MASTER DISTRIBUTION AND MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of this 15th day of February, 2010
(“Effective Date”) by and between Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (“DA”), a
Delaware corporation, having offices at 000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx, XX 00000, and
Mexcor, Inc., a Texas corporation having an office at 0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000 (“Mexcor”). DA and Mexcor are sometimes referred to
individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.”
STATEMENT OF
FACTS:
WHEREAS,
DA produces, packages, stores, promotes and markets wines, spirits, beer and
other proprietary products on a worldwide basis, through designated producers
wholesalers/distributors (and those sub-distributors that DA and each designated
distributor may agree to appoint) sells such products in the United States and
in certain foreign countries (with a desire to expand distribution in the United
States and into other countries);
WHEREAS,
DA possesses certain licensing and other rights to produce and have produced the
products subject to this Agreement as well as rights to use the Recipes (as
herein defined), certain trademarks, trade names, trade dress, copyrights, label
designs, slogans, and logos and creative material related to iconic figures
associated with the Products and/or used to identify the Products, whether
registered, pending or pursuant to common law (collectively, the “Product
Rights”) in connection the Products (as defined in the next
paragraph);
WHEREAS,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, DA desires to have the
alcoholic products now listed on Schedule A, and as amended from time to time
pursuant to this Agreement (the “Products”), brewed, produced, packaged,
labeled, stored, inventoried, warehoused, shipped, marketed, promoted, and
distributed and sold by Mexcor (collectively, the “Services”) in the United
States of America (hereinafter, “the Territory”), and Mexcor desires to provide
the Services in the Territory pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth
herein;
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WHEREAS,
consistent with the foregoing, DA desires to appoint Mexcor as the exclusive
producer and master distributor for the Products in the Territory, and Mexcor
seeks to become the exclusive producer and master distributor for the
Products;
WHEREAS,
Mexcor may appoint sub-distributors and sub-producers for the production and
distribution of the Products and may continue such relationships now utilized by
DA.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and agreements set forth herein, and
other good and valuable considerations, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, do hereby promise and agree to the terms and conditions herein
contained.
INTRODUCTION
1.
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OVERVIEW.
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a.
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This
Agreement contemplates that all production and distribution activities
with respect to the Products in the Territory will, during the Term (as
will be defined hereinafter) of this Agreement, and except as otherwise
provided herein, including in Section 9 hereof, be undertaken by Mexcor at
Mexcor’s sole cost and expense, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance
with this overall intention of the parties. Consistent
therewith, any financial obligation not specifically allocated to Mexcor
under this Agreement which relates to the Products in the Territory will
hereinafter be borne by Mexcor. The operational obligations of
Mexcor as set forth in the definition of “Services” are not intended to be
all inclusive, and Mexcor and DA will amend this Agreement as necessary
from time to time to deal with any operational responsibilities which were
not included in the definition of Services, so as to satisfy the intention
of the parties described herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Mexcor is not responsible for any payables of DA which have accrued prior
to the Effective Date.
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b.
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This
is an agreement under which Mexcor will provide the Services with respect
to the Products within the United States of America (the “Territory”), as
more fully described herein. Mexcor will perform the Services
in accordance with industry standards and practices. For each
Product initially and/or hereinafter listed in Schedule A by way of
amendment pursuant to this Agreement, Mexcor shall have the exclusive
right to perform the Services until termination of the Agreement and/or,
with respect to a specific Product, removal of the Product from Schedule A
by DA under the terms and conditions this Agreement.
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c.
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DA
hereby grants, and Mexcor hereby accepts, an exclusive sub-license of the
Product Rights and other proprietary rights of DA to produce, brew,
package, label, store, inventory, warehouse, ship, market, promote,
distribute and sell the Products within the Territory with the right to
sub-license to sub-producers and sub-distributors in accordance with the
terms hereof (collectively, the “Mexcor Sublicense”). The
Mexcor Sublicense shall terminate upon the termination of the Agreement
and/or, with respect to a specific Product, removal of the Product from
Schedule A by DA under the terms and conditions this
Agreement.
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d.
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DA
developed either alone or with others the formulations and recipes for the
Products (the “Recipes”). Other than for purposes of fulfilling
its obligations under this Agreement, Mexcor shall not brew or replicate
any beverage product utilizing the Recipes and shall treat the Recipes as
confidential and proprietary information belonging to DA, as provided in
Section 23 hereof. Mexcor may sub-license the Recipes to
sub-producers with the consent of DA, which will not be unreasonably
withheld.
