party or others, and (ii) any liabilities the Indemnifying Party may be subject to.
Notice and Defense of Third Party Claims Promptly following the earlier of (a) receipt of notice of the commencement by a third party of any Action against or otherwise involving any Indemnified Party or (b) receipt of information from a third party alleging the existence of a claim against an Indemnified Party, in either case, with respect to which indemnification may be sought pursuant to this Agreement (a “Third Party Claim”), the Indemnified Party shall give the Indemnifying Party written notice thereof. The failure of the Indemnified Party to give notice as provided in this Section 6.07 shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure to give notice. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, the Indemnifying Party shall, by giving written notice thereof to the Indemnified Party, (a) acknowledge, as between the parties hereto, liability for, and at its option elect to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim at its sole cost and expense or (b) object to the claim of indemnification set forth in the notice delivered by the Indemnified Party pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 6.07 setting forth the grounds therefor; provided that if the Indemnifying Party does not within the same thirty (30) day period give the Indemnified Party written notice acknowledging liability or objecting to such claim and setting forth the grounds therefor, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have acknowledged, as between the parties hereto, its liability to the Indemnified Party for such Third Party Claim. Any contest of a Third Party Claim as to which the Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense shall be conducted by attorneys employed by the Indemnifying Party and reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party; provided that the Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in such proceedings and to be represented by attorneys of its own choosing at the Indemnified Party’s sole cost and expense. If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party may settle or compromise the claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party if such settlement or compromise is solely for monetary damages for which the Indemnifying Party shall be responsible for; in all other events, the Indemnifying Party may not agree to any settlement or compromise without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of a Third Party Claim for which it has acknowledged liability for indemnification under Article VI, the Indemnified Party may require the Indemnifying Party to reimburse it on a current basis for its reasonable expenses of investigation, reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in defending against such Third Party Claim, and the Indemnifying Party shall be bound by the result obtained with respect thereto by the Indemnified Party; provided that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement effected without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnifying Party shall pay to the Indemnified Party in cash the amount for which the Indemnified Party is entitled to be indemnified (if any) within 15 days after the final resolution of such Third Party Claim (whether by the final nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise), or, in the case of any Third Party Claim as to which the Indemnifying Party has not acknowledged liability, within 15 days after such Indemnifying Party’s objection has been resolved by settlement, compromise or the final nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Third Party Infringement Claims In the event any claim or action for infringement of any patent, trademark, or other intellectual property right shall be made or brought by a third party against Seller, Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates because of, or in anticipation of, the manufacture and supply of Product by Seller to Purchaser hereunder, or the marketing, sale or distribution of such Product to Purchaser Customers in the Territory by Purchaser hereunder (a “Third Party Infringement Claim”), the party first receiving such notice of the Third Party Infringement Claim shall promptly notify the other party. With respect to the Third Party Infringement Claim, Seller and Purchaser each hereby agrees that all Damages arising from or related to the Third Party Infringement Claim (including any legal fees and associated costs incurred in defending the Third Party Infringement Claim and any fees, royalties or other amounts paid in settlement or upon judgment) shall be shared as follows:
(a) Except as provided in clause (b) below, Seller shall be 100% responsible for all Damages arising from any Third Party Infringement Claim, including any fees, royalties or other amounts agreed to be paid in settlement or upon judgment of the Lawsuit or otherwise; and
(b) Purchaser shall be 100% responsible for all Damages arising from any Third Party Infringement Claim with respect to the use of Purchaser Trademarks. Each party agrees to indemnify the other party to ensure that Damages arising from any Third Party Infringement Claim are allocated in accordance with clauses (a) and (b) above. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, Seller shall control the defense any Third Party Infringement Claim described in clause (a) above and Purchaser shall control the defense of any Third Party Infringement Claim described in clause (b) above. The party controlling the defense of any Third Party Infringement Claim shall have the sole right to defend or settle any such Third Party Infringement Claim; provided, however, that such settlement does not impose any obligation or burden on the other party without the prior written consent of the other party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). The party controlling the defense of any Third Party Infringement Claim shall keep the other party, at its request, materially informed of the status and progress of the defense of the Third Party Infringement Claim. No Third Party Infringement Claim shall be settled by the party who is not controlling the defense of such Third Party Infringement Claim without the prior written consent of the party controlling such defense. The non-controlling party, its employees, agents and Affiliates shall reasonably cooperate with the party (and its legal representatives) controlling the defense of any Third Party Infringement Claim in the investigation and defense of such Third Party Infringement Claim. Notwithstanding the above, and by way of clarification, neither party shall be obligated to indemnify the other party hereunder for modification or misuse of the Product by the other party or by wholesalers or the customers of either party. The provisions of this Section 17.4 shall be notwithstanding any conflicting provisions set forth in this Agreement, including Sections 17.1, 17.2 and 17.3.
