Purchasing general terms and conditions

Purchasing general terms and conditions

Last Modified February 1, 2021

1. TERMS OF AGREEMENT

The purchase order, together with these terms and conditions, and any attachments and exhibits, specifications, drawings, notes, instructions and other information, whether physically attached or incorporated by reference (collectively the "Purchase Order"), constitutes the entire and exclusive agreement between Nuance Communications, Inc. or its applicable affiliate as identified in the Purchase Order ("Nuance") and the supplier (the "Supplier") identified in the Purchase Order. Nuance’s submission of the Purchase Order is conditioned on Supplier’s agreement that any terms different from or in addition to the terms of the Purchase Order, whether communicated orally or contained in any purchase order confirmation, invoice, acknowledgement, release, acceptance or other written correspondence, irrespective of the timing, shall not form a part of the Purchase Order, even if Supplier purports to condition its acceptance of the Purchase Order on Nuance’s agreement to such different or additional terms. If a master agreement covering procurement of the Products or Work described in the Purchase Order exists between Supplier and Nuance, the terms of such master agreement shall prevail over any inconsistent terms herein.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 "Deliverables" means the deliverables specified in the Purchase Order (and any Statement of Work) to be delivered on or before the Delivery Date.

2.2 "Delivery Date" means the date or dates specified in the Purchase Order by which the Supplier is expecting to deliver the Work.

2.3 "Harmful Code" means any software intentionally designed to (i) disrupt, disable, harm, or impede operation, or (ii) impair operation based on the lapse of time, including but not limited to viruses, worms, time bombs, time locks, drop-dead devices, access codes, security keys, back doors, or trap door devices.

2.4 "Intellectual Property Rights" means any and all tangible and intangible: (i) copyrights and other rights associated with works of authorship throughout the world, including but not limited to copyrights, neighboring rights, moral rights, and mask works, and all derivative works thereof; (ii) trademark and trade name rights and similar rights; (iii) trade secret rights; (iv) patents, designs, algorithms, utility models and other industrial property rights and all improvements thereto; (v) all other intellectual and industrial property rights (of every kind and nature throughout the world and however designated) whether arising by operation of law, contract, license, or otherwise; and (vi) all registrations, applications, renewals, extensions, continuations, divisions, or reissues thereof now or hereafter in force (including any rights in any of the foregoing).

2.5 "Products" means tangible goods specified in the Purchase Order to be delivered on or before the estimated Delivery Date.

2.6 "Services" means the services that Supplier is to perform for Nuance specified in the Purchase Order.

2.7 "Statement of Work" or "SOW" means the document specifying, without limitation, the scope, objective, and time frame of the Work that Supplier will perform for Nuance.

2.8 "Subcontractor" means a third party performing Work under an agreement (a "Subcontract") with Supplier.

2.9 "Supplier Personnel" means Supplier’s employees, consultants, agents, independent contractors and Subcontractors.

2.10 "Third Party Intellectual Property" means the Intellectual Property Rights of a third party which Supplier uses or incorporates into the Work.

2.11 "Work" means the Deliverables, Products and Services specified in the Purchase Order, including any SOW.

3. DELIVERY

3.1 Time is of the essence in Supplier’s performance of its obligations under the Purchase Order. Supplier will immediately notify Nuance if Supplier’s timely performance under the Purchase Order is delayed or is likely to be delayed. Nuance’s acceptance of Supplier’s notice will not constitute Nuance’s waiver of any of Supplier’s obligations.

3.2 If Supplier delivers Work after the Delivery Date, Nuance may reject such Work.

3.3 Nuance will hold any Work rejected under this Purchase Order at Supplier’s risk and expense, including storage charges, while awaiting Supplier’s return shipping instructions. Supplier will bear all return shipping charges, including without limitation, insurance charges Nuance incurs on Supplier’s behalf. Nuance may, in its sole discretion, destroy or sell at a public or private sale any rejected Work for which Nuance does not receive return shipping instructions within a reasonable time, and apply the proceeds, if any, first toward any storage charges.

3.4 Supplier will preserve, pack, package and handle the Deliverables and Products so as to protect the Deliverables and Products from loss or damage and in accordance with best commercial practices in the absence of any specifications Nuance may provide. Without limiting the foregoing, Supplier shall observe the requirements of any local laws and regulations relating to hazardous work, including, without limitation, with respect to its accompanying information, packing, labeling, reporting, carriage and disposal.