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2.
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PRODUCT
ADDITONS.
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a.
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DA
and Mexcor may by mutual agreement amend Schedule A to include additional
products that are in DA’s current product portfolio on such terms as they
shall agree (“Additional Products”). Any such Additional
Products shall become Products subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
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b.
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DA
contemplates that it will develop additional alcoholic products (“New
Beverages”) and potentially license and/or create trademarks, trade and/or
brand names, logos and other similar proprietary rights with respect to
such alcoholic beverages. If and when DA develops any such New
Beverage(s), it shall advise Mexcor in writing of its intent to introduce
such New Beverage(s) into the marketplace, together with such information
it has available to it in connection with such New
Beverage. Within twenty (20) days after Mexcor receives such
writing, DA and Mexcor will discuss whether the New Beverage(s) should be
added to Schedule A, and thereby cause the New Beverage(s) to become a
Product subject to the terms and condition of this
Agreement. Provided that DA and Mexcor agree to the economic
terms which will apply to the addition of such New Beverage(s), Schedule A
shall be amended and the New Beverage added to the product list on
Schedule A.
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3.
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MODIFICATION OF
PRODUCT LIST. At DA’s sole discretion, any Product
listed now or subsequently listed on Schedule A may be removed by DA from
such schedule, and therefore no longer be a Product subject to this
Agreement, in the event the sales of the Product set forth on Schedule B
attached hereto (the “Required Product Threshold”) are not
achieved. In such case, the removed Products will no longer be
subject to this Agreement and all rights granted to Mexcor hereunder
concerning the removed Product, including all sublicenses of Product
Rights will terminate upon written notice from DA to
Mexcor. Upon removal of a Product, Mexcor will immediately
cancel new production of the removed Product, but will be allowed to
fulfill outstanding orders and distribute all finished inventory and
current production scheduled to be packaged at the time of
removal.
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4.
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TERM.
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a.
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This
Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and shall remain in
effect for an initial period of five (5) years (the “Initial Term”),
unless terminated earlier as provided for herein.
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b.
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Following
completion of the full five (5) year Initial Term, this Agreement shall
automatically renew and shall remain in effect for an additional period of
ten (10) years (the “Renewal Term” and, together with the Initial Term,
the “Term”), provided that (i) the aggregate net sales of the Products
during the Initial Term are at least $8,000,000 (hereinafter, “the Renewal
Criteria”). As used throughout this Agreement, “net sales” of a
Product means gross sales of the Product less any
returns.
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c.
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DA
and Mexcor shall meet not less than ninety (90) days prior to the
expiration of the Initial Term to discuss whether the Renewal Criteria
will likely be satisfied, with Mexcor providing documentation as to net
sales of the Products realized through the last practicable date, not less
than ten (10) days prior to said meeting.
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d.
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In
the event the term of this Agreement is not automatically renewed, at DA’s
option this Agreement will remain effective for a ninety (90) day period
to allow DA to transition provision of the Services.
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e.
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The
Parties agree that DA’s choice of Mexcor is in reliance on its current
ownership and management. Accordingly, DA may terminate this
Agreement with a minimum of thirty (30) days written notice if Mexcor
sells a substantial portion of its assets and/or undergoes a change in
ownership involving fifty-one (51%) or more of Mexcor’s current
shareholders.
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f.
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The
Parties agree that DA’s ability to sub-license the Product Rights is
essential to this Agreement. Therefore, and notwithstanding any
provision contained in this Agreement, DA may remove any specific Product
from Schedule A if DA loses its right to sub-license Product Rights
relating to such Product, provided, however, that any minimum sales
requirements of Mexcor set forth in this Agreement will be reduced by an
amount reasonably determined by the Executive Committee if DA’s loss of
licensing rights is no fault of
Mexcor’s.
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5.
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PAYMENT OF LICENSE
FEES AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES. For each case or case
equivalent of Product distributed by Mexcor during the Term of this
Agreement, Mexcor will pay DA, on a per-case basis, the License Fee for
the Product as set forth in Schedule A. The amounts accrued for
each month under this paragraph shall be payable on the fifteenth (15th)
day of the succeeding month. Mexcor will provide, and will
cause any sub-producers and/or sub-distributors to provide, the Services
in accordance with any audit and/or inspection rights of Product Rights
Owners set forth in any agreement between the Products Rights Owners and
DA.
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6.
