What is an Indemnification Clause?

An indemnification clause (sometimes referred to as an indemnity clause, indemnification provision or a hold harmless clause) is a provision in a contract that establishes when and to what extent one party will assume liability for the losses of another. These are typically losses associated with legal costs or other claims advanced by third parties, though they may also include losses directly suffered by the party protected by the indemnity.

What does an indemnification clause cover?

Although the specific risks covered by an indemnification clause will depend on a variety of factors (e.g., the type of contract, the relationship between the parties, etc.), the clause itself can address pretty much any risk or eventuality the parties may contemplate. Common risks covered by an indemnification clause include those related to breach of contract, product liability, property damage, environmental contamination, infringement of intellectual property rights, negligent acts or willful misconduct, and non-compliance with applicable laws or standards.

Who does an indemnification clause protect?

Indemnification clauses operate a bit like an insurance policy, where the party providing an indemnity (the indemnifier) is akin to an insurer and the party benefiting from an indemnity (the indemnitee) is akin to a policyholder. One difference between an indemnification clause and an insurance policy is that the indemnifier is generally directly or indirectly responsible for causing the losses of the indemnitee; whereas an insurer is generally not responsible for causing the policyholder’s losses. Also, the indemnitee does not pay anything akin to a premium for the indemnity. Instead, it “pays” for this protection through the promises it makes under the agreement (which may include providing a similar indemnity of its own, known as mutual indemnification).

How do you review indemnification clauses in contracts?

The first step in the review is locating all the indemnification clauses in each contract, which may be easier in some cases than in others. Some legal agreements will have standalone indemnification clauses (see examples 1 and 2 below), which makes them relatively easy to find. More worrisome, however, is the standalone indemnity’s elusive cousin, which may be lurking in almost any section of the agreement, surreptitiously inserted at the end of sentences or in the middle of dense paragraphs where it can easily go undetected (see example 5 below, which is from the same agreement as example 4; and also see examples 6 and 8 below). Indemnification clauses of this kind require careful attention to spot and failure to do so can lead to unpleasant surprises down the road. Key pieces of information to focus on when reviewing an indemnification clause include:

1. Who is indemnifying who

In some indemnification clauses, there may be several indemnities provided, so it is critical to ascertain for each indemnity who is the indemnifier and who is the indemnitee. In particular, consider the class of indemnitees: Is it limited to just a particular party? Or does it include the party’s affiliates and/or directors, officers, employees, agents, etc.? Many indemnification clauses tend toward a more broadly defined class of indemnitees (see examples 1 and 2 below). Note, as well, whether the indemnifications are mutual (i.e., the parties indemnify each other for the same thing) or unilateral (i.e., only one party is providing the indemnity). In example 3 below, section 9.1 contains a mutual indemnity; whereas section 9.2 contains a unilateral indemnity.

2. What the indemnity covers

There are two parts to this aspect of the indemnification clause:

• (i) the risks covered by the indemnity and
• (ii) the scope of the liability assumed. In both cases, the language used tends to be broad and inclusive so as to minimize the risk of any gap in coverage. Example 1 below, for instance, states that each “Indemnified Person” is protected against “all liabilities and expenses”; it then goes on to qualify this with “including but not limited to” followed by a more particular, non-exhaustive list of liabilities and expenses, which helps provide greater certainty about the intended breadth of liability protection. Perhaps more important to note, however, is any language that limits the scope of either the risks covered or the liability protection provided. Returning to example 1 below, despite the inclusive language describing “all liabilities and expenses”, note that financial recovery is limited to the “Trust Assets” (a point made even clearer by the wording of paragraph (c)); furthermore, note the more subtle financial constraint in that same paragraph, which limits an Indemnified Person’s recoverable attorneys fees and costs to those that are “actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Person.”

