aim_fpa_99h1.htm

EX-99.H PARTIC AGREE 11 aimfpa99h1.htm AIM FUND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT aim_fpa_99h1.htm

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the [6th] day of [January, 2003] ("Agreement"), by and among AIM Variable Insurance Funds, a Delaware trust ("AVIF"); A I M Advisors, Inc. (“AIM”), investment advisor to AVIF; A I M Distributors, Inc. (“AIM Distributors”), principal underwriter to AVIF; Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (collectively, “Nationwide”), each, an Ohio life insurance company, on behalf of themselves and each of their respective separate accounts listed in Schedule A hereto, as the parties hereto may amend from time to time (each, an "Account," and collectively, the "Accounts"); and Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (“NISC”), an affiliate of Nationwide and the principal underwriter of the Contracts (collectively, the “Parties”).

WITNESSETH THAT:

WHEREAS, AVIF is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and

WHEREAS, AVIF currently consists of eighteen separate portfolios (“Portfolios”), shares (‘Shares”) of each of which are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") and are currently sold to one or more separate accounts of life insurance companies to fund benefits under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts; and

WHEREAS, each Portfolio is divided into one or more classes of Shares (each a “Series” and collectively, the Series”); and

WHEREAS, AVIF will make each Series of Shares of each Portfolio listed on Schedule A hereto as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time (each a "Fund"; reference herein to "AVIF" includes reference to each Fund, to the extent the context requires) available for purchase by the Accounts; and

WHEREAS, Nationwide will be the issuer of certain variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts ("Contracts") as set forth on Schedule A hereto, as the Parties hereto may amend from time to time, which Contracts (hereinafter collectively, the "Contracts"), if required by applicable law, will be registered under the 1933 Act; and

WHEREAS, Nationwide will fund the Contracts through the Accounts, each of which may be divided into two or more subaccounts ("Subaccounts"; reference herein to an "Account" includes reference to each Subaccount thereof to the extent the context requires); and

WHEREAS, Nationwide will serve as the depositor of the Accounts, each of which is registered as a unit investment trust company under the 1940 Act (or exempt therefrom), and the security interests deemed to be issued by the Accounts under the Contracts will be registered as securities under the 1933 Act (or exempt therefrom); and

WHEREAS, each Account is a duly organized, validly existing separate account, established by resolution or under authority of the Board of Directors of Nationwide, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the Contracts; and

WHEREAS, AIM is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and

WHEREAS, AIM Distributors is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), is a member in good standing of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) and serves as principal underwriter of the shares of AVIF; and

WHEREAS, NISC is registered as a broker-dealer under the 1934 Act, is a member in good standing of the NASD and serves as principal underwriter of the Contracts; and

WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and regulations, Nationwide intends to purchase Shares in one or more of the Funds on behalf of the Accounts to fund the Contracts;

WHEREAS, the parties entered into a similar participation agreement dated November 4, 1997 and the parties agree to supersede and replace the November 4, 1997 agreement; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits and promises contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Available Funds

1.1 Availability.

AVIF will make Shares of each Fund available to Nationwide for purchase and redemption at net asset value and with no sales charges, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Board of Trustees of AVIF may refuse to sell Shares of any Fund to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of Shares of any Fund if such action is required by law or by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Trustees acting in good faith and in light of their fiduciary duties under federal and any applicable state laws, such action is deemed in the best interests of the shareholders of such Fund.

1.2 Addition, Deletion or Modification of Funds.

The Parties hereto may agree, from time to time, to add other Funds to provide additional funding media for the Contracts, or to delete, combine, or modify existing Funds, by amending Schedule A hereto. Upon such amendment to Schedule A, any applicable reference to a Fund, AVIF, or its Shares herein shall include a reference to any such additional Fund. Schedule A, as amended from time to time, is incorporated herein by reference and is a part hereof.

1.3 No Sales to the General Public.

AVIF represents and warrants that no Shares of any Fund have been or will be sold to the general public.

Section 2. Processing Transactions

2.1 Timely Pricing and Orders.

The Parties agree to communicate, process and settle purchase and redemption transactions for Shares (collectively, “Share transactions”) via the Fund/SERV and Networking systems of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (hereinafter, “NSCC”). Nationwide and AIM Distributors each represents and warrants that it: (a) has entered into an agreement with NSCC, (b) has met and will continue to meet all of the requirements to participate in Fund/SERV and Networking, and (c) intends to remain at all times in compliance with the then current rules and procedures of NSCC, all to the extent necessary or appropriate to facilitate such communications, processing, and settlement of Share transactions. AIM Distributors agrees to provide Nationwide with account positions and activity data relating to Share transactions via Networking. Nationwide shall pay for Shares by the scheduled close of federal funds transmissions on the same Business Day on which it places an order to purchase Shares in accordance with this section. Payment shall be in federal funds transmitted by wire from the Settling Bank (on behalf of Nationwide) to the NSCC.

For purposes of this Agreement, “Fund/SERV” shall mean NSCC’s system for automated, centralized processing of mutual fund purchase and redemption orders, settlement, and account registration; “Networking” shall mean NSCC’s (Level Zero) system that allows mutual funds and life insurance companies to exchange account level information electronically; and “Settling Bank” shall mean the entity appointed by AVIF to perform such settlement services on behalf of AVIF, which agrees to abide by NSCC’s then current rules and procedures insofar as they relate to same day funds settlement. In all cases, processing and settlement of Share transactions shall be done in a manner consistent with applicable law. Such Party shall provide prompt notice to the other Parties of any inability to utilize Fund/SERV or Networking.

(a) AVIF or its designated agent will use its best efforts to provide NSCC (or , in the event NSCC is unavailable, Nationwide) with the net asset value per Share for each Fund by 5:30 p.m. Central Time on each Business Day. As used herein, "Business Day" shall mean any day on which (i) the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading, (ii) AVIF calculates the Fund's net asset value, and (iii) Nationwide is open for business.

The provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 2.1 shall apply only in the event that any Party is prohibited or unable to communicate, process or settle Share transactions via Fund/SERV or Networking.

(b) Nationwide will use the data provided by AVIF each Business Day to calculate Account unit values and to process transactions that receive that same Business Day's Account unit values. Nationwide will perform such Account processing the same Business Day, and will place corresponding orders to purchase or redeem Shares with AVIF by 9:00 a.m. Central Time the following Business Day; provided, however, that AVIF shall provide additional time to Nationwide in the event that AVIF is unable to meet the 5:30 p.m. time stated in paragraph (a) immediately above. Such additional time shall be equal to the additional time that AVIF takes to make the net asset values available to Nationwide.

(c) With respect to payment of the purchase price by Nationwide and of redemption proceeds by AVIF, Nationwide and AVIF shall net purchase and redemption orders with respect to each Fund and Account and shall transmit one net payment per Fund per Account, in accordance with Section 2.2, below.

