Mediante este Contrato de Licencia de Marca se concede a una de las Partes (Licenciatario) el derecho de uso de una o más de las marcas de la otra Parte (Licenciante) en un territorio determinado de Estados Unidos. El Licenciante puede limitar al licenciatario el uso de estas marcas ya sea para una licencia exclusiva o no exclusiva en el territorio asignado. A cambio del uso de las marcas concedidas, el Licenciatario se compromete a pagar unas regalías (royalties) al Licenciante.

El Contrato se adapta a los usos y costumbres de Estados Unidos así como a su ley de Contratos (US Contract Law). Está redactado en inglés y es válido en cualquier estado de Estados Unidos. Conjuntamente con el Contrato se proporciona una Guía de Negociación de Contratos en Estados Unidos.

AVISO LEGAL

Pudiera darse el caso de que este contrato no se adaptara a las necesidades y requerimientos específicos de una situación particular. En caso de duda, debe solicitarse asesoramiento legal.

Global Marketing Strategies, S.L. como editora y titular del copyright de este contrato queda completamente exonerada de cualquier tipo de responsabilidad sobre el contenido legal del mismo. En todos los casos, cualquier reclamación que pudiera realizarse por el uso de este contrato, quedará limitada a la devolución del importe pagado en su compra.

ÍNDICE

PartesPreámbuloCláusulas

1. Concesión de la Licencia

2. Estándares de Calidad3. Duración y

Terminación4. Honorarios de la

Licencia5. Representaciones y

Garantías; Indemnizaciones

6. Licencias fuera del Territorio

7. Infracciones8. Compromisos del

Licenciante Respecto de las Marcas Registradas

9. Propiedad de las Marcas Registradas; Modificaciones

10. Compromisos del Licenciatario Respecto de las Marcas Registradas

11. Disposiciones

GeneralesFirmasAnexos

CONTRATO DE LICENCIA DE MARCA PARA ESTADOS UNIDOS (INGLÉS)

Nº DE PÁGINAS: 13 + 6 (Guía de Negociación de Contratos en Estados Unidos)FORMATO: WordIDIOMA: Inglés

TRADEMARK LINCENSE AGREEMENT(USA)

EFFECTIVE DATE: [Date]

BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME], (the "Licensor"), a corporation organized and existing under the Laws of [State/Country], with its head office located at [complete address].

AND: [DISTRIBUTOR NAME], (the "Licensee"], a corporation organized and existing under the Laws of [State/Country], with its head office located at [complete address].

SUMMARY

The Licensor is the owner of all right, title and interest in and to the trademarks and the trade dress, labels and designs associated with the trademarks, that are described and listed in Exhibit A (the “Licensed Marks”), together with the goodwill of the [product / business] symbolized thereby in connection with the Products (defined below) in the Territory.

The Licensee desires to license from the Licensor, and the Licensor is willing to license to the Licensee, a (non-)exclusive license in the Territory for use of the Licensed Marks.

In consideration for the mutual promises, covenants, and agreements made below, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the indicated definitions:

“Agreement” This Agreement is by and between the Licensor and the Licensee. “License Fees” The gross license Fees billed by the Licensee (or any of its affiliates or sub-

licensees) to customers for the Products, less trade discounts and allowances, returns, and other deductions generally allowed by its customers, as normally deducted from license fee revenues. The amount of license Fees for any period is determined on the basis of transactions actually completed and recorded on the books and records of the Licensee (or any of its affiliates or sub-licensees) during such period consistent with the past practice, without reference to the effects of any subsequent audit adjustments that result in any of such transactions being recognized by the Licensee (or any of its affiliates or sub-licensees) in another period.

“Products” All of the [Enter category] products described in Exhibit B. The list comprising these products is expected to expand during the term of this Agreement to include additional [Enter category] products that represent an extension of the line of items constituting the Products, but any such expansion will not take place without the written consent of both the Licensor and the Licensee.

“Territory” [Define Territory]

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1. GRANT OF LICENSE

For the term of this Agreement, the Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee a (non-)exclusive license (the “License”) to use and sublicense the Licensed Marks for and in connection with all activities relating to the packaging, marketing, distribution, selling, and licensing of the Products in the Territory.

2. QUALITY STANDARDS

2.1 Maintenance of Quality

The Licensee will maintain, and require its sub-licensees to maintain, the standards of quality and technical specifications, including packaging standards described in Exhibit C (“Standards and Specifications”), or such other standards or specifications that the Licensor may adopt or approve during the term of this Agreement. If the Licensee sublicenses or otherwise authorizes use of any of the Licensed Marks, it will require those entities to maintain and adhere to the Standards and Specifications.

2.2 Changes & Additions

Before adding a new item to the Products or changing the Standards and Specifications to an existing product, the Licensee agrees to provide the Licensor with the proposed Standards and Specifications and, if approved and adopted by the Licensor, such Standards and Specifications will become effective (the “New Standards and Specifications”). The Licensor will be deemed to have approved and adopted the New Standards and Specifications unless it advises the Licensee in the writing of its objections to such New Standards and Specifications within (Fifteen) days of their receipt.

