The Brand Consortium PR, LLC - Client Terms & Conditions
Code of Ethics: Public relations professionals have a special obligation to practice their craft ethically with the highest standards of truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility toward the public. Therefore, Parties agree to adhere to the PRSA's Code of Ethics.
Travel and expenses: To cover costs, accounting, and taxes, TBCPR invoices separately for out-of-pocket costs, marked up for approved expenses including travel (IRS mileage rates, business class airfare, ground transportation, and GSA per diem rates), supplies, materials, and service providers, such as printing, mailing, postage, photography, videos, media, entertaining media, influencers, key contacts, and other expenses. Such invoices are due upon receipt.
Sequential liability: Under the principle of sequential liability, TBCPR is liable for payments to suppliers and other vendors only to the extent that the Client delivers payment for such purchases. For amounts owing and not paid to TBCPR, the Client agrees it will be held solely responsible for such payments. TBCPR shall have the right to require reasonable assurance of the availability of the Client's funds in advance of undertaking commitments on the Client's behalf.
Investment and payments: The Client agrees to pay TBCPR the Investment and any invoices to complete the Scope, Project, or Program, payable upon signing by check, online, or ACH (preferred). TBCPR offers monthly incremental payments – and any quarterly and annual prepayment discounts, when available – as a convenience only. When a third party makes a payment for the Client, said party agrees it's also liable for any payments owed under the Agreement. The Client agrees that all TBCPR invoices are deemed approved 10 days after the Client receives them unless the Client notifies TBCPR in writing of any good faith disapproval. If payment is 10 days late, TBCPR shall pause all work without penalty. This does not relieve the Client of its obligations. In the unlikely event the payment is overdue by 30 days, the Client is responsible for a $50 monthly late fee and 20% interest per annum, plus any costs of collections (approximately 25% of the balance), and fees for attorneys, court, legal matters, mediation, and bankruptcy. In the event of late payment, nothing in this Agreement requires TBCPR to hold mediation before seeking legal action. TBCPR shall begin providing Services in connection with this agreement after receiving the signed agreement and corresponding payment. Annually, TBCPR increases the investment by up to 5% or the national Consumer Price Index average, whichever is higher. As the Client expands its products and services catalog and/or expands into new geographic markets, and additional industries, TBCPR may increase the corresponding investment based on an increased scope of work.
Termination: Unless previously agreed upon in writing, only after the six months may either party initiate Agreement termination (or scope reduction) by delivering their 30 days' written notice. During the termination notification period, the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the Client and TBCPR as client and agency shall continue in full force and effect, including and not limited to TBCPR continuing to be ready and willing to render services on the Client's behalf in exchange for payment of all fees, hourly charges, expenses, and other sums as provided in this Agreement.
No guarantees: TBCPR will make every reasonable effort to provide a complete and accurate service. However, TBCPR offers no guarantee. This agreement is complete and has no additional verbal representations. Parties agree there are many factors outside of TBCPR's control, including the Client, consumer, and market products, services, prices, quality, demand, competition and behavior, preferences and reviews, technology changes, media bias, the economy, and major events. Therefore, TBCPR offers no guarantees, warranties, chargebacks, or refunds per scope of work..
Media outlets: TBCPR does not own or exercise control over media outlets or other third parties, whether in television, radio, print, web, or any other medium. Therefore, TBCPR cannot and does not guarantee any media outlet's performance, conduct, timeliness, content, or editorial decision. Media outlets may require professional news photos or video footage. TBCPR will source such approved materials/services at the Client's expense. TBCPR recommends an additional investment to boost/sponsor social media content to improve organic reach and engagement.
Mutual respect: This agreement requires each party's mutual respect for confidential and proprietary information, including not soliciting or hiring each other's employees, vendors, or independent contractors for up to two years after the business relationship ends. If one of TBCPR's clients conflicts with this business relationship, TBCPR has the right to resign at any time and return any unearned fees. Neither party shall disclose any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement without the other's prior written consent. Notwithstanding, in its marketing materials, TBCPR may refer to the Client as its client.
Representation: Clients retain TBCPR as their Publicist and to act as a representative and/or marketing agent of their firm. At no time shall representations be made that TBCPR is an employee, manager or other member of client’s company. Through the.course of work, TBCPR shall act as liaison between company and third-party organizations including media outlets, production companies, photographers. videographers and other partners and vendors.
