THIS SERVICES AGREEMENT is effective from the date of signing by the client. It is held between Laura James Graphics (hereinafter, “Designer”) and the signing party (hereinafter, “Client”) (collectively “Parties”.)
WHEREAS, the Designer is a graphic and web designer providing design services and creative materials (hereinafter, “Services”); and
WHEREAS Client wishes to be provided with such Services by Designer, Designer agrees to provide such Services to the Client in accordance with the terms and conditions hereinafter appearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, and obligations hereinafter set forth, and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
“Agreement” shall mean this Design Services Agreement, including the terms, conditions and definitions hereto agreed upon by the Client and Designer.
“Client” shall mean the signing party, paying for services.
“Deliverables” shall mean the final product(s) and material(s), as defined within the Project Scope, to be digitally delivered to the Client by the Designer.
“Designer” shall mean Laura James Graphics.
“Parties” shall mean the Designer and the Client.
“Project Scope” shall mean the Client’s requests and desires, as outlined in this Agreement, that will be undertaken as work performed by the Designer.
“Project Delivery Date” shall mean the date that the Project must be completed by the Designer and delivered to the Client.
“Retainer” shall mean the non-refundable initial booking payment of the total fee to initiate the Project.
“Services” shall mean the Project Scope as chosen by the Client and completed by the Designer.
“Total Fee” shall mean the cash value that the Client owes the Designer for completion of the Project.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1) FEES
Guarantee: Pricing reflected in this Agreement is guaranteed for fourteen (14) days. If this Agreement is changed or updated, or pricing changes after this fourteen (14) day period, you will need to enter into a new agreement to retain the services of Laura James Graphics. Following such period, then-current prices (as determined by Laura James Graphics) will apply for all items ordered after that, such as additional services or future Projects.
Fee: The Total Fee is the predetermined amount for work completed by the Designer for the Client based on the Project Scope and any specific Deliverables agreed upon by the Parties. Anything not expressly written and included under the Project Scope is not included in the Total Fee under this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all monetary amounts referred to are in GBP (Great British Pounds).
Additional services or modifications beyond the extent of the initial Project Scope will be billed at £100/hour. Any significant changes to the Project Scope, including Client requests for re-design or modification, may incur additional charges, which will be billed at the hourly rate above. The final Total Fee will be adjusted based on any changes or additions requested by the Client. Additional factors such as rush fees, expenses paid on behalf of the Client, reimbursements, and any changes to the Project Scope will be accounted for. The final amount payable will be updated and indicated on the Designer's invoice.
2) PAYMENTS
Retainer: The non-refundable initial Retainer is a booking fee of five hundred pounds (£500). Upon the Client's signature of this Agreement and the Designer's receipt of the Retainer, Laura James Graphics will begin work on the Project and will turn away other business based on the estimated timeline of the Project. For this reason, the Retainer is non-refundable under any circumstances once received.
Payment Schedule: The total fee balance is to be paid in full by the Project Delivery Date. Delivery of the Project will only occur once the invoice for the Total Fee is paid in full. Laura James Graphics has the right to decline delivery of the Project if the Total Fee has not been paid in full within seven (7) days of the Project Delivery Date or final payment due date as specified in the Payment Schedule.
All payments are non-refundable and will be retained by the Designer as liquidated damages, as the Designer will begin or continue to progressively work on the Project and turn away other opportunities in expectation of payment. The Client agrees to abide by any payment due dates. Any late payments will result in the Designer suspending work on the Project until the invoice is paid in full. Laura James Graphics has the right to only continue the Project if payment has been paid in full within seven (7) days of any payment due date. The Client agrees that all fees are non-refundable.
Late Fees: Time is of the essence concerning payments due. If Laura James Graphics does not receive any scheduled payment or other payment due within seven (7) days after its due date, then the Client agrees to pay Laura James Graphics a late fee equal to [five percent (5%)] of the amount of such unpaid payment. After thirty (30) days, the Client will be subject to an additional two percent (2%) monthly interest charge from the due date to the payment date. Any returned payments will be charged a forty pound (£40) fee, and all remaining payments are due and owing.
The Designer may cancel the Project immediately or suspend all work until payment is received. The Client is personally liable for all outstanding charges and is responsible for any additional fees, such as legal fees, debt collection agency fees, and solicitor's costs if the Designer is left to collect the outstanding payment.
