John takes a suit to an agency for cleaning. The agent writes the cost of the cleaning and date it will be ready on the docket. John puts it straight into his pocket without looking.

On the back of the docket is printed the following clause, "The company will not be liable for any loss or damage to articles left for cleaning, whether caused by the negligence of the servants or agents of the company or otherwise". John's suit, when returned, is badly stained and torn. John now wishes to sue the company.

Required:

What must John prove in order to succeed in his claim in contract law and what must the company prove in order to defeat his claim successfully?