9. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES. Neither party has an obligation under this Agreement to purchase any service or item from the other party, or commercially offer any products using or incorporating the Confidential Information. This Agreement does not create any agency, partnership, or joint venture.
10. NO WARRANTY. The Recipient acknowledges and agrees that the confidential information is provided on an "AS IS" basis. THE DISCLOSING PARTY MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE DISCLOSING PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THE PERFORMANCE OR USE OF ANY PORTION OF THE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Disclosing Party does not represent or warrant that any product or business plans disclosed to the Recipient will be marketed or carried out as disclosed, or at all. Any actions taken by the Recipient in response to the disclosure of confidential information shall be solely at the risk of the Recipient.
11. ATTORNEY'S FEES. In any legal action between the Parties concerning this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. If the Disclosing Party initiates legal action, the Recipient shall prepay retainer for the Disclosing Party’s legal fees. Prepaid fees used by the Disclosing Party shall be credited to Recipient if Recipient prevails. Third party interlopers hired by Recipient shall be charged an interloping fee for treble the monetary penalty.
12. ARBITRATION. In the event of any dispute, controversy, or claim related to or arising from the terms of this Agreement, the Parties hereto hereby agree that any such dispute, controversy or claim shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rule of the American Arbitration Association and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Said arbitration shall be conducted in California. Such dispute resolution shall be in accordance with the applicable substantive laws of California. The prevailing party shall be entitled to all fees and costs arising, including, but not limited to, attorney's fees and costs.
13. GENERAL PROVISIONS. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the Parties regarding confidentiality. Any amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement shall be construed under the laws of the state of California. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party. Neither party may delegate its duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party. The confidentiality provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect at all times after the effective date of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining portions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and construed so as to best effectuate the original intent and purpose of this Agreement. All of the obligations contained in this agreement are mutual and reciprocal. This agreement shall be binding on the Parties, their subsidiaries, agents, brokers, divisions, associates, employees, heirs, affiliated companies, assigns or designees.
14. FORCE MAJEURE. If performance of this Agreement or any obligation under this Agreement is prevented, restricted, or interfered with by causes beyond either party's reasonable control ("Force Majeure"), and if the party unable to carry out its obligations gives the other party reasonably timely written notice of such event, then the obligations of the party invoking this provision shall be suspended to the extent necessary by such event. The term Force Majeure shall include, without limitation, acts of God, plague, epidemic, pandemic, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, including quarantine or other employee restrictions, fire, explosion, vandalism, storm or other similar occurrence, orders or acts of military or civil authority, or by national emergencies, insurrections, riots, or wars, or strikes, lockouts, work stoppages, other labor disputes, or supplier failures. The excused party shall use reasonable efforts under the circumstances to avoid or remove such causes of non-performance and shall proceed to perform with reasonable dispatch whenever such causes are removed or ceased. An act or omission shall be deemed within the reasonable control of a party if committed, omitted, or caused by such party, or its employees, officers, agents, or affiliates.
15. SIGNATORIES. This Agreement shall be executed by Pearly Gates Homes LLC and AOrteza LLC, and VIP Cash Buyer's Name delivered in the manner prescribed by law as of the date first written above.