3.5 Supplier will include with each delivery of Products a packing list identifying the Purchase Order number, the Nuance and/or Manufacturer part number for each of the Products (if applicable), a description and the quantity of each of the Products, and the date of shipment.

3.6 Unless Nuance expressly instructs otherwise, Supplier will deliver all Work to the Nuance location indicated in the Purchase Order. Seller assumes responsibility for all shipping and delivery charges including, without limitation, customs, duties, costs, taxes and insurance. Risk of loss for the Deliverables and Products does not pass to Nuance until acceptance unless noted alternatively in the body of the purchase order.

4. PRICE, TAXES, AND PAYMENT

4.1 Unless otherwise specified in the Purchase Order, the price for the product or services includes all other charges such as shipping and delivery charges, duties, customs, tariffs, imposts, and government imposed surcharges. Supplier will break-out from the price any other taxes, duties, customs, tariffs, imposts, and governmental imposed surcharges and all such taxes and other charges, in its invoices. Supplier shall use its best efforts to assist Nuance in all legal efforts to minimize the taxes or supplemental charges resulting from the performance of this Purchase Order.

4.2 Nuance shall not be liable for sales and use tax for Cogs or R&D related purchases. Tax exempt certificates are available at http://www.nuance.com/purchasing/tax-exemption/. In no event shall Nuance be responsible for any tax based on Supplier’s net income or similar basis, or the preparation of any tax return related thereto.

4.3 Nuance will pay Supplier the price in accordance with the payment terms set forth in the Purchase Order following the later of: (i) the Delivery Date; (ii) the date of Nuance’s acceptance of all of the Work; or (iii) Nuance’s receipt of a properly prepared invoice. A properly prepared invoice must include the Purchase Order number and, if required in the Purchase Order, Supplier’s certification of conformance of the Work to the requirements. Payment will be in the currency of the country in which the Nuance entity or affiliate identified in the Purchase Order is located, and if the price set forth in the Purchase Order is not in the local currency, then Nuance will determine the local currency equivalent of the price as of date of payment. Nuance may, at any time, set-off any amounts Supplier owes Nuance against any amounts Nuance owes to Supplier or any of its affiliated companies.

Invoices to Nuance Communications, Inc. must be mailed to Nuance Accounts Payable, One Wayside Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803 or emailed to accounts.payable@nuance.com.

Invoices to an applicable Nuance affiliate must be mailed to Nuance Accounts Payable, the 4th Floor, the Harcourt Building, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 or emailed to International_Accounts_Payable@nuance.com

Nuance will return any invoices to the supplier that do not have a valid P.O. number referenced for the invoice. Payment terms will be calculated from the date of an accurate invoice referencing an accurate purchase order number.

5. OWNERSHIP AND LICENSE

5.1 Nuance is the sole and exclusive owner of all Deliverables. Supplier irrevocably assigns and transfers to Nuance all of its worldwide right and title to, and interest in, the Deliverables, including all associated Intellectual Property Rights.

5.2 Notwithstanding Section 5.1, Supplier grants to Nuance a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty‑free, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, sublicenseable license to any Intellectual Property Rights in the Deliverables which arose outside the scope of the Purchase Order to the extent necessary for Nuance to exercise its rights in then Deliverables as reasonably contemplated by the Purchase Order.

5.3 Supplier grants to Nuance a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, sublicenseable license to any Intellectual Property Rights in Products or Services which are necessary for Nuance to use, import, copy, execute, reproduce, display, perform, and distribute copies of and modify (including creating improvements and derivative works based on) the Products or Services.

6. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Nuance may reject any or all of the Work which does not conform to the applicable requirements within 10 business days of Supplier’s delivery of the Work. At Nuance’s option, Nuance may (i) return the non-conforming Work to Supplier for a refund or credit; (ii) require Supplier to replace the non‑conforming Work; or (iii) require Supplier to repair the non‑conforming Work so that it meets the requirements. As an alternative to (i) through (iii), Nuance may accept the non‑conforming Work conditioned on Supplier providing a refund or credit in an amount Nuance reasonably determines to represent the diminished value of the non‑conforming Work. Nuance’s payment to Supplier for Work prior to Nuance’s timely rejection of such Work as nonconforming will not be deemed as acceptance by Nuance.