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MEXCOR
COMPENSATION. In compensation for its performance of the
Services, Mexcor will be entitled to retain that portion of the net sales
proceeds from sales of the Products which remain after it has satisfied
all of its obligations hereunder, including all production costs, cost of
components, marketing expenses, expenses related to brewing and
production, the production, maintenance and warehousing of inventory, the
payment of the License Fees and the Drinks Fees referred to in Schedule A
attached hereto.
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7.
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BRAND PARTICIPATION BY
MEXCOR. In the event that during the Term of this
Agreement DA sells any of the Product Rights and related rights relating
to one or more Products which are listed on Schedule A at the time of
sale, or, if the sale occurs after the termination of this Agreement or
after the Product(s) has been removed from Schedule A, provided that
Mexcor has satisfied the Required Product Threshold for the Product set
forth in Schedule B for the eighteen (18) months following the Effective
Date, DA shall pay Mexcor:
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a.
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for
Product Rights relating to Products included in this Agreement on the
Effective Date (collectively, with Additional Products, “the Initial
Products”), five percent (5%) of the net consideration realized by DA in
connection with such sale; and
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b.
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for
Product Rights relating to New Products, twenty percent (20%) of the net
consideration realized by DA in connection with such
sale.
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To the
extent that any consideration realized by DA from such sale consists of a
promissory note, stock or securities or any other property, DA will use its best
efforts to cause the purchaser of any such Products to issue to Mexcor, on the
closing of such sale, 5% (in the event of Initial Products) or 20% (in the event
of New Products) of the notes, stock, securities or other property otherwise
payable to DA.
8.
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EQUITY
COMPENSATION.
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a.
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Shares. In
consideration for Mexcor’s obligations set forth in this Agreement, within
ten (10) days of the Effective Date, DA shall issue and deliver to Mexcor
twelve million (12,000,000) shares of its common stock having $0.001 par
value (the “Shares”), which shall bear the following
legend:
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RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS
“THE
SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD UNLESS
AND UNTIL THEY ARE SO REGISTERED OR THE CORPORATION RECEIVES AN OPINION OF
COUNSEL REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO IT STATING THAT AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH
ACT IS AVAILABLE.”
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b.
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Mexcor
represents and acknowledges that:
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(i)
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it
is an “Accredited Investor” as defined in Regulation D of the 1933 Act,
and that it understands that the Shares have not been and will not be
registered under the 1933 Act or under the securities laws of any state,
territory or jurisdiction of the United States;
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(ii)
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it
is acquiring the Shares for itself and not for the account of any other
person and not with a view to resale or distribution of the Shares in
violation of the United States securities laws;
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(iii)
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it
has received no representations of any type from any person with respect
to the present or future value of the Shares or the prospects of DA and
that it has such knowledge and experience in financial and business
matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks relating to
an investment in the Shares. Mexcor understands that the Shares are
restricted securities in the United States and cannot be resold in the
United States or transferred in the United States unless they are
registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) or
pursuant to an exemption from such registration, and in accordance with
applicable United States and/or state securities laws, and that prior to
such sale in the United States, Mexcor will be required to and will
furnish to DA an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to DA
establishing the basis on which such sale is permitted under the Act and
such state securities laws.
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c.
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Warrants. In
addition the forgoing, DA will issue to Mexcor warrants to acquire two
million (2,000,000) shares of DA’s common stock at such time as Mexcor
realizes $8,000,000 of net sales of Products (the “First Warrants”), and
additional warrants to acquire two million (2,000,000) shares of DA’s
common stock at such time as Mexcor realizes twelve million
dollars ($12,000,000) in net sales of Products over a twelve (12) month
look-back period (the “Second Warrants”), provided such criteria are
satisfied during the Initial Term.
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d.
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Furthermore
DA will issue to Mexcor, warrants to acquire 2,000,000 shares of DA’s
common stock for each Product introduced by Mexcor that is added to
Schedule A such that the brand becomes a Product (“Mexcor’s Additions”),
provided that (i) Mexcor agrees in writing that DA will receive not less
that 20% of any amount realized by Mexcor on the sale of Mexcor’s interest
in the Mexcor Addition consistent with the rights granted by DA to Mexcor
under Section 7 hereof, and (ii) DA receives not less than $75,000 in
Drinks Fees as a result of sales of such Product in the ordinary course of
business or Mexcor sells not less than 20,000 case equivalents of a Mexcor
Addition (the “Third Warrants”). The addition of Products to
Schedule A under this subsection will only take place if DA will receive
Drinks Fees on the sales of the Mexcor Addition consistent in amount to
the fees it received with respect to the Initial Products and DA consents
to the amendment of Schedules A and B consistent
therewith.