(d) If AVIF provides materially incorrect Share net asset value information (as determined under SEC guidelines), Nationwide shall be entitled to an adjustment to the number of Shares purchased or redeemed to reflect the correct net asset value per Share. Any material error in the calculation or reporting of net asset value per Share, dividend or capital gain information shall be reported promptly upon discovery to Nationwide.

2.2 Timely Payments.

Nationwide will wire payment for net purchases to a custodial account designated by AVIF by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the order for Shares is placed, to the extent practicable. AVIF will wire payment for net redemptions to an account designated by Nationwide by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day as the Order is placed, to the extent practicable, but in any event within five (5) calendar days after the date the order is placed in order to enable Nationwide to pay redemption proceeds within the time specified in Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act or such shorter period of time as may be required by law.

2.3 Applicable Price.

(a) Share purchase payments and redemption orders that result from purchase payments, premium payments, surrenders and other transactions under Contracts (collectively, “Contract transactions”) and that Nationwide receives prior to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on a Business Day will be executed at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the orders. For purposes of this Section 2.3(a), Nationwide shall be the designated agent of AVIF for receipt of orders relating to Contract transactions on each Business Day and receipt by such designated agent shall constitute receipt by AVIF; provided that AVIF receives notice of such orders by 9:00 a.m. Central Time on the next following Business Day or such later time as computed in accordance with Section 2.1(b) hereof.

(b) All other Share purchases and redemptions by Nationwide will be effected at the net asset values of the appropriate Funds next computed after receipt by AVIF or its designated agent of the order therefore, and such orders will be irrevocable.

2.4 Dividends and Distributions.

AVIF will furnish notice by wire or telephone (followed by written confirmation) on or prior to the payment date to Nationwide of any income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on the Shares of any Fund. Nationwide hereby elects to reinvest all dividends and capital gains distributions in additional Shares of the corresponding Fund at the ex-dividend date net asset values until Nationwide otherwise notifies AVIF in writing, it being agreed by the Parties that the ex-dividend date and the payment date with respect to any dividend or distribution will be the same Business Day. Nationwide reserves the right to revoke this election and to receive all such income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.

2.5 Book Entry.

Issuance and transfer of AVIF Shares will be by book entry only. Stock certificates will not be issued to Nationwide. Shares ordered from AVIF will be recorded in an appropriate title for Nationwide, on behalf of its Account.

Section 3. Costs and Expenses

3.1 General.

Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Party will bear all expenses incident to its performance under this Agreement.

3.2 Registration.

(a) AVIF will bear the cost of its registering as a management investment company under the 1940 Act and registering its Shares under the 1933 Act, and keeping such registrations current and effective; including, without limitation, the preparation of and filing with the SEC of Forms N-SAR and Rule 24f-2 Notices with respect to AVIF and its Shares and payment of all applicable registration or filing fees with respect to any of the foregoing.

(b) Nationwide will bear the cost of registering, to the extent required, each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act and registering units of interest under the Contracts under the 1933 Act and keeping such registrations current and effective; including, without limitation, the preparation and filing with the SEC of Forms N-SAR and Rule 24f-2 Notices with respect to each Account and its units of interest and payment of all applicable registration or filing fees with respect to any of the foregoing.

3.3 Other (Non-Sales-Related).

(a) AVIF will bear, or arrange for others to bear, the costs of preparing, filing with the SEC and setting for printing AVIF's prospectus, statement of additional information and any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively, the "AVIF Prospectus"), periodic reports to shareholders, AVIF proxy material and other shareholder communications.

(b) Nationwide will bear the costs of preparing, filing with the SEC and setting for printing each Account's prospectus, statement of additional information and any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively, the "Account Prospectus"), any periodic reports to Contract owners, annuitants, insureds or participants (as appropriate) under the Contracts (collectively, "Participants"), voting instruction solicitation material, and other Participant communications.

(c) Nationwide will print in quantity and deliver to existing Participants the documents described in Section 3.3(b) above and the prospectus provided by AVIF in camera ready or computer diskette form. AVIF will print the AVIF statement of additional information, proxy materials relating to AVIF and periodic reports of AVIF.

3.4 Other (Sales-Related).

Nationwide will bear the expenses of distribution. These expenses would include by way of illustration, but are not limited to, the costs of distributing to Participants the following documents, whether they relate to the Account or AVIF: prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy materials and periodic reports. These costs would also include the costs of preparing, printing, and distributing sales literature and advertising for the Accounts relating to the Funds, as well as filing such materials with, and obtaining approval from, the SEC, the NASD, any state insurance regulatory authority, and any other appropriate regulatory authority, to the extent required.

3.5 Parties To Cooperate.

Each Party agrees to cooperate with the others, as applicable, in arranging to print, mail and/or deliver, in a timely manner, combined or coordinated prospectuses or other materials of AVIF and the Accounts.

Section 4. Legal Compliance

4.1 Tax Laws.

(a) AVIF represents and warrants that each Fund is currently qualified as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and represents that it will use its best efforts to qualify and to maintain qualification of each Fund as a RIC. AVIF will notify Nationwide immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Fund has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.

(b) AVIF represents that it will use its best efforts to comply and to maintain each Fund's compliance with the diversification requirements set forth in Section 817(h) of the Code and Section 1.817-5(b) of the regulations under the Code. AVIF will notify Nationwide immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Fund has ceased to so comply or that a Fund might not so comply in the future. In the event of a breach of this Section 4.1(b) by AVIF, it will take all reasonable steps to adequately diversify the Fund so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Section 1.817-5 of the regulations under the Code.

To assist Nationwide in monitoring compliance with Section 817(h) of the Code, AVIF agrees to use its best efforts to have the transfer agent of AVIF send Nationwide a monthly statement of account confirming all transactions made during the month in each Account within five (5) business days after the end of such month. In addition, AIM agrees to provide Nationwide a certificate or statement indicating compliance with Code Section 817(h), such certificate or statement to be sent no later than thirty (30) days following the end of the calendar quarter.