Notice and Cooperation by Indemnitee Indemnitee shall, as a condition precedent to his/her right to be indemnified under this Agreement, give the Company notice in writing as soon as practicable of any claim made against Indemnitee for which indemnification will or could be sought under this Agreement, provided that the delay of Indemnitee to give notice hereunder shall not prejudice any of Indemnitee’s rights hereunder, unless such delay results in the Company’s forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses. Notice to the Company shall be given in accordance with Section F.7 below. If, at the time of receipt of such notice, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice to its insurers of the Proceeding relating to the notice. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary and desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all Expenses payable as a result of such Proceeding. In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as the Company may reasonably request.
Notice/Cooperation by Indemnitee Indemnitee shall, as a condition precedent to Indemnitee's right to be indemnified or Indemnitee's right to receive Expense Advances under this Agreement, give the Company notice in writing as soon as practicable of any Claim made against Indemnitee for which indemnification will or could be sought under this Agreement. Notice to the Company shall be directed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company at the address shown on the signature page of this Agreement (or such other address as the Company shall designate in writing to Indemnitee). In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee's power.
Initiation – Written Claim The claimant initiates a claim by submitting to the Plan Administrator a written claim for the benefits. If such a claim relates to the contents of a notice received by the claimant, the claim must be made within sixty (60) days after such notice was received by the claimant. All other claims must be made within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date on which the event that caused the claim to arise occurred. The claim must state with particularity the determination desired by the claimant.
Third Party Claims Each Notice of Claim given by Acquiror, which involves a third party (a “Third Party Claim”), shall be resolved as follows:
(a) If, within thirty (30) days after a Notice of Claim is delivered to the Seller Representative, (x) the Seller Representative produces a notice of election and (y) such notice of election includes a written acknowledgment from the Seller Representative on behalf of the Seller Guarantors and the Sellers (the “Indemnifying Persons”) that the Indemnifying Persons would be required to indemnify the Acquiror Indemnified Persons for all Damages in connection with such Third Party Claim Notice, the Indemnifying Persons shall have the right, but not the obligation to (i) take control of the defense and investigation of such Third Party Claim, (ii) employ and engage attorneys of their own choice (subject to the approval of Acquiror, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to handle and defend the same, at the Indemnifying Persons’ sole cost and expense, and (iii) compromise or settle such Third Party Claim, which compromise or settlement shall be made only with the written consent of Acquiror; provided, that such consent will not be required if such settlement includes an unconditional release of the Acquiror Indemnified Persons and provides solely for payment of monetary damages for which the Acquiror Indemnified Persons will be indemnified in full. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Persons shall not have the right to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim if (1) the Indemnifying Persons fail to actively and diligently conduct the defense of the Third Party Claim (after notice and reasonable opportunity to cure), (2) the Acquiror Indemnified Persons have received advice from counsel that an actual or potential conflict exists between the Acquiror Indemnified Persons and the Indemnifying Persons in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claim, (3) such Third Party Claim seeks a finding or admission of a violation of any criminal Law by an Acquiror Indemnified Person, (4) such Third Party Claim seeks an injunction or other equitable remedies in respect of an Acquiror Indemnified Person or its business, (5) such Third Party Claim relates to a Material Customer or Material Supplier, or (6) such Third Party Claim is reasonably likely to result in Damages that, taken with any other then existing claims under this Article 12, would not be not be fully indemnified hereunder.
(b) In the event that the Indemnifying Persons defend the Acquiror Indemnified Persons against a Third Party Claim, the Acquiror Indemnified Persons shall cooperate in all reasonable respects, at the Indemnifying Persons’ request, with the Indemnifying Persons and their attorneys in the investigation, trial and defense of such Third Party Claim and any appeal arising therefrom, including, if appropriate and related to such Third Party Claim, in making any counterclaim against the third party claimant, or any cross complaint against any Person, in each case, at the expense of the Indemnifying Persons. The Acquiror Indemnified Persons may, at their own sole cost and expense, monitor and further participate in (but not control) the investigation, trial and defense of such Third Party Claim and any appeal arising therefrom.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Indemnifying Persons do not assume such defense and investigation or does not acknowledge in writing within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Third Party Claim Notice its obligation to indemnify the Acquiror Indemnified Persons against any Damages arising from such Third Party Claim, then the Acquiror Indemnified Persons shall have the right to retain separate counsel of their choosing, defend such Third Party Claim and have the sole power to direct and control such defense (all at the cost and expense of the Indemnifying Persons if it is ultimately determined that the Acquiror Indemnified Persons are entitled to indemnification hereunder); it being understood that the Acquiror Indemnified Persons’ right to indemnification for a Third Party Claim shall not be adversely affected by assuming the defense of such Third Party Claim. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, whether or not the Indemnifying Persons shall have assumed the defense of such Third Party Claim, the Acquiror Indemnified Persons shall not settle, compromise or pay such Third Party Claim for which they seeks indemnification hereunder without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Persons, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
(d) The Acquiror Indemnified Persons and the Indemnifying Persons shall use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid production of confidential information (consistent with Law), and to cause all communications among employees, counsel and others representing any party to a Third Party Claim to be made so as to preserve any applicable attorney-client or work-product privileges.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 8.1(d) shall exclusively govern S Corporation Tax Proceedings.