7. CHANGES

7.1 As used in this Section 7, "Change" means a change Nuance directs or causes within the general scope of this Agreement, the applicable SOW or both.

7.2 Nuance, by written order ("Change Order"), may make Changes in accordance with this Section.

7.3 If Supplier asserts that Nuance has directed or caused a Change to the cost of or time for performance for which Nuance has not issued a Change Order, Supplier will promptly notify Nuance in writing of the Change, providing (i) a description of the action or inaction asserted to have caused the Change; (ii) an estimate of the equitable adjustment that would be required for Supplier to perform the Changed Work; and (iii) a date no less than 30 days from the date of notice by which Nuance must respond to Supplier’s notice so that Supplier may proceed with the Work unchanged. Nuance will evaluate Supplier’s notice of Change in good faith, and if Nuance agrees that it has made a constructive change, Nuance will issue a Change Order to Supplier.

7.4 Supplier shall, as promptly as practicable, after giving the notice of the Change, or within 10 days of receiving a Change Order, submit a request for equitable adjustment specifying the adjustment in the price or time for performance resulting from the Change.

7.5 The parties shall negotiate an amendment to the applicable SOW to incorporate a Change Order providing for an equitable adjustment to the price, time for performance, or both.

7.6 Supplier will proceed with the Changed Work as directed, notwithstanding that the parties have not negotiated the amendment to this Agreement or the applicable SOW to incorporate the equitable adjustment.

8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

8.1 Supplier represents and warrants that (i) it has the full power to enter into the Purchase Order and to perform its obligations under the Purchase Order; (ii) it has the right and unrestricted ability to assign the Work to Nuance including, without limitation, the right to assign any Work performed by Supplier Personnel and Subcontractors; (iii) the Work, and Nuance’s use of the Work, do not and will not infringe upon any third party’s Intellectual Property Rights, right of publicity or privacy, or any other proprietary rights, whether contractual, statutory or common law; (iv) Supplier will not disclose to Nuance, bring onto Nuance's premises, or induce Nuance to use any confidential or proprietary information that belongs to anyone other than Nuance or Supplier which is not covered by a non-disclosure agreement between Nuance and Supplier; (v) Software supplied by Supplier does not contain any Harmful Code; (vi) Supplier’s Work conforms to Nuance’s specifications, Supplier’s quotation or proposal, and Supplier’s brochures or catalogs, and if none of the foregoing is applicable, then such Work is suitable for the intended use; and (vii) no Products contain or include components (a) containing PCB’ (polychlorinated biphenyls) chemical substances, (b) were manufactured using a cadmium plating process or contain a chemical substance or mixture that is or becomes subject to a reporting requirement under Section 8(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2607(e), as in effect at time of shipment.

8.2 Nuance warrants and represents to Supplier that it has the full power to enter into the Purchase Order and to perform its obligations under the Purchase Order.

8.3 TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NO OTHER WARRANTIES ARE MADE, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

9. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING

9.1 Supplier may not assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under the Purchase Order without Nuance’s prior written consent, which Nuance will not prior written consent. If Nuance consents to the use of a Subcontractor, Supplier will: (i) guarantee and will remain liable for the performance of all subcontracted obligations; (ii) indemnify Nuance for all damages and costs of any kind, subject to the limitations in Section 12 (Indemnification), incurred by Nuance or any third party and caused by the acts and omissions of Supplier’s Subcontractors and (iii) make all payments to its Subcontractors. If Supplier fails to timely pay a Subcontractor for work performed, Nuance will have the right, but not the obligation, to pay the Subcontractor and offset any amount due to Supplier by any amount paid to the Subcontractor. Supplier will defend, indemnify and hold Nuance harmless for all damages and costs of any kind, without limitation, incurred by Nuance and caused by Supplier’s failure to pay a Subcontractor.

9.2 To the extent allowed by applicable law, no person who is not a party to Purchase Order shall be entitled to enforce or take the benefit of any of its terms whether as a result of applicable legislation, custom or otherwise.

10. TERM AND TERMINATION

10.1 The Purchase Order will remain in effect with respect to any SOW already issued prior to expiration of the term of the Purchase Order until such SOW is either terminated or the Work is completed and accepted.

