10 – COMPLAINTS / CLAIMS
10.1. The other party is obliged to examine the delivered goods, the Software and/or the supplied services for visible defects and deficiencies upon delivery. If the other party finds visible defects or shortcomings, it must immediately, but no later than within two days after delivery, inform the ‘Sales’ department of TECMEC in writing and with an explanation. The other party must inform the ‘Sales’ department of TECMEC of defects that are not visible in writing within two working days after discovery, but in any event within twelve months after delivery or within six months, insofar as the defect is related to the Software. A complaint lapses if the defect can be attributed to the other party.
10.2. Claims based upon the alleged non-conformity of the delivered goods are time-barred upon the expiry of one year after delivery. Such claims with respect to the Software are time-barred upon the expiry of 3 months after delivery.
10.3. After lodging a complaint to TECMEC with respect to a defect or shortcoming in the delivered goods, the other party is obliged to grant TECMEC full cooperation to examine the complaint on its merits.
10.4. With due observance of the provisions in Article 10.7, TECMEC guarantees the correct operation of the goods it delivers during a period of one year after delivery. With respect to the Software, TECMEC then guarantees its correct operation for six months after delivery. Inspection work carried out by TECMEC in order to investigate whether a defect is covered by the guarantee is reimbursed by the other party if it appears that such a defect is not covered by the warranty. If it appears that a defect is covered by the guarantee, TECMEC is only obliged to comply with the provisions in Article 10.6. The guarantee obligation described in said Article only applies if the goods and/or Software delivered by TECMEC are used in accordance with the manual. Hours spent on guarantee activities, including travelling time as well as travel and accommodation expenses, are charged at the prevailing rates.
10.5. TECMEC will send product information to the other party at its request. TECMEC is not liable for any advice it provides concerning the quality and composition or the operation (if necessary, in combination with other goods) of the goods and services to be provided for projects/problems formulated by the other party.
10.6. If the delivered goods do not comply with the contract, TECMEC is only obliged – at its own discretion – to deliver the missing goods or repair (at a location to be determined by TECMEC) or replace the delivered goods, or refund the purchase price in full or in part.
10.7. In deviation from the provisions in Articles 10.4 and 10.6, TECMEC is not obliged to comply with these if:
10.7.1. the goods have been repaired by the other party or by third parties or an attempt has been made by the other party or third parties to repair the goods, unless TECMEC previously refused to repair the goods for a reasonable price;
10.7.2. TECMEC demonstrates that the defect does not become manifest from the abovementioned examination;
10.7.3. the other party has not punctually informed TECMEC of the defect with due observance of the provisions in Article 10.1 and/or has not fully complied with the instructions of TECMEC;
10.7.4. the other party has used or handled the goods wrongly or not in accordance with the instructions of TECMEC;
10.7.5. the damage is the result of causes that cannot be observed by TECMEC that have taken place during transportation or installation;
10.7.6. the defects are the result of normal wear and tear;
10.7.7. if a PB is or will be used in combination with other programs than the Software.
10.8. The provisions set forth in this article are applicable as appropriate to the performance of services.
10.9. The other party is obliged to observe the instructions/safety regulations issued by TECMEC and also to do everything necessary to prevent damage being caused by the possession or use of the delivered goods. The other party indemnifies TECMEC from claims by third parties that are associated with the delivered goods, services and/or the Software.
10.10. TECMEC will defend itself against claims by third parties (not affiliated with the other party) in respect of an infringement of copyright in connection with the possession or use of the Software by the other party and/or all other intellectual property rights and/or every other claim that is based on the possession of the Software by the other party and/or the documentation is in conflict with the rights of third parties, but only if:
10.10.1. the other party immediately informs TECMEC in writing of such claim;
10.10.2. TECMEC gains overall control of both the defence that will be put forward in respect of such claim as well as of all relevant negotiations, with the condition also applying that the other party will not accept any liability in connection with such claim without the prior written consent of TECMEC;
10.10.3. the other party will provide all documents and information to TECMEC and will provide TECMEC will all assistance that TECMEC can reasonably expect in connection with these claims.