SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This Severance Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is made on [INSERT DATE ON WHICH THE AGREEMENT COMES INTO FORCE] (hereinafter referred to as the “Effective Date”) between:

[INSERT NAME OF THE COMPANY], having registered office at [INSERT ADDRESS OF THE COMPANY] (hereinafter referred to as the “Company” which expression shall, unless repugnant to the context or meaning thereof, means and includes its legal representatives, executors, administrators and permitted assigns); and 

[INSERT NAME OF THE EMPLOYEE], having registered office at [INSERT ADDRESS OF THE EMPLOYEE] (hereinafter referred to as the “Employee” which expression shall, unless repugnant to the context or meaning thereof, means and includes its legal representatives, executors, administrators and permitted assigns).

The “Company” and the “Employee” together shall be referred to as “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.

WHEREAS:

1. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, the employee has been working with the Company for a period of [INSERT THE PERIOD DURING WHICH THE EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE COMPANY] years and has served in the capacity of [INSERT POSITION/INSERTJOB TITLE OF THE EMPLOYEE].
2. The Employee has decided to terminate his employment relationship with the Company and Parties wish to enter into this severance agreement to outline the rights and responsibilities of each party.
3. The Parties mutually agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement, which governs the working relationship between the parties.
4. The parties are duly authorized and have the capacity to enter into this agreement.
5. Both the parties affirm to understand the provisions contained herein and in case either party requires clarification as to one or more provisions, either party has had the right to seek clarifications or sought legal guidance.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and intending to, be legally bound, the Parties have agreed as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS
   1. “Employee” shall mean an individual, who was working with the Company.
   2. “Severance benefits” shall mean all the benefits provided to the employee after termination.
   3. “Confidential Information” shall mean the any non-public information, data, documentation, trade secrets, know-how, or any other information disclosed by one party (Accountant) to the other party (Employee) in connection with the terms and conditions whether in written, oral, electronic, or any other form, and identified as confidential or which the Parties should reasonably understand to be confidential.
2. SCOPE
   1. This Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions governing the separation of employment between Company and Employee. It applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to severance benefits, confidentiality obligations, non-competition restrictions, non-solicitation terms, and the release of claims.
   2. The Employee acknowledges and agrees to comply with all post-termination obligations set forth in this Agreement, including maintaining confidentiality, refraining from soliciting clients or employees, and adhering to any other restrictions imposed by the Company.
   3. This Agreement is intended to serve as a full and final settlement and release of any and all claims, demands, liabilities, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising from or in connection with Employee’s employment with Company and the termination thereof.