10.2 Nuance may terminate this Purchase Order, any SOW, or both at any time, for no reason or for any reason, upon 15 days written notice to Supplier. Upon receipt of notice of such termination, Supplier will inform Nuance of the extent to which it has completed performance as of the date of the notice, and Supplier will collect and deliver to Nuance whatever Work then exists. Nuance will pay Supplier for all Work performed and accepted through the effective date of the termination, provided that Nuance will not be obligated to pay any more than the payment that would have become due had Supplier completed and Nuance had accepted the Work. Nuance will have no further payment obligation in connection with any termination.

10.3 Either party may terminate the Purchase Order, any SOW or both, immediately by delivering written notice to the other party upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a receiver is appointed for either party or its property; (ii) either makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iii) either party commences, or has commenced against it, proceedings under any bankruptcy, insolvency or debtor's relief law, if such proceedings are not dismissed within 60 days; or (iv) either party is liquidating, dissolving, or ceasing to do business in the ordinary course.

10.4 Nuance may immediately terminate the Purchase Order upon written notice to Supplier if there is a change in ownership representing 20 percent or more of the equity ownership of Supplier.

10.5 Either party may terminate this Purchase Order, any SOW or both, immediately by delivering written notice to the other party for any material breach not cured within 30 days of receipt of notice of the breach. Nuance shall have no further payment obligation to Supplier under any terminated SOW if Nuance terminates the SOW under this Section 10.5.

10.6 Any obligations or duties which, by their nature, extend beyond the expiration or termination of the Purchase Order shall survive the expiration or termination of the Purchase Order.

11. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY

11.1 If Nuance and Supplier have entered into a Non-Disclosure Agreement (“NDA”) which covers disclosure of confidential information under the Purchase Order, and if the term of the NDA expires before the expiration or termination of the Purchase Order, then the term of the NDA shall be automatically extended to match the term of the Purchase Order.

11.2 The parties shall treat the terms, conditions, and existence of the Purchase Order as Confidential Information as defined in the NDA.

11.3 Supplier shall not use its relationship with Nuance in any publication, presentation, public announcement, or press release.

12. INDEMNIFICATION

12.1 As used in this Section 12, a "Claim" is any claim, demand, loss, damage, liability, cost or expense (including professional fees and costs as incurred) for which one party (the "Indemnifying Party") may be obligated to defend, indemnify and hold the other party (the "Indemnified Party") harmless.

12.2 Supplier shall defend, indemnify and hold Nuance harmless from and against any and all Claims as incurred, arising out of or in connection with any (i) act or omission of Supplier (including its Subcontractors) in the performance of the Work; (ii) any infringement of a third party’s Intellectual Property Rights or any other rights, or (iii) any breach of Nuance’s Privacy Policy or a Data Processing Agreement executed by and between the Parties.

12.3 Nuance shall indemnify and hold Supplier harmless from and against any and all Claims as incurred, arising out of or in connection with: (i) Supplier’s use of Nuance’s products or services in connection with the Work; (ii) Supplier’s use of information or materials provided to Supplier by Nuance; or (iii) infringement on a third party’s Intellectual Property Rights or any other rights resulting from Supplier’s adherence to Nuance’s written instructions.

12.4 Each party will indemnify and hold the other party harmless from and against any and all Claims, as incurred, arising out of any negligent or willful acts or omissions of the Indemnifying Party which results in personal injury (including death) or damage to tangible property (not including lost or damaged data).

12.5 In order to receive the indemnification, the Indemnified Party must provide the Indemnifying Party with prompt written notice of the Claim, cooperate with the defense of the Claim, and permit the Indemnifying Party to control the defense, settlement, adjustment, or compromise of any Claim. The Indemnified Party may employ counsel at its own expense to assist it with respect to any Claim. The Indemnified Party will have no authority to settle any Claim on the Indemnified Party’s behalf.

12.6 If a third party enjoins or interferes with Nuance’s use of any Work, then in addition to a Supplier’s obligations under Section 12.2, Supplier will use its best efforts to (i) obtain any licenses necessary to permit Nuance to continue to use the Work; (ii) replace or modify the Work as necessary to permit Nuance to continue to use of the Work; or if (i) and (ii) are not commercially reasonable, then (iii) promptly refund to Nuance the amount paid for any Work for which a third party enjoins or interferes with Nuance’s use of the Work.