3. Qualifications and Limitations

These are the features of any indemnification clause that require the most attention, since they play an important role in shaping the scope of any indemnity. Qualifying or limiting language may constrain the scope of financial recovery for the indemnitees, as was the case with the “Trust Asset” example mentioned in point 2 above. It may also disqualify certain claims that would otherwise be eligible for indemnification. Often things like an indemnitee’s gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct will be included as grounds for disqualification (see examples 1, 2 and 4 below). Proving that an indemnitee was grossly negligent, etc. can be challenging, but this kind of qualifying language at least helps protect an otherwise innocent indemnifier from having to bear the burden of losses incurred in bad faith. Qualifications and limitations may even encourage efficiency in the indemnification process - e.g., requirements that the parties “reasonably cooperate” or that a party’s consent “not be unreasonably withheld” (see examples 1, 2 and 4 below). Finally, in addition to any express qualifications or limitations in the indemnification clause itself, pay close attention to any limitation of liability clause elsewhere in the agreement that may also constrain its scope.

4. Indemnification Procedures

Some indemnification clauses may specify procedures for triggering a claim for indemnification and also for managing that claim thereafter (see section 9.3 of example 2). Be sure to note any notification requirements and refer to the notice section of the agreement to confirm the manner in which notice must be given. Also, as mentioned in point 5 below, pay attention to language describing each party’s obligations with respect to things like third party claims.

5. Handling of third party claims

A common phrase in indemnification clauses is “indemnify, defend and hold/save harmless…” (see examples 2 and 4 below). Including the word “defend” in this phrase generally means that the indemnifier, in addition to shouldering the financial burden of the indemnitee’s losses, also has a responsibility to help the indemnitee actively defend against lawsuits and other claims advanced by third parties (note that, in some jurisdictions, this obligation to defend may automatically flow from the promise to “indemnify”). Sometimes this means that the indemnifier will step into the shoes of the indemnitee and assume control of any such third party claim or proceeding. In example 2 below, for instance, section 9.3 clarifies that the indemnifier (or “Indemnifying Party”) has sole control over the defense of any claim, though the indemnitee has a right to participate at its own cost and its written consent must also be obtained before certain settlements can be reached or actions taken. For the indemnifier, the benefit of having control over the defense of a claim is the ability to manage the timing and cost of the proceeding, which may help limit its financial exposure. For the indemnitee, delegating defense of any such claim to the indemnifier helps free up its resources to focus on other matters.

6. Survival Language

Finally, some indemnification obligations may survive the termination of the contract (see example 7 below). Be sure to read the indemnification clause carefully for any such survival language. Also, check any survival clause in the agreement to see if it refers to sections containing indemnification clauses. When reviewing an indemnification clause, it’s also important to be aware of other contractual provisions that may affect its interpretation. Some of these - such as the notice, limitation of liability and survival clauses - are discussed above. Guarantee clauses are another useful provision to look out for when evaluating indemnification. These provisions help with determining total liability from the indemnifier’s perspective, or total protection from the indemnitee’s perspective, as related companies or individuals who are not party to the contract may nevertheless have committed to guaranteeing one or more parties’ financial obligations, including those associated with the indemnity provisions. Similarly, an insurance clause in a contract will set out the parties’ obligations, if any, to maintain certain specified insurance coverage, which may also provide financial safeguards. Finally, because indemnification claims are often contentious, it’s important to review any dispute resolution provisions in the contract that may limit a party’s avenues for resolving conflict - for example, a contract that requires all disputes to be resolved through binding arbitration may impede or preclude a party from taking the matter to court (where it may secure a more favourable outcome). Software that uses AI to identify and extract indemnification clauses (as well as other terms that affect their interpretation) can accelerate the work of finding these provisions and enable a more comprehensive review than can otherwise be done manually.

What is an indemnity clause example?

Below are some examples of indemnification clauses from different kinds of agreements. While these examples do not necessarily cover the full range of indemnification clauses one may encounter, they are meant to illustrate the degree to which these provisions can vary from contract to contract. Where an example includes broader contextual language, the indemnification clause is highlighted in bold.