Company

1. TERM
   1. This Agreement shall commence on the effective date of [INSERT DATE OF AGREEMENT] and continue for [INSERT TERM PERIOD OF AGREEMENT IN DAYS/MONTHS/YEARS] as agreed by the parties. The Agreement may be terminated earlier in accordance with the termination provisions set forth herein, including termination upon mutual written consent or any other conditions specified within the Agreement that allow for early termination.
2. BENEFITS
   1. The Company, in recognition of the Employee’s service and subject to compliance with all obligations outlined in this Agreement, agrees to provide the Employee with severance benefits as described herein.
   2. This Agreement supersedes any prior verbal or written discussions, agreements, or understandings related to severance benefits between the Company and the Employee.
   3. The scope of this Agreement extends to any necessary transitional support that may be provided to the Employee upon termination, including but not limited to outplacement assistance and references, at the discretion of the Company.
   4. The Employee shall be entitled to the following severance benefits upon execution of this Agreement:
      1. The company shall provide [INSERT SALARY AMOUNT AND CONTINUATION PERIOD OR LUMPSUM SEVERANCE AMOUNT] for following termination. Healthcare benefits for a period of [INSERT NUMBER OF MONTHS] months after termination, subject to continued eligibility under applicable laws and regulations.
      2. Retirement benefits, including [INSERT DETAILS OF ANY RETIREMENT OR PENSION PLANS IF APPLICABLE]
   5. Payment of accrued but unused vacation days and other applicable leave entitlements. e. Outplacement assistance or career counseling services for up to [INSERT NUMBER OF MONTHS] months to assist in transitioning to new employment opportunities. f. Any other mutually agreed benefits outlined in a separate written document or policy. The severance benefits are subject to the Employee’s compliance with this Agreement, including but not limited to non-revocation, confidentiality, and non-solicitation clauses.
3. RELEASE OF CLAIMS
   1. In exchange for the severance benefits, Employee, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, and assigns, waives and releases Employer from any and all claims, known or unknown, arising out of or relating to Employee's employment or termination thereof.
   2. This release includes, but is not limited to, claims under any applicable employment laws, anti-discrimination statutes, wage and hour laws, contract claims, tort claims, and any other statutory or common law causes of action.
   3. Employee affirms that they have not filed, and agree not to file, any claims against Employer related to their employment.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
   1. Employee states that he has not previously filed or joined in any complaints or charges or lawsuits against Company with any governmental agency or court of law. Employee agrees to and does release the Company from all claims or demands Employee may have based on Employee’s employment with the Company or the termination of that employment. This includes a release of any rights or claims Employee may have under the applicable laws. This also includes a release by Employee of any claims for breach of contract, impairment of economic opportunities, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, wrongful discharge, discharge in violation of public policy, or that the Company has dealt with Employee unfairly or in bad faith or any other common law contract or tort claim. This release covers both claims that Employee knows about and those he may not know about. Employee also represents that he has not given or sold any portion of any claim discussed in this Agreement to anyone else.
   2. Employee promises not to file a lawsuit against the Company, if in case employee files a lawsuit based on legal claims that Employee has released, Employee will pay for all costs incurred by the Company, any related companies or the directors or employees of any of them, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in defending against Employee's claim.
5. REVOCATION AND WARRANTIES
   1. Employee has a period of [INSERT NUMBER OF DAYS FOR REVOCATION] (Hereinafter referred to as ‘revocation period’) from the date of signing this agreement. Any revocation made must in writing and delivered to [INSERT COMPANY’S ADDRESS AND OFFICIAL EMAIL ID] within the revocation period.
   2. The Revocation shall be effective upon receiving the notice within the revocation period. In the event of timely and valid notice, this agreement shall be considered null and void, and employee shall not be entitled to any severance benefits.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY
   1. Confidential Information shall not include any information that: (i) is or becomes generally known to the public without either Party’s breach of any obligation owed to the other Party; (ii) was independently developed by a Party without other Party's breach of any obligation owed to that Party; or (iii) is received from a third party who obtained such Confidential Information without any third party's breach of any obligation owed to the Party.
   2. During and after the term of this Agreement, Parties will hold in the strictest confidence, and take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information, and Parties will not (i) use the Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever other than as necessary for the performance of the Services on behalf of the other Party, or (ii)  disclose the Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of an authorized representative of the other Party.
