It excuses a party from performing when extraordinary events beyond their control — natural disasters, war, sometimes pandemics — make performance impossible. Whether it applies depends on the exact wording.
A force majeure clause addresses what happens when the unexpected and uncontrollable strikes — natural disasters, war, government actions, and sometimes pandemics — preventing a party from fulfilling the contract. If it applies, the affected party may be excused from performance or given more time, without being in breach. The critical detail is the specific language: force majeure clauses only cover events they actually list or clearly encompass, and courts read them narrowly. Whether something like a pandemic or supply shortage qualifies often comes down to the exact wording and how "beyond reasonable control" is defined.
Only if the clause’s language reasonably includes it — some explicitly list epidemics/pandemics, others don’t. Courts read these clauses narrowly based on their wording.
Often yes — many clauses require prompt written notice to the other party. Missing a notice requirement can undermine your ability to rely on it.
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