TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR THE SALE OF GOODS
1. APPLICABILITY
1a. These terms and conditions of sale (these “Terms”) are the only terms which govern the sale of the goods (“Goods”) by ESTES PERFORMANCE CONCAVES. (“Seller”) to the buyer identified in the Sales Quotation and/or Acknowledgment (as each defined below) to which these Terms are attached or incorporated by reference (“Buyer”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a written contract signed by authorized representatives of both parties is in existence covering the sale of the Goods covered hereby, the terms and conditions of said contract shall prevail to the extent they are inconsistent with these Terms.
1b. The accompanying quotation of sale (the “Sales Quotation”) provided to Buyer, and/or sales order acknowledgement (“Acknowledgement”) and these Terms (collectively, this “Agreement”) comprise the entire agreement between the parties, and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, negotiations, representations and warranties, and communications, both written and oral. For clarification, after the Acknowledgement is received by Buyer, the order for Goods is binding and cannot be cancelled by Buyer for any reason and the full purchase price amount set forth in the Acknowledgement shall be due and payable by Buyer to Seller pursuant to the payment schedule set forth in the Acknowledgement unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Seller. All terms and conditions contained in any prior or contemporaneous oral or written communication which are different from, or in addition to, the terms and conditions in this Agreement are hereby rejected and shall not be binding on Seller, whether or not they would materially alter this Agreement. These Terms prevail over any of Buyer’s terms and conditions of purchase regardless whether or when Buyer has submitted its purchase order or such terms. Fulfillment of Buyer’s order does not constitute acceptance of any of Buyer’s terms and conditions and does not serve to modify or amend these Terms. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all orders for Goods must be for a minimum purchase price of $100 or such orders will be rejected by Seller.
2. DELIVERY
2a. The Goods will be delivered within a reasonable time after Seller provides Buyer the Acknowledgment, subject to availability of finished Goods. Seller will endeavor to meet delivery schedules requested by Buyer, but in no event shall Seller incur any liability, consequential or otherwise, for any delays or failure to deliver as a result of ceasing to manufacture any product or any Force Majeure Event. Delivery schedules set forth in the Acknowledgment are Seller’s good faith estimate on the basis of current schedules. In no event shall Seller be liable for special or consequential damages resulting from failure to meet requested delivery schedules.
2b. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties in the Acknowledgement, Seller shall deliver the Goods to ESTES PERFORMANCE CONCAVES in Texas, USA (the “Shipping Point”) using Seller’s standard methods for packaging and shipping such Goods. Buyer shall take delivery of the Goods within three (3) days of Seller’s written notice that the Goods have been delivered to the Shipping Point. Buyer shall be responsible for all loading costs (including freight and insurance costs) and provide equipment and labor reasonably suited for receipt of the Goods at the Shipping Point. Seller shall not be liable for any delays, loss or damage in transit.
2c. Seller may, in its sole discretion, without liability or penalty, make partial shipments of Goods to Buyer, if applicable. Each shipment will constitute a separate sale, and Buyer shall pay for the units shipped whether such shipment is in whole or partial fulfillment of Buyer’s purchase order.
2d. If for any reason Buyer fails to accept delivery of any of the Goods on the date fixed pursuant to Seller’s notice that the Goods have been delivered at the Shipping Point, or if Seller is unable to deliver the Goods at the Shipping Point on such date because Buyer has not provided appropriate instructions, documents, licenses or authorizations: (i) risk of loss to the Goods shall pass to Buyer; (ii) the Goods shall be deemed to have been delivered; and (iii) Seller, at its option, may store the Goods until Buyer picks them up, whereupon Buyer shall be liable for all related costs and expenses (including, without limitation, storage and insurance).
3. NON-DELIVERY
3a. The quantity of any installment of Goods as recorded by Seller on dispatch from Seller’s place of business is conclusive evidence of the quantity received by Buyer on delivery unless Buyer can provide conclusive evidence proving the contrary.
3b. Seller shall not be liable for any non-delivery of Goods (even if caused by Seller’s negligence) unless Buyer gives written notice to Seller of the non-delivery within three (3) days of the date when the Goods would in the ordinary course of events have been received.
3c. Any liability of Seller for non-delivery of the Goods shall be limited to (in Seller’s sole discretion) replacing the Goods within a reasonable time or adjusting the invoice respecting such Goods to reflect the actual quantity delivered.
4. SHIPPING TERMS
Unless indicated otherwise in the Acknowledgment, Delivery shall be made EXW (Incoterms 2010), Shipping Point, including without limitation, freight and insurance costs. If no delivery terms are specified on the Acknowledgement, the method of shipping will be in the sole discretion of Seller. Unless directed in writing otherwise by Buyer, full invoice value will be declared for all shipments.