Example 1: From a Trust Agreement

4.9 Indemnification. Each Trustee and Person appointed or employed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.2(c), and the directors, officers, employees and agents of each such Person (each an “Indemnified Person” and collectively the “Indemnified Persons”), shall be indemnified out of the Trust Assets against all liabilities and expenses, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in settlement (if such settlement is approved in advance by the Trustee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), as fines and penalties, and attorney’s fees and costs, actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Person as follows:

(a) If an Indemnified Person is or was a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Trust, Trustee or any Beneficiary to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of the fact that the Indemnified Person is or was the Trustee or a director, officer, employee or agent of the Trustee, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of an Indemnified Person while being or having been such a Trustee, employee or agent including, without limitation, any alleged breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, misleading statement, omission or act of any such Trustee or Person in such capacity (and in the case of any director, officer, employee, or agent of any such Person, by reason of any such Person exercising or failing to exercise any right or power hereunder); provided that the Indemnified Person shall not be entitled to such indemnification with respect to any matter as to which the Indemnified Person shall have been finally adjudicated to have acted with gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct knowingly and intentionally committed in bad faith.

(b) If an Indemnified Person was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding by or in the right of the Trust or any Beneficiary to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the Indemnified Person is or was the Trustee or a director, officer, employee or agent of the Trustee, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnified Person, except that no indemnification shall be made (i) in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which an Indemnified Person shall have been finally adjudicated to be liable to the Trust or any Beneficiary in the performance of such Indemnified Person’s duty to the Trust and its Beneficiaries, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or proceeding is or was pending shall determine upon application that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, the Indemnified Person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for expenses and then only to the extent that the court shall determine, (ii) of amounts paid in settling or otherwise disposing of a pending action without court approval or (iii) of expenses incurred in defending a pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of without court approval.

(c) The rights accruing to any Indemnified Person under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which the Indemnified Person may be lawfully entitled; provided that no Indemnified Person may satisfy any right of indemnity or reimbursement granted herein, or to which the Indemnified Person may be otherwise entitled, except out of the Trust Assets. The Trustee may make advance payments in connection with indemnification under this Section 4.9, provided that the Indemnified Person shall have given a written undertaking to repay any amount advanced to the Indemnified Person and to reimburse the Trust only if, and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized herein. The advances to be made hereunder shall be paid by the Trustee to the Indemnified Person within 20 days after delivery of a written request therefor by the Indemnified Person to the Trustee. Nothing contained herein shall restrict the right of the Trustee to indemnify or reimburse such Indemnified Person in any proper case, even though not specifically provided for herein, nor shall anything contained herein restrict the right of any such Indemnified Person to contribution under applicable law.

Example 2: From a Supply Agreement

9.1 Indemnification by Product Co. Product Co shall, at its own expense, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sales Co and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees and representatives, from and against any claim, demand, cause of action, liability, expense (including attorney’s fees and costs), or damages to the extent arising from a third-party claim with respect to:

(a) Products supplied by Product Co, including any claim alleging product liability, injury to property or person or infringement of intellectual property rights (except to the extent that Sales Co is obligated to provide indemnification for such infringement claim under the License Agreement or Asset Purchase Agreement);

(b) any breach by Product Co of this Agreement;

(c) any material violation by Product Co of a domestic or international law or regulation relating to relating to the manufacturing, import or export of Products; and

(d) any negligence or willful misconduct of Product Co or its agents, employees, directors or officers.

9.2 Indemnification by Sales Co. Sales Co shall, at its own expense, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Product Co and its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees and representatives, from and against any claim, demand, cause of action, liability, expense (including attorney’s fees and costs), or damages to the extent arising from a third-party claim with respect to:

(a) Products supplied by Sales Co., including any claim alleging product liability, injury to property or person or infringement of intellectual property rights;

(b) any breach by Sales Co of this Agreement;

(c) any material violation by Sales Co of a domestic or international law or regulation relating to relating to the manufacturing, import or export of Products; and

(d) any negligence or willful misconduct of Sales Co or its agents, employees, directors or officers.