2.3 Procedure for Disclosure of New Standards & Specifications

The Licensee’s disclosure of the New Standards and Specifications is solely for the purpose of enabling the Licensor to establish, enforce, and maintain quality standards and technical specifications respecting the Products. The Licensor acknowledges that the New Standards and Specifications, as well as the Standards and Specifications, are proprietary information constituting trade secrets owned by the Licensee, or disclosed to the Licensee in confidence by its sub-licensees. The Licensor agrees to treat all Standards and Specifications (including the New Standards and Specifications) as confidential during the term of this Agreement and for (Enter time) subsequent to its termination. Except as permitted by this Agreement, the Licensor will not disclose the Standards and Specifications (including any New Standards and Specifications) except in circumstances when disclosure is necessary for quality control purposes. Such restriction against disclosure will not apply to (1) any disclosure of information that is generally known in the trade or (2) any disclosures required by law or judicial or governmental order after notice by the Licensor to Licensee informing of the required disclosure and providing the Licensee the right to object.

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2.4 Rights of Inspection

With prior notice to the Licensee or its sub-licensee, the Licensor and its authorized agents and representatives may enter the offices and facilities of the Licensor and its sub-licensees at all reasonable times, to inspect reasonable samples of the Products and to inspect the books and records, as they relate to compliance with the Standards and Specifications.

2.5 Submission or Selection of Samples

At the Licensor's request, the Licensee will furnish, or cause each sub-licensee to furnish, in either case without cost to the Licensor, a reasonable number of samples of the Products; the Licensor may either select these samples at random or pursuant to a reasonable sampling procedure established by it.

3. TERM & TERMINATION

3.1 Term

The term of this Agreement will commence on the date stated above and will continue until terminated as provided below.

3.2 Termination

This Agreement may be terminated by the Licensee at any time upon (Insert time period) prior notice to the Licensor, and by the Licensor:

3.2.1 Upon any material breach of this Agreement by the Licensee that is not remedied within 30 days after the Licensee's receipt of notice of such breach;

3.2.2 If the Licensor does not receive payment of the Minimum Royalty Installment as defined in 4.1

3.2.3 If the Licensee does not ship the Products to its customers on or before (Enter date);

3.2.4 The Licensee notifies the Licensor of its intent not to manufacture Products during (Enter time frame);

3.2.5 If the Licensee does not manufacture and sell the Products for any consecutive (Enter time) period; or

3.2.6 If the Licensee files a petition in bankruptcy, is adjudicated a bankrupt, becomes insolvent, makes an arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors, or discontinues its business, or if a receiver or custodian is appointed for the Licensee or its business, or if a petition in bankruptcy is

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filed against the Licensee that is not dismissed within 60 days after the date of such filing.

3.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination of this Agreement by either party:

3.3.1 All rights granted to the Licensee hereunder will revert to the Licensor free and clear of any lien, security interest or other encumbrance, and the Licensee and its affiliates and subsidiaries will as soon as practicable cease the manufacture, distribution, sale, promotion, advertising and marketing of Products; provided, however, that for a period of 120 days after termination of this Agreement the Licensee and its affiliates and subsidiaries may complete any work in process and sell their existing inventories of Products;

3.3.2 All of the Advance Against Royalties described in section 4.2 that have not been paid will be immediately due and payable;

3.3.3 All royalty payments due pursuant to Section 4 (other than royalty payments, if any, for the 120 day period during which time the Licensee and its Affiliates and Subsidiaries may complete their work in process and sell their existing inventories of Products) will be paid to the Licensor within 30 days after the date this Agreement is terminated;

3.3.4 All other amounts due under this Agreement from either party to the other (except for amounts due from the Licensee's sub-licensees that will continue to be collected by the Licensee and paid to the Licensor in accordance with Sections 5) will be paid within 150 days after the date this Agreement is terminated, at that time the Licensee will submit to the Licensor a final account statement in accordance with Section 5.1.

4. LICENSE FEE

4.1 Royalty Rate and Payment Requirements

Thirty (30) days following the end of each fiscal quarterly period, the Licensee will pay the Licensor a “Net License Fees Royalty Payment” that will be equal to the greater of (1) the amount set forth as the “Minimum Royalty Installment” in Exhibit D for the immediately preceding fiscal quarterly period; and (2) an amount equal to the sum of the respective License Fees for each of the Products distributed under the Licensed Marks in the Territory, for the immediately preceding fiscal quarterly period (the Products referred to in this Section are referred to as “Royalty Bearing Products”), multiplied by, the royalty rate set forth under the heading “Net License Fees Royalty Payment” in Exhibit D. If the Net License Fees Royalty Payment is to be calculated for a period consisting of less than a full fiscal quarter, the Net License Fees Royalty Payment will be equal to the amount calculated in accordance with clause (2) of the immediately preceding sentence (that is, the Net License Fees Royalty Payment will be determined without reference to the Minimum Royalty Installment).

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4.2 Advance Against Royalties

The Licensee will pay to the Licensor the sum of $(enter amount) as a non-refundable advance against royalties from the sale of Products in accordance with the following schedule: (Insert schedule of payments).

