Effective April 1, 2023, notices to Company shall be sent to 1785 Greensboro Station, 8th Floor, McLean, VA 22102. This address replaces the address mentioned at Section 12.7 below.
These General Terms and Conditions (“Terms”), together with a duly signed Order Form and any and all documents annexed thereto, constitute a binding agreement ("Agreement") between the purchasing entity indicated in an Order Form ("Client") and the Cision entity indicated in the same Order Form ("Company"), governing the use of certain services provided by Company to Client as detailed in the Order Form (as defined below) and/or Statement of Work (“SOW”). Company and Client may each be referred to herein as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties". By accepting this Agreement, either by signing an Order Form, by using the Platform or Services (including as part of a trial, pilot or otherwise) or by authorizing or permitting any individual to use or access the Platform or Services, Client confirms that it has read, understand and agrees to be bound by this Agreement, which is effective as of such date (“Effective Date”). If Client does not agree to the terms of this Agreement, Client must not accept this Agreement or use the Platform or Services.
The Parties agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
“Affiliate” means any entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the subject entity. “Control” means direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 50% of the voting interests of the subject entity.
“Client Data” means data and information in any format, including but not limited to text (including text provided by a third-party to or for Client), files, images, and/or URLs, that is submitted by or for Client to the Platform, or provided to Company by or for Client in order for Company to provide Services, or collected and processed by or for Client using the Platform, excluding Content. Client Data includes Release Content as defined in Exhibit A, and any data that Client directs Company to retrieve.
“Company Data” means proprietary information gathered or created by Company and provided to Client as part of the Platform or Services, excluding Third-Party Content, but including Reports.
“Content” means Company Data and Third-Party Content.
“Covered Parties” as applicable to either Company or Client, means that Party and its Affiliates and each of their directors, agents, officers, employees, representatives, successors, and/or permitted assigns.
“Documentation” means Company’s online user guides, documentation, and help and training materials, as updated from time to time, accessible via the Platform.
“Malicious Code” means code, files, scripts, agents or programs intended to do harm, including, for example, viruses, worms, time bombs and Trojan horses.
“Order Form” means an ordering document specifying the Platform or Services to be provided hereunder that is entered into between Client and Company or any of its Affiliates (by entering into an Order Form hereunder, an Affiliate agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement as if it were an original party hereto), including any addenda and supplements thereto. “Order Forms” shall include SOWs.
“Platform” means the on-demand relationship management, media monitoring, analytics, and communications system made available online by Company or any of its Affiliates and its underlying tools, databases, APIs, and software that make up the system, including any software or technology created by Company’s Affiliates.
“Service(s)” means, any professional or custom services that are provided to Client as set forth in an Order Form and/or SOW. “Services” exclude Content.
“Third-Party Content” means information obtained by Company from its content licensors or publicly available sources and provided to Client pursuant to an Order Form, as more fully described in the Documentation.
“User” means an individual who is authorized by Client to use the Platform, for whom Client has subscribed to the Platform, and to whom Client or Company has supplied a user identification and password. Users may include, for example, Client’s employees, consultants, contractors and agents.
2. SERVICES, SOFTWARE AND CONTENT
2.1 Subscription.
(A) Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, Client hereby subscribes to the version and modules of the Platform as set out in an Order Form. Company grants Client a limited, non-exclusive, revocable, non-transferable (other than as set forth in this Agreement), non-sublicensable right to allow Users to access and use the Platform and Content for Client’s own internal business purposes in accordance with the terms and conditions in this Agreement. Company will provide the Services listed in an Order Form in accordance with the specifications set forth in a SOW.
(B) Client shall not (1) license, sublicense, sell, resell, rent, transfer, assign, or otherwise commercially exploit or make the Platform or any Content available to, or use the Platform or any Content for the benefit of, any third party (including in a service bureau or outsourcing offering); or (2) access the Platform or Content in order to (a) build a competitive product or service, (b) build a product using similar features, functions or graphics of the Platform , or (c) copy any features, functions or graphics of the Platform. Company reserves the right to alter, delete, or replace Content or alter the functionality of the Platform.
(C) Client is responsible for meeting the then-current hardware, operating system, browser and other technical requirements necessary to properly use and access the Platform, which are described on www.cision.com.
(D) Additional terms applicable to specific Platform modules or Services are set forth in Exhibit A.
