Manufacturing Agreement Guide: What Business Owners Need to Know

Learn the essentials of manufacturing agreements for established companies, startups, and small businesses. Protect your interests and build successful manufacturing partnerships.

Introduction

A Manufacturing Agreement is a legally binding contract between a company that needs products manufactured (the 'Client') and the entity that will produce those products (the 'Manufacturer'). This critical document establishes the terms, conditions, and expectations for the manufacturing relationship, protecting both parties' interests while creating a framework for successful collaboration. Whether you're an established company expanding your supply chain, a startup founder with an innovative product, or a small business owner looking to scale production, understanding the key components of a manufacturing agreement is essential to protect your intellectual property, ensure quality standards, and maintain control over your product development and distribution.

Key Things to Know

1
Manufacturing Agreements should be tailored to your specific business needs and product requirements—there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
2
Intellectual property protection is critical, especially for innovative products—ensure your agreement clearly establishes ownership and prevents unauthorized use of your designs.
3
Quality control provisions should be specific and measurable, with clear procedures for addressing defects or substandard products.
4
Negotiate minimum order quantities carefully, especially if you're a startup or small business with cash flow constraints.
5
Consider the entire product lifecycle in your agreement, from initial prototyping through full-scale production and potential product modifications.
6
Include clear dispute resolution mechanisms to address disagreements efficiently without disrupting production.
7
Review and potentially renegotiate your Manufacturing Agreement periodically as your business grows and requirements change.
8
Ensure your agreement addresses regulatory compliance relevant to your industry and target markets.
9
Consider working with legal counsel experienced in manufacturing contracts, especially when dealing with international manufacturers.

Key Decisions

Small Business Owner

Startup Founder with Innovative Product

Established Company Expanding Supply Chain

Manufacturing Agreement Requirements

Identify Parties

Clearly identify the Client (company that needs products manufactured) and the Manufacturer (entity producing the products) with full legal names, addresses, and business entity types.

Define Key Terms

Include a definitions section that clearly defines all important terms used throughout the agreement (e.g., Products, Specifications, Intellectual Property, Confidential Information, etc.).

Customize your Manufacturing Agreement Template with DocDraft

MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT

This Manufacturing Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [DATE] (the "Effective Date")

BETWEEN:

[CLIENT NAME], a [ENTITY TYPE] organized and existing under the laws of [JURISDICTION], with its principal place of business at [CLIENT ADDRESS] (hereinafter referred to as the "Client"),

AND:

[MANUFACTURER NAME], a [ENTITY TYPE] organized and existing under the laws of [JURISDICTION], with its principal place of business at [MANUFACTURER ADDRESS] (hereinafter referred to as the "Manufacturer").

The Client and Manufacturer may be individually referred to as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the Client has developed certain products and desires to engage the Manufacturer to manufacture such products in accordance with the Client's specifications;

WHEREAS, the Manufacturer has the necessary expertise, facilities, equipment, and personnel to manufacture the products in accordance with the Client's specifications; and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into this Agreement to establish the terms and conditions under which the Manufacturer will manufacture and supply the products to the Client.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms, and conditions set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions. In this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

1.1.1 "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

1.1.2 "Applicable Law" means all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, judgments, decrees, orders, and other requirements of any governmental authority applicable to a Party or its activities under this Agreement.

1.1.3 "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a day on which commercial banks in [JURISDICTION] are authorized or required by law to be closed.

1.1.4 "Confidential Information" means all non-public, confidential, or proprietary information disclosed by or on behalf of a Party (the "Disclosing Party") to the other Party (the "Receiving Party"), 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," including but not limited to: (i) trade secrets, know-how, formulas, compositions, processes, designs, sketches, photographs, graphs, drawings, samples, inventions and ideas, past, current and planned research and development, current and planned manufacturing or distribution methods and processes, customer lists, current and anticipated customer requirements, price lists, market studies, business plans; (ii) information concerning the Disclosing Party's past, current and future business, products, services, technology, affairs and finances; (iii) the terms of this Agreement; (iv) the Product Specifications; and (v) all notes, analyses, compilations, reports, forecasts, studies, samples, data, statistics, summaries, interpretations and other materials prepared by or for the Receiving Party that contain, are based on, or otherwise reflect or are derived from, in whole or in part, any of the foregoing.

1.1.5 "Defective Product" means any Product that fails to conform to the Product Specifications, Product Warranty, or other requirements set forth in this Agreement.

1.1.6 "Delivery Date" means the date specified in a Purchase Order for delivery of Products, as accepted by the Manufacturer.

1.1.7 "Delivery Location" means the location specified in a Purchase Order for delivery of Products, as accepted by the Manufacturer.

1.1.8 "Delivery Terms" means the delivery terms specified in Section 8.1 of this Agreement.

1.1.9 "Effective Date" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

1.1.10 "Equipment" means all tooling, molds, dies, fixtures, and other equipment used in the manufacture of the Products.

1.1.11 "Force Majeure Event" has the meaning set forth in Section 17.1 of this Agreement.

1.1.12 "Intellectual Property Rights" means all intellectual property rights, including, without limitation, patents, patent applications, patent rights, trademarks, trademark applications, trade names, service marks, service mark applications, copyrights, copyright applications, franchises, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, design rights, design specifications, manufacturing specifications, proprietary technology, proprietary rights, and proprietary data, and any other intellectual property rights, whether registered or unregistered, and including any applications for the registration of any of the foregoing, and the right to apply for any of the foregoing, and all rights and forms of protection having equivalent or similar effect to any of the foregoing which may subsist anywhere in the world.

1.1.13 "Materials" means all raw materials, components, packaging, and other items used in the manufacture of the Products.

1.1.14 "Minimum Order Quantity" means the minimum quantity of Products that the Client must order in a single Purchase Order, as set forth in Exhibit B.

1.1.15 "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity.

1.1.16 "Products" means the products to be manufactured by the Manufacturer for the Client, as described in Exhibit A.

1.1.17 "Product Specifications" means the specifications, designs, drawings, formulations, and other requirements for the Products set forth in Exhibit A, as may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 13.1 of this Agreement.

1.1.18 "Product Warranty" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1 of this Agreement.

1.1.19 "Purchase Order" means a written purchase order issued by the Client to the Manufacturer for the purchase of Products.

1.1.20 "Quality Standards" means the quality standards, testing procedures, and acceptance criteria for the Products set forth in Exhibit C.

1.1.21 "Term" has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1 of this Agreement.

1.1.22 "Unit Price" means the price per unit of Product, as set forth in Exhibit B.

1.2 Interpretation. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) the words "include," "includes," and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation"; (b) the word "or" is not exclusive; and (c) the words "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereto," and "hereunder" refer to this Agreement as a whole. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (x) to Sections, Exhibits, and Schedules refer to the Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules attached to, this Agreement; (y) to an agreement, instrument, or other document means such agreement, instrument, or other document as amended, supplemented, and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (z) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted. The Exhibits and Schedules referred to herein shall be construed with, and as an integral part of, this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim herein.

2. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

2.1 Appointment. The Client hereby appoints the Manufacturer, and the Manufacturer hereby accepts such appointment, to manufacture and supply the Products to the Client in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

2.2 Non-Exclusive Relationship. Unless otherwise specified in Exhibit D, the relationship established by this Agreement is non-exclusive. The Client may engage other manufacturers to produce the Products or similar products, and the Manufacturer may manufacture similar products for other clients, subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 10 of this Agreement.

2.3 Independent Contractor. The Manufacturer is an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the Client. The Manufacturer shall have no authority to bind or commit the Client in any way without the Client's prior written consent.

3. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 Products. The Manufacturer shall manufacture the Products in accordance with the Product Specifications set forth in Exhibit A.

3.2 Product Specifications. The Product Specifications include, without limitation, detailed descriptions, designs, drawings, formulations, dimensions, tolerances, materials, performance criteria, and other requirements for the Products. The Manufacturer shall not deviate from the Product Specifications without the Client's prior written consent.

3.3 Modifications to Product Specifications. The Client may request modifications to the Product Specifications in accordance with the change management procedures set forth in Section 13 of this Agreement.