5. TITLE AND RISK OF LOSS
Title and risk of loss passes to Buyer upon delivery of the Goods at the Shipping Point. As collateral security for the payment of the purchase price of the Goods, Buyer hereby grants to Seller a lien on and security interest in and to all of the right, title and interest of Buyer in, to and under the Goods, wherever located, and whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired from time to time, and in all accessions thereto and replacements or modifications thereof, as well as all proceeds (including insurance proceeds) of the foregoing. The security interest granted under this provision constitutes a purchase money security interest under the Texas Commercial Code.
6. AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION
These Terms may only be amended or modified in a writing which specifically states that it amends these Terms and is signed by an authorized representative of each party.
7. INSPECTION AND REJECTION OF NONCONFORMING GOODS
7a. Buyer shall inspect the Goods within two (2) days of receipt (“Inspection Period”). Buyer will be deemed to have accepted the Goods unless it notifies Seller in writing of any Nonconforming Goods during the Inspection Period and furnishes such written evidence or other documentation as required by Seller. “Nonconforming Goods” means only the following: (i) product shipped is different than identified in Buyer’s Acknowledgement; or (ii) product’s label or packaging incorrectly identifies its contents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for shipped Goods that require field installation, the “re-verification” terms in the Acknowledgement shall apply and for custom installations, the inspection and verification shall take place at Buyer’s site immediately after the installation is completed.
7b. Seller will only accept Nonconforming Goods that are returned under Seller’s Return Material Authorization procedures then in effect (“RMA”). Buyer shall obtain a RMA number from Seller prior to returning any Nonconforming Goods and return the Nonconforming Goods prepaid and insured to Seller at 124 Rose Lane Ste 602, Frisco, TX 75036 or to such other location as designated in writing by Seller for the examination to take place there. If Seller reasonably verifies Buyer’s claim that the Goods are Nonconforming Goods and that the nonconformance did not developed by use from Buyer, Seller shall, in its sole discretion, (i) replace such Nonconforming Goods with conforming Goods, or (ii) credit or refund the Price for such Nonconforming Goods pursuant to the terms set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the only remedy for Nonconforming Goods that are custom systems is repair (not refund or replacement). No returns for Nonconforming Goods are allowed after thirty (30) days from the original shipping date.
7c. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the remedies set forth in Section 7(a) are Buyer’s exclusive remedies for the delivery of Nonconforming Goods. Except as provided under Section 7(a) and Section 14, all sales of Goods to Buyer are made on a one-way basis and Buyer has no right to return Goods purchased under this Agreement to Seller.
8. PRICE
8a. Buyer shall purchase the Goods from Seller at the prices (the “Prices”) set forth by Seller’s employees as of the date of the Sales Quotation. However, the Prices are subject to change without notice post date of the Sales Quotation. Unless specifically stated to the contrary in the Sales Quotation, quoted Prices and discounts are firm for thirty (30) days from the date of the Sales Quotation. Unless otherwise stated, prices are quoted EXW (Incoterms 2010), Shipping Point. Unless otherwise stated in the Acknowledgement, if the Prices should be increased by Seller before delivery of the Goods to a carrier for shipment to Buyer, then these Terms shall be construed as if the increased prices were originally inserted herein, and Buyer shall be billed by Seller on the basis of such increased prices.
8b. All Prices are exclusive of all sales, use and excise taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties and charges of any kind imposed by any governmental authority on any amounts payable by Buyer. Buyer shall be responsible for all such charges, costs and taxes (present or future); provided, that, Buyer shall not be responsible for any taxes imposed on, or with respect to, Seller’s income, revenues, gross receipts, personnel or real or personal property or other assets.
9. PAYMENT TERMS
9a. Unless otherwise provided in the Acknowledgement, if Buyer has approved credit with Seller, Buyer shall pay all invoiced amounts due to Seller are Due on Receipt or within thirty (30) days from the date of Seller’s invoice, whichever comes first. If Seller does not have Buyer’s financial information and has not provided pre-approved credit terms for Buyer, the payment must be made in cash with order or C.O.D. in US dollars. If Buyer has approved credit terms, the payment may be made by cash with order, wire transfer of immediately available funds, or check in US dollars. Certain products require a down payment. Any payment terms other than set forth above will be identified in the Acknowledgement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all prepaid deposits and down payments are non-refundable. If a deposit is not received when due, Seller reserves the right to postpone manufacturing of Goods until payment is received. Seller will not be responsible for shipment delays due to deposit payment delays.