4.3 Best Efforts Commitment

The Licensee acknowledges that the Licensor expects to receive royalty payments pursuant to this Agreement and that this expectancy constitutes a material inducement to the Licensor to enter into this Agreement. As such, the Licensee will employ its reasonable efforts to promote the distribution of the Products under the Licensed Marks. The Licensee (for itself and its sub-licensees) expressly reserves the right to discontinue the distribution of any of the categories of products included within the Products as long as the Licensee (or one or more sub-licensees) continues to sell under the Licensed Marks at least (Enter number) of the categories of products constituting the Products.

4.4 Access to Books & Records

The Licensee will keep complete and accurate books and records with respect to the manufacture, distribution and sale of Products. The Licensor will have the right, through an independent accountant retained by the Licensor, to inspect the Licensee's books and records relating to the subject matter of this Agreement once per year during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two years thereafter on reasonable notice to the Licensee, during regular business hours at the place where such books and records are normally kept and to the extent reasonably necessary to determine the accuracy of any royalty payments to be made under this Agreement.

The Licensee will be entitled to rely on the financial reports submitted to it by its sub-licensees’ and the Licensee will not be required to verify such reports by actual inspection of its sub-licensees, books and records. However, the Licensee will require its sub-licensees to keep complete and accurate books and records with respect to the manufacture, distribution and sale of Products. The Licensee will make available to the Licensor the results of any audit it conducts of its sub-licensees. Any and all information obtained by the Licensor in such inspections and in the royalty reports provided under Section 4.1 will be considered strictly confidential and will not be released or disclosed to any person, except in connection with any action to enforce the rights of the Licensor under this Agreement.

5. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION

5.1 Representations & Warranties

The Licensor represents and warrants to the Licensee that:

(1) it is the owner of the Products and the Licensed Marks and has the power to grant the License to the Licensee;

(2) it has not granted to any other person a license to manufacture, distribute or sell the

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Products in the Territory; and(3) to the best of its knowledge, the Products and the Licensed Marks do not infringe any

patent, copyright, trademark, or other proprietary right of any third party.

5.2 Indemnification

The Licensor will indemnify and hold the Licensee harmless from and against any and all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by the Licensee in connection with any final judgment arising out of or resulting from any breach by the Licensor of its representations and warranties contained in 5.1 to the extent any such claim, proceeding or judgment relates to aspects of Products or Licensed Marks as originated by the Licensor; provided, however, that the Licensor's total liability pursuant to this paragraph will be limited to the aggregate amount of royalties paid to the Licensor under this Agreement during the term of this Agreement.

In the event such a claim is asserted against the Licensee, the Licensee may suspend payment of the royalties due to the Licensor hereunder and apply such royalties toward the reasonable costs and legal expenses of defending such claim and the payment of any ensuing settlement or judgment. Within 30 days after the resolution of any such claim, the Licensee will remit to the Licensor the amount, if any, of royalties withheld from the Licensor and not applied to the defense or payment of such claim, together with a statement setting forth all costs and legal expenses to which such royalties were applied. The provisions of this paragraph will survive the termination of this Agreement. Such indemnification will be in addition to any other remedies available to the Licensee.

5.3 Binding obligation

The Licensee represents and warrants to the Licensor that this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Licensee enforceable against the Licensee in accordance with its terms.

5.4 Damages, liabilities, costs and expenses

The Licensee will indemnify and hold the Licensor harmless from and against any and all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses incurred by the Licensor in connection with any final judgment arising out of or resulting from:

(1) the breach by the Licensee of its representations and warranties contained in 5.3; (2) the manufacture, distribution or sale of Products (except insofar as such claims relate to

the Licensor's representations and warranties contained 5.1); (3) any unauthorized use by the Licensee or any affiliate, subsidiary or sub-licensee of the

Products or the Licensed Marks; (4) any unfair or fraudulent advertising claims pertaining to the Products; (5) any claims for unauthorized use or misuse of any patent, trademark, copyright or other

proprietary right owned, used or controlled by any third party pertaining to the production, distribution, licensing, or marketing of the Products and

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(6) any defects (design or otherwise) or inherent dangers in the Products caused by the Licensee.

The provisions of this paragraph will survive the termination of this Agreement. Such indemnification will be in addition to any other remedy available to the Licensor.

6. LICENSING OUTSIDE TERRITORY

The Licensor intends to license the Products and the Licensed Marks to third parties for use outside the Territory. Each such license will specifically limit such third party's right to use the Licensed Marks and sell the Products and any products derived therefrom to the territory specified in such license, which in no event will include any part of the Licensee's Territory. The Licensor will cooperate with the Licensee to the extent reasonably necessary to prevent any such third party from manufacturing, distributing or selling the Products and any products derived therefrom in the Territory.

7. INFRINGEMENT

7.1 Suspected infringement

The Licensee and the Licensor agree to promptly notify each other of any suspected infringement of their respective interests in and to the Licensed Marks by any third party, as well as any petition to cancel any registration of any of the Licensed Marks, or any attempted use or any application to register any mark confusingly similar to, or a colorable imitation of, any of the Licensed Marks within the Territory of which they become aware. In the event that any legal action against any third party is deemed necessary by either party for the protection of their respective interests, they agree to cooperate with each other and render all reasonably necessary assistance in connection with any such legal action.