Reimbursement: The Client agrees to reimburse the Designer for all reasonable expenses relating to the Project Scope, including but not limited to purchased fonts, graphics, stock photos, domain names, service or app providers, software, outsourced design work and other such purchases. Laura James Graphics will provide receipts to the Client.
3) PROJECT SCOPE AND DETAILS
Within Project Scope: The Project Scope agreed upon by the Client and Laura James Graphics is defined explicitly at the top of this Agreement. Laura James Graphics will create and provide originally created works within the Project Scope which Deliverables may accompany as specified and agreed upon. Anything not expressly written and included under the Project Scope is not included in this Agreement and Total Fee.
Outside of Project Scope: The Total Fee of this Agreement is based on the length of time the Designer estimates is needed to accomplish everything the Client hopes to achieve. However, if the Client desires to add or modify the Project Scope, the Designer and Client may mutually modify the Project and the Designer will provide a separate estimate for the additional work. The Designer requires that the Client put all requests in writing so the Designer can keep track of any modifications. Additionally, if the Project Scope is altered, the Designer reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to amend the completion date to accommodate the changes to the Project. The Designer also maintains the right to decline any work not detailed in the original quote request. The Designer does not promise any particular outcome and relies entirely on the Client's disclosure of assets and full cooperation. The Client must formally submit completely new projects, to which the Designer and the Client must sign a new Agreement to begin.
Project Schedule: The Designer will undertake all reasonable efforts to complete the Project within any deadline or time(s) identified. Project deadlines and estimated completion dates depend on the Client providing any requested information, promptly completing any necessary forms and questionnaires, and providing any relevant material. Suppose the Client takes more than one (1) week to complete any requested information or respond to any emails. In that case, the Project will decrease in priority and the Project Delivery Date will be modified at the Designer's discretion. To stay on schedule, a delay fee of five percent (5%) of the overall cost will apply every fourteen (14) consecutive days the Client is unresponsive, not providing information or materials, or anything else necessary for the Project to proceed. Laura James Graphics will undertake all reasonable efforts to perform the Services within any deadline or time(s) identified.
Final Product Delivery: The Client will be notified and must approve all materials before the Project's finalisation and submission to the Client. Furthermore, the Client will have permission before accepting the work to request up to two (2) rounds of revisions unless otherwise specified in the Project Scope. Revisions may not significantly alter the Project Scope or any previously finalised and approved work and must be timely submitted in writing.
The Designer will deliver project files to the Client within two to six weeks after approval by the Client and receipt of any outstanding invoices. All files will be in vector format unless otherwise specified. Any issues with the final Deliverables must be communicated to the Designer within ten (10) business days of receipt by the Client. Laura James Graphics is not responsible for errors occurring in the Deliverables after acceptance by the Client.
Upon the design and build completion, ownership of the website platform and domain will be transferred to the Client and the Designer will retain the role of Website Designer. This role allows the Designer to edit the site and manage settings and apps upon request but does not allow access to the inbox, contacts and other sensitive information.
Third-Party Vendors and Cost: The Designer may purchase or licence from third party vendors materials for the Client's Project (including but not limited to source code, work-up files, software programs, photographs, fonts, and illustrations). Where the Designer licences such material, the intellectual property rights in the licensed material remain the property of the third-party vendors. All purchased rights and materials will be billed and transferred to the Client.
Amendments and Changes to Project: The Designer provides one (1) original concept and two (2) rounds of amendments at no extra charge, as long as the changes do not substantially alter the original Project scope, nature or purpose and as long as the Client has not already given the Designer approval for the piece of work concerned. Any other amendments are considered a change in the Project Scope and will be billed at the Designer's hourly rate. Revision requests must be submitted within ten (10) days and must be in writing.
The Designer shall, in good faith, attempt to meet the Client's request for revisions, modifications, or alterations. However, the Designer maintains sole discretion regarding the scope of any revisions, especially any requests that amount to "going back to the drawing board" or that entail revising more than fifty percent (50%) of the Project or completed Services. These amendments are considered a change in the Project Scope and will be billed at the Designer's hourly rate of £100/hour. Suppose the Client requests or instructs changes that amount to a revision in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the agreed upon work or work outside of the agreed upon Project Scope. In that case, Laura James Graphics shall be entitled to submit a new and separate proposal and timeline to the Client for written approval. Work shall not begin on the revised Project until a fully signed and revised Agreement is received and, if required, any additional retainer fees are received by Laura James Graphics. A new timeline and proposal will be delivered for all future work and brand maintenance.