2.2 Use of Platform and Content
(A) Access to the Platform and Content may be subject to usage limits, including, for example, quantities specified in Order Forms. Unless otherwise specified, (1) a User quantity in an Order Form refers to Users, and the Platform or Content may not be accessed by more than that number of Users; (2) a User’s password may not be shared with any other individual; and (3) a User identification may be reassigned to a new individual replacing one who no longer requires ongoing use of the Platform or Content.
(B) Client will (1) be responsible for Users’ compliance with this Agreement; (2) be responsible for the accuracy, quality and legality of Client Data and the means by which Client acquired Client Data; (3) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized access to the Platform or use of Services and Content, and notify Company promptly of any unauthorized access or use; (4) use the Platform and Content only in accordance with the Documentation and applicable laws and government regulations; and (5) employ security measures consistent with current best industry standards to adequately safeguard any Content downloaded to Client’s systems.
(C) Client is responsible for all actions taken via Client’s account, including protecting the confidentiality of Client’s passwords and User IDs, and maintaining timely contact information for such account.
(D) Unless specifically permitted either herein, within the Platform, or on the Content itself, or separately licensed by the Client, Content may not be distributed outside of Client’s organization. Any usage or redistribution of full text is prohibited, and Client does so at its sole risk and responsibility.
2.3 Restrictions.
(A) Client shall not: (1) use the Platform to upload, store or transmit infringing, libelous, abusive, inflammatory, fraudulent, obscene, pornographic, indecent, lewd, suggestive, harassing, threatening, or otherwise unlawful or tortious material, or to upload, store or transmit material in violation of third-party privacy or publicity rights; (2) use the Platform to store or transmit Malicious Code; (3) interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of any Platform or Content contained therein; (4) attempt to gain unauthorized access to any Platform, Services or Content or its related systems or networks; (5) permit direct or indirect access to or use of any Platform or Services in a way that circumvents a contractual usage limit; (6) copy Content except as permitted herein or in an Order Form or the Documentation; (7) frame or mirror any part of any Platform or Content, other than framing on Client's own intranets or otherwise for its own internal business purposes or as permitted in the Documentation; (8) use commenting or messaging functionality, functionality that allows posting or transmitting content to outward facing, social or public platforms available via the Platform to post content that violates any terms or conditions, policies, or guidelines of any social media platform or other platform or service to which it is posted; or (9) use the Platform to transmit bulk unsolicited commercial communications.
(B) Client will be solely responsible for usage of contact information (e.g. names, phone and facsimile numbers, e-mail addresses and physical addresses) in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Client may not: (1) send spam or unsolicited messages in violation of relevant laws, including concerning privacy, data protection, telemarketing, the CAN-SPAM Act or other commercial email laws, wireless domain suppression lists, and “Do-Not-Call” lists; (2) send or store infringing, obscene, threatening, harassing, libelous, or otherwise unlawful or tortious material, including material harmful to children or violate third party privacy rights; or (3) send or store material containing Malicious Code, including, without limitation, software viruses, worms, Trojan horses or other harmful computer code, files, scripts, agents or programs.
(C) Client acknowledges that it may receive influencer contact details and other personal information from Cision as part of Company Data, and that it may use those details to contact influencers. To ensure that appropriate privacy information is made available to influencers, Client will identify Cision as a source of personal data in Client’s publicly facing privacy policy and will provide a link to Cision’s privacy policy at www.cision.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/. Such notice will take substantially the following form: “[Client] obtains contact details and other personal information regarding media contacts and influencers from a variety of sources including Cision. If you wish to know more about how such information is collected and used, please refer to Cision’s privacy notice at www.cision.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/.”
(D) Client agrees not to modify, create derivative works of, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Platform or the Services or otherwise recreate or gain access to the source code.
2.4 Removal of Content. Company does not pre-screen or review any Content. If Company is required by a third party to remove Content, or receives information that Content provided to Client may violate applicable law or third-party rights, Company will remove such Content from the Platform and may notify Client and in such event, Client will promptly remove such Content from its systems.