9b. In Seller’s sole discretion, Seller may access Buyer interest on all late payments at the lesser of the rate of 1.5% per month or the highest rate permissible under applicable law, calculated daily and compounded monthly. Buyer shall reimburse Seller for all costs incurred in collecting any late payments, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees. In addition to all other remedies available under these Terms or at law (which Seller does not waive by the exercise of any rights hereunder), Seller shall be entitled to suspend the delivery of any Goods if Buyer fails to pay any amounts when due hereunder and such failure continues for ten (10) days following written notice thereof.
9c. Buyer shall not withhold payment of any amounts due and payable by reason of any set-off of any claim or dispute with Seller, whether relating to Seller’s breach, bankruptcy or otherwise.
10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; COPYRIGHT
10a. Buyer shall not copy, modify, or disassemble, or permit others to copy, modify, or disassemble, the goods or products, nor may Buyer modify, adapt, translate, reverse assemble, decompile, or otherwise attempt to derive source code from the goods or products. Buyer shall not transfer possession of the goods or products except as part of, or with, the Goods, and each such transfer shall be subject to the restrictions contained herein. Buyer may not sublicense, rent, loan, assign or otherwise transfer the goods or products or documentation, and Buyer shall retain on all copies of the goods or products and documentation all copyright and other proprietary notices or legends appearing therein or thereon. Seller may terminate this license upon written notice for any violation of any of the terms of this license or any material breach of any provision of this Agreement. Buyer shall immediately discontinue use of the goods or products upon any termination of this license or Agreement. This license shall terminate upon any termination of the Agreement.
10b. All patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights embodied in the Goods, including without limitation the goods or products, are owned by Seller and its licensors. Seller and its licensors retain all right, title and interest in such intellectual property rights. Except as expressly set forth herein, no license rights or ownership in or to any of the foregoing is granted or transferred hereunder, either directly or by implication. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
11. INSTALLATION AND OTHER SERVICES
11a. Buyer shall provide installation services (“Installation Services”) to Buyer if set forth in the Acknowledgment. If Installation Services are provided for in the Acknowledgement, Buyer will prepare the location for the installation consistent with Buyer’s written specifications and Buyer will install necessary system cable and assemble any necessary equipment or hardware not provided by Seller, unless agreed otherwise in writing by the parties. For Goods that will be operated on or in connection with Buyer supplied hardware or goods or products, Buyer is responsible for ensuring that its hardware and goods or products conform with Seller minimum hardware and goods or products requirements as made available to Buyer. Seller shall provide other field services, such as maintenance visits and field repairs (the “Other Services” and together with the Installation Services, the “Services”) if set forth in the Acknowledgement.
12. LIMITED WARRANTY
12a. Subject to the exceptions and upon the conditions set forth herein, Seller warrants to Buyer that for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment (“Warranty Period”), that such Goods will be free from material defects in material and workmanship.
12b. EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTY SET FORTH IN SECTION 12(a), SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE GOODS (INCLUDING ANY PRODUCTS OR COMPONENTS) OR SERVICES, INCLUDING ANY (a) WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY; (b) WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE; (c) WARRANTY OF TITLE; OR (d) WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF A THIRD PARTY; WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED BY LAW, COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, USAGE OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE.
12c. Products manufactured by a third party and third party goods, products, software or services (“Third Party Product”) may constitute, contain, be contained in, incorporated into, attached to or packaged together with, the Goods. Third Party Products are not covered by the warranty in Section 12(a). For the avoidance of doubt, SELLER MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY THIRD PARTY PRODUCT, INCLUDING ANY (a) WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY; (b) WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE; (c) WARRANTY OF TITLE; OR (d) WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF A THIRD PARTY; WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED BY LAW, COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, USAGE OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of the failure of any Third Party Product, Seller will assist (within reason) Buyer (at Buyer’s sole expense) in obtaining, from the respective third party, any (if any) adjustment that is available under such third party’s warranty.
12d. Seller shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty set forth in Section 12(a) unless: (i) Buyer gives written notice of the defect, reasonably described, to Seller within five (5) days of the time when Buyer discovers or ought to have discovered the defect and such notice is received by Seller during the Warranty Period; (ii) Seller is given a reasonable opportunity after receiving the notice to examine such Goods; (iii) Buyer (if requested to do so by Seller) returns such Goods (prepaid and insured to Seller at 124 Rose Lane Ste 602, Frisco, TX 75036 or to such other location as designated in writing by Seller) to Seller pursuant to Seller’s RMA procedures and Buyer obtains a RMA number from Seller prior to returning such Goods for the examination to take place; and (iii) Seller reasonably verifies Buyer’s claim that the Goods are defective and that the defect developed under normal and proper use.