   3. Parties agrees to protect the confidentiality of the Confidential Information in the same manner that it protects the confidentiality of its own proprietary and confidential information of like kind, but in no event shall the Parties exercise less than reasonable care in protecting such Confidential Information.
   4. The Parties shall not use any confidential information directly or indirectly to procure a commercial advantage over the other Party or otherwise use any designs, ideas or concepts created by or belonging to the other Party without the express written consent of the other Party.
   5. Upon termination/ expiration whichever is earlier, the Parties shall promptly return or certify the destruction of Confidential Information and all authorized copies thereof..
7. OWNERSHIP AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
   1. The Employee covenants that it will not claim any right, title or interest whether at law or in equity in any Intellectual Property of the Company and that Company shall be the sole, exclusive and absolute owner of all.
   2. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all intellectual property, including but not limited to inventions, discoveries, developments, trade secrets, know-how, designs, processes, software, works of authorship, and any other proprietary materials (collectively, "Intellectual Property") conceived, created, or developed by Employee, either alone or jointly with others, during the course of their employment with Employer shall remain the exclusive property of Employer.
   3. Employee agrees to promptly disclose in writing to Employer any Intellectual Property developed during the course of employment and agrees to execute any assignments or other documents necessary to transfer ownership rights to Employer.
   4. Employee further acknowledges that all work performed during their employment that constitutes "work made for hire" under applicable copyright laws shall be the sole property of Employer.
   5. Employee agrees not to use, distribute, or disclose any Intellectual Property belonging to Employer without prior written consent, even after the termination of employment.
   6. Employee waives and assigns all moral rights, if any, in the Intellectual Property to the fullest extent permitted by law. This clause shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
8. TERMINATION
   1. Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach on [INSERT THE NUMBER OF DAYS FOR NOTICE OF TERMINATION] days' written notice with opportunity to cure; provided termination will become effective immediately upon such notice, without opportunity to cure, if:
      1. this Agreement provides a specific date or period for performance of the obligation breached; or
      2. the injury caused by the breach is of a type that cannot be materially reduced by the breaching party during the cure period.
   2. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, all rights and obligations of the parties shall immediately cease, except for those obligations that have accrued prior to the effective date of termination. Specifically, any outstanding payment obligations, as well as any liabilities or breaches incurred before termination, shall remain fully enforceable. No new rights or obligations shall arise or be enforceable following termination, except for those expressly provided to survive termination within this Agreement.
9. INDEMNIFICATION
   1. If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its termination provisions, it shall become null and void and have no further force or effect, except that the Parties shall continue to be bound by its provisions regarding confidentiality and restrictions on announcements, indemnification, confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, notices, miscellaneous matters, and governing law and dispute resolution. Nothing in this clause shall release any Party from any liability for any breach of this Agreement occurring prior to the effective date of such termination.
   2. Each party (“Indemnifying Party”) shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other party, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (“Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, or proceedings initiated by third parties, as well as any resulting liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent such claims arise from;
      1. any breach by the Indemnifying Party of its covenants, agreements, or obligations under this Agreement;
      2. any inaccuracy or material misrepresentation in the representations or warranties made by the Indemnifying Party; or
      3. Any claim that the use, licensing, or commercialization of intellectual property or proprietary rights by the Indemnifying Party infringes, misappropriates, or otherwise violates the rights of any third party. The Indemnified Party shall provide prompt written notice of any claim for which indemnification is sought, and the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume and control the defense with counsel of its choosing, subject to the Indemnified Party’s reasonable approval.
   3. The Indemnified Party shall cooperate in good faith, and while it may participate in the defense at its own expense, the Indemnifying Party shall not settle any claim without the Indemnified Party’s prior written consent if such settlement imposes liability, does not provide a full release, or includes an admission of wrongdoing. Indemnification shall not apply to the extent that the claim arises from the Indemnified Party’s own willful misconduct, negligence, or material breach of this Agreement.
10. LIABILITY
    1. Employee agrees that Employer shall not be liable for any claims, damages, or losses arising from the termination of employment, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
