Is COVID-19 a Force Majeure Event?

With the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, increased focus is on force majeure provisions in contracts. What is force majeure, and is COVID-19 covered under such provisions? What are potential remedies if COVID-19 falls within the definition of a force majeure event in a contract?

TalksOnLaw's Joel Cohen talks with Baker partner José Morán about how and when COVID-19 may qualify as a force majeure event and what common provisions look like. Morán explains the two most common structures, some exclusions that may prohibit a claim, and how courts are likely to interpret the provision.

 

  José Morán is a partner at Baker McKenzie and leads the firm's Energy, Mining & Infrastructure Industry Group.