12e. Seller shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty set forth in Section 12(a) if: (i) Buyer makes any further use of such Goods after giving such notice; (ii) the defect arises because Buyer failed to follow Seller’s oral or written instructions as to the storage, installation, commissioning, use or maintenance of the Goods; (iii) Buyer alters or repairs such Goods without the prior written consent of Seller; or (iv) repairs or modifications are made by persons other than Seller’s own service personnel, or an authorized representative’s personnel, unless such repairs are made with the written consent of Seller in accordance with procedures outlined by Seller.
12f. All expendables such as concaves are warranted only for defect in material and workmanship which are apparent upon receipt by Buyer. The foregoing warranty is negated after the initial use.
12g. Subject to Section 12(e) and Section 12(f) above, with respect to any such Goods during the Warranty Period, Seller shall, in its sole discretion, either: (i) repair or replace such Goods (or the defective part) or (ii) credit or refund the price of such Goods at the pro rata contract rate, provided that, if Seller so requests, Buyer shall, at Buyer’s expense, return such Goods to Seller.
12h. THE REMEDIES SET FORTH IN SECTION 12(h) SHALL BE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND SELLER’S ENTIRE LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH IN SECTION 12(a). Representations and warranties made by any person, including representatives of Seller, which are inconsistent or in conflict with the terms of this warranty, as set forth above, shall not be binding upon Seller.
12i. Acceptance Tests shall include mechanical and operational performance deliverable under the terms of the Acknowledgement. Terms and conditions for Additional Acceptance Tests either at Seller’s or Buyer’s facility shall be mutually agreed in writing prior to issuance or acceptance of the Acknowledgement.
12j. Seller further warrants that all Services performed by Seller’s employees will be performed in a good and workmanlike manner. Seller’s sole liability under the foregoing warranty is limited to the obligation to re-perform, at Seller’s cost, any such Services not so performed, within a reasonable amount of time following receipt of written notice from Buyer of such breach, provided that Buyer must inform Seller of any such breach within ten (5) days of the date of performance of such Services.
12k. Seller shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty set forth here: (i) Buyer gives written notice of the defect or non-compliance covered by the warranty, reasonably described, to Seller within five (5) days of the time when Buyer discovers or ought to have discovered the defect or non-compliance and such notice is received by Seller during the Warranty Period; (ii) Seller is given a reasonable opportunity after receiving the notice to examine such Goods and (a) Buyer returns such Goods to Seller’s place of business at Buyer’s cost (prepaid and insured); or (b) in the case of custom systems, Seller dispatches a field service provider to Buyer’s location at Buyer’s expense, for the examination to take place there; and (iii) Seller reasonably verifies Buyer’s claim that the Goods are defective or non-compliant and the defect or non-compliance developed under normal and proper use.
13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR REVENUES OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE, LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA, OR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE MANUFACTURE, SALE, USE, OR INABILITY TO USE ANY GOODS, PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE OR SERVICE, OR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY BREACH OF THESE TERMS, WHETHER OR NOT THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES HAS BEEN DISCLOSED IN ADVANCE BY BUYER OR COULD HAVE BEEN REASONABLY FORESEEN BY BUYER, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY (CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER’S AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE TOTAL OF THE AMOUNTS PAID TO SELLER FOR THE GOODS SOLD HEREUNDER.
ALL WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN, DIRECT OR IMPLIED, ARE VOIDED IF THE INITIAL INSTALLATION AND START-UP OF THE SUBJECT GOOD IS NOT SUPERVISED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF SELLER. AFTER INSTALLATION, ANY RE-ALIGNMENT, RE-CLEANING, OR RE-CALIBRATION, PROVIDED THEY ARE NOT RELATED TO A PROVEN DEFECT IN MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP, SHALL BE PERFORMED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF SELLER AT THE CURRENT SERVICE RATES.
WHERE GOODS ARE SUBJECT TO A MOVE TO ANOTHER LOCATION AFTER THE ORIGINAL INSTALLATION HAS BEEN MADE, THE WARRANTY MAY BE MAINTAINED ONLY IF SUPERVISED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF SELLER. SELLER, FOR A SERVICE CHARGE, WILL ARRANGE FOR AND SUPERVISE THE DISCONNECTION, TRANSPORTATION, REINSTALLATION AND START-UP OF THE EQUIPMENT. CLAIMS FOR DAMAGE IN SHIPMENT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BUYER AND SHALL BE FILED PROMPTLY WITH THE TRANSPORTATION COMPANY.