2.5 Reports. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company and/or its Affiliates will provide to Client those Services specifically described in an Order Form. The Services may include the delivery of analytic reports to Client (collectively, “Reports”). Reports may include data about Third-Party Content, Company’s analysis of Third-Party Content, and excerpts, summaries of, and/or links to Third-Party Content. For the avoidance of doubt, Company will not translate full articles nor distribute the full text of articles to Client unless licensed to provide such content. Company grants to Client a non-exclusive, limited license to use, reproduce, display, perform, distribute copies of, and prepare derivative works of the Reports for use solely within the Client’s organization in connection with its ordinary course of business. Client acknowledges and agrees that it will not and will not permit Client Covered Parties to publish, sell, distribute, or provide, in full or part, the Reports to any third party without the prior written consent of Company, and in no event may Client publish, sell, distribute, copy, or reproduce, in full or part, any Third-Party Content contained in a Report or otherwise provided to Client by Company. Client acknowledges and agrees that (i) Company will own the content it contributes to the Reports, (ii) Company may re-use its standard Report formats and templates for other clients, and (iii) Reports generally contain summaries and analysis of Third-Party Content, which Third-Party Content remains subject to the copyrights of the underlying author. If Client is an advertising or public relations agency, Client may use the Services on behalf of a designated customer of Client, only in accordance with this Agreement, and Client must flow down to its customer any restrictions regarding the use of Reports or Third-Party Content set forth in the Agreement. Reports may be provided to Client via the Platform.
3. RIGHTS AND LICENSES
3.1 Reservation of Rights. No license or other rights in the Platform or any Content are granted to Client hereunder, and all rights not expressly granted to Client herein are expressly reserved to Company or its licensors, as applicable. Company Data is and shall remain the intellectual property of Company and is licensed to the Client hereunder as Content. Third-Party Content is and shall remain the intellectual property of the underlying author and/or provider and is subject the copyrights of the underlying author and/or provider.
3.2 Client Data. Client represents and warrants that (i) it has valid title or license to all Client Data, (ii) it has all rights necessary to grant Company the rights set forth in this Agreement, and (iii) that Client Data will not contain any content that is obscene, libelous, slanderous or otherwise defamatory, false or misleading or that violates any copyright, right of privacy or publicity or other right of any person or party. Client grants Company and its Affiliates a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, host, copy, distribute, perform, transmit, display and prepare derivative works of the Client Data solely for the purpose of providing the Platform or Services. Company may use information regarding Client’s use of the Platform for its own internal business purposes, including but not limiting to monitoring and improving the Platform. Subject to the limited licenses granted herein, Company acquires no right, title or interest from Client or its licensors under this Agreement in or to any Client Data. Company reserves the right to remove Client Data containing any information that Company determines in its sole discretion are unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or that violate any party's intellectual property or this Agreement. The Client is responsible for ensuring that any processing of personal data by or using the Platform complies with applicable law.
3.3 Company Affiliates and Third Parties. Company may share Client Data with its Affiliates or third parties that work on Company’s behalf or provide services to Company in relation to Company’s provision of the Platform to Client, including but not limited to necessary hardware, software, networking, storage, and technologies required to run the Platform, provided those parties are subject to confidentiality restrictions regarding Client Data no less than those enumerated in Article 6 of these Terms. Client hereby consents to such use of Client Data by Affiliates and third parties. Client acknowledges and agrees that Client Data may be transferred to, stored in, or accessed from outside the United States solely in order to provide the Platform or for Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement. Company shall, in providing the Platform or Services, comply with its privacy policy available at www.cision.com, or such other Web site address made publicly available.
3.4 Client Feedback. Client grants to Company and its Affiliates a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free license to use and incorporate into the Platform any suggestion, enhancement request, recommendation, correction or other feedback provided by Client or Users relating to the Platform.
3.5 Beta Offerings and Future Functionality. From time to time Company may make features or modules that Company is still testing available to Client. These modules and features are identified as beta, preview, early access, or using similar terms, and these modules are often offered at no additional charge to you (“Beta Modules”). You may use or decline any Beta Module. Beta Modules may not be supported or fully tested and may be changed at any time without notice to you. COMPANY PROVIDES BETA MODULES AS IS AND WILL HAVE NO LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH A BETA MODULE – USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Client agrees that its purchases are not contingent on the delivery of any future functionality, or dependent on any oral or written public comments made by Company regarding future functionality.
3.6 Blind Data. Company may collect, develop, create, extract, compile, synthesize, analyze and commercialize statistics, benchmarks, measures and other information based on Aggregated Data (collectively, “Blind Data”). Blind Data will be owned solely by Company and may be used for any lawful business purpose. “Aggregated Data” means Client Data that is: (i) anonymized and not identifiable to any person or entity; (ii) combined with the data of other clients or additional data sources; and (iii) presented in a way which does not reveal Client’s identity.