12.7 Nothing in this Section shall limit any other remedy of the parties.

13. LIABILITY

13.1 NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING ELSE IN THE PURCHASE ORDER OR OTHERWISE, NUANCE WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO SUPPLIER WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE PURCHASE ORDER UNDER ANY CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY FOR ANY AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT NUANCE PAID TO SUPPLIER IN THE SIX MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT OR CIRCUMSTANCE GIVING RISE TO SUCH LIABILITY.

13.2 IN NO EVENT WILL NUANCE BE LIABLE TO SUPPLIER FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFITS ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE PURCHASE ORDER, WHETHER OR NOT NUANCE WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

13.3 THE LIMITATIONS WILL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN. NOTHING IN THE PURCHASE ORDER LIMITS EITHER PARTY'S LIABILITY FOR BODILY INJURY OF A PERSON, DEATH, OR PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR ANY LIABILITY WHICH CANNOT BE EXCLUDED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.

14. INSURANCE

Supplier will secure and maintain insurance providing coverage for liabilities to third parties for bodily injury (personal injury) and damage to property in amounts sufficient to protect Nuance in the event of such injury or damage, and will be in compliance with any and all laws, regulations or orders addressing the liabilities of an employer to its employees for injuries suffered in connection with employment. Supplier further will maintain such additional types and limits of insurance as is customary for a company of similar size and similar operations to Supplier in the jurisdiction or jurisdictions in which Supplier’s operations take place.

15. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

Supplier represents and warrants that it will comply with all applicable local and national laws and regulations pertaining to its performance of its obligations under this Purchase Order. In particular and without limitation, Supplier shall not act in any fashion or take any action that will render Nuance liable for a violation of the i) U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), which prohibits the offering, giving or promising to offer or give, directly or indirectly, money or anything of value to any official or a government, political party, or instrumentality to assist it or Nuance in obtaining or retaining business or in carrying out the Services; or ii) U.K. Bribery Act 2010, which prohibits bribing an individual in certain scenarios, prohibits bribing a foreign public official, and penalizes companies whose employees engage in bribery if the company does not have appropriate policies and procedures in place to prevent bribery. Supplier’s failure to comply with the FCPA and the Bribery Act 2010 shall constitute a material breach of this Purchase Order.

16. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the country indicated below, without regard to choose of law rules, and Company hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the courts located in the jurisdiction below and the applicable service of process. The parties specifically waive application of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. The official text of the Agreement or any notices required hereby shall be in English. In Canada, Province of Quebec for all contracts drafted in English, both Parties agree to write this document in English.

Address of Company
(set forth above)
Governing Law Jurisdiction

United States, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Canada or Mexico

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, U.S.

Federal or state courts of Massachusetts

Hong Kong or China

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Courts of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

India or Singapore

Singapore

Courts of Singapore

Australia or New Zealand

New South Wales

Courts in New South Wales, Australia

Rest of world

Irish law

Dublin, Ireland

17. General

17.1 Any notice to be given under the Purchase Order will be in writing and addressed to the party at the address stated in the front of the Purchase Order. Notices will be deemed given and effective (i) if personally delivered, upon delivery, (ii) if sent by an overnight service with tracking capabilities, upon receipt; (iii) if sent by fax or electronic mail, at such time as the party which sent the notice receives confirmation of receipt by the applicable method of transmittal; or (iv) if sent by certified or registered mail, within five days of deposit in the mail.

17.2 If there is a conflict between or among the Purchase Order and any documents attached thereto and incorporated by reference, the conflict will be resolved as follows:

17.2.1 A conflict between the terms of the Purchase Order and those set forth in an exhibit or hyperlink will be resolved in favor of the Purchase Order.

17.2.2 A conflict between the terms of the Purchase Order and those set forth in an SOW will be resolved in favor of the SOW.

17.2.3 A conflict between the terms of an exhibit or hyperlink and those set forth in an SOW will be resolved in favor of the SOW.

17.3 If any court of competent jurisdiction holds that any provision of the Purchase Order is illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the legality, validity, and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Purchase Order will not be affected or impaired, and all remaining terms of this Purchase Order remain in full force and effect, provided that this provision shall not be applied to defeat the intent of the parties.