14. RETURN GOODS POLICY
14a. Seller’s products may be returned to Seller for credit within thirty (30) days of shipment subject to the following conditions.
14b. In order to return products for credit, Buyer must obtain a RMA number from Seller. Upon receipt, it must be executed by an authorized person and then returned with the Goods. Goods returned to Seller without a RMA will be returned at Buyer’s expense.
14c. Goods are to be returned to Seller at 124 Rose Lane Ste 602, Frisco, TX 75036 with Freight Prepaid. Seller will not accept collect shipments.
14d. Restocking fees will be assessed in accordance with the following schedules: (i) Goods returned within the first fifteen (15) days from shipment date will be restocked less twenty percent (20%) of the amount billed on the original invoice. (ii) Goods returned over fifteen (15) days of shipment but less than thirty (30) days will be restocked less thirty percent (30%) of the amount billed on the original invoice. (iii) No returns are allowed after thirty (30) days from the original shipping date.
14e. The restocking fees set forth above are the minimum fees. If a returned Good requires rework to restore it to a saleable condition, further charges will be assessed. Seller’s quality assurance department will document the condition of the Goods when received by Seller and report their findings to Buyer.(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 14, the following Goods cannot be returned, are not eligible for any credit and cannot be restocked: (i) custom or modified products and (ii) any expendable product(s) that have been used.
15. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND INDEMNIFICATION
Buyer shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. Buyer shall maintain in effect all the licenses, permissions, authorizations, consents and permits that it needs to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. Buyer shall comply with all export and import laws of all countries involved in the sale of the Goods under this Agreement or any resale of the Goods by Buyer. Goods, Services and technical data delivered by Seller shall be subject to U.S. export controls. Buyer shall, and shall cause its customers to, obtain all licenses, permits and approvals required by any government and shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures of the applicable government and other competent authorities. Buyer will indemnify and hold Seller harmless for any violation or alleged violation by Buyer of such laws, rules, policies or procedures. Buyer shall not transmit, export or re-export, directly or indirectly, separately or as part of any system, the Goods or any technical data (including processes and Services) received from Seller, without first obtaining any license required by the applicable government, including without limitation, the U.S. government. Buyer also certifies that none of the Goods or technical data supplied by Seller under this Agreement will be sold or otherwise transferred to, or made available for use by or for, any entity that is engaged in the design, development, production or use of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons or missile technology. No Buyer information will be deemed “technical data” unless Buyer specifically identifies it to Seller as such. Buyer assumes all responsibility for shipments of Goods requiring any government import clearance. Seller may terminate this Agreement if any governmental authority imposes antidumping or countervailing duties or any other penalties on Goods. For all international shipments, Seller requires that all required Export Control documentations, including Form BIS-711 Statement by Ultimate Consignee and Purchases, are submitted by Buyer along with the purchase order. Seller reserves the right to postpone shipment until all documentations are completed and submitted to Seller. Seller will not be responsible for shipment delays due to non-compliance by Buyer of the foregoing two sentences.
16. TERMINATION
In addition to any remedies that may be provided under these Terms, Seller may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect upon written notice to Buyer, if Buyer: (i) fails to pay any amount when due under this Agreement and such failure continues for ten (10) days after Buyer’s receipt of written notice of nonpayment; (ii) has not otherwise performed or complied with any of these Terms, in whole or in part; or (iii) becomes insolvent, files a petition for bankruptcy or commences or has commenced against it proceedings relating to bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization or assignment for the benefit of creditors.
17. WAIVER
No waiver by Seller of any of the provisions of this Agreement is effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by Seller. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any rights, remedy, power or privilege arising from this Agreement operates or may be construed as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder precludes any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
18. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
All non-public, confidential or proprietary information of Seller, including, but not limited to, specifications, samples, patterns, designs, plans, drawings, documents, data, business operations, customer lists, pricing, discounts or rebates, disclosed by Seller to Buyer, whether disclosed orally or disclosed or accessed in written, electronic or other form or media, and whether or not marked, designated or otherwise identified as “confidential,” in connection with this Agreement is confidential, solely for the use of performing this Agreement and may not be disclosed or copied unless authorized in advance by Seller in writing. Upon Seller’s request, Buyer shall promptly return all documents and other materials received from Seller. Seller shall be entitled to injunctive relief for any violation of this Section 18. This Section 18 does not apply to information that is: (a) in the public domain through no fault of Buyer; (b) known to Buyer at the time of disclosure without restriction as evidenced by its records; or (c) rightfully obtained by Buyer on a non-confidential basis from a third party.