9.3 Procedures. The party seeking to be indemnified pursuant to this Article IX (as applicable, the “Indemnified Party”) shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder only (i) if it gives written notice to the party obligated to provide such indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnifying Party”) of any claims, suits or proceedings by third parties which may give rise to a claim for indemnification with reasonable promptness after receiving written notice of such claim (or, in the case of a proceeding, is served in such proceeding); provided, however, that failure to give such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligation to provide indemnification, except if and to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is actually and materially prejudiced thereby, and (ii) once the Indemnifying Party confirms in writing to the Indemnified Party that it is prepared to assume its indemnification obligations hereunder, the Indemnifying Party has sole control over the defense of the claim, at its own cost and expense; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party shall have the right to be represented by its own counsel at its own cost in such matters. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not settle or dispose of any such matter in any manner which would require the Indemnified Party to make any admission, or to take any action (except for ceasing use or distribution of the items subject to the claim) without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Each party shall reasonably cooperate with the other party and its counsel in the course of the defense of any such suit, claim or demand, such cooperation to include using reasonable efforts to provide or make available documents, information and witnesses and to mitigate damages.

Example 3: From a Fulfillment Agreement

1. HOLD HARMLESS.

9.1 Each party shall hold the other harmless from and against and shall indemnify the other from any liability, loss, costs, expenses or damages, however caused, by reason of any injury (whether to body, property or personal or business character or reputation) sustained by any person or to any person or to property by reason of any act, neglect, default or omission of such party or any of its agents, employees, or other representatives, and it shall pay all sums to be paid or discharged in case of an action, demand, claim, or any such damages or injuries. If either party is sued in any court for damages by reason of any of the acts of the other party referred to herein, such other party shall defend said action (or cause same to be defended) at its own expense and shall pay and discharge any judgment that may be rendered in any such action; if such other party fails or neglects to so defend in said action, the party sued may defend the same and any expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, which it may pay or incur in defending said action and the amount of any judgment which it may be required to pay shall be promptly reimbursed upon demand. Nothing herein is intended to nor shall it relieve either party from liability for its own act, omission or negligence.

9.2 Marketer shall hold Distributor harmless from and against and indemnify Distributor for all liability, loss, costs expenses or damages howsoever caused by reason of any Products (whether or not defective), or any act of omission of Marketer, including but not limited to any injury (whether to body, property, personal, or business character or reputation) sustained by any person or to any person or to property, and for infringement of any patent rights or other rights of third parties, and for any violation of municipal, state or federal laws or regulations governing the Products or their sale, which may result from the distribution of the Products by Distributor hereunder. Marketer hereby appoints the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada as its agent for service for process in connection with any action brought by UDS against Marketer under this Agreement.

Example 4: From a Commercial Lease Agreement

10.1 INDEMNITY. Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and save harmless Landlord, Bankers Insurance Company any property manager(s) engaged by Landlord or Bankers Insurance Company and each of their affiliated companies, partners, shareholders, agents, directors, officers, and employees (collectively, “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liabilities, damages, claims, suits, injuries, costs (including court costs, attorneys’ fees and costs of investigation, and actions of any kind arising or alleged to arise by reason of injury to or death of any person or damage to or loss of property occurring on, in, or about the Leased Premises or by reason of any other claim whatsoever of any person or party occasioned or alleged to be occasioned in whole or in part by any act or omission on the part of Tenant or any invitee, licensee, agent, employee, director, officer, contractor, subcontractor, or tenant of Tenant, or by any breach, violation, or nonperformance of any covenant of Tenant under this Lease (collectively “Liabilities”) even if such Liabilities arise from or are attributed to the concurrent negligence of any Indemnitee. The only Liabilities with respect to which Tenant’s obligation to indemnify the Indemnitees does not apply is with respect to Liabilities resulting from the sole gross negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnitee. If any action or proceeding is brought by or against any Indemnitee in connection with any such Liabilities, Tenant shall defend such action or proceeding, at Tenant’s expense, by or through attorneys reasonably satisfactory to Landlord. The provisions of this paragraph apply to all activities of Tenant with respect to the Leased Premises or Building, whether occurring before or after the Commencement Date of the Term and before or after the expiration or termination of this Lease. Tenant’s obligations under this paragraph are not limited to the limits or coverage of insurance maintained or required to be maintained by Tenant under this Lease.

