Лектор докладно проаналізувала разом з учасниками обмеження та звільнення від відповідальності, а саме:

1. Fundamentals & Legal Framework – Key principles of liability clauses, enforceability under Ukrainian and international law (Ключові принципи положень про відповідальність, можливість виконання згідно з українським та міжнародним правом).

2. Drafting Effective Clauses – Best practices for structuring limitation and exclusion clauses to ensure validity (Формулювання ефективних положень – найкращі методи структурування положень про обмеження та виключення для забезпечення дійсності).

3. Judicial Approach & Case Law – Ukrainian and comparative case law insights on interpreting and enforcing such clauses (Судовий підхід і прецедентне право – аналіз українського та порівняльного прецедентного права щодо тлумачення та забезпечення виконання таких положень).

4. Practical Applications & Risk Management – How businesses and legal practitioners can strategically use liability clauses (Практичні застосування та управління ризиками – як компанії та практикуючі юристи можуть стратегічно використовувати положення про відповідальність).

У рамках характеристики застережень про обмеження та звільнення від відповідальності акцентовано на наступному:

1. Fundamentals & Legal Framework – Key principles of liability clauses, enforceability under Ukrainian and international law (Ключові принципи положень про відповідальність, можливість виконання згідно з українським та міжнародним правом)

A Lexical Breakdown:

• "Responsibility" is derived from the Latin word "respondere," meaning "to answer for" or "to be responsible".

• The word “Liability” originates from the word liable, which itself comes from Old French "lier" (to bind) and ultimately from Latin "ligare" (also to bind).

• Liability: Legal term; The seller has liability for defective products. Limited liability companies shield owners from personal liability.

• Responsibility: General term; Іt’s your responsibility to file the report on time. The manager takes responsibility for the team’s performance.

• Obligation: Formal term; The tenant has an obligation to pay rent monthly. Contractual obligations must be fulfilled in good faith.

• Accountability: Ethical/administrative term; The minister must show accountability for public spending. With great power comes greater accountability.

Legal Limitations and Enforceability:

• Gross Negligence or Willful - груба недбалість або навмисне порушення;

• ConsumerContracts - споживчі договори;

• Fundamental Breach Doctrine - доктрина фундаментального порушення;

• Good Faith and Fair Dealing - добросовісність та чесна угода;

• Statutory Restrictions - законодавчі обмеження.

2. Drafting Effective Clauses – Best practices for structuring limitation and exclusion clauses to ensure validity (Формулювання ефективних положень – найкращі методи структурування положень про обмеження та виключення для забезпечення дійсності)

Statutory Restrictions: Some laws override contractual clauses.

For instance:

• UCC in the U.S. (§2-719) limits exclusions of consequential damages if they are unconscionable. https:// www.law.cornell.edu/ucc/2/2-719.

• Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (UK) prohibits limiting liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/ 1977/50.

Types of Limitations of Liability:

1. Caps on Damages;

2. Exclusion of Certain Types of Damages;

3. Time Limits;

4. Force Majeure Clauses.

Force majeure,from a legal standpoint, refers to an unforeseeable and uncontrollable event that arises after the execution of a contract, rendering the performance of contractual obligations impossible, impracticable, or commercially unreasonable.

This concept is often codified in contractual agreements through force majeure clauses, which outline the specific events that, if they occur, may excuse one or more parties from fulfilling their contractual duties.

The interpretation and application of force majeure depend on the language used in the contract and relevant legal principles in the applicable jurisdiction

Such events may include:

• natural disasters;

• government actions;

• acts of war;

• other extraordinary circumstances beyond the parties' control.

3. Judicial Approach & Case Law – Ukrainian and comparative case law insights on interpreting and enforcing such clauses (Судовий підхід і прецедентне право – аналіз українського та порівняльного прецедентного права щодо тлумачення та забезпечення виконання таких положень)

Case Studies: Natural Disasters and Force Majeure:

Hurricane Katrina (2005): In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated parts of the southeastern United States, many contracts contained force majeure clauses that allowed parties to suspend or terminate their obligations due to the impact of the hurricane. For example, businesses unable to deliver goods or services because of damage to infrastructure or facilities caused by the hurricane could invoke force majeure to be excused from their contractual responsibilities.

Fukushima Nuclear Disaster (2011): Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, where a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake led to meltdowns at several nuclear reactors, many contracts involving Japanese businesses included force majeure clauses. These clauses were invoked by companies unable to meet their contractual obligations due to disruptions in energy supply chains, evacuation orders, and regulatory restrictions imposed in the aftermath of the disaster.