19. FORCE MAJEURE
Seller shall not be liable or responsible to Buyer, nor be deemed to have defaulted or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Seller including, without limitation, acts of God, flood, fire, earthquake, explosion, governmental actions, war, invasion or hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot, or other civil unrest, national emergency, revolution, insurrection, epidemic, lock-outs, strikes or other labor disputes (whether or not relating to either party’s workforce), or restraints or delays affecting carriers or inability or delay in obtaining supplies of adequate or suitable materials, materials or telecommunication breakdown or power outage (each a “Force Majeure Event”), provided that, if the event in question continues for a continuous period in excess of thirty (30) days, Buyer shall be entitled to give notice in writing to Seller to terminate this Agreement.
20. ASSIGNMENT
Buyer shall not assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Seller. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 20 is null and void. No assignment or delegation relieves Buyer of any of its obligations under this Agreement.
21. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES
The relationship between the parties is that of independent contractors. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, joint venture or other form of joint enterprise, employment or fiduciary relationship between the parties, and neither party shall have authority to contract for or bind the other party in any manner whatsoever.
22. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES
This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of these Terms.
23. GOVERNING LAW
All matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Texas or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Texas.
24. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
24a. For purposes of this Section 24 (Dispute Resolution), “Estes Performance Concaves,” shall include its subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, employees, predecessors in interest, successors, and assigns.
24b. THIS SECTION LIMITS CERTAIN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO MAINTAIN A COURT ACTION, THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL, THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY FORM OF CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE CLAIM OR ACTION, THE RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN DISCOVERY EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE AAA RULES, AND THE RIGHT TO CERTAIN REMEDIES AND FORMS OF RELIEF. OTHER RIGHTS THAT YOU OR Estes Performance Concaves WOULD HAVE IN COURT, SUCH AS APPELLATE REVIEW, ALSO MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ARBITRATION.
24c. If you and Estes Performance Concaves have a Dispute (defined below) and our customer service team is unable to resolve the concern, you and Estes Performance Concaves agree to make a good faith effort to resolve it informally prior to initiating a formal arbitration proceeding. The party that intends to initiate an arbitration proceeding must first send a verified Notice to the other party that describes the Dispute. The Notice must include the initiating party’s name and contact information (address, telephone number, and email address), sufficient information to enable the other party to identify any transaction at issue; and a detailed description of (1) the Dispute, (2) the nature and basis of the claims, and (3) the nature and basis of the relief sought, with a detailed calculation. Your Notice shall be sent by email to: contact@estesperformanceconcaves.com or by mail to: Estes Performance Concaves, Attn: General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, 11816 Inwood Rd #1024, Dallas, TX 75244. You must personally sign the Notice. Estes Performance Concaves’s Notice shall be sent to the most recent contact information we have on file for you. If requested by the party that receives the Notice, the other party must personally appear at and participate in a telephone settlement conference (if a party is represented by counsel, counsel may also participate) to discuss the Dispute. If the Dispute is not resolved within sixty (60) days after receipt of the Notice (which period can be extended by agreement of the parties), you or Estes Performance Concaves may commence a formal dispute resolution proceeding consistent with the process set forth below. Compliance with and completing this informal dispute resolution process is a condition precedent to filing any formal dispute resolution proceeding, including a demand for arbitration. The statute of limitations and any filing fee deadlines shall be tolled while the parties engage in this informal dispute resolution process. If the sufficiency of a Notice or compliance with this informal dispute resolution process is at issue, it may be decided by a court at either party’s election, and any formal dispute resolution proceeding shall be stayed pending resolution of the issue. A court of competent jurisdiction shall have the authority to enforce this condition precedent to arbitration, which includes the power to enjoin the filing or prosecution of a demand for arbitration.
24d. If we are unable to resolve the Dispute through the mandatory informal dispute resolution process, you and we agree that, except as set forth below, all claims, controversies, or disputes between you and Estes Performance Concaves will be resolved entirely through binding individual arbitration, rather than in court, including, without limitation, such claims, controversies, or disputes arising out of or relating to any aspect of the relationship between you and Estes Performance Concaves, your access or Use of our Site or any products or services offered by or purchased from Estes Performance Concaves through our Site or stores, whether based in contract, tort, statute, fraud, misrepresentation, or any other legal theory (“Dispute”). Dispute will be given the broadest possible meaning permitted by law. It includes claims that arose before this or any prior agreement or that arise after the termination of this agreement. The sole exceptions to the foregoing requirement to arbitrate are that: (1) either party may assert individual claims in small claims court if those claims otherwise qualify for small claims court and as long as the matter remains in such court and is not removed or appealed to a court of general jurisdiction and advances only on an individual (non-class, non-representative basis); and (2) each party may bring suit in court to enjoin infringement or other misuse of intellectual property rights. This Dispute Resolution section evidences a transaction in interstate commerce, and thus the Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this Dispute Resolution section. This arbitration provision shall survive termination of this agreement. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS, YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO BRING AND PROSECUTE ANY DISPUTES WITH Estes Performance Concaves IN A COURT OF LAW OR BEFORE A JURY TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. YOU ALSO GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN OR BRING CLASS ACTIONS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTIONS.