4) COOPERATION
In General: The Parties agree to positive cooperation and communication for the best possible result.
Communication: The Designer's primary source of communication is through email, WhatsApp or client portal. Communication may be limited during the weekend and upon travel notification. Only documentation sent through these primary communication channels shall be accepted. Texts, social media direct messages, comments on social media, and other forms of communication are not guaranteed to be received or acknowledged by the Designer.
Client's Responsibilities: The Designer shall gather information provided by the Client from initial conversations, consultations, and any forms and questionnaires distributed and returned prior to execution of this Agreement. The Designer shall use such information provided by the Client to explore and investigate various options, branding theories and branding rationale as the Designer develops the Project Scope.
All brand direction information that the Client is to supply to the Designer shall be delivered within one (1) week of execution of this Agreement in digital format. Such information shall be in final form and ready for branding use. The Client shall proofread and edit such information before delivery and any additional Designer work to correct or convert said information shall be subject to additional charges.
Throughout the Project duration, Laura James Graphics will engage in direct and personal conversations with the Client, including asking detailed questions and requesting thoughtful information. The purpose of these interactions is to help discover and identify important brand values and insights. For the relationship to achieve the maximum result, Laura James Graphics asks the Client to agree to the following:
- The client agrees to arrive on time for all meetings and sessions.
- The Client agrees to notify the Designer twenty-four (24) hours in advance via email if running late or unable to attend any meeting or session. Appointments missed without twenty-four (24) hours notice will only be rescheduled at the Designer's discretion.
- The Client agrees to be honest and participate fully prepared for meetings and deadlines.
- The Client agrees to promptly communicate with the Designer if the Client feels that something is not being worked on in the way they desire so that the Designer may work to address the Client's desired goals better.
- The client agrees to be specific and constructive in Project feedback enabling the Designer to implement any requests successfully.
- Final proofreading is the Client's responsibility. If the Client has approved Deliverables but errors, such as typographic errors or misspellings, remain in the finished product, the Client shall incur the cost and responsibility of correcting such errors.
- The client will ensure that all information, materials, and claims in the Client's content are accurate, legal, and conform to applicable standards in the Client's industry.
- The Client understands that strategising, which is not directive advice, counselling or therapy, may address overall goals, specific projects, or general conditions in the Client's profession. Strategising services may include setting priorities, establishing goals, identifying resources, brainstorming, creating action plans, asking clarifying questions, providing models, examples, and in-the-moment skills training.
Design Style: By signing this Agreement, the Parties acknowledge and agree to the style and aesthetic of work the Designer offers. The Client acknowledges they have spent a satisfactory amount of time reviewing and choosing the Designer based upon this style. The client has a reasonable expectation that the Designer will perform the Services in a similar manner and style unless otherwise specified in this Agreement. The Designer will use reasonable efforts to ensure the Client's desired Services are produced in a style and manner consistent with the Designer's current portfolio and strategy. The Designer will try to incorporate any reasonable suggestions from the Client. However, the Client understands and agrees that the Designer shall have the final say regarding aesthetic judgement and artistic quality of the Services. The client acknowledges the Designer's experience and trusts in their expertise and best judgement. Dissatisfaction with the Designer's aesthetic judgement or artistic ability is not a valid reason to terminate this Agreement or to request the return of any payments, retainers, fees or monies.
Client Property: Suppose the Client is to provide any files, such as graphics, quotes, excerpts, music, photographs, fonts, copy, illustrations, or any other submitted material for inclusion in the Project. In that case, the Client guarantees that they are the owner of the materials provided or that permission to use and distribute materials has been granted. The client guarantees that no copyright or other rights will be violated by utilising the provided material and the Client will protect and defend the Designer from any adverse claims of copyright infringement at the Client’s own expense, as well as indemnify the Designer from all damages, infringement and any other claims concerning submitted materials and content. The Client is fully responsible for any materials transferred to the Designer for use within the Project Scope.
Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, the Designer will return to the Client any property, documentation, records, or confidential information which is the Client’s property.
