Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 1 of 9
Distributorship and Marketing Agreement
Agreement made this day of , 20 , by and
between , a corporation organized and existing under
(Name of Manufacturer)
the laws of the state of , with its principal office located at
(Name of State)
, referred to herein as a Manufacturer, and
(Street Address, City, County, State, Zip Code)
, a corporation organized and existing under the laws
(Name of Distributor)
of the state of , with its principal office located at
(Name of State)
, referred to herein as Distributor.
(Street Address, City, County, State, Zip Code)
Whereas, Manufacturer constructs and manufactures ,
(Names of Products)
hereinafter referred to as the Products; and
Whereas, Distributor is in the business of distributing products related to those manufactured by
Manufacturer; and
Whereas, Manufacturer desires to grant and Distributor desires to acquire, certain rights to
market Manufacturer’s Products;
Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement,
and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:
1. Distribution Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,
Manufacturer hereby grants to Distributor the exclusive, non-transferable right to market and
distribute the Products within , manufactured
(Describe Territory)
or distributed by Manufacturer. During the term of this Agreement, Distributor shall have the
first right of refusal at its option to expand the Territory in order to distribute the Products on an
exclusive basis in . Manufacturer shall give
(Describe Territory)
Distributor written notice and the terms under which it intends to permit distribution, or the terms
of any offer or request from a third party for rights to distribute, any of the Products in any state
not then included in the Territory. Distributor shall accept or reject such offer in writing within
thirty (30) days after receipt thereof, and, if Distributor accepts such offer, the Territory shall be
appropriately expanded.
2. Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the date set forth above,
hereinafter called the Effective Date and continue for one (1) year, whereupon the Agreement
shall expire unless both parties agree to an extension of the term hereof, which extension may be
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 2 of 9
subject to additional terms and conditions.
3. Trademarks and Trade Names. During the term of this Agreement, Manufacturer
grants to Distributor a limited license to reproduce trademarks and trade names of Manufacturer
as necessary for the sole purpose of allowing Distributor to fully promote and market the
Products pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Any and all trademarks and trade names
associated with the Products are and shall remain the exclusive property of Manufacturer. If,
during the term of this Agreement, a trademark registration is to take place in the Territory, all
rights shall belong to Manufacturer, who shall also bear the costs for such registration. Whenever
Distributor employs any trademark of Manufacturer to be used in any form of printed material,
Distributor shall place an asterisk immediately after and slightly above the first use of the
trademark referring to a footnote reading Trademark of .
(Name of Manufacturer)
Distributor shall deliver to Manufacturer all Distributor's promotion and advertising material for
Manufacturer's review, prior to such promotion or advertising utilizing any of Manufacturer's
trademarks or trade names. Distributor agrees not to use any promotion or advertising that
Manufacturer's finds unsuitable in its reasonable discretion.
4. Authority. Distributor is an independent legal entity, and the relationship between
Distributor and Manufacturer is entirely based on Distributor's purchasing and selling
Manufacturer's Products for Distributor's own account. Distributor shall have no authority
whatsoever to bind or represent Manufacturer in any respect. Nothing contained herein shall be
deemed to create a partnership between the parties or the relationship of principal and agent.
5. Distributor Marketing Obligations. Distributor agrees to use its best endeavors to
promote the sale of the Products in the Territory on the maximum possible scale by all usual
means and to act loyally to Manufacturer in all matters involved in this Agreement. In addition,
Distributor agrees to:
A.Provide Manufacturer with all sales budgets on or before each
(Date)
during the term of this Agreement, outlining the quantities of Products to be sold or
purchased during the next calendar year;
B. Advise Manufacturer of any inquiries which it receives from any prospective
customer for the supply of Products outside the Territory;C. Keep Manufacturer informed of its price lists;
D. Describe itself as a distributor for Manufacturer in the Territory in all
commercial documents relating to the Products;
E. Inform Manufacturer immediately of any changes in Distributor's
organization or method of doing business which might affect the performance of
Distributor's duties hereunder; and
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 3 of 9
F.Keep Manufacturer fully informed at all times of the market conditions,
competitive products and prices, and other facts material to the marketing of the
Products in the Territory.