7.2 Infringement prosecution

In the event Licensor does not institute and prosecute any action for infringement of the Licensed Marks within the Territory, defend any petition to cancel any registration of any of the Licensed Marks, or oppose any attempted use of or any application to register any mark confusingly similar to, or a colorable imitation of, any of the Licensed Marks within the Territory within 30 days after notice from the Licensee of a suspected infringement, Licensee will have the right to do so, but will not be obligated to, either in its own name or in the name of Licensor. If the Licensor elects to prosecute such a suit, it may select legal counsel and will bear all legal fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith. Any money recovered after such costs and expenses are reimbursed will be shared as follows: [enter percentage]% to the Licensor; and [enter percentage]% to the Licensee. If the Licensor chooses not to prosecute any such suit for infringement, then the Licensee may do so after notice to the Licensor, and the Licensee may select legal counsel and will bear all legal fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith. Any money recovered after such costs and expenses are reimbursed will be shared as

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follows: [enter percentage]% to the Licensor; and [enter percentage]% to the Licensee.

8. UNDERTAKINGS OF LICENSOR RESPECTING THE LICENSED MARKS

8.1 Ownership and Right to License

The Licensor owns all rights with respect to the Licensed Marks and has the full right to grant to the Licensee the license rights set forth herein.

8.2 No Licensor Use of Marks

The Licensor agrees not to use or license others to use the Licensed Marks in the Territory during the term of this Agreement except for such use as may be required in connection with the performance by the Licensor of this Agreement. The Licensor reserves all rights with respect to all trademarks or service marks that may be owned by it or licensed to it that are not subject to this Agreement.

9. OWNERSHIP OF THE LICENSED MARKS; MODIFICATIONS

9.1 Licensor's Ownership Rights

The Licensee acknowledges the Licensor's exclusive right, title, and interest in and to the Licensed Marks and further acknowledges that except as expressly provided, nothing in this Agreement grants the Licensee any rights in any of the Licensed Marks. The Licensee acknowledges that its use of the Licensed Marks will not give it any right, title, or interest in the Licensed Marks and that its use of the Licensed Marks in the Territory and the goodwill generated inures to the benefit of the Licensor. The Licensee warrants and represents with respect as follows:

9.1.1 The Licensee will not challenge the Licensor's right, title, or interest in the Licensed Marks or their validity or any registration;

9.1.2 The Licensee will not do or cause to be done or omit to do anything that would contest or in any way impair the Licensor's rights in the Licensed Marks;

9.1.3 The Licensee will not represent that it has any ownership in or rights to the Licensed Marks in the Territory other than the rights conferred by this Agreement; and

9.1.4 Either during or subsequent to the term of this Agreement, the Licensee will not use any trademark, service mark, trade name, insignia or logo that is similar to or a colorable imitation of any of the Licensed Marks.

9.2 Changes and Modifications to the Licensed Marks

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The Licensor expressly reserves the right to modify and change the Licensed Marks. As modified, the Licensed Marks are deemed to be the Licensed Marks referred to in this Agreement. All such modifications or changes developed or adopted by the Licensor will be the sole property of the Licensor, and the Licensor may incorporate them in the Licensed Marks and will have the exclusive right to register in the Territory such modified or changed marks as trademarks and / or service marks. The Licensee may propose changes to the Licensed Marks for adoption and approval by the Licensor.

10. UNDERTAKINGS OF LICENSEE RESPECTING THE LICENSED MARKS

10.1 Marking; Compliance with Trademark Laws

The Licensee will, and will require each of its sub-licensees to (1) cause the appropriate designation "TM" or the registration symbol "®" to be placed adjacent to the Licensed Marks in connection with each use or display of the Licensed Marks and to indicate such additional information as the Licensor will reasonably specify concerning the license rights; and (2) comply with all laws pertaining to trademarks in force.

10.2 Display of the Marks

The Licensee will, and will require each of its sub-licensees to, display, in a manner consistent with the Licensor's standards, the Licensed Marks on packaging for each of the Products, visual displays on initial computer screens, and in marketing activities respecting the Products.

10.3 No Use Objectionable to Licensor

The Licensee will not, and the Licensee will not permit its sub-licensees to, use the Licensed Marks on or in connection with any screen display, packaging, or marketing material to which the Licensor objects.

10.4 Maintenance of Registrations

The Licensee will pay any continuing maintenance or filing fees respecting state or federal registrations of the Licensed Marks.

11. GENERAL PROVISIONS

11.1 Independent Contractors

The relationship between both parties established by this Agreement is that of independent contractors, and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to give either party the power to direct and control the day-to-day activities of the other. Neither party is an agent, representative or partner of the other party. Neither party shall have any right, power or authority to enter into any agreement for, or on behalf of, or incur any obligation or liability of, or to

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otherwise bind, the other party. This Agreement shall not be interpreted or construed to create an association, agency, joint venture or partnership between the parties or to impose any liability attributable to such relationship upon either party.