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e.
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The
First, Second and Third Warrants will be exercisable for a period of five
(5) years from the date of issuance at an exercise price of 75% of the
average closing price of DA common stock over the fifteen trading days
immediately preceding issuance of the
warrants.
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f.
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Mexcor
agrees that with respect to the Shares and the shares of common stock it
acquires on exercise of the First, Second and Third Warrants (the “Mexcor
Securities”) that it will not sell, in any calendar week, more than 25% of
the average weekly trading volume of DA’s common stock on the OTCBB (or
such other market on which its common stock trades, if it does not trade
on the OTCBB), during the previous calendar quarter, and that prior to
such sales, it will provide DA written notice of not less than 10 trading
days in advance of such sale, of its intent to sell a specified number of
shares, within 5 days of which, DA may acquire such shares at a purchase
price equal to the averaging closing price for DA’s common stock for the
five day period preceding the day notice is given to
DA.
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9.
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DA’S CONSULTING
SERVICES. DA will provide general consulting services
(the “Consulting Services”) with respect to iconic and general product
marketing and development, regional and national marketing services (for
example, newspaper advertising, radio advertising, billboards and similar
matters), regulatory compliance, production, relationships with Product
Rights Owners (as hereinafter defined), as well as such other items as are
provided for herein and as to which the parties may mutually
agree. DA will be primarily responsible for all such
matters. DA will be reimbursed for any costs it incurs to third
parties in performing the Consulting Services described hereunder,
provided that reimbursement to DA will not exceed the current “Marketing
Allocation” balance set forth on Schedule A. In order to
provide the Consulting Services referenced in this Section, DA will use it
best efforts to maintain on its staff, at its expense, a product
production executive and a marketing and events manager. and Mexcor will
cooperate with such individuals by providing access to marketing and
promotional events and such individuals will interact with members of
Mexcor’s staff as well as the special staff referenced in Section 11
hereto.
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10.
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DRINKS
ROYALTIES.
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a.
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Drinks
Fees. In consideration for the licenses and sub-licenses
issued by DA to Mexcor hereunder, the other rights granted by DA to Mexcor
in connection with the Products and for the Consulting Services, Mexcor
will pay to DA a per-case or case equivalent royalty in the amount listed
under the caption “Drinks Fees” on Schedule A attached hereto, which will
increase by ten percent (10%) on August 15, 2011, with additional 10%
increases (compounded) on August 15 of each successive year during the
Initial Term. In addition to the foregoing, for each case of
Damiana 750 ml or Damiana 50 ml (collectively, “the Damiana Products”)
distributed by Mexcor during the Term of this Agreement, Mexcor will pay
to DA $10.00, provided, however, that except for this fee, the Damiana
Products are not Products within the meaning of this
Agreement.
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b.
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Minimum
Royalties. For the first full twenty-one (21) calendar
months following the Effective Date, Mexcor will pay DA the greater of (i)
the Drinks Fees described under Section 10.a (including fees calculated on
the Damiana Products), or (ii) the following minimum royalty payments (the
“Minimum Royalties”):
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Time
Period
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Monthly
Minimum Royalty
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Months
1–3
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$ | 0 | ||
Months
4-6,
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$ | 20,000 | ||
Months
7–9
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$ | 35,000 | ||
Months
10–21
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$ | 50,000 |
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c.
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Time for
Payment. The Minimum Royalties for each month are
payable on the fifteenth (15th) day of that
month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the accrued
Drinks Fees for the preceding month under Section 10.a is greater than the
Minimum Royalty for such preceding month, such greater amount (the “Excess
Payment”) will be payable on the fifteenth (15th) day of the current month
along with the Minimum Royalty payable with respect to the current
month. The Parties will reconcile any net over- or
underpayments not less than once every six months during the Term of this
Agreement.
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d.
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Efficiencies. On
each anniversary of the Effective Date, Mexcor and DA will review any cost
savings with respect to the production of the Products (including
component parts) that have been realized during the previous twelve (12)
month period measured against the cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) set forth in
Schedule A on the Effective Date.. Such cost savings are
anticipated to occur as a result of Mexcor assuming the production
responsibilities with respect to the Products. Fifteen percent
(15%) of the gross production savings, measured against the COGS set forth
in the original Schedule A, will be added to the Drinks Fees otherwise
payable to DA under Section 10.a, which addition will accrue promptly with
respect to sales of Products commencing the day after such anniversary
date.