3.7 Client Marks. To the extent that Client provides any trademarks, service marks, types, logos, or trade names (collectively, “Marks”) to be used in connection with the Reports or in Client’s instance of the Platform, Client grants to Company a limited, non-exclusive, right and license to use the Marks for such purposes and in accordance with any branding guidelines provided by Client.
4. HOSTING/AVAILABILITY AND SUPPORT
4.1 Hosting/Availability. Company shall host and maintain the Platform on its servers. The Platform will maintain an average availability of no less than 99.5%, as measured on a monthly basis, excluding downtime caused by (1) scheduled maintenance performed between the hours of 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM Eastern time; (2) emergency maintenance; and (3) Force Majeure (as defined herein). Access to the Platform may be available during scheduled maintenance periods, but performance may be slower than normal.
4.2 Client Data Deletion. During the Term, Client may export or download Client Data as provided in the Documentation. After termination or expiration of this Agreement, Company will have no obligation to maintain or provide any Client Data or other Content to Client, and will thereafter delete or destroy all copies of Client Data in its systems or otherwise in its possession or control as provided in the Documentation or as Company routinely does such deletions and destructions in the ordinary course of its business, unless legally prohibited from doing so.
4.3 Support. During the term of this Agreement, Company shall provide technical support to Users to assist Client with troubleshooting, error correction and use of the Platform via a telephone help line or email during the hours of 8:00 AM through 8:00 PM Eastern time, Monday through Friday (unless otherwise set forth on an Order Form) except for Company’s regular business holidays. Client will have unlimited access to Company’s online product support center.
5. FEES AND PAYMENT
5.1 Fees. Client will pay all fees set forth in an Order Form. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement or in an Order Form (1) fees are based on the Platform, Services, and/or Content subscribed to and not actual usage; and (2) except as set forth in Section 10.6, payment obligations are non-cancelable and fees paid are non-refundable. All payments will be made in U.S. dollars unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties. Client shall pay the fees set forth on an Order Form in accordance with the payment terms set forth on an Order Form or upon signing of this Agreement if no such terms are contained on an Order Form.
5.2 Invoicing and Payment. Fees will be invoiced in advance and otherwise in accordance with the relevant Order Form. Unless otherwise stated in the Order Form, fees are due net thirty (30) days from the invoice date. Client is responsible for providing complete and accurate billing and contact information to Company and notifying Company of any changes to such information.
5.3 Credit Card Payments. If Client provides a credit card to Company, Client is granting permission to Company to charge all fees, including monthly, annual or other renewals to the credit card. Client may withdraw its consent to installment charges or recurring charges (if any) at any time by providing Company with at least thirty (30) days advance written notice (which may be by email), and making alternative arrangements for payment to be made no later than the same respective charge dates. Client represents that it is the card holder of any credit card that it provides to Company for payment(s), and Client is authorized to provide this authorization.
5.4 Late Charges. Any payment not received from Client by the due date may accrue late charges at the rate of 1.5% of the outstanding balance per month, or at the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is lower, from the date such payment was due until the date paid.
5.5 Payment Disputes. If Client, in good faith, reasonably disputes any invoiced amounts, it may withhold such disputed amounts, provided that Client (1) timely pays the undisputed portion of the invoice; and (2) provides Company with prompt written notice (which may be by email) of the dispute and commences discussion with Company to promptly resolve the dispute. Company will not exercise its rights under Section 10.5 if Client is disputing the applicable charges reasonably and in good faith and is cooperating diligently to resolve the dispute.
5.6 Taxes and Travel Expenses. Prices set forth on the Order Form do not include taxes or travel expenses. Unless collected and remitted by Company (as indicated on the invoice presented to Client by Company), Client is responsible for payment of all taxes due to a governmental authority, if any, except for taxes imposed on Company’s net income. Client shall provide to Company any certificate of exemption or similar document required to exempt any transaction under this Agreement from sales tax or other tax liability. Invoices will reflect any reasonable travel expense amounts pre-approved by Client in writing.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY
6.1 Confidential Information.
(A) “Confidential Information” means all information disclosed by a party (“Disclosing Party”) to the other party (“Receiving Party”), whether orally or in writing, that is designated as confidential or proprietary, or that reasonably should be understood to be confidential or proprietary given the nature of the information and the circumstances of disclosures, including but not limited to business and marketing plans, technology and technical information, product plans and designs, and business processes. Confidential Information of Client includes Client Data. Confidential Information of Company includes the Company Data, Platform, Documentation and the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including pricing).