Example 5: From a Commercial Lease Agreement

16.1(a) Enter upon and take possession of the Premises. In such event, Landlord shall have the right to remove all persons and property from the Premises and store such property in a public warehouse or elsewhere at the cost and risk of and for the account of Tenant, and all such persons shall quit and surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord. Tenant hereby waives all claims for damages which may be caused by the entry of Landlord and taking possession of the Premises or removing and storing the furniture and property and hereby agrees to indemnify and save Landlord harmless from any loss, costs, damages or liability occasioned thereby, and no such entry shall be considered or construed to be forcible entry or construed to be a termination of the Lease unless Landlord expressly elects to terminate this Lease. Should Landlord elect to enter, as hereby provided, or should Landlord take possession pursuant to legal proceedings or pursuant to any notice provided by law, Landlord may then or at any time thereafter terminate this Lease pursuant to Paragraph 16.1(c), below;

Example 6: From a Reseller Agreement

D. Prices and payments due to NovaCharge are exclusive of any sales, use, excise, value-added, withholding, or similar tax of any kind. Reseller agrees to pay and to indemnify and hold NovaCharge harmless from any sales, use, excise, value-added, withholding or similar tax levied on any Product arising out of the use or sale of the Product by or to Reseller, other than taxes measured by NovaCharge’s income, corporate franchise, or personal property ownership. Any and all taxes imposed on the sale of the Products to Customers are the responsibility of Reseller to collect and pay to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Example 7: From an Employment Agreement

10.11 Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled to the same indemnification rights as other executive officers of the Company pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, as in effect from time to time, and shall be covered under any directors and officers’ insurance coverage maintained by the Company with respect to its executive officers. Without limiting any other provision of this Agreement, this Section 10.11 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever.

Example 8: From an Agency Agreement

7.2 Terms of Sales to Customers, Law Compliance. Subject to Agent’s compliance with applicable law, all sales of Merchandise will be “final sales” and “as is”, and all advertisements and sales receipts will reflect the same. Additionally, during the Sale Term Agent shall utilize register receipts in the Stores that are of a color that is different from the color utilized by Merchant in the Other GOB Stores and the Closed Stores. Agent shall also clearly mark all Merchandise sold at the Stores during the Sale Term so as to distinguish such Merchandise from the Merchandise sold at Merchant’s Other GOB Stores and the Closed Stores. Agent shall not warrant the Merchandise in any manner, but will, to the extent legally permissible, pass on all manufacturer’s warranties to customers. All sales will be made only for cash, nationally recognized bank credit cards and, in Agent’s discretion, personal checks. Except as may otherwise be provided in the Approval Order, Agent shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations in its conduct of the Sale, including laws and regulations governing the advertising of the Sale, Merchandise pricing and employment. If Agent fails to perform its responsibilities in accordance with this Section 7.2, Agent shall indemnify and hold harmless Merchant from and against any and all costs including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, assessments, fines or penalties which Merchant sustains or incurs as a result or consequence of the failure by Agent to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