Timeliness: The client shall timely respond to any request by Laura James Graphics for written clarification of any concern, objection or correction. The Client acknowledges and agrees that the Designer’s ability to meet any deadlines depends upon the Client’s prompt performance of its obligations, which include but are not limited to providing materials, content, feedback or instructions according to the Project Scope and timeline. The Client acknowledges and agrees that any delays in the Client’s performance or Changes in the Services or Deliverables requested by the Client may delay the delivery of the Deliverables. Any such delay caused by Client shall not constitute a breach of any term, condition, or obligation under this Agreement.
The Client shall notify the Designer, in writing within three (3) business days of receipt of each and any Deliverable of any failure of such Deliverable to comply with the specifications outlined in the scope or of any other objections, corrections, changes or amendments Client wishes made to such Deliverable. Only written notice shall be sufficient to identify and communicate such wishes. Without such notice from the Client, the Deliverable shall be deemed accepted. Any objections, corrections, changes or amendments shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Kill Fee: If no direction can be found and agreed upon following the presentation of initial concepts or at any point throughout the Project, and the Client would prefer to cease completion of the Project, all payments previously paid and owing by the Client will be retained by the Designer. The Client will be responsible for all expenses and fees incurred before termination and any payments owed under the Payment Schedule of this Agreement. The Project will be immediately terminated, releasing the Client of any additional or final fees and the Designer of further work under this Agreement. Written notice must be supplied. All monies paid are non-refundable and will be retained as liquidated damages, not as a penalty.
Publication Acknowledgement: The Client acknowledges and understands that it is within the Designer’s discretion to showcase or not to showcase the Client’s event or session(s) in their portfolio, as well as within the Studio’s discretion to submit the created works for third-party publication. While the Designer will always perform their best work and value all of their client’s projects, the Designer, on average, showcases fifteen percent (15%) of all created works to curate the brand and reputation of Laura James Graphics. There is no guarantee by the Designer that the Client’s business will be shared on social platforms, portfolio, website, blog, galleries, internal collateral or submitted to third party publications. The Designer reserves the right to control their appearance, brand image, and associations through the careful curation and limited showcasing of content for marketing, advertising and promotional purposes.
5) RIGHTS
Copyright: For any copyrighted work(s) that are created as a result of the Services provided by the Designer in accordance with this Agreement, the Designer owns all copyrights in any work(s) it creates or produces according to copyright law (1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act), whether registered or unregistered until payment is received in full. All products, whether tangible or intangible, produced or created in connection with, or in the process of fulfilling this Agreement, are expressly and solely owned by the Designer until Client fulfils the final payment owed. The Designer owns the copyright to any preliminary works and concepts.
Transfer of Copyright to Client: Upon receipt of payment in full, the Designer shall grant to Client the exclusive worldwide branding ownership and usage rights for the contents of the final Deliverables. The client shall be the owner of all Deliverables created under the Project Scope once all payments have been received in full. All originally created Deliverables, in the draft and final form, are wholly owned by the Designer prior to the Client’s full payment of the final project invoice. Suppose the Project is cancelled before completion or any outstanding bills remain unpaid. In that case, the Designer retains ownership of all Deliverables and works created under the Project Scope, and no rights are granted or transferred to the Client for any created works. Any unauthorised use of the Designer’s created works will result in a penalty fee of twenty percent (20%) of the agreed-upon Total Fee. The Client is barred from using any created works prior to payment in full unless expressly authorised by the Designer in writing.
In exchange for the payment of all outstanding invoices, the Designer transfers the copyright of all Deliverables under the Project Scope to the Client. The Client is entirely responsible for registering any marks or words as a trademark and ensuring the created works do not infringe on anyone else’s mark. Laura James Graphics is not responsible and does not accept liability regarding any intellectual property infringement. The Designer will sign any reasonably needed documents to confirm or prove ownership of the works so long as the Client bears any legal or other fees incurred. Any copyright notice for Deliverables shall appear in the Client’s name unless otherwise specified herein. Other copyright notices for photography, illustration, typography, fonts or other marks will require specific releases to be executed between the Parties.
Release: The Designer is granted a non-exclusive unlimited-use licence of any created works and Deliverables for marketing, promotional purposes, case studies, advertisement, or anything related to the business development or advertising for the Designer. By signing this Agreement, the Client expressly grants Laura James Graphics permission to use created works in the Designer’s portfolio and for any advertising, marketing, contests, public display, magazines, website and internet promotion, and any promotional purposes in any manner and medium. There shall be no expiration period for this permission. All rights not expressly granted herein shall be reserved to the Designer. The Client hereby releases the Designer and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to the Project.