(B) Confidential Information will remain the property of the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party will use the same degree of care that it uses to protect the confidentiality of its own confidential information of like kind (but not less than reasonable care). The Receiving Party agrees: (1) to hold the Confidential Information in strict confidence; (2) to limit disclosure of the Confidential Information to the Receiving Party’s own employees, agents, Affiliates, or authorized consultants or vendors who have a need to know the Confidential Information for the purposes of this Agreement; (3) not to disclose any Confidential Information to any third party; (4) to use the Confidential Information solely in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in order to carry out its obligations or exercise its rights under this Agreement; and (5) to notify the Disclosing Party promptly of any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information and to cooperate with the Disclosing Party in every reasonable way to cease such unauthorized use or disclosure.
(C) The obligations in Section 6.1(B) will not apply to information that the Receiving Party can demonstrate: (1) at the time of disclosure is generally available to the public or after disclosure becomes generally available to the public through no breach of agreement or other wrongful act by the Receiving Party; (2) is independently developed by the Receiving Party without regard to the Confidential Information of the other Party; (3) is already in its possession without obligation of confidentiality; or (4) is rightfully received from a third party without any obligation of confidentiality.
(D) The Parties agree that any breach of this Section 6.1 may cause the Disclosing Party substantial and irreparable damages; therefore, if the Receiving Party discloses or uses (or threatens to disclose or use) any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party in breach of this Section 6.1, the Disclosing Party shall have the right, in addition to any other remedies available to it, to seek injunctive and equitable relief.
6.2 Security. Access to the Platform is password-controlled. Client is responsible for maintaining the security of user passwords and will instruct its Users as to the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of passwords and/or user identifications. Client acknowledges that the security of its systems may be compromised if Users do not follow applicable security policies and procedures and take other appropriate steps to maintain the security of the Platform, including, without limitation, maintaining the confidentiality of user identifications and passwords, frequent changing of passwords and maintaining appropriate internal controls to monitor access to and use of the Platform. If Client becomes aware of the unauthorized use of a password or other security breach, Client will promptly notify Company in writing.
6.3 Compliance with Law/Order. Receiving Party reserves the right to use or disclose Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information if required by law and/or to comply with a judicial proceeding, court order, or legal process; provided, however, that in each instance, to the extent legally permissible, Receiving Party shall provide Disclosing Party with prior written notice (which may be by email) of such compelled disclosure.
7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
7.1 Authorization and Compliance. Each Party represents and warrants that the individual executing this Agreement has full authority to (1) execute this Agreement on behalf of his/her respective Party; and (2) bind his/her respective Party to this Agreement. Both Parties agree to comply fully with all relevant laws, including the export laws and regulations relating to use of the Platform in its place of business, regardless of country or jurisdiction.
7.2 Warranties. Company warrants that the Platform will: (1) perform substantially in accordance with the applicable Documentation; and (2) be available to Client in accordance with the service level standards set forth in Section 4. Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Platform is and remains free of Malicious Code. Company further represents and warrants that any Services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards and best practices.
7.3 Client’s Systems. Client is solely responsible for its own computer networks, systems, hardware, and software, including the storage, security, and preservation of its own data. Storage and use of any downloaded Content is solely at Client’s own risk.
7.4 Disclaimers.
(A) THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND TITLE (INCLUDING NON-INFRINGEMENT), AND ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING FROM STATUTE, COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE OR USAGE OF TRADE. COMPANY MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT THE PLATFORM AND SERVICES OR ITS USE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE.