3.4 Compliance with Standards. The Manufacturer shall manufacture the Products in compliance with all applicable industry standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements specified in the Product Specifications or otherwise communicated to the Manufacturer in writing.

4. MANUFACTURING PROCESS

4.1 Manufacturing Facility. The Manufacturer shall manufacture the Products at its facility located at [MANUFACTURING FACILITY ADDRESS] (the "Facility"). The Manufacturer shall not change the manufacturing location without the Client's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

4.2 Manufacturing Process. The Manufacturer shall manufacture the Products using the manufacturing processes, methods, and technologies specified in Exhibit E or otherwise approved in writing by the Client. The Manufacturer shall not modify the manufacturing process without the Client's prior written consent in accordance with Section 13 of this Agreement.

4.3 Quality Management System. The Manufacturer shall maintain a quality management system that complies with [QUALITY STANDARD] and the requirements set forth in Exhibit C. The Manufacturer shall document all aspects of the manufacturing process in accordance with such quality management system.

4.4 Personnel. The Manufacturer shall ensure that all personnel involved in the manufacture of the Products are properly trained, qualified, and supervised. Upon the Client's request, the Manufacturer shall provide documentation of personnel qualifications and training records.

4.5 Subcontracting. The Manufacturer shall not subcontract any portion of the manufacturing process without the Client's prior written consent. If the Client approves any subcontracting, the Manufacturer shall remain fully responsible for the performance of its subcontractors and shall ensure that all subcontractors comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

4.6 Client's Right to Observe. Upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, the Client may observe the manufacturing process at the Facility, provided that such observation does not unreasonably interfere with the Manufacturer's operations.

5. PRODUCTION SCHEDULE AND FORECASTING

5.1 Production Capacity. The Manufacturer represents and warrants that it has sufficient capacity to manufacture the Products in the quantities and according to the delivery schedules set forth in this Agreement and in accepted Purchase Orders.

5.2 Forecasts. The Client shall provide the Manufacturer with a [NUMBER]-month rolling forecast of its anticipated Product requirements on a [FREQUENCY] basis. The first [NUMBER] months of each forecast shall be binding on the Client, and the remainder shall be non-binding and for planning purposes only. The Manufacturer shall use the forecasts to plan production capacity and material procurement.

5.3 Lead Times. The standard lead time for the manufacture and delivery of Products shall be [NUMBER] days from the date of acceptance of a Purchase Order by the Manufacturer. The Parties may agree to shorter lead times on a case-by-case basis, subject to capacity availability and expedite fees as set forth in Exhibit B.

5.4 Production Schedule. The Manufacturer shall develop and maintain a production schedule based on accepted Purchase Orders and forecasts. The Manufacturer shall promptly notify the Client of any circumstances that may affect the production schedule or lead to delays in delivery.

5.5 Delays. If the Manufacturer anticipates any delay in meeting the Delivery Date for any Products, the Manufacturer shall promptly notify the Client in writing of the anticipated delay, the reasons for the delay, and the proposed revised delivery schedule. The Manufacturer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any delay and mitigate its effects.

6. QUANTITY REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Minimum Order Quantity. Each Purchase Order submitted by the Client shall be for a quantity of Products that is not less than the Minimum Order Quantity specified in Exhibit B. The Manufacturer may reject any Purchase Order for a quantity less than the Minimum Order Quantity.

6.2 Maximum Production Capacity. The Manufacturer's maximum monthly production capacity for the Products is set forth in Exhibit B. The Manufacturer shall not be obligated to accept Purchase Orders that would require production in excess of such capacity, but shall use commercially reasonable efforts to accommodate the Client's requirements.

6.3 Flexibility. The Manufacturer shall provide the following flexibility with respect to order quantities:

6.3.1 The Client may increase the quantity of Products in an accepted Purchase Order by up to [PERCENTAGE]% without affecting the Delivery Date, provided that the Client gives the Manufacturer at least [NUMBER] days' notice before the scheduled production start date.

6.3.2 The Client may decrease the quantity of Products in an accepted Purchase Order by up to [PERCENTAGE]% without penalty, provided that the Client gives the Manufacturer at least [NUMBER] days' notice before the scheduled production start date.

6.3.3 Changes to order quantities outside these parameters shall be subject to the change management procedures set forth in Section 13 of this Agreement.

6.4 Capacity Reservation. If specified in Exhibit B, the Client shall pay a capacity reservation fee to ensure the availability of production capacity. Such fee shall be credited against future Purchase Orders placed by the Client.

7. PRICING AND PAYMENT

7.1 Pricing. The Unit Price for each Product is set forth in Exhibit B. All prices are exclusive of taxes, shipping, insurance, and other charges specified in this Agreement.

7.2 Volume Discounts. The Client shall be entitled to volume discounts based on the quantities of Products ordered, as set forth in Exhibit B.

7.3 Additional Charges. The following additional charges may apply:

7.3.1 Expedite Fees. If the Client requests delivery of Products in less than the standard lead time, expedite fees may apply as set forth in Exhibit B.

7.3.2 Engineering Change Fees. Changes to Product Specifications may result in engineering change fees as determined in accordance with Section 13 of this Agreement.

7.3.3 Tooling and Equipment Charges. Charges for tooling, molds, and other Equipment shall be as set forth in Exhibit B.

7.3.4 Storage Fees. If the Client requests the Manufacturer to store finished Products beyond [NUMBER] days after the Delivery Date, storage fees shall apply as set forth in Exhibit B.

7.4 Price Adjustments.

7.4.1 Material Cost Adjustments. If the cost of Materials increases or decreases by more than [PERCENTAGE]% from the costs used to establish the Unit Prices, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to adjust the Unit Prices accordingly. The Manufacturer shall provide documentation supporting any claimed increase in Material costs.

7.4.2 Annual Price Review. The Parties shall review and may adjust the Unit Prices on each anniversary of the Effective Date. Any price adjustments shall be documented in a written amendment to this Agreement signed by both Parties.

7.4.3 Currency Fluctuations. If the exchange rate between [BASE CURRENCY] and [TRANSACTION CURRENCY] fluctuates by more than [PERCENTAGE]% over a period of [NUMBER] consecutive days, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to adjust the Unit Prices to account for such fluctuation.

7.5 Payment Terms.

7.5.1 Invoicing. The Manufacturer shall invoice the Client upon shipment of Products. Each invoice shall include the Purchase Order number, Product description, quantity, Unit Price, and total amount due.

7.5.2 Payment Due Date. The Client shall pay all undisputed amounts due under each invoice within [NUMBER] days after receipt of the invoice. All payments shall be made in [CURRENCY] by wire transfer to the bank account designated by the Manufacturer.

7.5.3 Disputed Invoices. If the Client disputes any portion of an invoice, the Client shall notify the Manufacturer in writing within [NUMBER] days after receipt of the invoice, specifying the disputed amount and the basis for the dispute. The Client shall pay the undisputed portion of the invoice in accordance with Section 7.5.2. The Parties shall seek to resolve any invoice disputes promptly and in good faith.

7.5.4 Late Payments. Any amounts not paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of [PERCENTAGE]% per month or the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law, whichever is less, from the due date until paid in full.

7.5.5 Taxes. The Client shall be responsible for all sales, use, value-added, and similar taxes, duties, and charges imposed by any governmental authority in connection with the purchase of Products, excluding taxes based on the Manufacturer's income.

7.6 Deposits and Advance Payments.

7.6.1 Initial Tooling Deposit. The Client shall pay a non-refundable deposit of [AMOUNT] for the initial tooling and setup costs, as set forth in Exhibit B.

7.6.2 Advance Payments for Materials. For custom or long-lead-time Materials, the Manufacturer may require advance payment as specified in Exhibit B.

7.6.3 Production Deposits. For Purchase Orders exceeding [AMOUNT], the Manufacturer may require a deposit of [PERCENTAGE]% of the total order value at the time of order placement, with the balance due in accordance with Section 7.5.2.