(c) Nationwide agrees that if the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") asserts in writing in connection with any governmental audit or review of Nationwide or, to Nationwide’s knowledge, of any Participant, that any Fund has failed to comply with the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code or Nationwide otherwise becomes aware of any facts that could give rise to any claim against AVIF or its affiliates as a result of such a failure or alleged failure:

(i)

Nationwide shall promptly notify AVIF of such assertion or potential claim (subject to the Confidentiality provisions of Section 18 as to any Participant);

(ii)

Nationwide shall consult with AVIF as to how to minimize any liability that may arise as a result of such failure or alleged failure;

(iii)

Nationwide shall use its best efforts to minimize any liability of AVIF or its affiliates resulting from such failure, including, without limitation, demonstrating, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.817-5(a)(2), to the Commissioner of the IRS that such failure was inadvertent;

(iv)

Nationwide shall permit AVIF, its affiliates and their legal and accounting advisors to participate in any conferences, settlement discussions or other administrative or judicial proceeding or contests (including judicial appeals thereof) with the IRS, any Participant or any other claimant regarding any claims that could give rise to liability to AVIF or its affiliates as a result of such a failure or alleged failure; provided, however, that Nationwide will retain control of the conduct of such conferences discussions, proceedings, contests or appeals;

(v)

any written materials to be submitted by Nationwide to the IRS, any Participant or any other claimant in connection with any of the foregoing proceedings or contests (including, without limitation, any such materials to be submitted to the IRS pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.817-5(a)(2)), (a) shall be provided by Nationwide to AVIF (together with any supporting information or analysis); subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 18, at least ten (10) business days or such shorter period to which the Parties hereto agree prior to the day on which such proposed materials are to be submitted, and (b) shall not be submitted by Nationwide to any such person without the express written consent of AVIF which shall not be unreasonably withheld;

(vi)

Nationwide shall provide AVIF or its affiliates and their accounting and legal advisors with such cooperation as AVIF shall reasonably request (including, without limitation, by permitting AVIF and its accounting and legal advisors to review the relevant books and records of Nationwide) in order to facilitate review by AVIF or its advisors of any written submissions provided to it pursuant to the preceding clause or its assessment of the validity or amount of any claim against its arising from such a failure or alleged failure;

(vii)

Nationwide shall not with respect to any claim of the IRS or any Participant that would give rise to a claim against AVIF or its affiliates (a) compromise or settle any claim, (b) accept any adjustment on audit, or (c) forego any allowable administrative or judicial appeals, without the express written consent of AVIF or its affiliates, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided that Nationwide shall not be required, after exhausting all administrative penalties, to appeal any adverse judicial decision unless AVIF or its affiliates shall have provided an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that a reasonable basis exists for taking such appeal; and provided further that the costs of any such appeal shall be borne equally by the Parties hereto; and

(viii)

AVIF and its affiliates shall have no liability as a result of such failure or alleged failure if Nationwide fails to comply with any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii), and such failure could be shown to have materially contributed to the liability.

Should AVIF or any of its affiliates refuse to give its written consent to any compromise or settlement of any claim or liability hereunder, Nationwide may, in its discretion, authorize AVIF or its affiliates to act in the name of Nationwide in, and to control the conduct of, such conferences, discussions, proceedings, contests or appeals and all administrative or judicial appeals thereof, and in that event AVIF or its affiliates shall bear the fees and expenses associated with the conduct of the proceedings that it is so authorized to control; provided, that in no event shall Nationwide have any liability resulting from AVIF's refusal to accept the proposed settlement or compromise with respect to any failure caused by AVIF. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliates" shall have the same meaning as "affiliated person" as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act.

(d) Nationwide represents and warrants that the Contracts currently are and will be treated as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under applicable provisions of the Code and that it will use its best efforts to maintain such treatment; Nationwide will notify AVIF immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that any of the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future.

(e) Nationwide represents and warrants that each Account is a "separate account" and that interests in each Account are offered exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a "variable contract," within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Nationwide will use its best efforts to continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify AVIF immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.

4.2 Insurance and Certain Other Laws.

(a) AVIF will use its best efforts to comply with any applicable state insurance laws or regulations, to the extent specifically requested in writing by Nationwide, including, the furnishing of information not otherwise available to Nationwide which is required by state insurance law to enable Nationwide to obtain the authority needed to issue the Contracts in any applicable state.

(b) Nationwide represents and warrants that (i) it is an insurance company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio and has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement, (ii) it has legally and validly established and maintains each Account as a separate account under Section 3907.15 of the Ohio Insurance Law and the regulations thereunder, and (iii) the Contracts comply in all material respects with all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

(c) AVIF represents and warrants that it is a trust duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver, and perform its duties and comply with its obligations under this Agreement.

4.3 Securities Laws.

(a) Nationwide represents and warrants that (i) interests in each Account pursuant to the Contracts will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent required by the 1933 Act, (ii) the Contracts will be duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, including, without limitation, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and Ohio law, (iii) each Account is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act, to the extent required by the 1940 Act, (iv) each Account does and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, to the extent required, (v) each Account's 1933 Act registration statement relating to the Contracts, together with any amendments thereto, will at all times comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder, (vi) Nationwide will amend the registration statement for its Contracts under the 1933 Act and for its Accounts under the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of its Contracts or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, and (vii) each Account Prospectus will at all times comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.

(b) AVIF represents and warrants that (i) Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement will be registered under the 1933 Act to the extent required by the 1933 Act and duly authorized for issuance and sold in compliance with Maryland law, (ii) AVIF is and will remain registered under the 1940 Act to the extent required by the 1940 Act, (iii) AVIF will amend the registration statement for its Shares under the 1933 Act and itself under the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of its Shares, (iv) AVIF does and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, (v) AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, together with any amendments thereto, will at all times comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and rules thereunder, and (vi) AVIF’s Prospectus will at all times comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules thereunder.

(c) AVIF will at its expense register and qualify its Shares for sale in accordance with the laws of any state or other jurisdiction if and to the extent reasonably deemed advisable by AVIF.

(d) AVIF represents and warrants that all of its trustees, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals/entities having access to the funds and/or securities of the Fund are and continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Fund in an amount not less than the minimal coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-(1) of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company.

4.4 Notice of Certain Proceedings and Other Circumstances.

(a) AVIF will immediately notify Nationwide of (i) the issuance by any court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other similar order with respect to AVIF's registration statement under the 1933 Act or AVIF Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any amendment to such registration statement or AVIF Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or for any other purpose relating to the registration or offering of AVIF's Shares, or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful offer or sale of Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction, including, without limitation, any circumstances in which (a) such Shares are not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with applicable state and federal law, or (b) such law precludes the use of such Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Contracts issued or to be issued by Nationwide. AVIF will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance, with respect to any Fund, of any such stop order, cease and desist order or similar order and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible time.

(b) Nationwide will immediately notify AVIF of (i) the issuance by any court or regulatory body of any stop order, cease and desist order, or other similar order with respect to each Account's registration statement under the 1933 Act relating to the Contracts or each Account Prospectus, (ii) any request by the SEC for any amendment to such registration statement or Account Prospectus that may affect the offering of Shares of AVIF, (iii) the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose or for any other purpose relating to the registration or offering of each Account's interests pursuant to the Contracts, or (iv) any other action or circumstances that may prevent the lawful offer or sale of said interests in any state or jurisdiction, including, without limitation, any circumstances in which said interests are not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Nationwide will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any such stop order, cease and desist order or similar order and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible time.

4.5 Nationwide To Provide Documents; Information About AVIF.

(a) Nationwide will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least one (1) complete copy of all SEC registration statements, Account Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary and final voting instruction solicitation material, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to each Account or the Contracts, contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. In addition, Nationwide will provide AVIF with notice of any application for exemption or request for no-action letters, and notice of all amendments to any of the above, that relate to an Account or the Contracts, contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other regulatory authorities, and will provide AVIF one (1) complete copy of the same upon request.

