Miller Comments on Possible Invocation of Force Majeure Over Coronavirus

Partner Vanessa Miller was quoted in a Reuters article, “Explainer: Companies Consider Force Majeure as Coronavirus Spreads,” about the prospect that companies dealing in Chinese goods may invoke force majeure over delays caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Miller said cross-border deals typically include clauses that provide relief in the event of unforeseen acts of government. Because Chinese authorities have ordered lockdowns and closed factories in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, she said, the “act of government” language could allow some companies to invoke force majeure.