Harassment and Safety: Laura James Graphics has a zero-tolerance policy regarding abusive, demeaning, condescending or manipulative behaviour of any kind, including, but not limited to: verbal, mental, physical or emotional distress. The Designer has the right to immediately terminate all services if the Client is acting inappropriately towards the Designer or any of its agents or exhibiting threatening, hostile, or offensive behaviour, verbal abuse or if the safety of any member of the Designer is in question. If the Services are terminated early, all monies paid shall be retained by the Designer, and the Designer will be released and held harmless as a result of incomplete services.
No Transfer: Client cannot transfer, assign or novate this contract, the licences given under or in connection with it, or any other parts of this contract to anyone else without the Designer’s advance permission in writing, which the Designer may choose to give subject to additional conditions. The Designer cannot transfer, assign or novate this contract without the Client’s advance permission in writing, except to a company or business in which our ultimate owners or we have a majority ownership interest.
Staff: Laura James Graphics is free to assign and appoint any associate designers, assistants, interns, and other reasonably necessary staff of Laura James Graphics at their discretion in completing this Project.
Website Credit: The Designer may, at their discretion, include a small footer credit on websites created by the Designer which link to the Designer’s site. The client may not remove the credit line without written permission. If the Client would prefer not to include the credit, please notify the Designer in writing to discuss the removal cost.
Website Security: It is the responsibility of the Client and at the discretion of the Client to secure the website and use recommended best practices, such as strong passwords, regular site scans and backups, and implementing security applications or plug-ins. The Designer is not a website security expert and recommends that the Client purchase the required security services, systems and software separately. The Designer is not liable or accountable for hacks, breaches, disruptions or any security issues with the Website.
Confidential Information: Each party acknowledges that in connection with this Agreement, it may receive certain confidential or proprietary technical and business information and materials of the other party, including, without limitation Preliminary Works (“Confidential Information”). Each party, its agents and employees shall hold and maintain all Confidential Information in strict confidence and shall not disclose it to any third party. Each party shall not use any Confidential Information except as may be necessary to perform its obligations under the Project Scope except as may be required by a court or governmental authority. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any information in the public domain, becomes publicly known through no fault of the receiving party, or is otherwise properly received from a third party without an obligation of confidentiality.
The Designer owns, possesses, or controls certain trade secrets, copyright and other proprietary and confidential information acquired through the expenditure of time, effort, and money, including, but not limited to, planning documents, instructional documents, timelines, checklists, and the terms of this Agreement, including pricing. The Client agrees to use all best efforts to protect the Designer's interest in the Confidential Information and keep it strictly confidential. This Agreement includes a covenant to not directly or indirectly disclose, allow access to, transmit, or transfer the Confidential Information to any third party, including but not limited to online forums, without the Designer's prior written consent.
Independent Contractor: In providing the Services under this Agreement, it is expressly agreed that the Designer is acting as an independent contractor, not an employee. The Designer and the Client acknowledge that this Agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture between them and is exclusively a contract for services. The Client is not required to pay or make any contributions to any social security, local, state or federal tax, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, insurance premium, profit-sharing, pension or any other employee benefit for the Designer. The Designer is responsible for paying and complying with reporting requirements for all taxes related to payments made to the Designer under this Agreement.
6) MATERIAL CHANGES
Cancellation by Client: The client can cancel Services at any time by informing the Designer at least one (1) month before any deadlines for Deliverables or scheduled work. Regardless of cancellation, the Client will be responsible for any outstanding invoices for Services already performed but not yet invoiced and for any work scheduled within one (1) month of notice. There are no refunds for work already completed under any conditions. The Retainer and all payments received to date shall be non-refundable in all respects. Suppose the Client cancels Services and Laura James Graphics has incurred additional expenses in reliance of the contract that goes beyond the amounts due or paid. In that case, the Client shall reimburse Laura James Graphics for those additional expenses.
Cancellation by Designer: If Laura James Graphics cannot or will not continue to render services due to: illness, death, health concerns, pregnancy, emergency, accident, Act of God, or any other restriction, the Designer will immediately give notice to the Client. All efforts will be made to provide a competent professional replacement with the mutual Agreement of the Client. If a replacement is unavailable, the payment(s) made to Laura James Graphics will be refunded or credited, less a reasonably accurate percentage of Services rendered. The return of the apportioned fee (s) shall be the entire obligation under this contract. No other damages or guarantees of any kind are recognised or warranted.