6. Non-Competition. During the term of this Agreement, Distributor shall not, directly or
indirectly, distribute in the Territory, Manufacturer products purchased from any person other
than Manufacturer. In addition, Distributor shall not, directly or indirectly, manufacture or
distribute in the Territory, products which compete with the Products under this Agreement,
unless otherwise agreed by the parties hereto, nor shall Distributor seek customers for the
Products outside the Territory nor establish or maintain any branch or distribution depot outside
the Territory for the sale of the Products.
7. Prohibited Practices. Distributor agrees not to sell the Products by mail order or similar
techniques. In addition, Distributor agrees not to pledge, in any manner, the credit of
Manufacturer nor to receive any money on behalf of Supplier nor to make any contracts or
commitments on behalf of Manufacturer nor to make any warranties or other representations
regarding the Products other than those authorized by in writing.
8. Insurance. Distributor represents that it maintains and will continue to maintain
sufficient insurance under Worker's Compensation, comprehensive general liability insurance,
including errors and omissions insurance and property damage insurance, in amounts sufficient
to cover potential claims against Distributor.
9. Sales and Commissions. Manufacturer shall, in its sole discretion, establish the prices to
be charged to Distributor for each Product . The current Distributor
(the Distributor Prices)
Prices are set forth in Schedule A attached hereto. Manufacturer shall have the right, in its sole
discretion, to increase or decrease the Distributor Prices upon one month's written notice to
Distributor. Distributor Price increases will not affect orders already accepted by Manufacturer.
Price decreases shall apply to all products not delivered.
10. Distributor Orders. Distributor shall place written orders with Manufacturer on or
before , covering quantities to be delivered during the next month's period. The
(Date)
quantity ordered for delivery for the first month shall be firm. The quantity ordered for delivery
for the second month shall be firm with respect to percent. The quantity ordered for
delivery for the third month shall be firm with respect to percent. Payments shall be
made in cash on delivery (C.O.D.).
11. Security Interest. Manufacturer reserves a purchase money security interest in the
Products to secure Distributor's payment obligations. Such security interest is retained until
Distributor's payment obligations are satisfied in full. Manufacturer may file this Agreement or
financing statements pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law to
evidence or perfect Manufacturer's security interest. Distributor agrees to execute any additional
documents Manufacturer deems necessary to perfect any such security interest. Upon payment of
the Distributor Price for each Product ordered, Manufacturer agrees to release such security
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 4 of 9
interest.
12. Commission. Distributor shall be entitled to receive a commission (the Commission) for
all Products distributed within the Territory. For each Product unit distributed by Distributor, the
Commission shall be the difference between the amounts charged to the customer for such
Product (exclusive of applicable taxes, if any) and the appropriate Distributor Price set forth in
Schedule B. Distributor shall be responsible for any and all freight or shipping costs payable
hereunder or under any agreement with a customer. If Manufacturer is required to refund monies
to any customer, Distributor shall return to Manufacturer the Commission it has obtained on
account of such sale.
13. Sales Quotas. During the initial one (1) year term, Distributor shall meet or exceed the
quotas set forth in Schedule C attached hereto. For each annual extension term, Distributor shall
meet or exceed the revised quotas established by Manufacturer by written notice thereof to
Distributor thirty (30) days prior to each anniversary of the Effective Date. In the event that a
quota is not met by Distributor, Manufacturer may terminate this Agreement effective upon the
last day of the annual term for which the quota was not met.
14. Financing. Distributor, and not Manufacturer, shall be solely responsible for all risk of
nonpayment for Products distributed on credit.
15. Taxes and Licensing. Distributor shall:
A. Pay all customs, import, excise, sales, and other similar duties and taxes
payable in respect of the Products shipped to Distributor.
B. Obtain any licenses, authorizations, permissions, and other documents, and
comply with all formalities in a state for the import, export, distribution, sale and/or other
disposal of the Products in and from each state.
16. Delivery and Risk of Loss
A.Manufacturer shall ship the Products ordered by Distributor within the normal
shipping schedule established by Manufacturer from time to time, but cannot guarantee a specific
shipment date. Accordingly, Manufacturer sole obligation to Distributor shall be to ship Products
as promptly as reasonably practicable.
B.Delivery shall be made F.O.B. Supplier's plant. Possession of and title to all
Products ordered hereunder, excepting Manufacturer's security interest therein, shall be deemed
to pass to Distributor upon delivery to the common carrier at the point of shipment. Distributor
shall thereupon assume all risk of loss or damage, except for any loss resulting from the
negligence of Manufacturer. Transportation charges and cost of insurance which may be
incurred shall be added to the Distributor Price for each Product and shall be paid by Distributor.