Media, Vendor and Third-Party Affiliates: All contact information for media, vendors and third-party affiliates are considered assets proprietary to the function of public relations services for TBCPR. Under no circumstances do we release third-party contact information, media contacts, media lists, vendors, partners, investors or producers to anyone for any reason.
Confidentiality: Through the course of performing work on behalf of the client, TBCPR may ask the client to prepare materials to pitch to a third party for the purpose of securing media coverage. This may include written materials, video content and news footage or other media content not otherwise specified. Unless a conflicting mutual confidentiality agreement exists between the parties, parties agree to keep confidentiality and not to disclose or use for their benefit or the benefit of any third party (except as may be required for the performance of services under this agreement or as may be required by law) any information, documents, or materials which are identified by a party, at the time they are made available, to be proprietary or confidential. Further, the Client acknowledges the rates and other terms negotiated by TBCPR with vendors performing hereunder may be protected by TBCPR as trade secrets and may not be generally known by the public or TBCPR’s competitors. Accordingly, such information shall be treated as confidential information hereunder. The confidentiality obligations in the preceding sentence, however, shall not extend to any information, documents, or materials that (a) become publicly available without breach of this provision, (b) are received from a third party without restriction, or (c) is independently developed without reference to information received hereunder from the other party.
Confidential materials provided to TBCPR shall be either returned to the Client or discarded as the Client directs in writing at the end of the business relationship. In the absence of instructions, such confidential materials may be maintained by TBCPR following its policies and procedures to comply with law, regulation, or archival purposes, provided that any confidential materials so retained shall continue to be deemed confidential information under the terms of this Agreement and TBCPR shall continue to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If the Client prefers that TBCPR adopt a different practice regarding the retention of confidential materials or any other materials provided to TBCPR in connection with this Agreement, please notify TBCPR in writing.
Agreement disclosure: TBCPR is authorized to publicize this agreement to work with the Client in the form of news releases and media announcements, event development, news coverage, content creation, show and media development and TBCPR reserves the right to include the Client's name in its client roster. TBCPR may offer the Client the opportunity to participate in announcements related to any work with the Client. TBCPR may include the Client's logo, company name, and description on any of its brochures, websites, and other promotional material. It may link directly to the Client's website and any earned media coverage. The Client may also be requested to participate in additional activities such as success stories, references, and public relations initiatives. The Client agrees not to unreasonably deny any such requests. Upon termination of this Agreement, TBCPR retains the right to publicize its past involvement with the Client, including the use of the Client's name and logo and a description of services rendered by TBCPR on its websites and in its marketing materials. If TBCPR agrees, the Client may list TBCPR as a communications contact on its website and in all news releases.
Additionally, during this Agreement, the Client will give TBCPR access to its website analytics program to enable TBCPR to maintain and measure the effectiveness of any Services hereunder. If the Client does not have an analytics program, TBCPR recommends obtaining one.
Liabilities and damages: In no event whatsoever shall TBCPR or its affiliates be liable for any damages beyond the amount the Client actually paid TBCPR in the last year under the Agreement.
Liquidated damages: The Client recognizes that TBCPR's investment in the Client's projects or programs carries a cost potentially higher than the amount due under the Agreement, that the Agreement may have long-term services, and that damages resulting from a breach of the Agreement by the Client would be difficult to determine. The Client agrees that TBCPR's damages in case the Client breaches the Agreement are equal to a sum equal to: one year's payments when the breach occurs 60 days or more before the date for any renewal; or one-fourth of one year’s payments when the breach occurs less than 60 days from the date for any renewal.
Attorneys’ fees: a. In case litigation is necessary, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in litigation and on appeal. b. TBCPR will bill the costs of outside legal services for any requests for regulatory or legal compliance to approve copies, address regulatory issues, arrange talent, and other matters dealing with the provision of legal services.
Client guarantees and liabilities: The payments due under these Terms and Conditions and the Agreement are due by the Client, any Guarantors who have signed the Agreement, and any entity (including corporations and limited liability companies) which is making payments directly to TBCPR and in which Client or Guarantor has an interest as a shareholder, member, officer, or director. Any payment by such entity made for defrauding TBCPR or for other improper purposes creates a liability for all amounts due under the Agreement.