7.3 Sales Taxes. During the Sale Term, all sales, excise, gross receipts and other taxes attributable to sales of Merchandise as indicated on Merchant’s point of sale equipment (other than taxes on income) payable to any taxing authority having jurisdiction (collectively, “Sales Taxes”) shall be added to the sales price of Merchandise and collected by Agent, on Merchant’s behalf, and shall deposited into Merchant’s existing accounts, trust accounts or other accounts, as designated from time to time by Merchant. Provided that Agent has collected all Sales Taxes during the Sale and remitted the proceeds thereof to Merchant, Merchant shall promptly pay all Sales Taxes and file all applicable reports and documents required by the applicable taxing authorities. Merchant will be given access to the computation of gross receipts for verification of all such Sales Tax collections. Provided Agent performs its responsibilities in accordance with this Section 7.3, Merchant shall indemnify and hold harmless Agent from and against any and all costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, assessments, fines or penalties which Agent sustains or incurs as a result or consequence of the failure by Merchant to promptly pay such taxes to the proper taxing authorities and/or the failure by Merchant to promptly file with such taxing authorities all reports and other documents required, by applicable law, to be filed with or delivered to such taxing authorities. If Agent fails to perform its responsibilities in accordance with this Section 7.3, and provided Merchant complies with its obligations in accordance with this Section 7.3, Agent shall indemnify and hold harmless Merchant from and against any and all costs including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, assessments, fines or penalties which Merchant sustains or incurs as a result or consequence of the failure by Agent to collect Sales Taxes and/or, to the extent Agent is required hereunder to prepare reports and other documents, the failure by Agent to promptly deliver any and all reports and other documents required to enable Merchant to file any requisite returns with such taxing authorities. To secure Agent’s obligations to collect Sales Taxes for Merchandise sold during the Sale Term, on the first business day after the Sale Commencement Date, Agent shall deliver to Merchant an irrevocable and unconditional standby letter of credit (the “Sales Tax L/C”) in an original face amount equal to Three Million and 0/100 Dollars ($3,000,000.00), naming Merchant as the beneficiary, and conforming to all of the requirements of the Expense L/C.

Example 9: From a Purchase and Security Agreement

25. INDEMNITY. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold Purchaser, and its respective affiliates, employees, attorneys and agents (each, an “Indemnified Person”), harmless from and against any and all suits, actions, proceedings, claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and other costs of investigation or defense, including those incurred upon any appeal) which may be instituted or asserted against or incurred by any such Indemnified Person as the result of credit having been extended, suspended or terminated under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements or with respect to the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance and administration of, or in any other way arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or any other documents or transactions contemplated by or referred to herein or therein and any actions or failures to act with respect to any of the foregoing, except to the extent that any such indemnified liability is finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted solely from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. NO INDEMNIFIED PERSON SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE TO THE COMPANY OR TO ANY OTHER PARTY OR TO ANY SUCCESSOR, ASSIGNEE OR THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY OR ANY OTHER PERSON ASSERTING CLAIMS DERIVATIVELY THROUGH SUCH PARTY, FOR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE ALLEGED AS A RESULT OF CREDIT HAVING BEEN EXTENDED, SUSPENDED OR TERMINATED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR AS A RESULT OF ANY OTHER TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.

Example 10: From an Aircraft Lease Agreement

SECTION 14 - INDEMNIFICATION

(A) LESSEE agrees to indemnify, reimburse, and hold harmless the Indemnitees from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, demands, suits, judgments, causes of action, legal proceedings, whether civil or criminal, penalties, fines, other sanctions, and any reasonable costs and expenses in connection herewith, including attorney’s fees and expenses (any and all of which are hereafter referred to as “Claims”) which in any way may result from, pertain to, or arise in any manner out of, or are in any manner related to the Aircraft or this Lease, arising out of events occurring on or subsequent to the Effective Date, or the breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made by LESSEE hereunder, including, but not limited to, (i) the condition, manufacture, delivery, lease, acceptance, rejection, possession, return, disposition, use, or operation of the Aircraft (including, but not limited to, latent and other defects whether or not discoverable by LESSEE or LESSOR) either in the air or on the ground; or (ii) any defect in the Aircraft arising from the material or any articles used therein or from the design, testing, or use thereof or from any maintenance, service, repair, overhaul, or testing of such Aircraft, regardless of when such defect shall be discovered, whether or not such Aircraft is at the time in the possession of LESSEE, and regardless of where such Aircraft may then be located; or (iii) this Lease or any other transaction, approval, or document contemplated hereby or given or entered into in connection herewith; provided, however, that LESSEE shall be subrogated to all rights and remedies which LESSOR may have against the Manufacturer or Engine Manufacturer.