       1. Employer shall not be responsible for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including but not limited to lost wages, emotional distress, or reputational harm.
       2. Employee shall indemnify and hold harmless Employer, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from Employee’s breach of this Agreement.
       3. This clause shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
    1. The Parties shall endeavor to resolve any differences of opinion which may arise between them with respect to the provisions of this Agreement by negotiation between themselves personally or with the assistance of their attorneys and unless in the opinion of any party, acting reasonably, the matter in dispute is of such significant nature to warrant it being addressed otherwise, no party shall commence any public proceedings until the negotiations have failed to produce a resolution. In furtherance of the provisions of this paragraph, all Parties hereby agree to make themselves available on short notice and to negotiate promptly and in good faith, any matter any party may wish to negotiate.
    2. All disputes arising under this agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the Arbitration laws of [INSERT COUNTRY/STATE OF ARBITRATION] , without regard to principles of conflict of laws. The parties to this agreement will submit all disputes arising under this Agreement to Arbitration in [INSERT COUNTRY/STATE OF ARBITRATION] before a single arbitrator. The arbitrator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the parties. The venue of Arbitration proceedings shall be [INSERT NAME OF COUNTRY AND CITY WHERE ARBITRATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED] No party to this agreement will challenge the jurisdiction or venue provisions as provided in this section. The decision of the Arbitrator shall be final and binding upon the parties.
12. APPLICABLE LAW
    1. This Agreement shall be governed by and constructed in accordance with the Laws, rules, orders and regulations of [INSERT THE COUNTRY/STATE OF APPLICABLE LAWS].
    2. The Parties shall resolve all disputes in connection with the validity or interpretation of this Agreement, unless otherwise expressly stated in the Agreement, in the following manner: 
       1. By direct negotiations between the Company and Employee
       2. If negotiations between the parties are unsuccessful, the matter shall be referred to the competent court sitting at [INSERT THE PLACE OF THE COURT WHICH SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION IN CASE OF UNSUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION] which shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all matters arising there from unless otherwise agreed between the Parties in writing.
13. FORCE MAJEURE
    1. Neither party shall be held liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this Agreement if such failure or delay is caused by events beyond the reasonable control of the affected party, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes, hurricanes), war, terrorism, riots, labour strikes, governmental actions, epidemics or pandemics, power outages, or other similar events ("Force Majeure Events").The affected party shall promptly notify the other party in writing of the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, providing reasonable details of the event, its expected duration, and the steps being taken to mitigate its impact. Failure to provide timely notice may result in the affected party forfeiting its rights under this clause. If a Force Majeure Event continues for a period exceeding [INSERT THE NUMBER OF DAYS CONSTITUTING PERIOD EXCEEDING WHICH, IF THE FORCE MAJEURE CONTINUES, EITHER PARTY MAY TERMINATE THE AGREEMENT] days, either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other party without further liability, except for obligations accrued prior to the Force Majeure Event.
14. NON-SOLICITATION
    1. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of [INSERT THE DURATION FOR WHICH THE NON SOLICIATION CLAUSE WILL APPLY, e.g., 12 months] following its termination or expiration (the "Restricted Period"), The Employee agrees not to, directly or indirectly:
    2. Solicit, induce, or attempt to solicit or induce any employee, contractor, or agent of the Company to terminate their relationship with Company or to join any business or entity associated with the Employee.
    3. Solicit, induce, or attempt to solicit or induce any customer, client, or business partner of the Company with whom the Employee had contact or became aware of during the term of this Agreement, for the purpose of diverting business or engaging in a competing activity. Both parties agree that the duration, scope, and terms of this non-solicitation clause are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of Company. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of this clause, The Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief and any other legal or equitable remedies available, without the requirement to post bond or other security.
15. NON-COMPETE
    1. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of [INSERT THE DURATION FOR WHICH THE NON-COMPETE CLAUSE WILL APPLY, e.g., 12 months] following its termination or expiration (the "Restricted Period"), [INSERT THE PARTY THAT SHALL NOT COMPETE] shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in, own, manage, operate, control, be employed by, consult for, or otherwise participate in any business that competes with the products or services provided by the other party. within the geographical area of [INSERT THE GEOGRAPHICAL REGION WITHIN WHICH THE NON-COMPETE CLAUSE APPLIES]. Both parties agree that the scope, duration, and geographical limitations of this non-compete clause are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of [INSERT THE NAME OF PARTY THAT IS PROTECTED UNDER NON-COMPETE CLAUSE]. [INSERT THE NAME OF PARTY THAT IS PROTECTED UNDER NON-COMPETE CLAUSE] shall have the right to seek injunctive relief and any other remedies available at law or in equity to enforce this non-compete clause in the event of a breach or threatened breach by the other party.