8. DELIVERY AND LOGISTICS

8.1 Delivery Terms. Unless otherwise specified in a Purchase Order, all Products shall be delivered [INCOTERM] [NAMED PLACE] (Incoterms [YEAR]). Risk of loss and title to the Products shall transfer to the Client in accordance with the applicable Incoterm.

8.2 Shipping Documentation. The Manufacturer shall provide the following documentation with each shipment of Products:

8.2.1 Packing list identifying the Purchase Order number, Product description, quantity, and lot or batch numbers;

8.2.2 Certificate of Conformance certifying that the Products meet the Product Specifications and Quality Standards;

8.2.3 Material test reports or certificates of analysis, if required by the Product Specifications;

8.2.4 Commercial invoice for customs purposes (for international shipments);

8.2.5 Certificate of origin (if required for preferential duty treatment);

8.2.6 Dangerous goods declaration (if applicable); and

8.2.7 Any other documentation required by Applicable Law or specified in the Purchase Order.

8.3 Packaging Requirements.

8.3.1 The Manufacturer shall package the Products in accordance with the packaging specifications set forth in Exhibit F.

8.3.2 All packaging shall protect the Products from damage during transportation and storage under normal handling conditions.

8.3.3 Each package shall be clearly labeled with the following information: (a) Purchase Order number; (b) Product name and part number; (c) Quantity; (d) Lot or batch number; (e) Date of manufacture; (f) Client's name and address; (g) Manufacturer's name and address; (h) Any special handling instructions; and (i) Any other information required by Applicable Law or specified in the Purchase Order.

8.4 Partial Shipments. The Manufacturer shall not make partial shipments of Products under a Purchase Order without the Client's prior written consent.

8.5 Early Delivery. The Manufacturer may deliver Products up to [NUMBER] days before the Delivery Date without the Client's prior consent. Earlier deliveries require the Client's prior written approval.

8.6 Late Delivery.

8.6.1 If the Manufacturer fails to deliver Products by the Delivery Date, the Client may: (a) Accept the delayed delivery; (b) Cancel the Purchase Order or any portion thereof without liability; or (c) Procure substitute products from another source and charge the Manufacturer for any additional costs incurred.

8.6.2 In addition to the remedies set forth in Section 8.6.1, if delivery is delayed by more than [NUMBER] days, the Manufacturer shall pay liquidated damages of [PERCENTAGE]% of the value of the delayed Products for each day of delay, up to a maximum of [PERCENTAGE]% of the total value of the delayed Products.

8.7 Transportation and Insurance.

8.7.1 The Party responsible for arranging transportation under the applicable Incoterm shall select reputable carriers and ensure that the Products are properly insured during transit.

8.7.2 If the Client is responsible for arranging transportation, the Manufacturer shall cooperate with the Client's designated carrier and provide reasonable assistance with loading the Products.

8.7.3 If the Manufacturer is responsible for arranging transportation, the Manufacturer shall provide the Client with tracking information and promptly notify the Client of any transportation delays.

9. QUALITY CONTROL

9.1 Quality Standards. The Manufacturer shall manufacture the Products in accordance with the Quality Standards set forth in Exhibit C, which include, without limitation:

9.1.1 Industry standards and certifications applicable to the Products;

9.1.2 The Manufacturer's internal quality management system;

9.1.3 Specific quality requirements for the Products; and

9.1.4 Regulatory requirements applicable to the Products.

9.2 Quality Control Procedures.

9.2.1 The Manufacturer shall implement and maintain quality control procedures as set forth in Exhibit C, including: (a) Incoming Material inspection and testing; (b) In-process inspection and testing; (c) Final product inspection and testing; (d) Calibration of measuring and test equipment; (e) Control of nonconforming products; (f) Corrective and preventive action procedures; and (g) Record keeping and traceability.

9.2.2 The Manufacturer shall maintain complete and accurate records of all quality control activities for at least [NUMBER] years after the date of manufacture or such longer period as may be required by Applicable Law.

9.3 Inspection Rights.

9.3.1 Facility Inspections. Upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, the Client may inspect the Facility, quality control procedures, manufacturing processes, and records related to the Products. The Manufacturer shall provide reasonable assistance to facilitate such inspections.

9.3.2 Third-Party Audits. The Client may engage third-party auditors to conduct quality audits of the Facility. The Manufacturer shall cooperate with such auditors and provide access to the Facility, processes, and records as reasonably necessary for the audit.

9.3.3 Regulatory Inspections. The Manufacturer shall promptly notify the Client of any regulatory inspections related to the Products and shall provide the Client with copies of any inspection reports or regulatory communications.

9.4 Testing Procedures.

9.4.1 The Manufacturer shall conduct all tests specified in the Product Specifications and Quality Standards.

9.4.2 The Manufacturer shall use calibrated equipment and validated test methods for all testing.

9.4.3 The Manufacturer shall document all test results and provide test reports to the Client upon request.

9.4.4 If any test fails to meet the acceptance criteria, the Manufacturer shall follow the nonconforming product procedures set forth in Section 9.5.

9.5 Nonconforming Products.

9.5.1 If the Manufacturer identifies any nonconforming Products during the manufacturing process, the Manufacturer shall: (a) Segregate the nonconforming Products; (b) Document the nonconformity; (c) Investigate the root cause of the nonconformity; (d) Determine appropriate disposition (rework, repair, use-as-is, or scrap); (e) Obtain the Client's approval for any disposition other than scrap; and (f) Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

9.5.2 The Manufacturer shall not ship any nonconforming Products to the Client without the Client's prior written approval.

9.6 Client's Acceptance Testing.

9.6.1 The Client may conduct acceptance testing of the Products within [NUMBER] days after delivery (the "Acceptance Period").

9.6.2 If the Client determines that any Products are Defective Products, the Client shall notify the Manufacturer in writing within the Acceptance Period, specifying the nature of the defect and providing supporting documentation.

9.6.3 If the Client does not notify the Manufacturer of any defects within the Acceptance Period, the Products shall be deemed accepted, provided that acceptance shall not affect the Client's rights under the Product Warranty.

9.7 Defective Products.

9.7.1 If the Client rejects any Products as Defective Products within the Acceptance Period, the Client may, at its option: (a) Return the Defective Products to the Manufacturer at the Manufacturer's expense for repair or replacement; (b) Request the Manufacturer to repair or replace the Defective Products at the Client's facility; or (c) Accept the Defective Products at a reduced price agreed upon by the Parties.

9.7.2 The Manufacturer shall repair or replace Defective Products within [NUMBER] days after receipt of the Client's notice of rejection.

9.7.3 If the Manufacturer fails to repair or replace Defective Products within the specified time period, the Client may: (a) Repair or replace the Defective Products itself or through a third party and charge the Manufacturer for the reasonable costs incurred; or (b) Terminate the applicable Purchase Order and receive a refund of all amounts paid for the Defective Products.

9.8 Epidemic Failure.

9.8.1 "Epidemic Failure" means the occurrence of the same or similar defect in [PERCENTAGE]% or more of the Products delivered under a Purchase Order or [PERCENTAGE]% or more of the Products delivered during any [NUMBER]-month period.

9.8.2 In the event of an Epidemic Failure, the Manufacturer shall: (a) Promptly investigate the root cause of the failure; (b) Provide the Client with a written report of its findings; (c) Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence; (d) Repair or replace all affected Products, including those in the Client's inventory and those already sold to the Client's customers; and (e) Reimburse the Client for all reasonable costs incurred in connection with the Epidemic Failure, including costs of customer notifications, field service, shipping, and handling.

10. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

10.1 Material Sourcing.

10.1.1 Unless otherwise specified in Exhibit G, the Manufacturer shall be responsible for procuring all Materials necessary for the manufacture of the Products.

10.1.2 The Manufacturer shall source Materials only from suppliers approved by the Client or listed in Exhibit G.

10.1.3 The Manufacturer shall ensure that all Materials comply with the specifications set forth in the Product Specifications and are free from defects in materials and workmanship.

10.1.4 The Manufacturer shall maintain records of Material sources, certifications, and test results for traceability purposes.

10.2 Client-Supplied Materials.

10.2.1 If specified in Exhibit G, the Client shall supply certain Materials to the Manufacturer for use in the manufacture of the Products.

