Buyer shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold Seller harmless from the payment of any judgments, claims, costs, expenses and liabilities (“Damages”), whether direct, contingent or otherwise, assessed against Seller which are payable with respect to the ownership or operation of the Leases from and after the Closing Date. Seller shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold Buyer harmless from the payment of any and all Damages, whether direct, contingent or otherwise assessed against Buyer or Seller which are payable with respect to the ownership or operation of the Leases prior to the Closing Date.