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For
example, if Old Whisky River Bourbon’s Drinks Fee is ten dollars ($10) dollars
per case or case equivalent and the production costs related to Old Whiskey
River were reduced over the first year of the Agreement from the current $73.25
to $63.25 (a net saving of $10.00), the Drinks Fee with respect to this Product
would be increased by 15% of $10, or $1.50, resulting in a revised Drinks Fee of
$11.50. If during the second year of the Agreement, the productions
costs increased from $63.25 to $73.25 (a net increase from the first year, but
no net increase or decrease when measured against the COGS on the Effective
Date), to the extent not counterbalanced by a pricing increase, the Drinks Free
for this Product will return to $10.00.
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e.
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DA
acknowledges that the COGS set forth in Schedule A were provided by DA to
Mexcor, and represents that those COGS are true and correct. In
the event that actual COGS vary from that set forth in Schedule A by more
than 5%, Schedule A shall be appropriately amended.
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f.
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If
profit margins for one or more Products increases as a result of price
increases, the parties will negotiate an adjustment in the Drinks Fees for
such Products(s) in good faith.
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ADMINISTRATION
11.
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SPECIAL
STAFF. In addition to any and all personnel required to
fulfill Mexcor’s responsibilities hereunder, Mexcor will also hire one
sales manager for the Products selected by DA who is listed on Schedule C,
attached hereto, to be compensated at substantially the rate of
compensation which he/she currently receives, provided, however, that
Mexcor shall not be obligated to maintain that position more than six
months from the Effective Date if maintaining the position is not
economically justifiable. In the event such individual were not
to continue providing services to Mexcor hereunder during the six-month
period, DA can nominate replacements, reasonably acceptable to Mexcor, who
will be similarly compensated. Mexcor will also consider
retaining one metro New York sales representative at a level of
compensation reasonably acceptable to
Xxxxxx.
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00.
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EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE. Mexcor will use its best efforts to provide
the Services in a manner that maximizes cost efficiencies and sales of
Products and in doing so shall make the day-to-day decisions in the
ordinary course of business in connection with the matters for which it is
responsible hereunder, in all cases in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement. However, in performing the Services, Mexcor shall
report to an Executive Committee, which will have the authority to make
decisions with respect to more significant issues not typically viewed as
ordinary-course-of-business decisions. The more significant
decisions which are not “ordinary course” decisions will be determined
exclusively by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee
will be formed by DA and Mexcor and consist of one nominee of DA, one
nominee of Mexcor, and a third person to be selected jointly by DA and
Mexcor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, DA will make all
decisions relating to Product Rights, relations with Product Rights Owners
(as hereinafter defined), intellectual property, the appearance of the
Product, or relationship with the iconic figures whose name, image or
likeness or is related to the brand or who otherwise sponsors the brand or
Product in any form. In addition, decisions relating to the
quality of the brand and marketing decisions related to any of the
forgoing will also be made by DA.
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13.
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DUTIES
OF MEXCOR. In performing the Services, Mexcor’s obligations,
which it can satisfy through sub-contractors reasonably acceptable to DA,
provided that Mexcor causes the obligations listed hereunder to be
satisfied by such sub-contractors, which will in all cases be in
accordance with applicable laws, will include, but not be limited to the
following:
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a.
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Mexcor
shall produce each Product in quantities sufficient to meet purchase
orders for each Product.
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b.
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The
Products shall be produced in strict accordance with the Recipes, and
Mexcor shall not change the Recipe for any Product in any manner without
the prior written consent of DA. If required by any state or federal
agency, Mexcor shall provide samples of the Product for analysis, with
costs for such analysis to be paid by Mexcor.
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c.
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Mexcor
shall be responsible for purchasing, at its cost, all ingredients and
packaging materials for the Products based upon its sales forecasts.
Mexcor shall ensure that all ingredients and packaging materials conform
to DA’s specifications and are fit for their intended
use.
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d.
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Mexcor
shall obtain, with DA’s assistance, appropriate Certificates of Label
Approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) and
properly register the Products with any federal, state or local regulatory
authority and take any other actions required to perform the Services in
accordance with applicable laws. All costs incurred in obtaining state and
federal label approvals, state brand registrations and other satisfying
legal requirements shall be borne by
Mexcor.