(B) COMPANY DOES NOT MAINTAIN OR CONTROL THIRD-PARTY CONTENT OR THE CONTENT OF OTHER WEBSITES THAT MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE VIA THE PLATFORM, SERVICES, OR WITHIN REPORTS AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AVAILABILITY, COMPLETENESS, TIMELINESS, FACTUAL ACCURACY, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF SUCH CONTENT. CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” EXCLUSIVE OF ANY WARRANTY WHATSOEVER. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT COMPANY AND/OR THIRD-PARTY SOURCES MAY CHOOSE AT ANY TIME TO PROHIBIT THEIR CONTENT FROM BEING ACCESSED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
8. INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Indemnification by Company. Company will defend any Client Covered Parties against any claim, demand, suit or proceeding made or brought against Client by a third party alleging that the Platform infringes or misappropriates such third party’s intellectual property rights under the laws of the United States (a “Claim Against Client”), and will indemnify Client Covered Parties from any damages, attorney fees and costs finally awarded against Client Covered Parties as a result of, or for amounts paid by Client Covered Parties under a court-approved settlement of a Claim Against Client. Company’s indemnification obligation does not cover third party claims arising from: (1) modifications to the Platform by anyone other than Company or its authorized agents and contractors; (2) use of the Platform by Client in combination with other software or equipment not provided by Company where the Platform, but for such combination, would not be infringing; or (3) Client’s failure to use the Platform in accordance with the terms and conditions in this Agreement. If a claim regarding the Platform and alleging infringement is brought or is likely, in Company’s sole opinion, to be brought, Company may, at its option and expense (A) obtain the right for Client to continue using the Platform; (B) replace or modify the Platform so that it becomes non-infringing; or (C) upon notice to Client, terminate this Agreement or Client’s use of the Platform or any portion thereof, provided that Company promptly refunds to Client the prorated portion of any pre-paid annual subscription fees paid hereunder for the Platform. The above defense and indemnification obligations do not apply to the extent a Claim Against Client arises from Client Data, Content, or Client’s breach of this Agreement.
8.2 Indemnification by Client. Client will defend any Company Covered Party against any claim, demand, suit or proceeding made or brought against such Company Covered Party by a third party alleging that the Client Data, or Client's use of any Platform, Service, or Content in breach of this Agreement, infringes or misappropriates such third party’s intellectual property, proprietary or personal rights or violates applicable law, including violation of privacy or spamming laws or regulations (a “Claim Against Company”), and will indemnify the Company Covered Party from any damages, attorney fees and costs finally awarded against the Company Covered Party as a result of, or for any amounts paid by the Company Covered Party under a court-approved settlement of a Claim Against Company.
8.3 Indemnification Requirements. Indemnification by a Party is conditioned upon the following: (1) the indemnitee promptly notifying the other Party of any claim; (2) the indemnitor having sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations; and (3) the indemnitee cooperating, at the indemnitor’s expense, in the defense and furnishing the indemnitor with all related evidence in its control.
8.4 Exclusive Remedy. This Section 8 states the indemnifying Party’s sole liability to, and the indemnified Party’s exclusive remedy against, the other Party for any type of claim described in this section.
9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
9.1 Responsibility for Results. Client acknowledges that it alone is responsible for the results obtained from its use of the Platform, including without limitation the usefulness, completeness, accuracy and content of such results. If any such results are inaccurate or incomplete solely due to any defect in the Platform, Client’s exclusive remedy and Company’s sole obligation shall be to correct or modify the Platform at no additional charge to Client.
9.2 Links to Third Party Sites. The Platform may contain hyperlinks to Web sites controlled by parties other than Company. Company is not responsible for and does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the content or use of such Web sites.
9.3 Limitation of Liability. Except for a material breach of the confidentiality provisions set forth in Section 6 or claims related to personal injury or property damage caused solely by Company’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Company’s entire liability and Client’s exclusive remedy for damages for any claims arising under or in connection with this Agreement, regardless of the cause of action, whether in contract or in tort (including without limitation, breach of warranty and negligence claims) shall be limited to Client’s actual, awarded direct damages, not to exceed the amounts actually paid by Client under this Agreement during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the month in which the cause of action arose.
9.4 Exclusion of Consequential and Related Damages. IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY, COMPANY’S THIRD-PARTY CONTENT SUPPLIERS, OR ANY OF THEIR DIRECTORS, AGENTS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSORS OR AFFILIATES HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR (1) ANY CLAIMS OR DEMANDS OF THIRD PARTIES (OTHER THAN THOSE THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS COVERED BY SECTION 8); OR (2) ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY DAMAGES FOR ANTICIPATED PROFITS, LOSS OF REVENUE, ECONOMIC LOSS, LOSS OF DATA, COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES, LOSS OF USE OF EQUIPMENT, OR INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS, WHETHER AN ACTION IS IN CONTRACT OR TORT AND REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF A PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE FOREGOING DISCLAIMER WILL NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW.
10. TERM AND TERMINATION
10.1 Term. The term commences on the Effective Date and continues until the expiration or termination of all Service Terms (“Term”). Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, this Agreement may not be terminated prior to the end of the Term.