(b) Nationwide will provide to AVIF or its designated agent at least one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional material in which AVIF or any of its affiliates is named, at least five (5) Business Days prior to its use or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. No such material shall be used if AVIF or its designated agent objects to such use within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such material or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. AVIF hereby designates A I M as the entity to receive such sales literature, until such time as AVIF appoints another designated agent by giving notice to Nationwide in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.

(c) Neither Nationwide nor any of its affiliates, will give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning AVIF or its affiliates in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than (i) the information or representations contained in the registration statement, including the AVIF Prospectus contained therein, relating to Shares, as such registration statement and AVIF Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or (ii) in reports or proxy materials for AVIF; or (iii) in published reports for AVIF that are in the public domain and approved by AVIF for distribution; or (iv) in sales literature or other promotional material approved by AVIF, except with the express written permission of AVIF.

(d) Nationwide shall adopt and implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning AVIF and its affiliates that is intended for use only by brokers or agents selling the Contracts (i.e., information that is not intended for distribution to Participants) ("broker only materials") is so used, and neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only materials.

(e) The phrase “sales literature or other promotional material” includes, but is not limited to, advertisements (such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media, (e.g., on-line networks such as the Internet or other electronic messages), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, research reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to some or all agents or employees, registration statements, prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, and proxy materials and any other material constituting sales literature or advertising under the NASD rules, the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.

4.6 AVIF To Provide Documents; Information About Nationwide.

(a) AVIF will provide to Nationwide at least one (1) complete copy of all SEC registration statements, AVIF Prospectuses, reports, any preliminary and final proxy material, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to AVIF or the Shares of a Fund, contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. In addition, AVIF will provide Nationwide with notice of any application for exemption or request for no-action letters, and notice of all amendments to any of the above, that relate to AVIF or the Shares of a Fund, contemporaneously with the filing of such document with the SEC or other regulatory authorities, and will provide Nationwide one (1) complete copy of the same upon request.

(b) AVIF will provide to Nationwide camera ready, pdf, or computer diskette copies of all AVIF prospectuses and printed copies, in an amount specified by Nationwide, of AVIF statements of additional information, proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials required by law to be sent to Participants who have allocated any Contract value to a Fund. AVIF will provide such copies to Nationwide in a timely manner so as to enable Nationwide, as the case may be, to print and distribute such materials within the time required by law to be furnished to Participants.

(c) AVIF will provide to Nationwide or its designated agent at least one (1) complete copy of each piece of sales literature or other promotional material in which Nationwide, or any of its respective affiliates is named, or that refers to the Contracts, at least five (5) Business Days prior to its use or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. No such material shall be used if Nationwide or its designated agent objects to such use within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such material or such shorter period as the Parties hereto may, from time to time, agree upon. Nationwide shall receive all such sales literature until such time as it appoints a designated agent by giving notice to AVIF in the manner required by Section 9 hereof.

(d) Neither AVIF nor any of its affiliates will give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of or concerning Nationwide, each Account, or the Contracts other than (i) the information or representations contained in the registration statement, including each Account Prospectus contained therein, relating to the Contracts, as such registration statement and Account Prospectus may be amended from time to time; or (ii) in published reports for the Account or the Contracts that are in the public domain and approved by Nationwide for distribution; or (iii) in sales literature or other promotional material approved by Nationwide or its affiliates, except with the express written permission of Nationwide.

(e) AVIF shall cause its principal underwriter to adopt and implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that information concerning Nationwide, and its respective affiliates that is intended for use only by brokers or agents selling the Contracts (i.e., information that is not intended for distribution to Participants) ("broker only materials") is so used, and neither Nationwide, nor any of its respective affiliates shall be liable for any losses, damages or expenses relating to the improper use of such broker only materials.

Section 5. Mixed and Shared Funding

5.1 General.

The SEC has granted an order to AVIF exempting it from certain provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder so that AVIF may be available for investment by certain other entities, including, without limitation, separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance contracts, separate accounts of insurance companies unaffiliated with Nationwide, and trustees of qualified pension and retirement plans (collectively, "Mixed and Shared Funding"). The Parties recognize that the SEC has imposed terms and conditions for such orders that are substantially identical to many of the provisions of this Section 5. AVIF hereby notifies Nationwide that it may be appropriate to include in the prospectus pursuant to which a Contract is offered disclosure regarding the potential risks of Mixed and Shared Funding.

5.2 Disinterested Trustees.

AVIF agrees that its Board of Trustees shall at all times consist of trustees a majority of whom (the "Disinterested Trustees") are not interested persons of AVIF within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder and as modified by any applicable orders of the SEC, except that if this condition is not met by reason of the death, disqualification, or bona fide resignation of any trustee, then the operation of this condition shall be suspended (a) for a period of forty-five (45) days if the vacancy or vacancies may be filled by the Board; (b) for a period of sixty (60) days if a vote of shareholders is required to fill the vacancy or vacancies; or (c) for such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by order upon application.

5.3 Monitoring for Material Irreconcilable Conflicts.

AVIF agrees that its Board of Trustees will monitor for the existence of any material irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the Participants in all separate accounts of life insurance companies utilizing AVIF ("Participating Insurance Companies"), including each Account, and participants in all qualified retirement and pension plans investing in AVIF ("Participating Plans"). Nationwide agrees to inform the Board of Trustees of AVIF of the existence of or any potential for any such material irreconcilable conflict of which it is aware. The concept of a "material irreconcilable conflict" is not defined by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder, but the Parties recognize that such a conflict may arise for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation:

(a) an action by any state insurance or other regulatory authority;

(b) a change in applicable federal or state insurance, tax or securities laws or regulations, or a public ruling, private letter ruling, no-action or interpretative letter, or any similar action by insurance, tax or securities regulatory authorities;

(d) the manner in which the investments of any Fund are being managed;

(e) a difference in voting instructions given by variable annuity contract and variable life insurance contract Participants or by Participants of different Participating Insurance Companies;

(f) a decision by a Participating Insurance Company to disregard the voting instructions of Participants; or

(g) a decision by a Participating Plan to disregard the voting instructions of Plan participants.

Consistent with the SEC's requirements in connection with exemptive orders of the type referred to in Section 5.1 hereof, Nationwide will assist the Board of Trustees in carrying out its responsibilities by providing the Board of Trustees with all information reasonably necessary for the Board of Trustees to consider any issue raised, including information as to a decision by Nationwide to disregard voting instructions of Participants.