17.4 A party’s election not to insist on strict performance of any requirement of the Purchase Order will not operate or be construed to waive any future omission or breach, or any other provision of the Purchase Order.

18. THIRD PARTY CODE OF CONDUCT AND ANTI BRIBERY

18.1 Supplier acknowledges that it understands and is bound by Nuance’s Third Party Code of Conduct (available at the following URL: https://www.nuance.com/content/dam/nuance/en_us/collateral/corporate/company-policies/cp-nuance-third-party-code-of-conduct-en-us.pdf(pdf)) which establishes standards to ensure that Nuance’s third party community (which includes Supplier) share Nuance’s values, treat others with respect and reflect the same high ethical standards as Nuance.

18.2 Without prejudice to the generality of the terms of sub section 18.1, Company represents and warrants that neither it nor any of its officers, employees, agents or other representatives have taken or will take any action that might cause Company and/or Nuance to violate any applicable anti-bribery law, including the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the UK Bribery Act (“Bribery Act”). Company acknowledges that it understands and is bound by the terms of Nuance’s Anti-bribery and gifts/entertainment related terms which are included in the above mentioned Third Party Code of Conduct which prohibits, for example and without limitation, payments, or offers of payment, of money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business.

18.2.1 Company represents and warrants that it has implemented and will at all times maintain adequate procedures designed to comply with its obligations under Sections 18.1 and 18.2 above. This includes, without limitation, providing adequate compliance training.

18.2.2 Company shall disclose any ongoing investigations and complaints, lawsuits, administrative procedures etc. involving matters such as corruption, fraud in public biddings or public contracts, money laundering, embezzlement, and other crimes of illicit conduct, to Nuance without undue delay.

18.2.3 If and where requested by Nuance, Company agrees to provide annual written certifications of Company’s continuing anti-corruption compliance and notice of any changed circumstances related to the information last provided by Company in response to the Nuance Partner Application Questionnaire or Company’s prior annual certifications.

18.2.4 Company acknowledges and agrees that Nuance and its auditors shall have the right, upon reasonable written notice, to inspect the books and records of Company related to Company’s performance under this Agreement and its compliance with sections 18.1, 18.2, 18.2.1, 18.2.2, and 18.2.3 above. Nuance may elect to conduct the inspection through the delivery of Company’s documents to a Nuance office.

18.3 Breach of any of the provisions in this Section 18 is a material breach of this Agreement and, in addition to any other right, relief or remedy, entitles Nuance to terminate this Agreement immediately and seek compensation for any damages caused.

19. EXPORT CONTROLS; GOVERNMENT USE

Supplier will comply with all applicable export and import laws and regulations and, unless authorized by applicable governmental license or regulation, not directly or indirectly export or re-export any technical information or software subject to this Agreement to any prohibited destination. If software or services are being acquired by or on behalf of the U.S. Government or by a U.S Government prime contractor or subcontractor (at any tier), the software, services and related documentation are “commercial items” as that term is defined at 48 C.F.R. 2.101. The software and documentation consists of "commercial computer software" and "commercial computer software documentation" as such terms are used in 48 C.F.R. 12.212. Consistent with 48 C.F.R. 12.212 and 48 C.F.R. 227.7202-1 through 227.7202-4, all U.S. Government end-users acquire the software and documentation with only those rights set forth herein.

20. BACKGROUND CHECKS

Should Nuance permit Supplier’s personnel to use any of Nuance’s equipment, tools, or facilities during the term of this Agreement, or access any of Nuance’s networks (collectively “Access”), Supplier agrees to submit all such personnel to a background check in accordance with Nuance’s Background Check Addendum. Supplier understands and agrees that Supplier’s personnel that require Access may not begin providing professional services to Nuance under this Agreement unless and until Supplier is notified that said personnel have passed the background check.

21. CLAIMS

During and after the Term, you will not assert, nor will you authorize, assist, or encourage any third party to assert, against us or any of our affiliates, customers, vendors business partners or licensors, any patent infringement or other intellectual property infringement claim.

22. MODEL LANGUAGE

Unless exempt, this contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. If applicable, the contractor and subcontractor shall also abide by the requirements 41 CFR § 61-300.10 regarding veterans’ employment reports and 29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A regarding posting a notice of employee rights.