10.2.2 The Manufacturer shall inspect all Client-supplied Materials upon receipt and notify the Client of any defects or nonconformities within [NUMBER] days.

10.2.3 The Manufacturer shall store, handle, and use Client-supplied Materials in accordance with the Client's instructions and good industry practice.

10.2.4 The Manufacturer shall be responsible for any loss or damage to Client-supplied Materials while in the Manufacturer's possession or control, except for normal scrap and yield loss within the limits specified in Exhibit G.

10.3 Equipment Ownership.

10.3.1 Unless otherwise specified in Exhibit H, all Equipment paid for by the Client shall be owned by the Client.

10.3.2 The Manufacturer shall clearly mark all Client-owned Equipment as the property of the Client and shall maintain an inventory of such Equipment.

10.3.3 The Manufacturer shall use Client-owned Equipment solely for the manufacture of the Client's Products and shall not use such Equipment for any other purpose without the Client's prior written consent.

10.3.4 The Manufacturer shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safekeeping of all Client-owned Equipment while in the Manufacturer's possession or control.

10.3.5 Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, or upon the Client's request, the Manufacturer shall return all Client-owned Equipment to the Client in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

10.4 Equipment Development and Maintenance.

10.4.1 If the Manufacturer develops or acquires Equipment specifically for the manufacture of the Products, the costs and ownership of such Equipment shall be as set forth in Exhibit H.

10.4.2 The Manufacturer shall maintain all Equipment used in the manufacture of the Products in good working condition and shall perform regular maintenance and calibration as required by the equipment manufacturer's recommendations and good industry practice.

10.4.3 The Manufacturer shall promptly notify the Client of any Equipment failures or maintenance issues that may affect the production of Products.

10.5 Inventory Management.

10.5.1 The Manufacturer shall maintain an inventory management system to track all Materials, work-in-process, and finished Products.

10.5.2 The Manufacturer shall maintain inventory levels of Materials sufficient to meet the production requirements for the binding portion of the Client's forecasts.

10.5.3 The Manufacturer shall practice first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management for all Materials and Products, unless otherwise specified in the Product Specifications.

10.5.4 The Manufacturer shall conduct regular physical inventory counts and reconcile them with inventory records.

10.5.5 The Manufacturer shall provide inventory reports to the Client upon request, including information on Materials, work-in-process, and finished Products.

10.6 Obsolescence.

10.6.1 "Obsolete Materials" means Materials that can no longer be used in the manufacture of the Products due to changes in Product Specifications, cancellation of Purchase Orders, or termination of this Agreement.

10.6.2 The Client shall be responsible for the cost of Obsolete Materials to the extent such Materials were reasonably acquired by the Manufacturer based on the Client's binding forecasts or Purchase Orders.

10.6.3 Upon the Client's request, the Manufacturer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to return Obsolete Materials to suppliers for credit or to repurpose such Materials for other products.

10.6.4 The Client shall pay the Manufacturer for Obsolete Materials that cannot be returned or repurposed, plus reasonable handling and disposal costs.

11. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

11.1 Product Warranty. The Manufacturer warrants to the Client that all Products delivered under this Agreement shall:

11.1.1 Conform to the Product Specifications;

11.1.2 Be free from defects in materials and workmanship;

11.1.3 Be manufactured in accordance with the Quality Standards and good manufacturing practices;

11.1.4 Be new and unused (unless otherwise specified in the Purchase Order);

11.1.5 Be free from liens and encumbrances; and

11.1.6 Comply with all Applicable Laws.

11.2 Warranty Period. The Product Warranty shall remain in effect for [NUMBER] months from the date of delivery of the Products to the Delivery Location (the "Warranty Period").

11.3 Warranty Claims.

11.3.1 If any Products fail to comply with the Product Warranty during the Warranty Period, the Client shall notify the Manufacturer in writing, specifying the nature of the defect and providing supporting documentation.

11.3.2 The Manufacturer shall investigate all warranty claims promptly and in good faith.

11.3.3 For valid warranty claims, the Manufacturer shall, at its option and expense: (a) Repair the defective Products; (b) Replace the defective Products with conforming Products; or (c) Refund the purchase price paid for the defective Products.

11.3.4 The Manufacturer shall complete the repair or replacement of defective Products within [NUMBER] days after receipt of the Client's warranty claim.

11.3.5 The Client shall return defective Products to the Manufacturer at the Manufacturer's expense and in accordance with the Manufacturer's reasonable instructions.

11.3.6 Repaired or replacement Products shall be subject to the same Product Warranty for the longer of (a) the remainder of the original Warranty Period or (b) [NUMBER] months from the date of delivery of the repaired or replacement Products.

11.4 Warranty Exclusions. The Product Warranty does not apply to defects or nonconformities resulting from:

11.4.1 The Client's designs, specifications, or instructions, except to the extent the Manufacturer knew or should have known that such designs, specifications, or instructions would result in defective Products;

11.4.2 Modifications or repairs made by anyone other than the Manufacturer or its authorized representatives;

11.4.3 Improper handling, storage, installation, or use after delivery;

11.4.4 Normal wear and tear; or

11.4.5 Force Majeure Events.

11.5 Manufacturer's Representations and Warranties. The Manufacturer represents and warrants to the Client that:

11.5.1 It has the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;

11.5.2 It has and will maintain all licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement;

11.5.3 It has and will maintain adequate facilities, equipment, personnel, and resources to manufacture the Products in accordance with this Agreement;

11.5.4 The execution and performance of this Agreement do not conflict with or violate any other agreement to which the Manufacturer is a party or by which it is bound;

11.5.5 It will perform all services under this Agreement in a professional and workmanlike manner in accordance with industry standards;

11.5.6 It will comply with all Applicable Laws in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; and

11.5.7 The Products will not infringe any third-party Intellectual Property Rights, except to the extent such infringement results solely from the Manufacturer's compliance with the Client's designs, specifications, or instructions.

11.6 Client's Representations and Warranties. The Client represents and warrants to the Manufacturer that:

11.6.1 It has the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;

11.6.2 It has and will maintain all licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement;

11.6.3 The execution and performance of this Agreement do not conflict with or violate any other agreement to which the Client is a party or by which it is bound;

11.6.4 It owns or has the right to use and to authorize the Manufacturer to use all Intellectual Property Rights necessary for the manufacture of the Products in accordance with the Product Specifications;

11.6.5 The Product Specifications and any Client-supplied Materials do not infringe any third-party Intellectual Property Rights; and

11.6.6 It will comply with all Applicable Laws in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

11.7 Disclaimer of Warranties. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

12.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property.

12.1.1 Client's Intellectual Property. The Client owns and shall retain all right, title, and interest in and to: (a) All Intellectual Property Rights owned by or licensed to the Client prior to the Effective Date; (b) All Intellectual Property Rights in the Product Specifications; (c) All Intellectual Property Rights in modifications or improvements to the Client's pre-existing Intellectual Property Rights made by either Party during the Term; (d) All Intellectual Property Rights in the Products; and (e) All other Intellectual Property Rights specifically identified as the Client's property in Exhibit I.

12.1.2 Manufacturer's Intellectual Property. The Manufacturer owns and shall retain all right, title, and interest in and to: (a) All Intellectual Property Rights owned by or licensed to the Manufacturer prior to the Effective Date; (b) All Intellectual Property Rights in the Manufacturer's manufacturing processes, methods, and know-how, except to the extent specifically developed for the Client under this Agreement; (c) All Intellectual Property Rights in modifications or improvements to the Manufacturer's pre-existing Intellectual Property Rights made by either Party during the Term; and (d) All other Intellectual Property Rights specifically identified as the Manufacturer's property in Exhibit I.

12.1.3 Newly Developed Intellectual Property. Ownership of Intellectual Property Rights developed during the Term that are not covered by Sections 12.1.1 or 12.1.2 shall be as specified in Exhibit I. If not specified in Exhibit I, such Intellectual Property Rights shall be owned by the Party that created them, or jointly owned if created jointly.