11.2 Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This agreement and the parties’ actions under this Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the state of [State], without reference to conflict of law principles. The parties hereby expressly consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state courts within the state of [State]. Each party hereby irrevocably consents to the service of process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to such party at its address set forth in the preamble of this Agreement, such service to become effective thirty (30) days after such mailing.

11.3 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including the attached exhibits, constitutes the entire Agreement between both parties concerning this transaction, and replaces all previous communications, representations, understandings, and Agreements, whether verbal or written between the parties to this Agreement or their representatives. No representations or statements of any kind made by either party, which are not expressly stated in this Agreement, shall be binding on such parties.

11.4 All Amendments in Writing

No waiver, amendment or modification of any provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of the party against whom such waiver, amendment or modification is sought to be enforced. Furthermore, no provisions in either party’s purchase orders, or in any other business forms employed by either party will supersede the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

11.5 Notices

Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be deemed given if sent by registered mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested, addressed to the other party at the address set forth in the preamble of this Agreement or at such other address for which such party gives notice hereunder. Delivery shall be deemed effective three (3) days after deposit with postal authorities.

11.6 Costs of Legal Action

In the event any action is brought to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs of enforcement including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and court costs.

11.7 Inadequate Legal Remedy

Both parties understand and acknowledge that violation of their respective covenants and

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Agreements may cause the other irreparable harm and damage, that may not be recovered at law, and each agrees that the other’s remedies for breach may be in equity by way of injunctive relief, as well as for damages and any other relief available to the non-breaching party, whether in law or in equity.

11.8 Arbitration

Any dispute relating to the interpretation or performance of this Agreement shall be resolved at the request of either party through binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be conducted in [County], [State] in accordance with the then-existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon any award by the arbitrators may be entered by any state or federal court having jurisdiction. [Licensor] and [Licensee] intend that this Agreement to arbitrate be irrevocable.

11.9 Delay is Not a Waiver

No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement, except as specifically provided in this Agreement, shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy.

11.10 Force Majeure

In the event that either party is unable to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or to enjoy any of its benefits because of any Act of God, strike, fire, flood, governmental acts, orders or restrictions, Internet system unavailability, system malfunctions or any other reason where failure to perform is beyond the reasonable control and not caused by the negligence of the non-performing party (a “Force Majeure Event”), the party who has been so affected shall give notice immediately to the other party and shall use its reasonable best efforts to resume performance. Failure to meet due dates resulting from a Force Majeure Event shall extend such due dates for a reasonable period. However, if the period of nonperformance exceeds sixty (60) days from the receipt of notice of the Force Majeure Event, the party whose ability to perform has not been affected may, by giving written notice, terminate this Agreement effective immediately upon such notice or at such later date as is therein specified.

1.11 Non-Assignability & Binding Effect

Except as otherwise provided for within this Agreement, neither party may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement to any third party without the express written permission of the other. Any such assignment is deemed null and void.

11.12 Certain Sections Invalid

If any provisions of this Agreement are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid under any applicable statute or rule of law, they are to that extent to be deemed omitted and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

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11.13 Headings

The titles and headings of the various sections and sections in this Agreement are intended solely for convenience of reference and are not intended for any other purpose whatsoever, or to explain, modify or place any construction upon or on any of the provisions of this Agreement.

11.14 Survival of Certain Provisions

The warranties and the indemnification and confidentiality obligations set forth in the Agreement shall survive the termination of the Agreement by either party for any reason.

UNDERSTOOD, AGREED & APPROVED

We have carefully reviewed this contract and agree to and accept all of its terms and conditions. We are executing this Agreement as of the Effective Date above.

For and on behalf of [Licensor] For and on behalf of [Licensee]

_______________________________ ___________________________________Mr./Ms. ................................................ Mr./Ms. ..................................................................................................... [position] .......................................................position]

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EXHIBIT A. LICENSED MARKS

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EXHIBIT B. PRODUCTS

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EXHIBIT C. STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS

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EXHIBIT D. MINIMUM ROYALTY INSTALLMENT & ROYALTY RATE

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© Copyright Global Marketing Strategies

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Es habitual que las empresas extranjeras que hacen negocios en Estados Unidos se planteen utilizar los mismos modelos de contratos que en otros países occidentales, especialmente aquellos que se rigen por el sistema británico del Common Law, teniendo en cuenta que, debido a los lazos históricos y políticos entre los Estados Unidos y el Reino Unido, el sistema legal estadounidense está basado en el Sistema de Derecho Común británico.

Esta guía contiene una síntesis del sistema legal en Estados Unidos y de su Ley de Contratos (US Contract Law) así como de los modelos de contrato más comúnmente utilizados por las empresas extranjeras que hacen negocios en el país; también se exponen los temas claves en el proceso de negociación y redacción de contratos en Estados Unidos.

El SISTEMA LEGAL DE ESTADOS UNIDOS Y LA LEY DE CONTRATOS

En Estados Unidos la ley de contratos se rige por tres fuentes principales:

El Common Law, creado por los tribunales de justicia a través de la interpretación de los hechos y circunstancias anteriores. Esta es la principal fuente de derecho contractual en muchos países, ya que los tribunales generalmente interpretan y definen las otras fuentes.

