ALN Biotech LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, is engaged in the research and manufacture of medical diagnostic equipment in India. In 2022, with the obje

ALN Biotech LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, is engaged in the research and manufacture of medical diagnostic equipment in India. In 2022, with the objective of expanding its product portfolio and accessing advanced medical technology, ALN Biotech LLP (Referred as 'ALN Biotech') entered into a Joint Venture arrangement with Karl Global GMBH (Referred as 'Karl Global'), a foreign corporation based in Germany, for the manufacture and distribution of specialized medical devices in India. After negotiations, the parties executed a document titled "Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Venture Framework Agreement" containing, inter alia, the following key provisions: Profit Sharing Clause: The profits of the joint venture business were to be shared between ALN Biotech and Karl Global in the ratio of 60 : 40 respectively. Confidentiality Clause: Both parties agreed to maintain strict confidentiality regarding proprietary technology, manufacturing processes, research data, and business strategies exchanged during the course of the joint venture. Non-Compete Clause: Karl Global agreed that during the subsistence of the joint venture and for three years thereafter, it would not engage, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture or sale of similar medical devices in India without the consent of ALN Biotech. Arbitration Clause: Any dispute arising out of or relating to the agreement was to be resolved through arbitration seated in New Delhi in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Termination Clause: Either party could terminate the agreement upon material breach by the other party after giving 90 days' written notice and an opportunity to cure the breach. The document was signed by authorised representatives of both entities. However, it was titled as "Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)", and certain operational details were to be finalized in subsequent agreements. For about 18 months, the parties collaborated in developing medical devices using technology provided by Karl Global and manufacturing infrastructure provided by ALN Biotech. Subsequently, Anuj one of the Partner of ALN Biotech discovered that Karl Global had begun independently manufacturing and marketing similar medical devices in India through another affiliated company. ALN Biotech LLP alleges that the foreign partner: Misused confidential technical information shared during the joint venture; Violated the non-compete obligation contained in the agreement; and Diverted potential customers of the joint venture business. In response, Karl Global contends that: The document signed between the parties was merely a Memorandum of Understanding expressing intent and not a legally binding contract. The confidentiality and non-compete provisions are not enforceable. No formal joint venture company was incorporated; therefore, the arrangement lacks legal enforceability. ALN Biotech LLP has approached you as a Practicing Company Secretary to examine the agreement and provide a detailed legal opinion on the enforceability of the arrangement and the remedies available. On the above background, answer the following questions referring relevant provisions: Whether the contention of Karl Global on confidentiality clause and non-compete clause in the present case is correct. Discuss with reference to the relevant provisions of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.