12.2 Licenses.

12.2.1 Client License to Manufacturer. The Client hereby grants to the Manufacturer a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, royalty-free license to use the Client's Intellectual Property Rights solely as necessary to manufacture the Products for the Client during the Term.

12.2.2 Manufacturer License to Client. If the manufacture, use, or sale of the Products requires the use of the Manufacturer's Intellectual Property Rights, the Manufacturer hereby grants to the Client a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use such Intellectual Property Rights in connection with the Products.

12.2.3 No Other Licenses. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, neither Party grants any license, express or implied, to the other Party under any Intellectual Property Rights.

12.3 Intellectual Property Protection.

12.3.1 Each Party shall take reasonable measures to protect the other Party's Intellectual Property Rights, including: (a) Restricting access to the other Party's Intellectual Property Rights to those employees and contractors who need such access to perform their duties; (b) Requiring employees and contractors with access to the other Party's Intellectual Property Rights to sign confidentiality agreements; (c) Implementing physical and electronic security measures to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure; and (d) Promptly notifying the other Party of any known or suspected infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of the other Party's Intellectual Property Rights.

12.3.2 The Manufacturer shall not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any of the Client's products, prototypes, or other items embodying the Client's Intellectual Property Rights.

12.3.3 The Manufacturer shall not use the Client's name, trademarks, or logos without the Client's prior written consent, except as necessary to identify the Products during the manufacturing process.

12.4 Intellectual Property Infringement.

12.4.1 If either Party becomes aware of any claim or allegation that the Products infringe any third-party Intellectual Property Rights, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party in writing.

12.4.2 If the alleged infringement results from the Client's designs, specifications, or instructions, the Client shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Manufacturer against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from such infringement.

12.4.3 If the alleged infringement results from the Manufacturer's manufacturing processes, methods, or other aspects of production not specified by the Client, the Manufacturer shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Client against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from such infringement.

12.4.4 In the event of an actual or threatened infringement claim, the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to: (a) Modify the Products to avoid the infringement; (b) Obtain a license from the third party to continue manufacturing and selling the Products; or (c) Take other appropriate action to resolve the infringement claim.

13. CHANGE MANAGEMENT

13.1 Product Specification Changes.

13.1.1 The Client may request changes to the Product Specifications by submitting a written change request to the Manufacturer.

13.1.2 Within [NUMBER] days after receipt of a change request, the Manufacturer shall evaluate the request and provide the Client with a written response that includes: (a) The feasibility of implementing the requested change; (b) The impact on pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules; (c) Any necessary modifications to tooling, Equipment, or processes; (d) The disposition of existing inventory and work-in-process; and (e) Any other relevant information.

13.1.3 If the Client approves the Manufacturer's response, the Parties shall execute a written amendment to this Agreement or the applicable Exhibit, and the Manufacturer shall implement the change in accordance with the agreed-upon timeline.

13.1.4 The Client shall be responsible for the reasonable costs associated with implementing approved changes, including: (a) Engineering and development costs; (b) Tooling and Equipment modifications or replacements; (c) Qualification and validation costs; (d) Obsolete Materials and work-in-process; and (e) Any other costs directly attributable to the change.

13.2 Manufacturing Process Changes.

13.2.1 The Manufacturer shall not make any material changes to the manufacturing process, Materials, suppliers, or Facility without the Client's prior written approval.

13.2.2 The Manufacturer may request approval for such changes by submitting a written change request to the Client, which shall include: (a) A detailed description of the proposed change; (b) The reason for the change; (c) The impact on the Products, if any; (d) Any validation or qualification activities to be performed; and (e) The proposed implementation timeline.

13.2.3 The Client shall review the Manufacturer's change request and provide a written response within [NUMBER] days.

13.2.4 If the Client approves the change, the Manufacturer shall implement the change in accordance with the approved plan and shall bear all costs associated with the change unless otherwise agreed in writing.

13.3 Engineering Change Orders.

13.3.1 All approved changes shall be documented in a formal Engineering Change Order (ECO) that includes: (a) A unique ECO number; (b) A detailed description of the change; (c) The effective date of the change; (d) The Products affected by the change; (e) Any changes to pricing, lead times, or other terms; (f) The disposition of existing inventory and work-in-process; and (g) Signatures of authorized representatives of both Parties.

13.3.2 The Manufacturer shall maintain a log of all ECOs and shall provide the Client with access to this log upon request.

13.4 Contract Amendments.

13.4.1 Any changes to the terms and conditions of this Agreement must be made in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both Parties.

13.4.2 No oral statements, course of dealing, or industry practice shall modify or amend this Agreement.

14. TERM AND TERMINATION

14.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for a period of [NUMBER] years (the "Initial Term"), unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement. Thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive [NUMBER]-year periods (each, a "Renewal Term"), unless either Party provides written notice of non-renewal to the other Party at least [NUMBER] days before the end of the then-current term.

14.2 Termination for Convenience.

14.2.1 The Client may terminate this Agreement or any Purchase Order for convenience upon [NUMBER] days' written notice to the Manufacturer.

14.2.2 In the event of termination for convenience, the Client shall pay the Manufacturer for: (a) All Products completed and delivered prior to the effective date of termination; (b) Work-in-process, based on the percentage of completion; (c) Materials reasonably acquired for the manufacture of Products that cannot be returned to suppliers or used for other purposes; (d) Reasonable wind-down costs; and (e) Any other costs or liabilities specifically identified in Exhibit J.

14.3 Termination for Cause.

14.3.1 Either Party may terminate this Agreement for cause if the other Party: (a) Materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within [NUMBER] days after receipt of written notice of the breach; (b) Becomes insolvent, files for bankruptcy, or has a receiver appointed for substantially all of its assets; or (c) Assigns or attempts to assign this Agreement in violation of Section 18.1.

14.3.2 The Manufacturer may terminate this Agreement for cause if the Client fails to pay any undisputed amount when due and does not cure such failure within [NUMBER] days after receipt of written notice from the Manufacturer.

14.3.3 The Client may terminate this Agreement for cause if: (a) The Manufacturer repeatedly delivers Defective Products or fails to meet delivery schedules; (b) The Manufacturer breaches its confidentiality or intellectual property obligations; (c) The Manufacturer undergoes a change of control without the Client's prior written consent if such consent is required under Section 18.1.3; or (d) The Manufacturer fails to comply with Applicable Laws in a manner that materially affects its ability to perform under this Agreement.

14.4 Effect of Termination.

14.4.1 Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement: (a) The Manufacturer shall cease all work on Products except as necessary to comply with Section 14.4.2; (b) Each Party shall return or destroy all Confidential Information of the other Party as requested by the other Party; (c) The Manufacturer shall return all Client-owned Equipment, Materials, and other property; (d) The Client shall pay all undisputed amounts due to the Manufacturer; and (e) The Parties shall cooperate in an orderly wind-down of their relationship.

14.4.2 Notwithstanding the termination or expiration of this Agreement, the Manufacturer shall complete and deliver all Products subject to Purchase Orders accepted prior to the effective date of termination or expiration, unless otherwise directed by the Client.

14.5 Survival. The following provisions shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement: Sections 7.5 (Payment Terms), 11 (Warranties and Representations), 12 (Intellectual Property), 15 (Confidentiality), 16 (Indemnification and Liability), 17.3 (Force Majeure Procedures), 18 (Miscellaneous Provisions), and any other provisions that by their nature are intended to survive termination or expiration.

15. CONFIDENTIALITY

15.1 Confidentiality Obligations.

15.1.1 Each Party shall: (a) Maintain the confidentiality of the other Party's Confidential Information with at least the same degree of care that it uses to protect its own confidential information, but in no event less than reasonable care; (b) Not disclose the other Party's Confidential Information to any third party without the other Party's prior written consent, except as permitted by Section 15.1.2; (c) Use the other Party's Confidential Information solely for the purpose of performing its obligations or exercising its rights under this Agreement; and (d) Limit access to the other Party's Confidential Information to those employees, agents, and contractors who need such access for purposes consistent with this Agreement and who are bound by confidentiality obligations at least as protective as those contained herein.