Los estatutos específicos en cada jurisdicción, en general, a nivel estatal. Por ejemplo, el Código Uniforme de Comercio (Uniform Comercial Code - UCC) de cada estado de los Estados Unidos que regula los contratos relativos a la venta de bienes en cada estado.

La Ley Federal que es uniforme en su aplicación, y rige en aquellas temas que se consideran más importantes para la defensa de los derechos de los ciudadanos norteamericanos como, por ejemplo, los impuestos federales o la ley de patentes y derechos de autor.

Para la mayoría de los contratos relativos a las transacciones comerciales, los cincuenta estados han promulgado, al menos parcialmente, un cuerpo de ley estatutaria (UCC), que regula una variedad de relaciones comerciales que afectan a los consumidores y empresas, entre otros, el Artículo 2 de la UCC que regula la venta de bienes, que son definidas por dicho código como los elementos que son "móviles" en el momento del contrato. En relación a los contratos de distribución exclusiva hay algunas excepciones a nivel de estado como son de Louisiana y Wisconsin y el estado asociado de Puerto Rico, que tienen estatutos que establecen una fuerte protección de los distribuidores locales.

Por otra parte, hay que tener en cuenta que la ley británica y la estadounidense tienen algunas diferencias importantes en relación a los contratos mercantiles. A pesar de que ambos países comparten la raíz común del Common Law, su evolución ha sido diferente y, en este sentido, han surgido en Estados Unidos ciertos procedimientos legales que las empresas extranjeras deben conocer. Tal vez la mayor diferencia es la ausencia en el derecho británico, de un derecho implícito de buena fe en la negociación de un contrato. Este derecho, sin embargo, si existe en la ley estadounidense, que está alineada, en este sentido, con la mayoría de los sistemas jurídicos europeos, tales como los sistemas de francés o español, incluso con otros sistemas basados en el Common Law, como el australiano, que sí requieren la negociación de

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GUÍA DE NEGOCIACIÓN DE CONTRATOS EN ESTADOS UNIDOS

buena fe por las partes y, por lo tanto, la obligación de confidencialidad, o el uso transparente de la información y la responsabilidad de una brusca ruptura de las negociaciones.

Además de estas diferencias legales, también hay algunas diferencias lingüísticas entre Inglés legal en los Estados Unidos y el del Reino Unido. Así hay algunas palabras que significan lo mismo pero que se escriben diferente en los dos países ("mano de obra" en Estados Unidos se escribe labor y en Reino Unido labour; "Licencia", License y Licence respectivamente; etc.). También hay expresiones legales específicas que varían de un país a otro, por ejemplo, la expresión best endeavours ("todo lo posible") de uso común en Gran Bretaña, para indicar que las partes harán todo lo que esté a su alcance para lograr un acuerdo, en Estados Unidos se sustituye por la expresión best efforts (mejores esfuerzos) que tiene el mismo significado. Otra diferencia se encuentra en la expresión norteamericana merchantable quality ("calidad comercial") que se utiliza en los contratos de compraventa para asegurar (o no) la calidad del producto, mientras que en Reino Unido la expresión equivalente es satisfactory quality ("calidad satisfactoria").

CONTRATOS MÁS UTILIZADOS EN ESTADOS UNIDOS

En las relaciones comerciales entre empresas extranjeras y empresas estadounidense es habitual que sean éstas las que tomen la iniciativa en la redacción de los contratos que, por tanto, estarán a adaptados a las prácticas comerciales del país y a su Ley de Contratos (US Contract Law).

Los contratos que se utilizan más habitualmente por parte de las empresas extranjeras que hacen negocios en Estados Unidos son:

Contratos de Distribución Exclusiva : cuando la empresa nombra a un distribuidor para que distribuya sus productos a través de distribuidores autorizados u otros intermediarios que los revenden al cliente final. Debido a la exclusividad en la relación comercial, el contrato incluye compromisos en las acciones de marketing llevadas a cabo por el distribuidor.

Contrato de Distribución No Exclusiva: la empresa promociona y vende sus productos en el mercado estadounidense, a través de distribuidores a los que no concede exclusividad. Tendrá que utilizar el mismo tipo de contrato de no exclusividad con todos los distribuidores que tenga a lo largo del país.

Contrato de Distribuidor Autorizado: se utiliza para la distribución de ciertos productos (electrodomésticos, audio-video. sistemas de calefacción y refrigeración) que requieren unos conocimientos técnicos concretos para su venta y mantenimiento.

Contrato de Representante de Ventas: cuando una empresa nombra a un representante comercial independiente para la promoción y venta de sus productos en Estados Unidos. El nombramiento se circunscribe normalmente a una zona concreta del país (ciudad, estado o conjunto de estados). La remuneración del representante se establece como una comisión sobre las ventas que consiga.

Contrato de Servicios de Consultoría: utilizado por consultores independientes o empresas de consultoría para establecer propuestas para proyectos concretos a sus clientes.

Contrato de Servicios de Mantenimiento: en este contrato la empresa proporciona servicios de mantenimiento para productos como equipos industriales, computadores, maquinaria, etc.