LESSEE hereby waives and releases any claim now or hereafter existing against any Indemnitee, on account of any Claims for or on account of or arising or in any way connected with injury to or death of personnel of LESSEE or loss or damage to property of LESSEE or the loss of use of any property which may result from or arise in any manner out of or in relation to the leasing, condition, use, or operation of the Aircraft, either in the air or on the ground during the Term, or which may be caused during the Term by any defect in such Aircraft from any material or any article used therein or from the design or testing thereof, or use thereof or from any maintenance, service, repair, overhaul, or testing of such Aircraft regardless of when such defect may be discovered, whether or not such Aircraft is at the time in the possession of LESSEE, and regardless of the location of such Aircraft at any such time.

Without limitation upon LESSEE’s liability under this Section 14, LESSEE hereby agrees to indemnify, reimburse, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from any Claims in any manner imposed upon or accruing against each Indemnitee because of the manufacture, use, or operation of the Aircraft, any design, article, or material therein or relating thereto, because of infringement of patent or any other right. LESSEE hereby agrees, and shall have the right, to assume and conduct promptly and diligently at its sole cost and expense, the entire defense of any Indemnitee against any such claim, and any claim, suit, or action for which any Indemnitee is required to assume liability and to settle such claims and pay any amounts in connection with such agreed upon settlement.

LESSOR agrees to give LESSEE prompt notice of any claims hereunder following LESSOR’s actual knowledge of such Claims, but the failure of LESSOR to give the notice required by this Section 14 shall not constitute a release by LESSOR or the Indemnitees of any obligations of LESSEE to any Indemnitees in respect of any such Claim, unless LESSEE is materially adversely affected solely by such failure of LESSOR to give such notice. Without the prior consent of LESSEE, LESSOR shall not settle or compromise any Claims that LESSEE, within a reasonable time after notice from LESSOR, has either (i) confirmed to LESSOR are subject to indemnification pursuant to this Clause 14, or (ii) agreed to assume, and to conduct promptly and diligently at its sole cost and expense, the entire defense thereof.

The indemnifications contained in this Section 14 shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any expiration or other termination of this Lease and are expressly made for the benefit of and shall be enforceable by each Indemnitee.

(B) Exceptions. In no event shall the indemnity provided for in Section 14(A) extend to any Claim or disbursement of any Indemnitee resulting from, pertaining to or arising in any manner out of, or in any manner relating to the willful misconduct of any Indemnitee; or to the extent accruing either before the Effective Date or after the Aircraft has been returned to or repossessed by LESSOR; or which is a cost or expense required to be paid by LESSOR hereunder; or which would not have been incurred by LESSOR if LESSOR had not been in breach of its representations, warranties and covenants in this Lease; or which results from LESSOR’s Liens or Taxes (without prejudice to LESSEE’s obligations set forth in this Lease concerning Taxes).

Example 11: From a Sales Representative Agreement

6. Indemnification.

6.1 The Company shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Representative from and against any loss, liability, claim or damage (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) relating to or arising from a breach of this Agreement by the Company.

6.2 The Representative shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its officers, directors, members, employees and agents from and against any loss, liability, claim or damage (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) relating to or arising from (i) any claim or allegation in connection with the marketing of the Services by the Representative and (ii) a breach of this Agreement by the Representative.

6.3 The foregoing indemnities are conditioned on (i) prompt written notice by the party seeking indemnification; (ii) cooperation in the defense of the claim, demand or action; and (iii) the obtaining of the prior written approval of the indemnifying party of any settlement or offer of settlement.

Example 12: From a General Services Agreement

ARTICLE X: INDEMNIFICATION

10.1 The Contractor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Owner from and against all claims, liabilities and causes of action for injury to or death of any person, or for damage to or destruction of property (including the Owner’s property) resulting from any and all acts or omissions of the Contractor and all damages, actions, suits or proceedings by third parties that arise out of, or are attributable to the conduct of the Work and carrying out of the Work Plan by the Contractor

10.2 The Contractor shall promptly settle or arrange the settlement of all claims for which it is liable under Section 10.1 provided that the terms of all settlements affecting the Owner shall be subject to prior approval by the Owner. Upon receipt of any such claim, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Owner of the full particulars thereof. If any claim remains unsettled at any time any amount is due and payable hereunder, the Owner may either withhold sufficient amounts from payments due Contractor to cover such claim or settle claim and deduct the settlement amounts from monies due the Contractor, unless the Contractor shall notify the Owner it desires to contest such a claim. If the Contractor elects to contest such claim, the Owner may continue to withhold payment to the Contractor unless and until the Contractor provides security satisfactory to the Owner for any potential liability or loss which the Owner may suffer as a result of such claim. The release forms used in settling any claim shall be subject to the Owners approval.