15.1.2 A Party may disclose the other Party's Confidential Information if required by law, regulation, or court order, provided that the disclosing Party: (a) Promptly notifies the other Party of the required disclosure, if legally permitted; (b) Cooperates with the other Party's efforts to limit or prevent the disclosure; and (c) Discloses only that portion of the Confidential Information that is legally required to be disclosed.

15.2 Exceptions. The confidentiality obligations in Section 15.1 do not apply to information that:

15.2.1 Is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving Party;

15.2.2 Was known to the receiving Party prior to disclosure by the disclosing Party, as evidenced by the receiving Party's written records;

15.2.3 Is rightfully obtained by the receiving Party from a third party without restriction on use or disclosure; or

15.2.4 Is independently developed by the receiving Party without use of or reference to the disclosing Party's Confidential Information, as evidenced by the receiving Party's written records.

15.3 Confidentiality Period. The confidentiality obligations in this Section 15 shall remain in effect during the Term and for [NUMBER] years thereafter.

15.4 Information Security Measures.

15.4.1 Each Party shall implement and maintain appropriate technical, organizational, and physical safeguards to protect the other Party's Confidential Information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

15.4.2 Such safeguards shall include, at a minimum: (a) Access controls for facilities and systems; (b) Encryption of electronic Confidential Information during transmission and storage; (c) Secure disposal of Confidential Information when no longer needed; (d) Regular security assessments and audits; and (e) Security awareness training for personnel.

15.4.3 Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party of any actual or suspected unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of the other Party's Confidential Information and shall cooperate with the other Party to investigate and remediate such incident.

15.5 Return or Destruction of Confidential Information.

15.5.1 Upon the disclosing Party's request or upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, the receiving Party shall promptly: (a) Return to the disclosing Party all tangible materials containing the disclosing Party's Confidential Information; (b) Permanently delete or destroy all electronic copies of the disclosing Party's Confidential Information; and (c) Certify in writing to the disclosing Party that it has complied with the requirements of this Section 15.5.

15.5.2 Notwithstanding Section 15.5.1, the receiving Party may retain: (a) One copy of the disclosing Party's Confidential Information for archival purposes or to comply with Applicable Laws; and (b) Confidential Information that is automatically backed up in accordance with the receiving Party's standard backup procedures, provided that such backups are not accessible in the ordinary course of business and are overwritten in the normal backup cycle.

15.6 Equitable Relief. Each Party acknowledges that a breach of this Section 15 may cause the other Party irreparable harm for which monetary damages would be inadequate. Accordingly, either Party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or remedy a breach or threatened breach of this Section 15, without the necessity of posting a bond or other security.

16. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY

16.1 Manufacturer's Indemnification Obligations. The Manufacturer shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Client and its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns from and against all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or resulting from:

16.1.1 Any actual or alleged defect in the Products resulting from the Manufacturer's failure to comply with the Product Specifications or Quality Standards;

16.1.2 Any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any third-party Intellectual Property Rights by the Manufacturer's manufacturing processes, methods, or other aspects of production not specified by the Client;

16.1.3 Any breach by the Manufacturer of its representations, warranties, or obligations under this Agreement;

16.1.4 Any negligent act or omission, willful misconduct, or violation of Applicable Law by the Manufacturer or its employees, agents, or subcontractors; or

16.1.5 Any bodily injury, death, or damage to property caused by the Products, except to the extent resulting from the Client's designs, specifications, or instructions.

16.2 Client's Indemnification Obligations. The Client shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Manufacturer and its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns from and against all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or resulting from:

16.2.1 Any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any third-party Intellectual Property Rights by the Products to the extent resulting from the Client's designs, specifications, or instructions;

16.2.2 Any breach by the Client of its representations, warranties, or obligations under this Agreement;

16.2.3 Any negligent act or omission, willful misconduct, or violation of Applicable Law by the Client or its employees, agents, or representatives; or

16.2.4 Any bodily injury, death, or damage to property caused by the Products to the extent resulting from the Client's designs, specifications, or instructions.

16.3 Indemnification Procedures.

16.3.1 The Party seeking indemnification (the "Indemnified Party") shall promptly notify the other Party (the "Indemnifying Party") in writing of any claim for which it seeks indemnification, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure.

16.3.2 The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control the defense and settlement of any claim for which it is obligated to indemnify the Indemnified Party, provided that the Indemnifying Party shall not settle any claim without the Indemnified Party's prior written consent if such settlement would impose any monetary obligation on the Indemnified Party or require the Indemnified Party to make an admission of liability or wrongdoing.

16.3.3 The Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense and settlement of any claim, at the Indemnifying Party's expense.

16.3.4 The Indemnified Party may participate in the defense of any claim through its own counsel at its own expense.

16.4 Limitation of Liability.

16.4.1 EXCEPT FOR LIABILITY ARISING FROM A PARTY'S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS, BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS, INFRINGEMENT OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, GOODWILL, USE, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

16.4.2 EXCEPT FOR LIABILITY ARISING FROM A PARTY'S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS, BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATIONS, INFRINGEMENT OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, EACH PARTY'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO THE OTHER PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) [AMOUNT] OR (B) THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID OR PAYABLE BY THE CLIENT TO THE MANUFACTURER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE [NUMBER] MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY.

16.5 Insurance Requirements.

16.5.1 During the Term and for [NUMBER] years thereafter, each Party shall maintain, at its own expense, the following insurance coverage: (a) Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of not less than [AMOUNT] per occurrence and [AMOUNT] in the aggregate; (b) Product Liability Insurance with limits of not less than [AMOUNT] per occurrence and [AMOUNT] in the aggregate; (c) Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by Applicable Law; and (d) Such other insurance as may be required by Applicable Law.

16.5.2 Each Party shall name the other Party as an additional insured on its Commercial General Liability and Product Liability policies.

16.5.3 Each Party shall provide the other Party with certificates of insurance evidencing the required coverage upon request.

16.5.4 Each Party shall provide the other Party with at least [NUMBER] days' prior written notice of any cancellation, non-renewal, or material change in the required insurance coverage.

17. FORCE MAJEURE

17.1 Force Majeure Events. Neither Party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this Agreement to the extent such failure or delay is caused by a Force Majeure Event. A "Force Majeure Event" means any event or circumstance beyond a Party's reasonable control, including but not limited to:

17.1.1 Acts of God, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters;

17.1.2 War, invasion, hostilities, terrorism, riots, or civil unrest;

17.1.3 Government actions, orders, restrictions, or regulations;

17.1.4 Embargoes or blockades;

17.1.5 National or regional emergencies;

17.1.6 Strikes, lockouts, or other labor disputes (excluding those involving only the affected Party's workforce);

17.1.7 Fire, explosion, or other casualty;

17.1.8 Epidemics, pandemics, or quarantines;

17.1.9 Shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities; or

17.1.10 Other similar events beyond the reasonable control of the affected Party.

17.2 Exclusions. Notwithstanding Section 17.1, the following shall not be considered Force Majeure Events:

17.2.1 Financial hardship or changes in market conditions;

17.2.2 The affected Party's failure to maintain adequate resources, supplies, or personnel to perform its obligations;

17.2.3 The failure of the affected Party's suppliers or subcontractors, unless such failure is itself caused by a Force Majeure Event; or

17.2.4 Any event or circumstance that the affected Party could have prevented or mitigated through reasonable precautions or commercially reasonable backup systems.

17.3 Force Majeure Procedures.

17.3.1 The Party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall: (a) Promptly notify the other Party in writing of the Force Majeure Event, its expected duration, and the anticipated impact on the affected Party's performance; (b) Use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the impact of the Force Majeure Event and resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable; (c) Provide regular updates to the other Party regarding the affected Party's efforts to resume performance; and (d) Notify the other Party promptly when the Force Majeure Event has ended.

17.3.2 If a Force Majeure Event prevents, hinders, or delays the Manufacturer's performance for more than [NUMBER] consecutive days or [NUMBER] days in the aggregate during any [NUMBER]-month period, the Client may: (a) Suspend or modify its performance until the Manufacturer resumes full performance; (b) Source the Products from alternative suppliers until the Manufacturer resumes full performance; or (c) Terminate this Agreement or any affected Purchase Order upon written notice to the Manufacturer if the Force Majeure Event continues for more than [NUMBER] consecutive days.