Contrato de Fabricación: utilizado por empresas que subcontratan en Estados Unidos la fabricación de sus productos a fabricantes localizados en el país que tienen que cumplir

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una serie de especificaciones (como, por ejemplo, en los materiales utilizados) así como mantener la confidencialidad sobre la información que recibe y respetar los Derechos de Propiedad Intelectual (patentes, marcas comerciales, etc.) de la empresa que los contrata.

Contrato de Licencia de Marca: en este contrato una de las Partes (Licenciante) concede el derecho de uso de una o más de las marcas de la otra Parte (Licenciatario) en un territorio determinado de Estados Unidos. El Licenciante puede limitar al licenciatario el uso de estas marcas ya sea para una licencia exclusiva o no exclusiva en el territorio asignado. A cambio del uso de las marcas concedidas, el Licenciatario se compromete a pagar unas regalías (royalties) al Licenciante.

Contrato de Confidencialidad: se utiliza por empresas que hacen negocios en Estados para proteger la información confidencial (comercial, financiera, tecnológica) que deben suministrar durante las negociaciones que están llevando a cabo en el país.

ASPECTOS CLAVE EN LA NEGOCIACION DE CONTRATOS EN ESTADOS UNIDOS

A continuación se explican algunas de las cuestiones clave relativas a la elaboración y negociación de contratos en Estados Unidos. Hay que tener en cuenta que varios de los puntos, si bien se tratan en un contexto legal, también tienen relevancia durante el proceso de negociación de contratos comerciales con empresas estadounidenses.

Contratos escritos

En los Estados Unidos "la libertad de contratación" es un principio jurídico muy importante, y en ausencia de normativas que limiten esa libertad, los tribunales por lo general hacer cumplir los contratos escritos. En consecuencia, deben documentarse bien las relaciones comerciales por escrito, incluso si el uso de los contratos es "repetitivo", tales como los términos y condiciones estándar de venta que se aplican a todos los clientes. Por otra parte, los abogados en Estados Unidos tienden a ser más minuciosos y prolijos que los abogados de otros países por lo que prefieren utilizar contratos largos y muy completos. No obstante, el uso de un "inglés sencillo" (plain English) es cada día más habitual en la redacción de documentos legales.

Fecha

La fecha generalmente aparece al principio del documento, pero normalmente es el último elemento que debe añadirse ya que por lo general va a ser la fecha en la cual se firma el contrato por todas las partes. A veces, dependiendo del tipo de contrato, las acciones relativas al mismo, se iniciarán antes o quizás algún tiempo después de la fecha que aparece en el contrato. Por ejemplo, en el contrato de distribución exclusiva, se incluye la llamada "Fecha de Inicio" (Commencement Date) que es aquella en la que el distribuidor comienza sus actividades, normalmente, un tiempo después de la fecha de firma del contrato.

Partes

En el encabezamiento del contrato hay que insertar los detalles completos y exactos de las Partes. Los detalles variarán dependiendo de si una parte del contrato es una empresa, sociedad, individuo o alguna otra entidad, y si su domicilio legal está en Estados Unidos o en otro país. A diferencia de los contratos que se realizan en Europa o en otros países, en los Estados Unidos no es necesario especificar en esta sección del contrato, los nombres y cargos

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de la personas que firman en representación de cada una de las empresas. Dichos nombres y cargos figura al final del contrato en la sección de firmas.

A veces, la dirección legal que aparece de alguna de las Parte en el encabezamiento del contrato será diferente de la dirección en la cual realiza sus operaciones. En ese caso, en la cláusula de "Notificaciones" se puede incluir esta dirección para el contacto habitual entre las Partes.

Disposiciones Generales

La mayoría de contratos realizados en Estados Unidos incluyen, al final del contrato, una cláusula de "Disposiciones Generales (General Provisions) que incorporan varias cláusulas (Ley Aplicable, Acuerdo Completo, Notificaciones, Fuerza Mayor, etc.) que en otros países se incluyen por separado.

Firmas

Hay que asegurarse de que las personas que firman el contrato tienen la autoridad para hacerlo. En el caso de un contrato realizado con una sociedad mercantil - Corporación (INC.) o Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (LLC), en los propios estatutos se especifican las personas que tienen autoridad para firmar. No obstante, de acuerdo a la Ley de Estados Unidos la firma de un director u oficial ejecutivo de una empresa, tiene fuerza legal independientemente de que figure o no en los estatutos de la empresa como representante legal, por lo que obliga a la empresa a la que representa. En el caso de una empresa formada por varios socios, sí hay que asegurarse de que la persona que firma tiene autoridad para ello. En el caso de un propietario único o de una persona física (por ejemplo en un contrato de representante de ventas) claramente debe ser esta persona quién firme el contrato.

Notarización

La finalidad de realizar un contrato ante notario es por razones probatorias. El sello del notario sirve como prueba de que las personas que firman se corresponden con las que aparecen en el contrato.

La mayoría de los contratos que se firman en Estados Unidos no es necesario realizarlos ante notario. Sólo será necesario protocolizar el contrato cuando los documentos deban inscribirse en un registro (este es el caso, por ejemplo de la compraventa de bienes inmuebles). No obstante hay otras jurisdicciones que pueden normativas diferentes, por lo que es necesario consultarlas antes de firmar el contrato.