16. NOTICES
    1. Any notice, request, demand, consent or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent either via email on the email address as provided by the parties and shall be considered sent when the email is sent to the correct email address of the party or shall be given by personal delivery (including courier) by certified mail (confirmed by mail) addressed to the party for which it is intended at the address below and shall be deemed to be given on the day of delivery or transmission if within during normal business hours, or, if after business hours, on the next following Business Day, or if mailed by registered or certified mail, on the day which is [INSERT THE APPLICABLE NUMBER OF BUSINESS DAYS WITHIN WHICH THE NOTICE WILL BE DEEMED SERVED] Business Days after such notice is mailed during normal postal conditions.  In the event of a postal disruption, any notice mailed will be deemed received on the [INSERT THE APPLICABLE NUMBER OF BUSINESS DAYS WITHIN WHICH THE NOTICE WILL BE DEEMED SERVED] Business Day following resumption of regular postal service:
       1. If to the Company : [INSERT EMAIL ID OR/AND ADDRESS OF THE COMPANY]
       2. If to the Employee: [INSERT EMAIL ID OR/AND ADDRESS OF THE EMPLOYEE]
    2. Either party may change its address/email address for notices and other communications upon notice to the other party in the manner aforesaid.
17. MISCELLANEOUS
    1. Modifications: Except as otherwise provided herein this Agreement shall not be amended or otherwise modified unless the modification or amendment is done in writing, signed and has been mutually agreed by both the parties
    2. Language: The language of all communications between the parties pursuant to this Agreement, including notices and reports, will be the English.
    3. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement shall, to any extent, be held to be invalid or unenforceable, it shall be deemed to be separate and severable from the remaining provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect and be binding as though the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included.
    4. Entire agreement: This agreement along with all the Exhibits constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements or understandings, inducements or conditions, express or implied, written or oral, between the parties. This Agreement may be executed in identical duplicate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 
    5. No Waiver: Any failure or delay of any Party hereto in exercising any right or privilege with respect to this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver or to affect the validity of any part of the Agreement and shall not retrain any of the Parties to enforce any of the provisions of the Agreement.
    6. Amendments and Assignments:  Any amendments to this Agreement shall be made, only if, both Parties agree upon such amendment in writing. This Agreement shall not be assigned by either party without the express, written consent of the other party.
    7. Headings: The headings upon the various sections are solely for convenience and reference only and shall not affect the scope, meaning, intent or interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall such headings otherwise be given any legal effect.
18.  INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE
    1. The Parties are advised to seek independent legal counsel before entering into this Agreement. Each Party acknowledges that they have been given a reasonable opportunity to consult with an attorney of their choosing regarding the terms, conditions, and obligations set forth in this Agreement, including any restrictions or commitments imposed herein.
    2. By signing this Agreement, the Parties confirm that they have either sought such independent legal advice or voluntarily chosen to proceed without it. Each Party further represents that they are entering into this Agreement knowingly, voluntarily, and with a full understanding of its provisions. The Parties acknowledge that they are not relying on any statements, promises, or representations made by the other Party or any representative thereof that are not expressly included in this Agreement.
19. DECLARATION
    1. The Parties hereby acknowledge that the terms herein have been read, fully understood, and expressly agreed to, and hereby commit to performing their obligations with due diligence, honesty, and in good faith. The Parties hereby agree to foster a collaborative environment that promotes transparent communication and timely resolution of any issues, thereby ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and industry best practices.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, intending to be legally bound, have each executed this agreement as of the effective date.

Signed, sealed and delivered on behalf of Company

Name: [INSERT THE NAME OF SIGNING AUTHORITY OF COMPANY AND/OR DESIGNATION] 

Signature:

Date: [INSERT THE DATE ON WHICH COMPANY SIGNS THE AGREEMENT]

Signed, sealed and delivered on behalf of Employee

Name: [INSERT THE NAME OF SIGNING AUTHORITY OF EMPLOYEE AND/OR DESIGNATION] 

Signature: 

Date: [INSERT THE DATE ON WHICH EMPLOYEE SIGNS THE AGREEMENT]