17.3.3 If a Force Majeure Event prevents, hinders, or delays the Client's performance for more than [NUMBER] consecutive days or [NUMBER] days in the aggregate during any [NUMBER]-month period, the Manufacturer may: (a) Suspend or modify its performance until the Client resumes full performance; or (b) Terminate this Agreement or any affected Purchase Order upon written notice to the Client if the Force Majeure Event continues for more than [NUMBER] consecutive days.

18. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

18.1 Assignment and Subcontracting.

18.1.1 Neither Party may assign, transfer, or delegate any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.

18.1.2 Notwithstanding Section 18.1.1, either Party may, without the other Party's consent, assign this Agreement to: (a) An Affiliate; or (b) A successor to all or substantially all of its business or assets to which this Agreement relates.

18.1.3 Any change of control of a Party shall be deemed an assignment requiring the other Party's prior written consent, except for: (a) Changes of control resulting from internal reorganizations where ultimate ownership does not change; or (b) Changes of control resulting from public trading of the Party's securities.

18.1.4 Any purported assignment in violation of this Section 18.1 shall be null and void.

18.1.5 This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

18.2 Relationship of Parties. The relationship between the Parties is that of independent contractors. Nothing 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. Neither Party shall have authority to contract for or bind the other Party in any manner whatsoever.

18.3 Notices.

18.3.1 All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (a) When delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) When received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) On the date sent by email (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) On the third day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid.

18.3.2 Such communications must be sent to the respective Parties at the addresses set forth below (or to such other address as may be designated by a Party from time to time in accordance with this Section 18.3):

If to the Client: [CLIENT NAME] [CLIENT ADDRESS] Attention: [CONTACT PERSON] Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]

If to the Manufacturer: [MANUFACTURER NAME] [MANUFACTURER ADDRESS] Attention: [CONTACT PERSON] Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]

18.4 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, is held to be invalid, illegal, void, or unenforceable by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Parties agree that any such invalid, illegal, void, or unenforceable provision shall be modified and limited in its effect to the extent necessary to cause it to be enforceable, or if such modification is not possible, shall be deemed severed from this Agreement. In such event, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace any invalid, illegal, void, or unenforceable provision with a valid, legal, and enforceable provision that corresponds as closely as possible to the Parties' original intent and economic expectations. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision in one jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

18.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments, and conversations with respect to such subject matter. No agreements, understandings, restrictions, representations, or warranties exist between or among the Parties other than those expressly set forth or referenced herein.

18.6 Amendment and Modification. No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both Parties. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Party so waiving.

18.7 Waiver. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Party so waiving. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power, or privilege arising from this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof. No single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege.

18.8 Cumulative Remedies. All rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive, and the exercise by either Party of any right or remedy does not preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies that may now or subsequently be available at law, in equity, by statute, in any other agreement between the Parties, or otherwise.

18.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [JURISDICTION], without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than [JURISDICTION].

18.10 Dispute Resolution.

18.10.1 The Parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement promptly by negotiation between executives who have authority to settle the controversy and who are at a higher level of management than the persons with direct responsibility for administration of this Agreement.

18.10.2 If the dispute has not been resolved by negotiation within [NUMBER] days after delivery of the initial notice of negotiation, or if the Parties failed to meet within [NUMBER] days after delivery of such notice, the Parties shall endeavor to settle the dispute by mediation under the [MEDIATION RULES], currently in effect.

18.10.3 If the dispute has not been resolved by mediation within [NUMBER] days after the appointment of a mediator, or if the mediator declares an impasse, the dispute shall be resolved by arbitration administered by the [ARBITRATION INSTITUTION] in accordance with its [ARBITRATION RULES]. (a) The number of arbitrators shall be [NUMBER]. (b) The place of arbit

Utah Requirements for Manufacturing Agreement

Intellectual Property Protection (Utah Code § 13-24; 35 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. (Patent Act); 17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. (Copyright Act))

Compliance with Utah's Uniform Trade Secrets Act (Utah Code § 13-24) and federal intellectual property laws to protect proprietary information, designs, and manufacturing processes shared between parties.

Product Liability (Utah Code § 78B-6-701 et seq.)

Adherence to Utah Product Liability Act provisions regarding manufacturer liability for defective products, including allocation of responsibility between client and manufacturer.

Environmental Compliance (Utah Code § 19-1 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq. (Clean Air Act))

Compliance with Utah's environmental regulations regarding waste disposal, emissions, and hazardous materials handling in manufacturing processes.

Worker Safety Standards (Utah Code § 34A-6; 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. (Occupational Safety and Health Act))

Adherence to Utah Occupational Safety and Health Act requirements and federal OSHA standards for workplace safety in manufacturing facilities.

Contract Formation Requirements (Utah Code § 70A-2-101 et seq.)

Compliance with Utah's adoption of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) provisions governing contract formation, including offer, acceptance, and consideration for manufacturing agreements.

Quality Control Standards (Utah Code § 13-11 (Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act))

Provisions for quality assurance processes that comply with applicable industry standards and Utah consumer protection laws.

Payment Terms and Interest (Utah Code § 15-1-1)

Compliance with Utah's legal interest rate limitations and payment regulations for commercial transactions.

Dispute Resolution (Utah Code § 78B-11-101 et seq.)

Provisions for dispute resolution mechanisms in accordance with Utah's Uniform Arbitration Act and venue requirements.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (Utah Code § 13-24-1 et seq.)

Confidentiality provisions that comply with Utah's trade secret protections and contractual confidentiality requirements.

Warranties and Disclaimers (Utah Code § 70A-2-312 to 70A-2-316)

Compliance with Utah's UCC provisions regarding express and implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for particular purpose.

Termination Provisions (Utah Code § 70A-2-601 et seq.)

Compliance with Utah contract law regarding termination rights, notice requirements, and consequences of breach.

Import/Export Compliance (19 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. (Tariff Act); 50 U.S.C. App. § 2401 et seq. (Export Administration Act))

Adherence to federal import/export regulations and customs requirements for manufactured goods.

Force Majeure (Utah Code § 70A-2-615)

Provisions addressing unforeseeable circumstances preventing fulfillment of contract obligations, consistent with Utah's common law and UCC provisions.

Insurance Requirements (Utah Code § 31A-1-101 et seq.)

Compliance with Utah insurance regulations regarding required coverage for manufacturing operations and product liability.

Labor Law Compliance (Utah Code § 35A-4-101 et seq.; 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq. (Fair Labor Standards Act))

Adherence to Utah Employment Security Act and federal labor laws regarding employment practices in manufacturing facilities.

Indemnification (Utah Code § 13-8-1)

Provisions for indemnification that comply with Utah's enforceability requirements for such clauses in commercial contracts.

Regulatory Compliance (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq. (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act); 15 U.S.C. § 2051 et seq. (Consumer Product Safety Act))

Adherence to industry-specific regulations applicable to the manufactured products (e.g., FDA, CPSC, FCC requirements).

Limitation of Liability (Utah Code § 70A-2-719)

Provisions limiting liability that comply with Utah's enforceability requirements for such clauses in commercial contracts.

Assignment and Subcontracting (Utah Code § 70A-2-210)

Compliance with Utah contract law regarding assignment of rights and delegation of duties in manufacturing relationships.

Choice of Law and Jurisdiction (Utah Code § 78B-3-205)

Provisions specifying governing law and jurisdiction that comply with Utah's requirements for enforceability of such clauses.

Frequently Asked Questions

A comprehensive Manufacturing Agreement should include several key elements: (1) Detailed product specifications and quality standards; (2) Pricing, payment terms, and cost structures; (3) Production timelines, delivery schedules, and minimum order quantities; (4) Intellectual property protections and confidentiality provisions; (5) Quality control procedures and inspection rights; (6) Warranties and liability limitations; (7) Term and termination conditions; (8) Dispute resolution mechanisms; and (9) Exclusivity or non-compete provisions if applicable. For established companies, pay special attention to scalability provisions, while startups should focus on IP protections, and small businesses might prioritize flexible minimum order requirements.

