The habendum clause of an oil and gas lease establishes the period of time for which the rights given in the granting clause will extend.  John S. Lowe, Oil and Gas Law in a Nutshell, at 192 (5th ed. 2009).  Modern habendum clauses typically provide for a primary term, during which the lessee has no […]

“Force Majeure” is a French term and literally means superior force.  Haverhill Glen v. Eric Petroleum Corp., 2016-Ohio-8030, 67.N.E.3d 845 ¶ 25 (7th Dist.).  It is commonly defined as an event or effect that can be neither anticipated nor controlled.  Black’s Law Dictionary 673-674 (8th Ed. 2004).  Moreover, force majeure clauses are typically included in […]

Although not as volatile as prior years, last year’s lower oil and gas prices hit the earnings of many operators and service providers—and there is no relief in sight with oil prices down 13% since the start of the year after a sluggish global economy and the coronavirus curbed demand.  2020 could be an interesting […]