5.4 Conflict Remedies.

(a) It is agreed that if it is determined by a majority of the members of the Board of Trustees or a majority of the Disinterested Trustees that a material irreconcilable conflict exists, Nationwide will, if it is a Participating Insurance Company for which a material irreconcilable conflict is relevant, at its own expense and to the extent reasonably practicable (as determined by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees), take whatever steps are necessary to remedy or eliminate the material irreconcilable conflict, which steps may include, but are not limited to:

(i)

withdrawing the assets allocable to some or all of the Accounts from AVIF or any Fund and reinvesting such assets in a different investment medium, including another Fund of AVIF, or submitting the question whether such segregation should be implemented to a vote of all affected Participants and, as appropriate, segregating the assets of any particular group (e.g., annuity Participants, life insurance Participants or all Participants) that votes in favor of such segregation, or offering to the affected Participants the option of making such a change; and

(ii)

establishing a new registered investment company of the type defined as a "management company" in Section 4(3) of the 1940 Act or a new separate account that is operated as a management company.

(b) If the material irreconcilable conflict arises because of Nationwide's decision to disregard Participant voting instructions and that decision represents a minority position or would preclude a majority vote, Nationwide may be required, at AVIF's election, to withdraw each Account's investment in AVIF or any Fund. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal. Any such withdrawal must take place within six (6) months after AVIF gives notice to Nationwide that this provision is being implemented, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and implement orders by Nationwide for the purchase and redemption of Shares of AVIF.

(c) If a material irreconcilable conflict arises because a particular state insurance regulator's decision applicable to Nationwide conflicts with the majority of other state regulators, then Nationwide will withdraw each Account's investment in AVIF within six (6) months after AVIF's Board of Trustees informs Nationwide that it has determined that such decision has created a material irreconcilable conflict, and until such withdrawal AVIF shall continue to accept and implement orders by Nationwide for the purchase and redemption of Shares of AVIF. No charge or penalty will be imposed as a result of such withdrawal.

(d) Nationwide agrees that any remedial action taken by it in resolving any material irreconcilable conflict will be carried out at its expense and with a view only to the interests of Participants.

(e) For purposes hereof, a majority of the Disinterested Trustees will determine whether or not any proposed action adequately remedies any material irreconcilable conflict. In no event, however, will AVIF or any of its affiliates be required to establish a new funding medium for any Contracts. Nationwide will not be required by the terms hereof to establish a new funding medium for any Contracts if an offer to do so has been declined by vote of a majority of Participants materially adversely affected by the material irreconcilable conflict.

5.5 Notice to Nationwide .

AVIF will promptly make known in writing to Nationwide the Board of Trustees' determination of the existence of a material irreconcilable conflict, a description of the facts that give rise to such conflict and the implications of such conflict.

5.6 Information Requested by Board of Trustees.

Nationwide and AVIF (or its investment adviser) will at least annually submit to the Board of Trustees of AVIF such reports, materials or data as the Board of Trustees may reasonably request so that the Board of Trustees may fully carry out the obligations imposed upon it by the provisions hereof or the exemptive order granted by the SEC to permit Mixed and Shared Funding, and said reports, materials and data will be submitted at any reasonable time deemed appropriate by the Board of Trustees. All reports received by the Board of Trustees of potential or existing conflicts, and all Board of Trustees actions with regard to determining the existence of a conflict, notifying Participating Insurance Companies and Participating Plans of a conflict, and determining whether any proposed action adequately remedies a conflict, will be properly recorded in the minutes of the Board of Trustees or other appropriate records, and such minutes or other records will be made available to the SEC upon request.

5.7 Compliance with SEC Rules.

If, at any time during which AVIF is serving as an investment medium for variable life insurance Contracts, 1940 Act Rules 6e-3(T) or, if applicable, 6e-2 are amended or Rule 6e-3 is adopted to provide exemptive relief with respect to Mixed and Shared Funding, AVIF agrees that it will comply with the terms and conditions thereof and that the terms of this Section 5 shall be deemed modified if and only to the extent required in order also to comply with the terms and conditions of such exemptive relief that is afforded by any of said rules that are applicable.

5.8 Other Requirements.

AVIF will require that each Participating Insurance Company and Participating Plan enter into an agreement with AVIF that contains in substance the same provisions as are set forth in Sections 4.1(b), 4.1(d), 4.3(a), 4.4(b), 4.5(a), 5, and 10 of this Agreement.

Section 6. Termination

6.1 Events of Termination.

Subject to Section 6.4 below, this Agreement will terminate as to a Fund:

(a) at the option of any party, with or without cause with respect to the Fund, upon six (6) months advance written notice to the other parties, or, if later, upon receipt of any required exemptive relief from the SEC, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties; or

(b) at the option of AVIF upon institution of formal proceedings against Nationwide or its affiliates by the NASD, the SEC, any state insurance regulator or any other regulatory body regarding Nationwide's obligations under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of each Account, or the purchase of Shares, if, in each case, AVIF reasonably determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such proceedings would be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material adverse consequences on the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or

(c) at the option of Nationwide upon institution of formal proceedings against AVIF, its principal underwriter, or its investment adviser by the NASD, the SEC, or any state insurance regulator or any other regulatory body regarding AVIF's obligations under this Agreement or related to the operation or management of AVIF or the purchase of AVIF Shares, if, in each case, Nationwide reasonably determines that such proceedings, or the facts on which such proceedings would be based, have a material likelihood of imposing material adverse consequences on Nationwide, or the Subaccount corresponding to the Fund with respect to which the Agreement is to be terminated; or

(d) at the option of any Party in the event that (i) the Fund's Shares are not registered and, in all material respects, issued and sold in accordance with any applicable federal or state law, or (ii) such law precludes the use of such Shares as an underlying investment medium of the Contracts issued or to be issued by Nationwide; or

(e) upon termination of the corresponding Subaccount's investment in the Fund pursuant to Section 5 hereof; or

(f) at the option of Nationwide if the Fund ceases to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code or under successor or similar provisions, or if Nationwide reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so qualify; or

(g) at the option of Nationwide if the Fund fails to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code or with successor or similar provisions, or if Nationwide reasonably believes that the Fund may fail to so comply; or

(h) at the option of AVIF if the Contracts issued by Nationwide cease to qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under the Code (other than by reason of the Fund's noncompliance with Section 817(h) or Subchapter M of the Code) or if interests in an Account under the Contracts are not registered, where required, and, in all material respects, are not issued or sold in accordance with any applicable federal or state law; or

(i) upon another Party's material breach of any provision of this Agreement.

6.2 Notice Requirement for Termination.

No termination of this Agreement will be effective unless and until the Party terminating this Agreement gives prior written notice to the other Party to this Agreement of its intent to terminate, and such notice shall set forth the basis for such termination. Furthermore:

(a) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of Sections 6.1(a) or 6.1(e) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given at least six (6) months in advance of the effective date of termination unless a shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto;

(b) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of Sections 6.1(b) or 6.1(c) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given at least ninety (90) days in advance of the effective date of termination unless a shorter time is agreed to by the Parties hereto; and

(c) in the event that any termination is based upon the provisions of Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof, such prior written notice shall be given as soon as possible within twenty-four (24) hours after the terminating Party learns of the event causing termination to be required.

