Provision Language
13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
13.1 Mandatory Procedures. The parties agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved solely by means of the procedures set forth in this Article, and that such procedures constitute legally binding obligations that are an essential provision of this Agreement. If either party fails to observe the procedures of this Article, as may be modified by their written agreement, the other party may bring an action for specific performance of these procedures in any court of competent jurisdiction.
13.2 Equitable Remedies. Although the procedures specified in this Article are the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement, either party may seek a preliminary injunction or other provisional equitable relief if, in its reasonable judgment, such action is necessary to avoid irreparable harm to itself or to preserve its rights under this Agreement.
13.3 Dispute Resolution Procedures
(a) Mediation. In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, either party may initiate mediation upon written notice to the other party (“Notice Date”) pursuant to Section 15.1, whereupon both parties shall be obligated to engage in a mediation proceeding. The mediation shall commence within [***] days of the Notice Date. The mediation shall be conducted by a single mediator in Boston, Massachusetts. The party requesting mediation shall designate two (2) or more nominees for mediator in its notice. The other party may accept one of the nominees or may designate its own nominees by notice addressed to the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and copied to the requesting party. If within [***] days following the request for mediation, the parties have not selected a mutually acceptable mediator, a mediator shall be appointed by the AAA according to the Commercial Mediation Rules. The mediator shall attempt to facilitate a negotiated settlement of the dispute, but shall have no authority to impose any settlement terms on the parties. The expenses of the mediation shall be borne equally by the parties, but each party shall be responsible for its own counsel fees and expenses.
(b) Trial Without Jury. If the dispute is not resolved by mediation within [***] days after commencement of mediation, each party shall have the right to pursue any other remedies legally available to resolve the dispute, provided, however, that the parties expressly waive any right to a jury trial in any legal proceeding under this Article.
13.4 Performance to Continue. Each party shall continue to perform its undisputed obligations under this Agreement pending final resolution of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement; provided, however, that a party may suspend performance of its undisputed obligations during any period in which the other party fails or refuses to perform its undisputed obligations. Nothing in this Article is intended to relieve COMPANY from its obligation to make undisputed payments pursuant to Articles 4 and 6 of this Agreement.
13.5 Statute of Limitations. The parties agree that all applicable statutes of limitation and time-based defenses (including, but not limited to, estoppel and laches) shall be tolled while the procedures set forth in Sections 13.3(a) are pending. The parties shall cooperate in taking any actions necessary to achieve this result.
15. MISCELLANEOUS
[…]
15.2 Governing Law/Jurisdiction. This Agreement and all disputes arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the performance, enforcement, breach or termination hereof, and any remedies relating thereto, shall be construed, governed, interpreted and applied in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, U.S.A., without regard to conflict of laws principles, except that questions affecting the construction and effect of any patent shall be determined by the law of the country in which the patent shall have been granted. The state and federal courts having jurisdiction over Cambridge, MA, USA, provide the exclusive forum for any PATENT CHALLENGE and/or any court action between the parties relating to this Agreement. COMPANY submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives any claim that such court lacks jurisdiction over COMPANY or its AFFILIATES or constitutes an inconvenient or improper forum.