Indemnify and hold harmless: The Client agrees to indemnify and hold TBCPR and its affiliates harmless from any claim, demand, or cause of action by whomever brought, whether or not it is brought in front of a state or federal court of law or equity or an administrative tribunal of any federal, state, or local body, that arises out of or is in any way related to the Agreement. Furthermore, the Client assumes risk and indemnifies TBCPR where a risk has been brought to the Client's attention, and the Client instructs TBCPR to proceed, or when the Client tells TBCPR to take certain actions, or where the Client provides TBCPR with materials that cause harm/the claim.
Because of the Client's intimate familiarity with its company and industry and the fact that TBCPR serves as the Client's agent, TBCPR cannot undertake to verify every fact supplied by the Client. The Client is responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and propriety of the information that it provides to TBCPR concerning the Client's products, services, organization, and industry, and the Client represents and warrants that all information and materials that it provides to TBCPR are rightfully owned by the Client and does not violate the intellectual property or other rights of any third party. The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TBCPR and its employees, freelancers, contractors, licensees, and agents from and against all liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and costs, which TBCPR may incur as the result of any third-party claim, suit, or proceeding brought or threatened arising out of or in connection with any of the following:
a. Any publicity or other Materials (as defined in Section IX below) prepared or placed by TBCPR for the Client, or assertions TBCPR made on the Client's behalf, or other services performed by TBCPR for the Client, which were approved by the Client or which were based on materials and/or information supplied or approved by the Client;
b. Any alleged or actual defects in the Client's products or services (including, without limitation, any personal injury or product liability claim for bodily injury or death arising from use of the Client's products or services);
c. Allegations that the Client's activities, or the information or materials provided to TBCPR by the Client in connection with this Agreement, violate or infringe upon the copyright, trademark, patent, or other rights of any third party, or that the Client's activities induce, promote, or encourage the violation of or infringement upon the rights of any third party;
d. Any information, publicity, or other materials provided by TBCPR to the Client and used as intended by the Client;
e. Risks or restrictions which TBCPR has brought to the Client's attention where the Client has elected to proceed, violate, or exceed such restrictions;
f. The Client's breach of any of the representations, warranties, covenants, or other obligations under this Agreement;
g. The Client's gross negligence or willful misconduct; and
h. The Client's failure to make or comply with usage limitations under applicable union codes (including, without limitation, SAG-AFTRA), or contracts relating to the production or use of commercials when such limitations have been communicated to the Client by TBCPR in writing.
TBCPR will notify the Client in writing of such an indemnifiable claim as soon as practicable after receiving actual notice of such claim, and TBCPR shall provide reasonable cooperation in the defense or settlement of such claim. The Client agrees to obtain TBCPR's written consent prior to entering into any compromise, settlement, or other disposition of the claim.
Likewise, TBCPR represents and warrant that, to its reasonable knowledge, the Materials prepared by TBCPR for the Client will be original and will not violate any copyright rights of third parties. TBCPR agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold the Client harmless against all liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, which the Client may incur as the result of any claim, suit, or proceeding brought or threatened against the Client based upon or arising out of the Client's use, without alteration, of any Materials furnished by TBCPR to the Client, in connection with allegations of libel, slander, defamation, copyright infringement, invasion of privacy and/or plagiarism, except to the extent that such claims arise from information or materials supplied by or through the Client.
In the event TBCPR is called upon to respond to or assist the Client in connection with litigation commenced or threatened against the Client by third parties (for example, in complying with a document subpoena or discovery demand), and whether or not TBCPR and the Client are working together at the time, TBCPR will be entitled to staff time charges and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, for services rendered to the Client and time spent by TBCPR in connection with such matters.
Scope of indemnification: The above indemnification encompasses and includes, without limitation, payment of any penalty, fine, judgment award, or decree; payment of any court cost or attorneys’ fees to a prevailing party; and the payment of TBCPR's costs and attorneys’ fees in defending any claim, demand, or cause of action as described above.
Limitation of liability: Once TBCPR issues Materials to the press or to another third party, its use is no longer under TBCPR's control. TBCPR cannot assure the use of Materials by any media, nor that any information published will accurately convey the information provided by TBCPR. TBCPR does not stipulate or guarantee specific or overall results or returns from public relations, publicity, research, or any other activity TBCPR performs, nor shall TBCPR be responsible for any user-generated content. Finally, in the unlikely event that TBCPR or its employees, freelancers, contractors, licensees, or agents publish Material on the Client's behalf that inadvertently generates a negative response from the Client or the consuming public, TBCPR shall not be held liable for any resulting harm, provided TBCPR deletes, retracts, revises, or corrects such publication promptly upon notification by the Client, if such Material was (a) approved by the Client in advance, and/or (b) in compliance with standard public relations and social media guidelines.
IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS OR BUSINESS OR LOSS OF DATA, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGES.
The total aggregate liability of either party for any claim of any kind arising as a result of or related to this agreement, whether based in contract, warranty, or any other legal or equitable grounds, shall be limited to the amounts received by TBCPR from the Client for the particular project(s) which form(s) the basis of such a claim. The Client must make claims for damages within one (1) year of the incident to which they relate or be forever barred. Notwithstanding any indemnity set out herein, the Client shall act reasonably to mitigate any losses that may arise.
Copyright: TBCPR may provide the Client with news coverage clips. This coverage is subject to copyrights. TBCPR cannot and does not guarantee the Client has the right to use it. The Client is responsible for securing consent from the rightful owner(s) to obtain the necessary rights before engaging in such use.
Ownership of materials: TBCPR acknowledges and agrees that, upon full payment of all sums due to TBCPR under this Agreement, all original copy, layouts, scripts, artwork, designs, and publicity materials, including digital content, social media property, brochures, manuals, signage, and other materials (collectively, “Materials”) prepared, purchased, or furnished by TBCPR for the Client in the performance of this Agreement shall be deemed “work made for hire” and shall, between the Client and TBCPR, be the Client's exclusive property, subject to any third-party rights, restrictions, or obligations (such as talent rights or intellectual property rights to photography, artwork, music, and any open-source software or code) of which TBCPR notifies the Client in writing. Likewise, the Client acknowledges that TBCPR retains ownership of all works of authorship created by or for TBCPR before or separate from the performance of services under this Agreement, including and not limited to pre-existing creative content, materials, software applications, databases, and executable code as well as TBCPR's proprietary information/services, media lists, and third-party relationships. The Client agrees that TBCPR shall have the right, without prior approval, to use any Materials containing published, non-confidential materials, property, or information following their publication to promote TBCPR and to market its services to third parties, including submitting such Materials to industry award shows and posting them on TBCPR's website.
General terms: TBCPR will be acting as the Client's agent when purchasing services, materials, and media on the Client's behalf, and the Client agrees that all orders placed, and contracts entered into by TBCPR on the Client's behalf with TBCPR's suppliers and other persons may state the same. Except as provided in the previous sentence, nothing in this Agreement shall create any partnership or joint venture between the parties, and TBCPR shall not be deemed the Client's employee, agent, joint venture, or partner. The Client acknowledges that TBCPR may, from time to time, use affiliated companies, consultants, and/or independent (sub)contractors in the performance of Services hereunder. This statement shall serve as such client notice.
Singular and plural: Where the context indicates or requires, each term stated in the singular includes the plural, and each term stated in the plural includes the singular.
No waiver: The failure of either party to insist on the performance of any of the terms and conditions of the Agreement or the waiver of any breach of any of the terms and conditions of the Agreement, shall not be construed as waiving any other term or condition at any other time.
Severability: If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found invalid or unenforceable under judicial decree or decision, the remainder shall remain valid and enforceable according to its terms. Without limiting the previous, it is expressly understood and agreed that every provision of these Terms and Conditions that provides for a limitation of liability, disclaimer of warranties, or exclusion of damages is intended by the Parties to be severable and independent of any other provision and to be enforced as such. Further, it is expressly understood and agreed that if any remedy under these Terms and Conditions is determined to have failed of its essential purpose, all other limitations of liability and exclusion of damages outlined in these Terms and Conditions shall remain in full force and effect.
Captions: The captions of the sections and paragraphs are for convenience only and are not a part of the Agreement and do not in any way limit or amplify the terms and provisions of the Agreement.
Interpretation: The Parties acknowledge they have read the Agreement, understand its terms, and agree to be bound by the Agreement. Each has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, in that case, the Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring either Party by the authorship of any of the provisions of the Agreement.
Amendment: The Agreement shall not be amended in any way except by a written agreement signed by both Parties.
Counterparts: The Agreement may be executed in counterpart originals, all of which shall constitute the same agreement.
Integration: The Parties represent and warrant they are not relying on any promises or representations not appearing in this Agreement.
Assignment: This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other, and any such purported assignment shall be void.
The Client represents and warrants that it has read and understands all of the Terms and Conditions that govern this agreement and binds itself by such Terms and Conditions. Acceptance of services and/or initial payment per the Terms and Conditions represent acceptance of this agreement.