Force Majeure: Each of the following shall be defined as a “Force Majeure Event”: (a) acts of God; (b) casualty or natural disasters (including, without limitation, fire, earthquake, explosions, hurricane, flooding, storms, blizzards, infestations, epidemic, or pandemic); (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riots, insurrection, or other civil unrest; (d) government order, law, or act (or failure to act); (e) actions, embargoes, or blockades in effect on or after the date of this Agreement; (f) national or regional emergency; (g) strikes, lockouts, labor disputes, labor stoppages or slowdowns, or other industrial disturbances; (h) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities; (i) personal incidents such as accident, death in the family, illness, medical or health condition, or sudden tragic circumstances; or (j) any other reason not within the reasonable control of the party delayed in performing (whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing events).
If either party is prevented from performing under this Agreement because of a Force Majeure Event, then such non-performing party shall not be in default under or in breach of this Agreement. The non-performing party shall give notice of its inability to perform to the other party within five (5) days after the Force Majeure Event. However, performance shall still be excused even if notice is not given. The non-performing party shall use diligent efforts to end the failure or delay and minimise the effects of such Force Majeure Event. The non-performing party shall resume the performance of its obligations as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the Force Majeure Event. The provisions of this Section shall not operate to excuse timely payment under this Agreement.
Postponement: The agreed-upon Total Fee is based upon fulfilling the Project within the proposed timeline. Due to the space reserved on the Designer’s calendar, foregoing of other opportunities, and the resources to maintain and restart a postponed project, if the Client wishes to "press pause” on the Project, a postponement maintenance fee of two hundred and fifty pounds (£150) per month will be applied to the Client’s invoice, no matter the circumstances or reason for the postponement. Postponement maintenance fees are due monthly and are subject to late fees. Projects may be postponed for a maximum of six (6) months. After a maximum of six (6) months, the Client will be contacted and can decide whether to terminate the Project per the terms of this Agreement and forfeit all monies paid as liquidated damages or move forward with the completion of the Project. Suppose no mutual agreement is reached after six (6) months of postponement. In that case, the Project and this Agreement will automatically be terminated and any future work will be subject to a new Project Scope at the Designer’s current rates under a new agreement. Postponed Projects will be subject to a revised timeline at the Designer’s discretion, as immediate availability is not guaranteed. All other terms and conditions apply.
Contingency: In the event that any on-location work is unable to be completed as scheduled or is required to be changed due to weather, an act of God, or any other circumstance outside of the Designer’s control, the Client will be responsible for any additional costs for labour, materials, lodging, rentals, flights, and any other related expenses.
7) DEFECTS AND BREACHES
Remedies: Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Client’s sole remedy for an actual breach by Laura James Graphics of its obligations under this agreement shall be a termination of this Agreement and a refund of the Retainer and other monies collected hereunder up to the date of such breach, or, at the option of Laura James Graphics, the replacement of services or items. In no event shall Laura James Graphics be liable for monetary damages, whether in tort, breach of contract or otherwise, under this Agreement for an amount in excess of the Retainer and any other monies paid hereunder. Any refunds may take up to sixty (60) days to process and complete.
If the Designer breaches the contract, the Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Designer from any incidental, punitive, or other damages in excess of the amount of the contract. In the event of a contract breach on the Designer’s part, both parties agree that the sole and exclusive remedy is reimbursement of funds minus a reasonably accurate percentage of services rendered. These recoverable damages shall not exceed the agreed-upon amount paid to the Designer.
Termination of Agreement: Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time if either party breaches any provision, material covenant, commitment or obligation under this Agreement and if such breach remains uncured: (i) in the event of a monetary breach, ten (10) calendar days following written notice thereof; and (ii) in the event of a non-monetary breach after thirty (30) days following written notice thereof. Notification of breach should be specified in writing and specifying the breach in reasonable detail. Such termination shall be effective immediately and automatically upon the expiration of the applicable notice period, without further notice or action by either Party. Upon termination of this contract for any reason, the Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred prior to contract termination. All payments are non-refundable, and all monies paid will be considered liquidated damages. Termination shall be in addition to any other remedies that may be available to the non-breaching Party.