6.3 Funds To Remain Available.

Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, AVIF will, at the option of Nationwide, continue to make available additional shares of the Fund pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Existing Contracts”). Specifically, without limitation, the owners of the Existing Contracts will be permitted to reallocate investments in the Fund (as in effect on such date), redeem investments in the Fund and/or invest in the Fund upon the making of additional purchase payments under the Existing Contracts. The parties agree that this Section 6.3 will not apply to any terminations under Section 5 and the effect of such terminations will be governed by Section 5 of this Agreement.

6.4 Survival of Warranties and Indemnifications.

All warranties and indemnifications will survive the termination of this Agreement.

6.5 Continuance of Agreement for Certain Purposes.

If any Party terminates this Agreement with respect to any Fund pursuant to Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c), 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i) hereof, this Agreement shall nevertheless continue in effect as to any Shares of that Fund that are outstanding as of the date of such termination (the "Initial Termination Date"). This continuation shall extend to the earlier of the date as of which an Account owns no Shares of the affected Fund or a date (the "Final Termination Date") six (6) months following the Initial Termination Date, except that Nationwide may, by written notice shorten said six (6) month period in the case of a termination pursuant to Sections 6.1(d), 6.1(f), 6.1(g), 6.1(h) or 6.1(i).

Section 7. Parties To Cooperate Respecting Termination

The Parties hereto agree to cooperate and give reasonable assistance to one another in taking all necessary and appropriate steps for the purpose of ensuring that an Account owns no Shares of a Fund after the Final Termination Date with respect thereto, or, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 6.1(a), the termination date specified in the notice of termination. Such steps may include combining the affected Account with another Account, substituting other mutual fund shares for those of the affected Fund, or otherwise terminating participation by the Contracts in such Fund.

Section 8. Assignment

This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the written consent of each other Party.

Section 9. Notices

Notices and communications required or permitted by Section 9 hereof will be given by means mutually acceptable to the Parties concerned. Each other notice or communication required or permitted by this Agreement will be given to the following persons at the following addresses and facsimile numbers, or such other persons, addresses or facsimile numbers as the Party receiving such notices or communications may subsequently direct in writing:

AIM Variable Insurance Funds

A I M Distributors, Inc.

A I M Advisors, Inc.

11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77046

Facsimile: (713) 993-9185

Attn: Nancy L. Martin, Esq. – Assistant General Counsel

Nationwide Life Insurance Company

Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company

One Nationwide Plaza, 1-09-V3

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Facsimile: (614) 677-2295

Attn: Securities Officer

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation

One Nationwide Plaza, 1-07-11

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Facsimile: (614) 677-2621

Attn: Compliance Officer

Section 10. Voting Procedures

Subject to the cost allocation procedures set forth in Section 3 hereof, Nationwide will distribute all proxy material furnished by AVIF to Participants to whom pass-through voting privileges are required to be extended and will solicit voting instructions from Participants. Nationwide will vote Shares in accordance with timely instructions received from Participants. Nationwide will vote Shares that are (a) not attributable to Participants to whom pass-through voting privileges are extended, or (b) attributable to Participants, but for which no timely instructions have been received, in the same proportion as Shares for which said instructions have been received from Participants, so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act to require pass through voting privileges for Participants. Neither Nationwide nor any of its affiliates will in any way recommend action in connection with or oppose or interfere with the solicitation of proxies for the Shares held for such Participants. Nationwide reserves the right to vote shares held in any Account in its own right, to the extent permitted by law. Nationwide shall be responsible for assuring that each of its Accounts holding Shares calculates voting privileges in a manner consistent with that of other Participating Insurance Companies or in the manner required by the Mixed and Shared Funding exemptive order obtained by AVIF. AVIF will notify Nationwide of any changes of interpretations or amendments to Mixed and Shared Funding exemptive order it has obtained. AVIF will comply with all provisions of the 1940 Act requiring voting by shareholders, and in particular, AVIF either will provide for annual meetings (except insofar as the SEC may interpret Section 16 of the 1940 Act not to require such meetings) or will comply with Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act (although AVIF is not one of the trusts described in Section 16(c) of that Act) as well as with Sections 16(a) and, if and when applicable, 16(b). Further, AVIF will act in accordance with the SEC’s interpretation of the requirements of Section 16(a) with respect to periodic elections of directors and with whatever rules the SEC may promulgate with respect thereto.

Section 11. Foreign Tax Credits

AVIF agrees to consult in advance with Nationwide concerning any decision to elect or not to elect pursuant to Section 853 of the Code to pass through the benefit of any foreign tax credits to its shareholders.

Section 12. Indemnification

12.1 Of AVIF by Nationwide and NISC.

(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.1(b) and 12.1(c), below, Nationwide and NISC agree to indemnify and hold harmless AVIF, its affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls AVIF or its affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their respective trustees and officers, (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 12.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of Nationwide and NISC) or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute, regulation, at common law or otherwise; provided, the Account owns Shares of the Fund and insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions:

(i)

arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus, the Contracts, or sales literature or advertising for the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to Nationwide or NISC by or on behalf of AVIF for use in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus, the Contracts, or sales literature or advertising or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of Contracts or Shares (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing); or

(ii)

arise out of or as a result of any other statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, not supplied for use therein by or on behalf of Nationwide, NISC or their respective affiliates and on which such persons have reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent conduct of Nationwide, NISC or their respective affiliates or persons under their control (including, without limitation, their employees and "Associated Persons," as that term is defined in paragraph (m) of Article I of the NASD's By-Laws), in connection with the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Shares; or

(iii)

arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to AVIF or its affiliates by or on behalf of Nationwide, NISC or their respective affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, sales literature or advertising of AVIF, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing; or

(iv)

arise as a result of any failure by Nationwide or NISC to perform the obligations, provide the services and furnish the materials required of them under the terms of this Agreement, or any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by Nationwide or NISC in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by Nationwide or NISC; or

(v)

arise as a result of failure by the Contracts issued by Nationwide to qualify as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under the Code, otherwise than by reason of any Fund's failure to comply with Subchapter M or Section 817(h) of the Code.

(b) Neither Nationwide nor NISC shall be liable under this Section 12.1 with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of its duties or by reason of that Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of obligations or duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to AVIF.

(c) Neither Nationwide nor NISC shall be liable under this Section 12.1 with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless AVIF shall have notified Nationwide and NISC in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the action shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify Nationwide and NISC of any such action shall not relieve Nationwide and NISC from any liability which they may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section 12.1. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, Nationwide and NISC shall be entitled to participate, at their own expense, in the defense of such action and also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named in the action, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice from Nationwide or NISC to such Indemnified Party of Nationwide’s or NISC’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with Nationwide and NISC and shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and neither Nationwide nor NISC will be liable to such Indemnified Party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party independently in connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable costs of investigation.

