DevelopOhio

As the COVID-19 pandemic increasingly causes business disruption across the United States and the world, the issue of force majeure will become increasingly relevant. On a near daily basis, national, state and local governments are implementing stringent containment policies. States of emergency have been declared, schools and institutions of higher education closed, travel restrictions imposed, businesses shuttered, sporting events cancelled, large gatherings banned and worship services cancelled. While the long term effects of the pandemic are yet unknown, it is certain that these containment strategies will present unique challenges as businesses struggle to adapt to the new realities presented by COVID-19, including the ability to comply with various contractual obligations. In evaluating the range of options available to deal with performance under a contract amidst the uncertainty, parties should consider how the concept of force majeure will impact their rights, obligations and remedies. For more, read the full story.