24e. There is no judge or jury in arbitration, no class actions, and court review of an arbitration award is limited. An arbitrator, however, can award on an individual basis the same damages and relief as a court, in favor or against only the parties to the arbitration and only to the extent necessary to provide the relief warranted by the party’s individual claim, including injunctive and declaratory relief or statutory damages. The arbitrator may not award relief to any person or entity other than a party to the arbitration proceeding. The arbitrator must follow these Terms as a court would. The arbitrator may not consider any prior settlement offers in making the decision. Regardless of the manner in which the arbitration is conducted, the arbitrator shall issue a reasoned written decision sufficient to explain the essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The arbitration award shall be binding only among the parties to the arbitration and shall have no preclusive effect in any other arbitration or other proceeding involving a different party, provided that the arbitrator may consider rulings in other arbitrations involving different individuals.
24f. We agree that the arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), adr.org. (If the AAA is unavailable or unwilling to administer arbitrations consistent with this Dispute Resolution section, another arbitration provider shall be selected by the parties that will administer arbitrations consistent with this Dispute Resolution section. If the parties cannot agree on a provider, one shall be selected by the court that will administer arbitrations consistent with this Dispute Resolution section.) To begin an arbitration proceeding, after satisfying the condition precedent identified above, you or Estes Performance Concaves must (1) send a verified and personally signed demand for arbitration that describes (a) the nature and basis of your claims, and (b) the nature and basis of the relief sought, including a detailed calculation, along with a certification that you or we are party to this Dispute Resolution Section and completed the information dispute resolution process referenced above to: Estes Performance Concaves, Inc., Attn: General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, 11816 Inwood Rd #1024, Dallas, TX 75244 or to the most recent address we have on file for you, and (2) contact the AAA and follow the appropriate procedures with the AAA to commence the arbitration.
24g. The AAA consumer rules for arbitration will apply as modified by this Dispute Resolution section. Except as expressly provided in this Dispute Resolution section, the arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have the exclusive authority to resolve any Dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this Dispute Resolution section including, but not limited to, a claim that all or any part of it is void or voidable. Payment of all filing, administration and arbitrator fees will be governed by the AAA’s applicable consumer rules. The parties shall be responsible for their own attorneys’ fees and costs in arbitration, unless they are authorized by law or the arbitrator determines that a claim was frivolous or brought for an improper purpose or in bad faith. The arbitrator shall have the authority under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 to issue sanctions against any party and counsel as a court would. In addition, the provisions of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 68 shall apply and be enforced by the arbitrator. The arbitration may be conducted by telephone, based on written submissions, or in person in the county where you live or at another mutually agreed location as set forth in the AAA rules. You and a Estes Performance Concaves representative shall personally appear (with counsel if you and we are represented) at an initial telephone conference with a case manager before an arbitrator is appointed and at a hearing should one be scheduled by the arbitrator. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Estes Performance Concaves will pay all fees and costs that we are required by law to pay.
24h. AS SET FORTH ABOVE, WE EACH AGREE TO BRING ANY DISPUTE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS ONLY, AND NOT ON A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, REPRESENTATIVE OR COLLECTIVE OR PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL BASIS IN ARBITRATION AND LITIGATION. IF FOR ANY REASON A CLAIM PROCEEDS IN COURT RATHER THAN IN ARBITRATION, WE EACH WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE OTHER TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. A Dispute may not be consolidated with a claim by any person or entity that is not a party to the arbitration proceeding, and the arbitrator may not otherwise preside over any form of a class, consolidated, representative, collective, or private attorney general proceeding. If a court determines that any of the prohibitions on non-individualized relief; class, representative, and private attorney general claims; and consolidation are unenforceable with respect to a particular claim or with respect to a particular request for relief (such as a request for injunctive relief), and all appeals from that decision have been exhausted (or the decision is otherwise final), then the parties agree that that particular claim or request for relief may proceed in court but shall be stayed pending arbitration of the remaining claims. Specifically, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 24 (Dispute Resolution), the arbitrator may not issue a “public injunction” and any such “public injunction,” if permitted, may be awarded only by a federal or state court. If either party is permitted to seek a “public injunction,” all other claims and prayers for relief must be adjudicated in arbitration first and any such prayer or claim for a “public injunction” in federal or state court stayed until the arbitration is completed, after which the federal or state court can adjudicate the party’s claim or prayer for “public injunctive relief.” In doing so, the federal or state court is bound under principles of claim or issue preclusion by the decision of the arbitrator.