12.2 Of Nationwide and NISC by AVIF.

(a) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and 12.2(e), below, AVIF agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Nationwide, NISC, their respective affiliates, and each person, if any, who controls Nationwide, NISC or their respective affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and each of their respective directors and officers, (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 12.2) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of AVIF ) or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute, regulation, at common law, or otherwise; provided, the Account owns Shares of the Fund and insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions:

(i)

arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus or sales literature or advertising of AVIF (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to AVIF or its affiliates by or on behalf of Nationwide, NISC or their respective affiliates for use in AVIF's 1933 Act registration statement, AVIF Prospectus, or in sales literature or advertising or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of Contracts or Shares (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing); or

(ii)

arise out of or as a result of any other statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus, sales literature or advertising for the Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, not supplied for use therein by or on behalf of AVIF or its affiliates and on which such persons have reasonably relied) or the negligent, illegal or fraudulent conduct of AVIF or its affiliates or persons under its control (including, without limitation, their employees and "Associated Persons" as that Term is defined in Section (m) of Article 1 of the NASD By-Laws), in connection with the sale or distribution of AVIF Shares; or

(iii)

arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus, sales literature or advertising covering the Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to Nationwide, NISC or their respective affiliates by or on behalf of AVIF for use in any Account's 1933 Act registration statement, any Account Prospectus, sales literature or advertising covering the Contracts, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing; or

(iv)

arise as a result of any failure by AVIF to perform the obligations, provide the services and furnish the materials required of it under the terms of this Agreement, or any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by AVIF in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by AVIF.

(b) Except to the extent provided in Sections 12.2(c), 12.2(d) and 12.2(e) hereof, AVIF agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement thereof with, the written consent of AVIF) or actions in respect thereof (including, to the extent reasonable, legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject directly or indirectly under any statute, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions directly or indirectly result from or arise out of the failure of any Fund to operate as a regulated investment company in compliance with (i) Subchapter M of the Code and regulations thereunder, or (ii) Section 817(h) of the Code and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, any income taxes and related penalties, rescission charges, liability under state law to Participants asserting liability against Nationwide pursuant to the Contracts, the costs of any ruling and closing agreement or other settlement with the IRS, and the cost of any substitution by Nationwide of Shares of another investment company or portfolio for those of any adversely affected Fund as a funding medium for each Account that Nationwide reasonably deems necessary or appropriate as a result of the noncompliance.

(c) AVIF shall not be liable under this Section 12.2 with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance by that Indemnified Party of its duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties (i) under this Agreement, or (ii) to Nationwide, NISC, each Account or Participants.

(d) AVIF shall not be liable under this Section 12.2 with respect to any action against an Indemnified Party unless the Indemnified Party shall have notified AVIF in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the action shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify AVIF of any such action shall not relieve AVIF from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this Section 12.2. Except as otherwise provided herein, in case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, AVIF will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action and also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof (which shall include, without limitation, the conduct of any ruling request and closing agreement or other settlement proceeding with the IRS), with counsel approved by the Indemnified Party named in the action, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After notice from AVIF to such Indemnified Party of AVIF's election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party will cooperate fully with AVIF and shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and AVIF will not be liable to such Indemnified Party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party independently in connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable costs of investigation.

(e) In no event shall AVIF be liable under the indemnification provisions contained in this Agreement to any individual or entity, including, without limitation, Nationwide, NISC or any other Participating Insurance Company or any Participant, with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses that arise out of or result from (i) a breach of any representation, warranty, and/or covenant made by Nationwide or NISC hereunder or by any Participating Insurance Company under an agreement containing substantially similar representations, warranties and covenants; (ii) the failure by Nationwide or any Participating Insurance Company to maintain its separate account (which invests in any Fund) as a legally and validly established separate account under applicable state law and as a duly registered unit investment trust under the provisions of the 1940 Act (unless exempt therefrom); or (iii) the failure by Nationwide or any Participating Insurance Company to maintain its variable annuity or life insurance contracts (with respect to which any Fund serves as an underlying funding vehicle) as annuity contracts or life insurance contracts under applicable provisions of the Code.

12.3 Effect of Notice.

Any notice given by the indemnifying Party to an Indemnified Party referred to in Sections 12.1(c) or 12.2(d) above of participation in or control of any action by the indemnifying Party will in no event be deemed to be an admission by the indemnifying Party of liability, culpability or responsibility, and the indemnifying Party will remain free to contest liability with respect to the claim among the Parties or otherwise.

12.4 Successors.

A successor by law of any Party shall be entitled to the benefits of the indemnification contained in this Section 12.

Section 13. Applicable Law

This Agreement will be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with Delaware law, without regard for that state's principles of conflict of laws.

Section 14. Execution in Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which taken together will constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 15. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement will not be affected thereby.

Section 16. Rights Cumulative

The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations, at law or in equity, that the Parties are entitled to under federal and state laws.

Section 17. Headings

The Table of Contents and headings used in this Agreement are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or define the meaning of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 18. Confidentiality

AVIF acknowledges that the identities of the customers of Nationwide or any of its affiliates (collectively, the “Nationwide Protected Parties” for purposes of this Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers, and all computer programs and procedures or other information developed by the Nationwide Protected Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection with Nationwide’s performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the Nationwide Protected Parties. AVIF agrees that if it comes into possession of any list or compilation of the identities of or other information about the Nationwide Protected Parties’ customers, or any other information or property of the Nationwide Protected Parties, other than such information as may be independently developed or compiled by AVIF from information supplied to it by the Nationwide Protected Parties’ customers who also maintain accounts directly with AVIF, AVIF will hold such information or property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of such information or other property except: (a) with Nationwide’s prior written consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. Nationwide acknowledges that the identities of the customers of AVIF or any of its affiliates (collectively the “AVIF Protected Parties” for purposes of this Section 18), information maintained regarding those customers, and all computer programs and procedures or other information developed by the AVIF Protected Parties or any of their employees or agents in connection with AVIF’s performance of its duties under this Agreement are the valuable property of the AVIF Protected Parties. Nationwide agrees that if it comes into possession of any list or compilation of the identities of or other information about the AVIF Protected Parties’ customers or any other information or property of the AVIF Protected Parties, other than such information as may be independently developed or compiled by Nationwide from information supplied to it by the AVIF Protected Parties’ customers who also maintain accounts directly with Nationwide, Nationwide will hold such information or property in confidence and refrain from using, disclosing or distributing any of such information or other property except: (a) with AVIF’s prior written consent; or (b) as required by law or judicial process. Each party acknowledges that any breach of the agreements in this Section 18 would result in immediate and irreparable harm to the other parties for which there would be no adequate remedy at law and agree that in the event of such a breach, the other parties will be entitled to equitable relief by way of temporary and permanent injunctions, as well as such other relief as any court of competent jurisdiction deems appropriate.