17. Inspection. Distributor shall inspect all Products immediately upon arrival and shall,
within seven calendar days of arrival, give written notice to the common carrier and
Manufacturer of any claim for damages or shortages. Distributor shall give written notice to
Manufacturer within calendar days of arrival that any Product does not conform
(Number)
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 5 of 9
with the terms of this Agreement. If Distributor fails to give any such notice, the Products shall
be deemed accepted for all purposes of this Agreement.
18. Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Manufacturer’s sole warranty with respect to
Products sold is set forth in Manufacturer's Standard Conditions of Sale. However, such warranty
shall in any event expire months from delivery to Distributor. Manufacturer makes
(Number)
no other warranties to Distributor or any customer or other third party, express or implied,
including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
19. Limitation of Liability. Under no circumstances shall Manufacturer be liable to
Distributor or any Customer for any indirect, consequential, incidental, special or punitive
damages arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the operation of the Products,
even if Manufacturer has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, under no circumstances shall supplier have any liability whatsoever for any claim
arising from or relating to this Agreement or its performance in excess of the total distributor
prices paid by Distributor hereunder during the months immediately preceding the
(Number)
filing of such claim.
20. Termination. A.Manufacturer shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately
upon notice to Distributor if:
(i).Distributor becomes insolvent or party to any bankruptcy or
receivership proceedings or makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors; or
(ii). Distributor fails to comply with the confidentiality and ownership
provisions of this Agreement. Either party shall have the right to terminate
this Agreement upon days prior written notice, if within such
(Number)
day period a default or material failure of any of the provisions
(Number)
of this Agreement is not cured.
B. Distributor expressly agrees that termination according to this Agreement shall
not cause Manufacturer to reimburse or pay Distributor in any way for loss of profits,
investments made or for like causes. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement
for any cause, Distributor shall immediately cease representing itself as a distributor of
the Products.
21. Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights A.Distributor acknowledges that in the course of dealings between the parties,
Distributor will acquire information about Manufacturer, its business activities and
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 6 of 9
operations, its technical information and trade secrets, all of which are highly confidential
and proprietary to Manufacturer (the Confidential Information). Confidential Information
shall not include information generally available to or known by the public, or
information independently developed outside the scope of this Agreement. Distributor
shall hold all such Confidential Information in strict confidence and shall not reveal the
same except pursuant to a court order or equivalent arbitration tribunal order. The
Confidential Information shall be safeguarded by Distributor with at least as great a
degree of care as Distributor uses to safeguard its own most confidential materials or data
relating to its own business. The provisions of this Paragraph shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
B. Distributor acknowledges and agrees that the Products, including without
limitation, the software used therein, the specific design and structure of individual
Products and their interaction, the layout designs of semiconductor integrated circuits as
well as other design rights and know-how related to the Products are and shall remain the
sole and exclusive property of Manufacturer and shall not be sold, used, revealed,
disclosed or otherwise communicated, directly or indirectly, by Distributor to any person,
company or institution whatsoever other than for the purposes set forth herein. It is
expressly understood that no title to or ownership of the industrial or intellectual property
rights in or to the Products, or any part thereof, or any aspect related to or trade secret
involved with the Products is hereby transferred to Distributor. In addition, Manufacturer
retains all rights to modifications and changes made to the product design or software
construction. Distributor shall not adapt copyrightable aspects of the Products in any way
or use them to create a derivative work. It is expressly understood that no title to or
ownership of any aspect of the Products, or any part thereof is hereby transferred to
Distributor.
22. Specific Remedies. If Distributor commits a breach of any of the provisions of the
Agreement, Manufacturer shall have, in addition to all other rights in law and equity;
A.The right to have such provision specifically enforced by any court having equity
jurisdiction, it being acknowledged and agreed that any such breach will cause
irreparable injury to such party and that money damages will not provide an adequate
remedy and
B. The right to require Distributor to account for and pay Manufacturer all
compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments or other tangible benefits
(collectively Benefits) derived or received as the result of any transactions constituting a
breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement, and Distributor hereby agrees to
account for and pay such Benefits.