Warranty: Client warrants that it has the right to enter into this Agreement and that Client owns or has obtained the rights to any names, marks, assets, brands, concepts or ideas supplied to the Designer for use under the Project Scope.
Errors and Omissions: The Designer does not guarantee that the functions contained in any Deliverables or a completed Project will remain error-free or relevant, especially upon modification by the Client. The Designer is not liable to the Client or any third party for any damages arising out of or in connection with the Project, including but not limited to lost profits, lost savings or other incidental, consequential or special damages arising out of the operation of or inability to operate any of the Deliverables, even if Client has advised the Designer of the possibilities of such damages. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the Designer makes no guarantees or warranties, express or implied. In no event will the Designer be liable to the Client for consequential or special damages. The Designer does not warrant that any deliverables will be profitable, result in additional sales or improve exposure. The Designer has no responsibility to the Client should the project deliverables not lead to the Client’s desired results.
8) INDEMNIFICATION
The Client hereby agrees to indemnify, release, discharge, and hold harmless the Designer and their heirs, legal representatives, assigns, employees, agents, or any persons acting under permission or authority of the Designer from all claims, demand action, cause of action, damages, losses, liabilities, deficiencies, judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of any kind, including reasonable legal and professional fees which may be made or brought against the Designer or which the Client may suffer or incur as a result this contract or services provided by the Designer. This indemnification includes but is not limited to 1) breach or non-fulfilment of any representation, warranty, or covenant in this Agreement, 2) any negligent or more culpable act or omission, 3) any property damage, 4) any failure to comply with laws, regulations, or codes in performance under this Agreement, and 5) claims brought by other vendors as a result of performance with this Agreement.
9) LIMIT OF LIABILITY
The Designer’s liability is limited to the return of payments received minus the current value for any services already performed. Furthermore, except as stated herein, both parties (including on behalf of the Client and their families) agree to waive and release each other, and all of their representatives, from all claims of harm or damages related to or arising from this Agreement, including all tort claims, claims for emotional distress, and all claims of consequential or indirect damages, including loss of reputation, profits, use or income.
10) VENUE AND CHOICE OF LAW
This Agreement shall be construed according to the laws of England and Wales. Client acknowledges that this Agreement was entered into in Cheshire, England and that the proper venue for any legal action related to this Agreement is in the Superior Courts of the County of Cheshire, England. Suppose the Designer files suit or an arbitration proceeding to enforce any term or condition herein or to collect on any outstanding payments owed. In that case, the Designer is entitled to litigation expenses, including reasonable attorney fees.
If a dispute arises out of or relates to this contract or the breach thereof and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the Parties agree first to try in good faith to resolve the dispute by mediation administered by the HM Courts and Tribunals Service under its Small Claims Mediation Service or the Civil Mediation Council under it has Fixed Fee Mediation Scheme before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or other dispute resolution procedure.
Any disputes or disagreements arising between the Parties out of this Agreement upon which an amicable understanding cannot be reached shall be decided by arbitration in accordance with the procedural rules of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service. The Parties agree to be bound by the decision of the arbitrator(s). The arbitration proceeding shall occur in Cheshire, England, unless the Parties mutually agree to another location. The cost and expenses of the arbitrators shall be shared equally.
11) SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
Additionally, the failure of either party to the Agreement to exercise any of its rights under this Agreement at any time does not constitute a breach thereof and shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such rights or a waiver of any subsequent breach.
12) AMENDMENTS
This Agreement has been freely negotiated and shall be recognised as the entirety of the Agreement. Only those changes or modifications specifically placed in writing, attached, dated and signed by the Client and Laura James Graphics at the time of acceptance of this contract shall be recognised as amendments to this Agreement. In no event shall this Agreement be modified, altered or amended without the prior written agreement of each party hereto.
13) ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is the entire Agreement, has been freely negotiated and contains the entire understanding between Laura James Graphics and Client. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, representations and understandings between the parties (whether written or oral) with respect to its subject matter. It constitutes (along with the exhibits and schedules attached hereto) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the Agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. The only way to change or add to this Agreement is to do so in writing, signed by the parties.
This Agreement may be executed by a party's signature transmitted by facsimile, and copies of this Agreement executed and delivered by means of facsimile signatures shall have the same force and effect as copies hereof executed and delivered with original signatures.
To confirm and acknowledge acceptance of this contract, please sign and date the onboarding form that linked you to this page.. It is recommended that the Client print a copy for their records.