Section 19. Trademarks and Fund Names

(a) A I M Management Group Inc. (“AIM Management” or “licensor”), an affiliate of AVIF, owns all right, title and interest in and to the name, trademark and service mark AIM Management and such other tradenames, trademarks and service marks as may be set forth on Schedule B, as amended from time to time by written notice from AIM Management to Nationwide (the “AIM licensed marks” or the “licensor’s licensed marks”) and is authorized to use and to license other persons to use such marks. Nationwide and its affiliates are hereby granted a non-exclusive license to use the AIM Management licensed marks in connection with Nationwide’s performance of the services contemplated under this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 19.

(b) The grant of license to Nationwide and its affiliates ( the “licensee”) shall terminate automatically upon termination of this Agreement. Upon automatic termination, the licensee shall cease to use the licensor’s licensed marks, except that Nationwide shall have the right to continue to service any outstanding Contracts bearing any of the AIM licensed marks. Upon AIM Management’s elective termination of this license, Nationwide and its affiliates shall immediately cease to issue any new annuity or life insurance contracts bearing any of the AIM licensed marks and shall likewise cease any activity which suggests that it has any right under any of the AIM licensed marks or that it has any association with AIM Management, except that Nationwide shall have the right to continue to service outstanding Contracts bearing any of the AIM licensed marks.

(c) The licensee shall obtain the prior written approval of the licensor for the public release by such licensee of any materials bearing the licensor’s licensed marks. The licensor’s approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(d) During the term of this grant of license, a licensor may request that a licensee submit samples of any materials bearing any of the licensor’s licensed marks which were previously approved by the licensor but, due to changed circumstances, the licensor may wish to reconsider. If, on reconsideration, or on initial review, respectively, any such samples fail to meet with the written approval of the licensor, then the licensee shall immediately cease distributing such disapproved materials. The licensor’s approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and the licensor, when requesting reconsideration of a prior approval, shall assume the reasonable expenses of withdrawing and replacing such disapproved materials. The licensee shall obtain the prior written approval of the licensor for the use of any new materials developed to replace the disapproved materials, in the manner set forth above.

(e) The licensee hereunder: (i) acknowledges and stipulates that, to the best of the knowledge of the licensee, the licensor’s licensed marks are valid and enforceable trademarks and/or service marks and that such licensee does not own the licensor’s licensed marks and claims no rights therein other than as a licensee under this Agreement; (ii) agrees never to contend otherwise in legal proceedings or in other circumstances; and (iii) acknowledges and agrees that the use of the licensor’s licensed marks pursuant to this grant of license shall inure to the benefit of the licensor.

Section 20. Parties to Cooperate

Each party to this Agreement will cooperate with each other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including, without limitation, the SEC, the NASD and state insurance regulators) and will permit each other and such authorities reasonable access to its books and records (including copies thereof) in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers signing below.

		AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS
Attest:		By:
Name:	Nancy L. Martin	Name:	[Robert H. Graham]
Title:	Assistant Secretary	Title:	[President]

		A I M ADVISORS, INC.
Attest:		By:
Name:	Nancy L. Martin	Name:	[Mark Williamson]
Title:	Assistant Secretary	Title:	President

		A I M DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Attest:		By:
Name:	Nancy L. Martin	Name:	Michael J. Cemo
Title:	Assistant Secretary	Title:	President

		NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, on behalf of itself and its separate accounts
Attest:		By:
Name:	[Lisa A. Chatterton]	Name:	[William G. Goslee]
Title:	[Variable Products Counsel]	Title:	[Vice President]

		NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, on behalf of itself and its separate accounts
Attest:		By:
Name:	[Lisa A. Chatterton]	Name:	[William G. Goslee]
Title:	[Variable Products Counsel]	Title:	[Vice President]

		NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT SERVICES CORPORATION
Attest:		By:
Name:	[Lisa A. Chatterton]	Name:	[William G. Goslee]
Title:	[Variable Products Counsel]	Title:	[Vice President]

SCHEDULE A

FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTS

AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS

FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER THE POLICIES	SEPARATE ACCOUNTS UTILIZING THE FUNDS
(Series I shares) AIM V.I. Aggressive Growth Fund AIM V.I. Balanced Fund AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund AIM V.I. Blue Chip Fund AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund AIM V.I. Capital Development Fund AIM V.I. Core Equity Fund AIM V.I. Dent Demographic Trends Fund AIM V.I. Diversified Income Fund AIM V.I. Global Utilities Fund AIM V.I. Government Securities Fund AIM V.I. Growth Fund AIM V.I. High Yield Fund AIM V.I. International Growth Fund AIM V.I. Mid Cap Core Equity Fund AIM V.I. New Technology Fund AIM V.I. Premier Equity Fund	Nationwide Variable Account Nationwide Variable Account-II Nationwide Variable Account-3 Nationwide Variable Account-4 Nationwide Variable Account-5 Nationwide Variable Account-6 Nationwide Variable Account -7 Nationwide Variable Account-8 Nationwide Variable Account-9 Nationwide Variable Account-10 Nationwide Variable Account-11 Nationwide Variable Account -12 Nationwide Variable Account-13 Nationwide Variable Account-14 Nationwide Variable Account-15 Nationwide Variable Account-16 Nationwide Variable Account-17 Multi-Flex Variable Account Nationwide VA Separate Account-A Nationwide VA Separate Account-B Nationwide VA Separate Account-C Nationwide VA Separate Account-D Nationwide VLI Separate Account Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3 Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4 Nationwide VLI Separate Account-5 Nationwide VLI Separate Account-6 Nationwide VL Separate Account Nationwide VL Separate Account-A Nationwide VL Separate Account-B Nationwide VL Separate Account-C Nationwide VL Separate Account-D Nationwide Private Placement Variable Account
(Series II shares) AIM V.I. Aggressive Growth Fund AIM V.I. Balanced Fund AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund AIM V.I. Blue Chip Fund AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund AIM V.I. Capital Development Fund AIM V.I. Core Equity Fund AIM V.I. Dent Demographic Trends Fund AIM V.I. Diversified Income Fund AIM V.I. Global Utilities Fund AIM V.I. Government Securities Fund AIM V.I. Growth Fund AIM V.I. High Yield Fund AIM V.I. International Growth Fund AIM V.I. Mid Cap Core Equity Fund AIM V.I. New Technology Fund AIM V.I. Premier Equity Fund

SCHEDULE B

AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS

(Series I shares)

(Series II shares)

AIM V.I. Aggressive Growth Fund

AIM V.I. Balanced Fund

AIM V.I. Basic Value Fund

AIM V.I. Blue Chip Fund

AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund

AIM V.I. Capital Development Fund

AIM V.I. Core Equity Fund

AIM V.I. Dent Demographic Trends Fund

AIM V.I. Diversified Income Fund

AIM V.I. Global Utilities Fund

AIM V.I. Government Securities Fund

AIM V.I. Growth Fund

AIM V.I. High Yield Fund

AIM V.I. International Growth Fund

AIM V.I. Mid Cap Core Equity Fund

AIM V.I. New Technology Fund

AIM V.I. Premier Equity Fund

AIM and Design