To protect your intellectual property (IP) in a Manufacturing Agreement, include: (1) Clear ownership statements declaring that all IP, designs, and innovations remain your exclusive property; (2) Confidentiality provisions prohibiting the manufacturer from disclosing your proprietary information; (3) Non-use clauses preventing the manufacturer from using your designs for other clients; (4) Restrictions on subcontracting without your approval; (5) Requirements for employees to sign confidentiality agreements; (6) Return or destruction of proprietary information upon termination; and (7) Specific remedies for IP breaches. For startups with innovative products, consider adding provisions that prevent the manufacturer from producing similar products for a specified period after your agreement ends.

Effective quality control provisions should include: (1) Detailed product specifications with measurable standards; (2) Regular inspection rights at the manufacturing facility; (3) Testing protocols and acceptance criteria; (4) Procedures for handling defective products; (5) Remedies for quality failures, including replacement, repair, or refunds; (6) Compliance requirements with industry standards and regulations; (7) Sample approval processes before full production; (8) Documentation requirements for materials and components; and (9) Right to reject shipments that don't meet standards. Established companies might also include provisions for continuous improvement processes, while startups should ensure they have the right to make specification changes as their product evolves.

Pricing and payment terms should be clearly defined to avoid disputes: (1) Specify unit prices for each product and component; (2) Address potential price adjustments due to material cost fluctuations; (3) Define payment schedules (upfront deposits, milestone payments, or payment upon delivery); (4) Include currency and payment methods; (5) Specify invoice requirements and payment deadlines; (6) Address volume discounts for larger orders; (7) Detail any tooling or setup costs; and (8) Include provisions for handling price increases. Small business owners should negotiate favorable payment terms that align with their cash flow, while established companies might focus on volume-based pricing tiers and long-term cost stability provisions.

Comprehensive termination provisions should include: (1) Conditions for termination (breach of contract, insolvency, force majeure); (2) Notice periods required for termination; (3) Rights and obligations upon termination; (4) Handling of work-in-progress and inventory; (5) Return of tooling, equipment, and intellectual property; (6) Transition assistance to new manufacturers; (7) Survival clauses for confidentiality and IP protections; and (8) Final payment reconciliation procedures. Startups should ensure they can terminate if the manufacturer can't meet quality standards, while established companies might focus on ensuring business continuity during transitions to new manufacturers.

Exclusivity provisions require careful consideration: (1) Decide whether you want the manufacturer to work exclusively for you or be restricted from working with competitors; (2) Define the scope of exclusivity (geographic regions, product categories, or specific customers); (3) Include compensation for exclusivity, as manufacturers may charge premiums; (4) Set performance requirements the manufacturer must meet to maintain exclusivity; (5) Include provisions for modifying exclusivity terms as your business evolves; and (6) Define clear remedies for violations. Startups might benefit from manufacturer exclusivity in their product category to prevent IP leakage, while established companies might focus on securing production capacity through minimum purchase commitments.

Liability and warranty provisions should address: (1) The manufacturer's warranty period and coverage; (2) Remedies for warranty breaches (repair, replacement, or refunds); (3) Limitations on liability for both parties; (4) Indemnification for third-party claims; (5) Insurance requirements; (6) Product liability responsibilities; (7) Compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and (8) Force majeure provisions. Small business owners should ensure the manufacturer provides adequate warranties against defects, while established companies might negotiate more comprehensive indemnification provisions to protect against potential product liability claims.

When addressing minimum order quantities (MOQs): (1) Negotiate realistic MOQs based on your sales projections and cash flow; (2) Consider seasonal variations in demand; (3) Include provisions for adjusting MOQs as your business grows; (4) Address consequences for not meeting MOQs; (5) Negotiate flexible terms for initial orders versus ongoing production; (6) Consider staggered delivery schedules to manage inventory; and (7) Include provisions for handling excess inventory. Startups should negotiate lower initial MOQs with increases tied to business growth, while small business owners might benefit from blanket purchase orders with scheduled releases to balance MOQ requirements with cash flow constraints.

Strong confidentiality provisions should include: (1) Clear definition of what constitutes confidential information; (2) Specific obligations to maintain confidentiality; (3) Permitted uses of confidential information; (4) Exclusions from confidentiality (publicly available information); (5) Duration of confidentiality obligations (often extending beyond the agreement term); (6) Requirements for secure handling and storage of information; (7) Procedures for returning or destroying confidential information; and (8) Remedies for breaches, including injunctive relief. For innovative startups, these provisions are particularly critical to prevent your manufacturer from sharing your designs or production methods with competitors.

To enhance international enforceability: (1) Clearly specify the governing law and jurisdiction; (2) Consider including arbitration clauses with specified venues and rules; (3) Ensure the agreement is translated into the local language if required by local laws; (4) Address currency and exchange rate issues; (5) Include provisions for compliance with local laws and regulations; (6) Consider incorporating international commercial terms (Incoterms); (7) Address import/export requirements; and (8) Consult with legal experts familiar with the manufacturer's jurisdiction. Established companies expanding their supply chain internationally should pay particular attention to these provisions to ensure protection across different legal systems.

Manufacturing Agreement Guide: What Business Owners Need to Know

Introduction

Key Things to Know

Key Decisions

Manufacturing Agreement Requirements

Customize your Manufacturing Agreement Template with DocDraft

MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT

BETWEEN:

AND:

RECITALS:

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

2. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

3. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

4. MANUFACTURING PROCESS

5. PRODUCTION SCHEDULE AND FORECASTING

6. QUANTITY REQUIREMENTS

7. PRICING AND PAYMENT

8. DELIVERY AND LOGISTICS

9. QUALITY CONTROL

10. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

11. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

13. CHANGE MANAGEMENT

14. TERM AND TERMINATION

15. CONFIDENTIALITY

16. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY

17. FORCE MAJEURE

18. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Utah Requirements for Manufacturing Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important elements of a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should I protect my intellectual property in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What quality control provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should pricing and payment terms be structured in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What termination provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should I handle exclusivity in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What liability and warranty provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should I address minimum order quantities in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What confidentiality provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How can I ensure my Manufacturing Agreement is enforceable internationally?

Manufacturing Agreement Guide: What Business Owners Need to Know

Introduction

Key Things to Know

Key Decisions

What termination and liability provisions do you need?

How will pricing and payment terms be structured?

What quality control measures do you want to include?

How will intellectual property rights be handled?

What type of manufacturing relationship are you seeking?

What termination and transition provisions do you want in your agreement?

How do you want to structure pricing and payment terms?

What exclusivity arrangement do you want with your manufacturer?

How do you want to protect your intellectual property in the manufacturing relationship?

What level of quality control do you want to establish for your manufactured products?

What termination rights and transition assistance do you want to include?

How should liability and indemnification be structured in the agreement?

What type of exclusivity arrangement do you want with the manufacturer?

How do you want to handle intellectual property rights in the manufacturing relationship?

What level of quality control do you want to establish for the manufactured products?

Manufacturing Agreement Requirements

Customize your Manufacturing Agreement Template with DocDraft

MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT

BETWEEN:

AND:

RECITALS:

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

2. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

3. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

4. MANUFACTURING PROCESS

5. PRODUCTION SCHEDULE AND FORECASTING

6. QUANTITY REQUIREMENTS

7. PRICING AND PAYMENT

8. DELIVERY AND LOGISTICS

9. QUALITY CONTROL

10. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

11. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

13. CHANGE MANAGEMENT

14. TERM AND TERMINATION

15. CONFIDENTIALITY

16. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY

17. FORCE MAJEURE

18. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Utah Requirements for Manufacturing Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important elements of a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should I protect my intellectual property in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What quality control provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should pricing and payment terms be structured in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What termination provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should I handle exclusivity in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What liability and warranty provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How should I address minimum order quantities in a Manufacturing Agreement?

What confidentiality provisions should be included in a Manufacturing Agreement?

How can I ensure my Manufacturing Agreement is enforceable internationally?