Número de ejemplares originales

Es habitual que cada una de la Partes del contrato conserve un original. Por lo tanto, si hay dos Partes, deben firmarse dos originales para que cada Parte disponga del suyo. Un contrato sólo puede ser eficaz si los trámites necesarios para llegar a un acuerdo vinculante se han cumplido por ambas Partes. En caso de duda, debe obtenerse asesoramiento jurídico de abogados especializados en la jurisdicción correspondiente.

Ley Aplicable, Jurisdicción y Arbitraje

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En los contratos mercantiles realizados en Estados Unidos entre las empresas extranjeras y estadounidenses, lo habitual es someter los conflictos a la ley de Contratos de Estados Unidos (US Contract Law) y, en concreto, a la ley del estado específico donde se encuentra la parte estadounidense. Además, es habitual acudir a los tribunales de arbitraje para resolver los conflictos. Un ejemplo cláusula de arbitraje que se incluye en los contratos realizados en Estados Unidos es la siguiente:

Any dispute relating to the interpretation or performance of this Agreement shall be resolved at the request of either party through binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be conducted in [County], [State] in accordance with the then-existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon any award by the arbitrators may be entered by any state or federal court having jurisdiction. Both parties intend that this Agreement to arbitrate be irrevocable.

Cualquier controversia relativa a la interpretación o ejecución del presente Contrato se resolverá a petición de cualquiera de las partes mediante el arbitraje vinculante. El arbitraje se llevará a cabo en [País], [Estado] de conformidad con las normas de la Asociación Americana de Arbitraje vigentes en ese momento. La sentencia sobre cualquier laudo emitido por los árbitros puede ser presentada en cualquier tribunal estatal o federal que tenga jurisdicción para ello. Ambas partes declaran que este acuerdo de arbitraje es irrevocable.

Proceso de negociación

En la negociación de un contrato en Estados Unidos deben seguirse los siguientes pasos:

Analizar cuál es el objetivo del contrato y que la otra parte quiere lograr.

Identificar la propia posición y la de la otra parte (puntos fuertes frente a las debilidades).

Estar preparado para hacer concesiones y aportar soluciones en la mesa de negociación tratando de trabajar hacia la resolución de los desacuerdos en lugar de generar fricciones.

Hasta que se alcance un acuerdo definitivo final, todos los borradores de contrato, actas de reuniones o cartas de intención debe indicar lo siguiente:

This document is not intended to create or constitute any legally binding obligation between the parties hereto, and no party shall have any liability or obligation to

another with respect to this document until a fully integrated definitive agreement is prepared, authorized, executed, and delivered by all parties.

Este documento no está destinado a crear o constituir una obligación legalmente vinculante entre las partes que forman parte de mismo, y ninguna de ellas tendrá ninguna responsabilidad u obligación on respecto a este documento hasta un

acuerdo definitivo totalmente integrado sea redactado, autorizado, ejecutado y entregado por todas las Partes.

En ocasiones, una Parte insistirá en utilizar exclusivamente su modelo de contrato y no estará dispuesta a negociar los términos. Es lo que se llama "contrato de adhesión", en el cuál la otra parte no podrá obtener el producto o servicio deseado a menos que se acepte las condiciones del proveedor. Este podría ser el caso del contrato de distribuidor autorizado. Los contratos de adhesión pueden no ser aplicables en la medida en que contengan términos poco razonables.

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Cuando se realicen contratos con entidades gubernamentales u organismos públicos de estados o ciudades hay que estar al tanto de los requisitos legales aplicables, tales como requisitos de licitación, leyes de salarios justos, las leyes de puertas abiertas y otros.

Redacción del contrato

Una vez que se han negociado los términos básicos del contrato se procederá a la redacción del mismo. En este momento es preferible tomar la iniciativa. Las ventajas de "controlar la redacción del contrato" son, entre otras:

Proporciona un control adicional sobre las negociaciones.

Permite definir los temas esenciales.

Evita sorpresas o temas ocultos.

Permite estructurar el contrato de acuerdo a nuestros objetivos.

Ayuda a influir en el calendario del proceso de negociación.

De las cuestiones clave que se han mencionado anteriormente cabe deducir que en cuanto a la elaboración y firma de contratos en Estados Unidos, las prácticas comerciales son bastante similares a las de los países occidentales (principalmente Reino Unido) y se basan en los principios del Common Law, aunque con algunas diferencias significativas. En este sentido hay que señalar que cuando en la negociación de un contrato surgen problemas o dudas específicas entre las Partes, debe acudirse a un asesoramiento legal especializado.

AVISO LEGALPudiera darse el caso de que este contrato no se adaptara a las necesidades y

requerimientos específicos de una situación particular. En caso de duda, debe solicitarse asesoramiento legal.

Global Marketing Strategies, S.L. como editora y titular del copyright de este contrato queda completamente exonerada de cualquier tipo de responsabilidad sobre el contenido legal del mismo. En todos los casos, cualquier reclamación que pudiera realizarse por el uso de este

contrato, quedará limitada a la devolución del importe pagado en su compra.

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