24i. Special Additional Procedures for Mass Arbitration: If twenty-five (25) or more similar claims are asserted against Estes Performance Concaves by the same or coordinated counsel or are otherwise coordinated (and your claim is one such claim), you understand and agree that the resolution of your Dispute might be delayed. You also agree to the following process and application of the AAA Multiple Consumer Case Filing Fee Schedule and Supplementary Rules. Counsel for the claimants and counsel for Estes Performance Concaves shall each select ten (10) cases (per side) to proceed first in individual arbitration proceedings as part of a bellwether process. The remaining cases shall not be filed or deemed filed in arbitration nor shall any AAA fees be assessed in connection with those claims until they are selected to proceed to individual arbitration proceedings as part of a staged process. If the parties are unable to resolve the remaining cases after the conclusion of the initial twenty (20) proceedings, the parties shall participate in a global mediation session before a retired state or federal court judge, and Estes Performance Concaves shall pay the mediator’s fee. If the parties are unable to resolve the remaining matters in mediation at this time, each side shall select twenty (20) cases (per side) to proceed to individual arbitration proceedings as part of a second bellwether process. (If there are fewer than forty (40) claims remaining, all shall proceed.) The remaining cases shall not be filed or deemed filed in arbitration nor shall any AAA fees be assessed in connection with those cases until they are selected to proceed to individual arbitration proceedings as part of a staged process. A single arbitrator shall preside over each case. Only one case may be assigned to each arbitrator as part of a bellwether process unless the parties agree otherwise. If the parties are unable to resolve the remaining cases after the conclusion of the forty (40) proceedings, the parties shall participate in another global mediation session before a retired state or federal court judge, and the parties shall pay the mediator’s fee. If the parties are unable to resolve the remaining matters in mediation at this time, this staged process shall continue with one hundred (100) cases proceeding at one time that are selected randomly or by the AAA in staged sets, until all the claims included in these coordinated filings, including your case, are adjudicated or otherwise resolved. Between staged sets of proceedings, Estes Performance Concaves agrees to participate in a global mediation session should your counsel request it in an effort to resolve all remaining claims. The statute of limitations and any filing fee deadlines shall be tolled for claims subject to this Dispute Resolution section from the time the first cases are selected for a bellwether process until the time your case is selected, withdrawn, or otherwise resolved. A court of competent jurisdiction shall have authority to enforce this paragraph and, if necessary, to enjoin the mass filing or prosecution of arbitration demands against Estes Performance Concaves. Should a court of competent jurisdiction decline to enforce these “Special Additional Procedures for Mass Arbitration,” you and we agree that your and our counsel shall engage in good faith with the assistance of a Process Arbitrator to devise and implement procedures that ensure that arbitration remains efficient and cost-effective for all parties. Either party may engage with the AAA to address reductions in arbitration fees.
24j. Future Changes to Dispute Resolution Section: Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, we agree that if Estes Performance Concaves makes any future changes to this Dispute Resolution section (other than a change to the mailing or email address), you may reject any such change by sending us written notice personally signed by you within thirty (30) days of the change to the address provided above. This is not an opt-out of arbitration altogether. By rejecting any future change, you are agreeing that you will arbitrate any dispute between us in accordance with the language of this Dispute Resolution section.
25. NOTICES
All notices, request, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder (each, a “Notice”) shall be in writing and addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth on the face of the Acknowledgement or to such other address that may be designated by the receiving party in writing. All Notices shall be delivered by personal delivery, nationally recognized overnight courier (with all fees pre-paid), facsimile (with confirmation of transmission) or certified or registered mail (in each case, return receipt requested, postage prepaid). Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, a Notice is effective only (a) upon receipt of the receiving party, upon confirmation of delivery by nationally recognized overnight courier or upon forty-eight (48) hours after being sent by certified or registered mail (as applicable), and (b) if the party giving the Notice has complied with the requirements of this Section 25.
26. SEVERABILITY
If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction.
27. SURVIVAL
Provisions of these Terms which by their nature should apply beyond their terms will remain in force after any termination or expiration of this Order including, but not limited to, the following provisions: Compliance with Laws, Confidentiality, Governing Law, Dispute Resolution, Survival, and the restrictions in Section 10.