10.2 Term of Subscriptions. A “Service Term” is defined as the period of time for each Service, including the Platform subscription, provided to Client under this Agreement. Service Terms will be set forth in each applicable Order Form. Any Services purchased by Client shall be used by Client within the longest Service Term of any service listed on the Order Form, or if no other service is listed on the Order Form, then within Client’s then-current Service Term.
10.3 Auto-Renewal. Except as otherwise specified in an Order Form, subscriptions will automatically renew for additional periods equal to the expiring Service Term or one (1) year (whichever is shorter), unless either Party gives the other written notice of non-renewal at least ninety (90) days before the end of the then-current Service Term. The fees for each renewal period shall automatically increase by 5% unless (1) the pricing in the prior Service Term was promotional or one-time; (2) Client subscribes to different and/or additional services; or (3) unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties in an Order Form. Discounts may not carry over from year to year.
10.4 Termination for Breach. If either Party believes that the other Party has failed in any material respect to perform its obligations under this Agreement, then that Party may provide written notice to the breaching Party describing the alleged failure in reasonable detail. If a breach has occurred and if the breaching Party does not cure or begin to cure the material failure within thirty (30) days after receiving such written notice, then the non-breaching Party may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice to the breaching Party. Termination of this Agreement will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, other remedies available to the terminating Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company may terminate this Agreement immediately if Client or any Users breach Section 2.1(B), Section 2.3, or Section 6 of this Agreement.
10.5 Suspension of Service by Company. In addition to those conditions, rights, and remedies set forth in this Agreement, Company may suspend access to the Platform under any Order Form if, in Company’s reasonable determination: (1) Client fails to pay an undisputed invoice within ten (10) days after Company gives Client notice of such failure (which may be by email or telephone); (2) Client’s use of the Platform or Content violates applicable local, state, federal, or foreign laws or regulations; (3) Client fails to use the Platform in accordance with this Agreement; (4) Client’s use of the Platform degrades performance of the Platform, or results in excessive bounce-backs, SPAM notices or requests for removal from mailing lists by recipients; or (5) there are repeated complaints of Client posting or uploading material that infringes or is alleged to violate the intellectual property rights of any person or entity. Company will provide notice (which may be by email) of such suspension; and when commercially possible, will work in good faith with Client to help Client resolve the issue causing the suspension so that access to the Platform may be restored.
10.6 Refund or Payment on Termination. If this Agreement is terminated by Client in accordance with Section 10.4 above, Company will refund Client any prepaid fees covering the remainder of the term of all Order Forms after the effective date of termination. If this Agreement is terminated by Company in accordance with Section 10.4 above, Client will pay any unpaid fees covering the remainder of the term of all Order Forms. In no event will termination relieve Client of its obligation to pay any fees due or payable to Company for the period prior to the effective date of termination.
10.7 Effect of Termination. Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement: (1) Client’s right to use the Platform shall cease, and Company shall have no further obligation to make the Platform available to Client; (2) except as otherwise expressly stated herein, all rights, licenses and/or access granted to Client under this Agreement will immediately cease; and (3) Client shall return, delete or destroy any Content and shall certify in writing to Company that it has done so.
11. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTES
11.1 This Agreement, and any disputes arising out of or related hereto, will be governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Maryland exclusive of its choice of law provisions and WITHOUT THE APPLICATION OF THE UNIFORM COMPUTER INFORMATION TRANSACTIONS ACT. Any suit hereunder will be brought in the federal or state courts located in the State of Maryland, and the Parties submit to the personal jurisdiction thereof. The Parties agree that the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply to this Agreement. Client and Company agree that in the event of litigation, the prevailing Party shall have the right to collect from the other Party its reasonable costs and attorneys' fees.
11.2 Except for actions for non-payment, breach of confidentiality or indemnities under Section 8, no action, regardless of form, arising out of or related to this Agreement may be brought by either Party more than two (2) years after the accrual of the cause of action.
12. GENERAL PROVISIONS
12.1 Export Compliance. The Platform and Content and derivatives thereof may be subject to export laws and regulations of the United States and other jurisdictions. Company and Client each represents that it is not named on any U.S. government denied-party list. Client will not permit any User to access or use any Platform or Content in a U.S.-embargoed country or in violation of any export law or regulation.
12.2 Anti-Corruption. Neither Party has received or been offered any illegal or improper bribe, kickback, payment, gift, or thing of value from an employee or agent of the other Party in connection with this Agreement. Reasonable gifts and entertainment provided in the ordinary course of business do not violate the above restriction. If Client learns of any violation of the above restriction, it will use reasonable efforts to promptly notify Company’s Legal Department at legaldept@cision.com.