Example: Here are some draft sentences that illustrate how the "act of war" provision might be included in a force majeure clause within a contract.

• Suspension of Obligations: Upon the occurrence of an act of war, the parties' obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended for the duration of the force majeure event, to the extent affected by such event, without liability to either party.

• Termination Rights: If the force majeure event resulting from an act of war persists for a continuous period of [insert duration], either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other party, without liability, provided that the force majeure event materially prevents the party's performance of its obligations.

• Mitigation Obligations: During the continuation of a force majeure event caused by an act of war, each party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate the effects of such event on the performance of this Agreement, including seeking alternative means of performance where feasible.

• Definition of Act of War: For purposes of this Agreement, 'act of war' shall mean any declaration of war, armed conflict, military invasion, hostilities, insurrection, or similar acts of aggression by a recognized sovereign state or non-state actor.

• Triggering the Clause: Either party shall be excused from performance under this Agreement in the event that performance is prevented, hindered, or delayed by an act of war, provided that such act of war directly and materially impacts the party's ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

• Notice Requirement: In the event of an act of war affecting the performance of this Agreement, the affected party shall promptly notify the other party in writing, detailing the nature of the act of war and its anticipated impact on performance.

Act of God: This term is often included in force majeure clauses and typically refers to natural disasters or other events outside human control.

However, its interpretation can vary, and there may be disputes over whether a specific event qualifies as an "Act of God" under the contract.

Example:

Act of God: To include the term "Act of God" or similar expressions in a contract's force majeure clause, it's crucial to define the term clearly to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Here's how you can incorporate it:

• Definition: Begin by explicitly defining what constitutes an "Act of God" within the context of the contract. You can describe it as unforeseeable and uncontrollable events of natural origin, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, or other similar catastrophic occurrences.

• Examples : Provide specific examples of events that fall under the definition of an "Act of God" to illustrate the types of occurrences intended to be covered by the clause. This can help avoid confusion about the scope of the provision.

• Language : Use clear and unambiguous language to express the intention that events categorized as "Acts of God" will trigger the force majeure clause. This may involve stating that parties will be excused from performance in the event of an Act of God or similar language.

• Interpretation: Include a provision stating that the determination of whether an event qualifies as an Act of God will be made objectively, based on the defined criteria, and not subject to the subjective beliefs or opinions of the parties involved.

• Notice Requirement: Specify any notice requirements for invoking the force majeure clause due to an Act of God, including the timeframe and manner in which notice must be given to the other party.

• Consequences : Outline the consequences of an Act of God triggering the force majeure clause, such as suspension of obligations, extension of deadlines, or termination rights, as applicable.

By carefully defining and incorporating the term "Act of God" into the force majeure clause in this manner, parties can ensure clarity and predictability in the event of unforeseen natural disasters or similar occurrences impacting their contractual obligations.

4. Practical Applications & Risk Management – How businesses and legal practitioners can strategically use liability clauses (Практичні застосування та управління ризиками – як компанії та практикуючі юристи можуть стратегічно використовувати положення про відповідальність)

1. To excuse: The clause may state that the party affected by a force majeure event is excused from performing its contractual obligations for the duration of the event.

2. To suspend: It may specify that the affected party has the right to suspend the performance of its obligations until the force majeure event is resolved or no longer in effect.

3. To delay: The clause might allow for the delay of performance, acknowledging that the affected party is not required to meet deadlines or time-sensitive obligations during the force majeure event.

4. To relieve: The clause may state that the party affected by the force majeure event is relieved from liability for non-performance or delayed performance.

5. To mitigate: Some force majeure clauses include a requirement for the affected party to take reasonable steps to mitigate the impact of the force majeure event on their performance.

6. To notify: The clause may specify that the affected party must promptly notify the other party of the occurrence of a force majeure event, triggering the application of the clause.

These verbs, along with the accompanying language in the force majeure clause, play a crucial role in defining the rights and obligations of the parties when unforeseen events occur, impacting the performance of contractual duties. It's essential to carefully review the language used in force majeure clauses to understand the specific implications for each party.

Relevant EU Directives on Force Majeure:

• Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): While not explicitly about force majeure, this directive includes provisions related to consumer contracts and circumstances under which consumers may be released from their contractual obligations due to circumstances beyond their control.

• Public Procurement Directives (2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU): These directives address public procurement procedures and may include provisions related to force majeure in the context of public contracts.