Example 13: From a Limited Partnership Agreement

Section 2.9 Indemnification.

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Covered Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership for and from any liabilities, demands, claims, actions or causes of action, regulatory, legislative or judicial proceedings or investigations, assessments, levies, judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement, losses, fees, penalties, damages, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’, accountants’, investigators’, and experts’ fees and expenses and interest on any of the foregoing (collectively, “Damages”) sustained or incurred by such Covered Person by reason of any act performed or omitted by such Covered Person or by any other Covered Person in connection with the affairs of the Partnership or the General Partner unless such act or omission constitutes fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct (the “Disabling Conduct”); provided, however, that any indemnity under this Section 2.9 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Partnership assets only, and no Limited Partner or any Affiliate of any Limited Partner shall have any personal liability on account thereof. The right of indemnification pursuant to this Section 2.9 shall include the right of a Covered Person to have paid on his behalf, or be reimbursed by the Partnership for, the reasonable expenses incurred by such Covered Person with respect to any Damages, in each case in advance of a final disposition of any action, suit or proceeding, including expenses incurred in collecting such amounts from the Partnership; provided, however, that such Covered Person shall have given a written undertaking to reimburse the Partnership in the event it is subsequently determined that he is not entitled to such indemnification.

(b) The right of any Covered Person to the indemnification provided herein (i) shall be cumulative of, and in addition to, any and all rights to which such Covered Person may otherwise be entitled by contract or as a matter of law or equity, (ii) in the case of Covered Persons that are Partners, shall continue as to such Covered Person after any Withdrawal or Special Withdrawal of such Partner and after he has ceased to be a Partner, and (iii) shall extend to such Covered Person’s successors, assigns and legal representatives.

(c) The termination of any action, suit or proceeding relating to or involving a Covered Person by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that such Covered Person committed an act or omission that constitutes Disabling Conduct.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, no action or failure to act on the part of any Covered Person in connection with the management or conduct of the business and affairs of such Covered Person and other activities of such Covered Person which involve a conflict of interest with the Partnership, any other Person in which the Partnership has a direct or indirect interest or any Partner (or any of their respective Affiliates) or in which such Covered Person realizes a profit or has an interest shall constitute, per se, Disabling Conduct.

Example 14: From an Equipment Rental Agreement

11. INDEMNITY. Lessee shall indemnify Lessor against, and hold Lessor harmless from, any and all claims, actions, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities, including attorneys fees, arising out of, connected with, or resulting from the equipment or the Lease, including without limitation, the manufacture, selection, delivery, leasing, renting, control, possession, use, operation, maintenance or return of the equipment. Lessee shall further indemnify Lessor, and hold Lessor harmless from all loss and damage to the equipment during the rental period. Lessee recognizes and agrees that included in this indemnity clause, but not by way of limitation, is Lessee’s assumption of any and all liability for injury: disability and death of workmen and other persons caused by the operation, use, control, handling, or transportation of the equipment during the Rental Period.

Example 15: From a Unanimous Shareholders Agreement

4.4 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. As required or permitted by the Act, the Corporation shall indemnify and save harmless every director or officer, every former director or officer, and every person who acts or acted at the Corporation’s request as a director or officer of a body corporate of which the Corporation is or was a shareholder or creditor (or a person who undertakes or has undertaken any liability on behalf of the Corporation or any such body corporate) and his heirs and legal representatives, from and against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgement, reasonably incurred by him in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of the Corporation or such body corporate, if:

(a) he acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation; and

(b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had reasonable grounds for believing that his conduct was lawful.