12.3 Force Majeure. Except for Client’s obligation to pay for access to the Platform, and/or Content, and/or Services already performed or to which it had access, neither Party will be responsible for failure to perform contractual duties caused by events beyond such Party’s reasonable control, including but not limited to: (1) failures of utility services or transportation networks; (2) acts of public enemies; (3) terrorism; (4) war; (5) insurrection or riot; (6) natural disasters; (7) a serious accident, strike, labor trouble, or work interruption; (8) compliance with any newly-enacted applicable law; or (9) any other events beyond a Party’s reasonable control; provided, however, the affected Party provides the other with prompt notice thereof (which may be by email) and uses commercially reasonable efforts to promptly resume performance.
12.4 Relationship of the Parties. The Parties are independent contractors, and this Agreement will not establish any relationship of partnership, joint venture, employment, franchise or agency between the Parties.
12.5 Government Clients. If Client is the U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, then any software provided pursuant to this Agreement is delivered with RESTRICTED RIGHTS only. The use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR 52.227-19 Commercial Computer Software—Restricted Rights or DFAR 252.227-7013 Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software.
12.6 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Company’s Content licensors shall have the benefit of Company’s rights and protections hereunder with respect to the applicable Content. There are no other third-party beneficiaries under this Agreement.
12.7 Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be made or given by either Party pursuant to this Agreement will be in writing, in English, and will be delivered by U.S. mail, personal delivery, or by express courier service, unless otherwise explicitly provided that email shall suffice. Notice will be deemed to have been duly given: (1) five (5) business days after the date of mailing if sent by registered or certified U.S. mail, postage prepaid, with return receipt requested; (2) when delivered if delivered personally; or (3) one (1) business day after being sent by express courier service. All notices will be sent to Client at its address as set forth on the first page of this Agreement. Notices to Company shall be sent to Cision, 1785 Greensboro Station, 8th Floor, McLean, VA 22102, Attn: Legal Department. Notices to Client, other than notices of material breach of the Agreement may be sent via the Platform or any email address provided by Client in connection with Client’s account.
12.8 Waiver. No failure or delay by either Party in exercising any right, power or remedy will operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy, and no waiver will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the waiving Party. If either Party waives any right, power or remedy, such waiver will not waive any successive or other right, power or remedy the Party may have under this Agreement.
12.9 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the unenforceability of any one or more provisions shall not affect the enforceability of any other provisions. In addition, if any provision of this Agreement, for any reason, is declared to be unenforceable, the Parties shall substitute an enforceable provision that, to the maximum extent possible in accordance with applicable law, preserves the original intentions and economic positions of the Parties.
12.10 Survivability. All provisions of this Agreement relating to disclaimers of warranties, remedies, damages, confidentiality, payment obligations, restrictions on use, and any other terms that either expressly or by their nature should survive, shall survive any termination of this Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect.
12.11 Assignment. Client may not assign this Agreement without Company’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties, their successors and permitted assigns.
12.12 Headings. Section headings are for reference only and shall not be considered substantive parts of this Agreement.
12.13 Amendments. Company may revise these Terms (including any terms or documents incorporated by reference in these Terms) from time to time, in its sole discretion, by posting the revised Terms at the link provided on the applicable Order Form, and the continued use of the Platform or Services after the effective date of the updated Terms shall constitute acceptance of the updated Terms. The updated Terms will be effective as of the time of posting, or on such later date as may be specified in the updated Terms, and will apply to use of the Platform and Services from that point forward. Except for revisions by Company as set forth in this Section 12.13, this Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by both Parties.
12.14 OFAC. Client represents and warrants that neither it nor any of its employees is a person or entity with whom U.S. entities are restricted from doing business under regulations of the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) of the Department of the Treasury (including those named on OFAC’s Specially Designated and Blocked Persons List) or under any statute, executive order or other governmental action.
12.15 Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between Client and Company with respect to the subject matter, superseding all previous oral or written communications, representations, or agreements or proposals, including but not limited to any purchase order forms submitted by Client, and Client acknowledges that it has not relied on any representation that is not expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Parties agree that any term or condition stated in a Client purchase order or in any other Client order documentation (excluding Order Forms) is void. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency within the Agreement, the order of precedence shall be: (1) the applicable Order Form or SOW, (2) these Terms, and (3) the Documentation. This Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by both Parties.