that is past due shall bear interest at a simple rate of interest per annum equal to the lesser of 1% per month or the maximum amount permitted by law. Section 8.2. Notice and Defense of Third Party Claims. (a) Promptly following the earlier of (i) receipt of notice of the commencement by a third party of any Action against or otherwise involving any Indemnified Party, or (ii) receipt of information from a third party alleging the existence of a claim against an Indemnified Party, 22 with respect to which indemnification may be sought pursuant to this Agreement (a "Third Party Claim"), the Indemnified Party shall give the Indemnifying Party written notice thereof. The failure of the Indemnified Party to give notice as provided in this Section 8.2(a) shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced by such failure to give notice. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, the Indemnifying Party shall by giving written notice thereof to the Indemnified Party, (i) acknowledge, as between the parties hereto, liability for and, at its option, elect to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim at its sole cost and expense, or (ii) object to the claim of indemnification set forth in the notice delivered by the Indemnified Party pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 8.2(a) setting forth the grounds therefor; provided that if the Indemnifying Party does not within the same thirty (30) day period give the Indemnified Party written notice acknowledging liability or objecting to such claim and setting forth the grounds therefor, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have acknowledged, as between the parties hereto, its liability for such Third Party Claim. (b) Any contest of a Third