23. Indemnification. Distributor agrees that it will sell, handle, store, transport and use, or
apply the product in a safe and reasonable manner, and in strict conformance with
Manufacturer’s specifications therefore, and that Manufacturer shall not be liable for any loss,
damage or injury to any person or property occurring after delivery of the product by
Manufacturer to Distributor. Distributor agrees that it shall indemnify and hold Manufacturer
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 7 of 9
harmless from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including legal fees, arising
out of or resulting from the sale, handling, storage, transport, use or application of the product by
Distributor, or its employees, agents, customers, or anyone for whose actions any of them may
be liable.
24. Manufacturer Declaration. Manufacturer has no actual knowledge of any present claim
by any third party that the import and/or sale of the Products may infringe any patent, registered
designs, trademarks, copyright, or similar rights existing or registered in any of the countries in
the Territory. Manufacturer declares to the best of its knowledge that the sale and use of the
Products shall not involve infringement of any third party's intellectual property right.
Manufacturer does not make any further warranty, either express or implied, under statutes or
common law in respect of any patents, registered designs, trademarks, copyrights, or similar
rights of third parties.
25. Force Majeure. A party to this Agreement shall not be responsible or liable to the other
party if the first party is prevented, hindered or delayed by reasons of any force majeure
circumstances to perform its contractual obligations according to this Agreement. In this clause,
force majeure circumstances shall mean any war, riot, social disturbance, act of God, strike,
lockout, trade dispute or labor disturbance, accident, breakdown of plant or machinery, fire,
flood, difficulty in obtaining workmen or materials or transportation, or any other circumstances
whatsoever outside the control of the party.
26. Independent Contractors. Distributor acknowledges that it is not, and shall not hold
itself out as, a joint venturer, franchisee, partner, employee, servant, representative or agent of
Manufacturer. It is expressly agreed that the parties hereto are acting hereunder as independent
contractors, and under no circumstances shall any of the employees of one party be deemed the
employees of any other party for any purpose. This Agreement shall not be construed as
authority for any party to act for another party in any agency or other capacity, or to make
commitments of any kind for the account of or on behalf of another party except to the extent
and for the purposes expressly provided for herein.
27. Non-Solicitation. Unless otherwise mutually agreed to by the parties in writing, each
party agrees not to hire or to solicit the employment of any personnel of the other party.
28. Assignment. This Agreement and the rights granted hereunder may not be assigned by
either party without the prior written consent of the other, except that Manufacturer may assign
this Agreement without the written consent of Distributor to a parent company, subsidiary,
affiliate or a purchaser of all or substantially all of Manufacturer's rights in the Products.
29. Severability. The invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not and shall not be
deemed to affect the validity of any other provision. If any provision of this Agreement is held to
be invalid, the parties agree that the remaining provisions shall be deemed to be in full force and
effect as if they had been executed by both parties subsequent to the expungement of the invalid
provision.
30. No Waiver. The failure of either party to this Agreement to insist upon the performance
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 8 of 9
of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the waiver of any breach of any of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as subsequently waiving any such
terms and conditions, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such
forbearance or waiver had occurred.
31. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of .
(Name of State)
32. Notices. Unless provided herein to the contrary, any notice provided for or concerning
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given when sent by certified
or registered mail if sent to the respective address of each party as set forth at the beginning of
this Agreement.
33. Attorney’s Fees. In the event that any lawsuit is filed in relation to this Agreement, the
unsuccessful party in the action shall pay to the successful party, in addition to all the sums that
either party may be called on to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful party's attorney fees.
34. Mandatory Arbitration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and anything herein to the
contrary, any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding
arbitration of the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select
one arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall
arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration
Association then in force and effect.
35. Entire Agreement. This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the
parties and any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this
Agreement shall not be binding upon either party except to the extent incorporated in this
Agreement.
36. Modification of Agreement. Any modification of this Agreement or additional
obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement shall be binding only if
placed in writing and signed by each party or an authorized representative of each party.
37. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the
same instrument.
38. Compliance with Laws. In performing under this Agreement, all applicable
governmental laws, regulations, orders, and other rules of duly-constituted authority will be
followed and complied with in all respects by both parties.
Distributorship and Marketing AgreementPage 9 of 9
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement by a duly
authorized representative as of the date set forth above.
(Name of Manufacturer) (Name of Distributor)
By: By:
(Signature of Officer) (Signature of Officer)
(Printed Name & Office in Corporation) (Printed Name & Office in Corporation)