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e.
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Subject
to any applicable laws, DA will provide to Mexcor a letter granting Mexcor
authorization to use all DA Certificates of Label Approval from the TTB
and indicating that Mexcor is the United States importer for those
brands.
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f.
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Mexcor
shall be responsible for sales of the Products and related matters
including, but not limited to invoicing, collection of receivables,
payment of taxes, and reconciliation of purchaser
accounts.
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g.
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For
each calendar month during this Agreement, Mexcor will provide DA with a
detailed report to include, but not be limited to, (i) the quantity of
each Product produced, and (ii) gross and net sales by customer for each
Product, (iii) revenues collected on a per-Product basis, (iv) taxes paid
and (v) any other description of Mexcor activities, costs or receipts
reasonably requested by DA relating to the Products.
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h.
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Mexcor
shall be responsible to pay all federal, state of and/or local excise and
other taxes on Products including those applying with respect to the sale
of Products. Mexcor shall also prepare and file required
monthly production and shipment reports and any other reports required
under applicable laws.
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i.
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At
any time during the Term of this Agreement, and for a period of four (4)
years thereafter, but in any event not more than once every calendar year,
DA shall be entitled to retain an independent and qualified auditor to
audit the books and records of Mexcor for the sole purpose of confirming
the accuracy of accrued royalties and payments due
hereunder. Any such audit shall be performed during normal
business hours and at DA’s expense, provided, however, that if such audit
reveals an underpayment of five percent (5%) or more of the amount that
should have accrued or should have been paid to DA for the period audited,
then Mexcor shall bear the full expense of such audit. In the
event of any underpayment of royalties, Mexcor shall promptly remit to DA
all amounts due.
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14.
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PACKING AND
QUALITY.
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a.
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Mexcor
shall be responsible for all packing filled and sealed into containers in
sizes, only as approved by DA, and the labeling of Products, as selected
by DA, in accordance with applicable laws. Containers shall be packed in
secondary packaging approved by DA, properly sealed, and placed onto
pallets in a shrink-wrapped standard configuration.
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b.
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Mexcor
will apply or request sub-producers apply a printed production code upon
each container indicating the date of production for the Product contained
therein, or its “Best Before Date.”
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c.
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The
design, composition, and dimensions of all primary and secondary packaging
shall be determined by DA and shall not be changed by Mexcor without DA’s
written approval.
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d.
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Mexcor
will monitor production and packaging of each Product in accordance with
Mexcor’s standard quality assurance procedures.
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e.
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Any
and all consumer complaints received by Mexcor relating to the Products
shall be forwarded to DA and Mexcor shall promptly respond to the
complaint.
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15.
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MARKETING
BUDGET. A specific per-case amount per Product, determined by
the number of cases of each Product sold, as set forth on Schedule A under
the caption “Marketing Allocation,” shall be set aside and expended by
Mexcor for marketing of each Product. The type of marketing
activities and the specific related costs shall be subject to the
agreement of DA and Mexcor, however, DA’s consent will be required with
respect to the foregoing.
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16.
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APPOINTMENT
OF SUB-DISTRIBUTORS AND SUB-PRODUCERS. Mexcor shall have
the right to appoint sub-distributors and/or sub-producers to distribute
and/or produce the Products, provided, however, that Mexcor shall ensure
that any sub-producer, sub-distributor, or other party that fulfills all
or part of Mexcor’s obligations hereunder will perform such services
consistent with the terms of conditions of such all this Agreement and all
applicable laws.
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17.
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INSURANCE.
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a.
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Mexcor
shall, at its expense, maintain product liability insurance during the
Term of the Agreement and for three (3) years after termination, in an
amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per incident and two million
dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate. Mexcor shall provide DA
with a certificate of insurance evidencing the existence of this coverage
no later than thirty (30) days after execution of this
Agreement. Mexcor’s policy shall name DA as a co-insured and
provide that DA will be given at least ten (10) days prior notice of
cancellation or expiration of the
policy.
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19
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b.
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Mexcor
shall procure and maintain in full force and effect xxxxxxx’x
compensation, general liability, bodily injury, and public liability
property damage insurance policies including broad form vendor’s coverage
in an amount of not less than five-hundred thousand dollars
($500,000). Mexcor shall, on an annual basis, furnish DA with a
certificate of insurance evidencing that it has such insurance
coverage. Mexcor agrees to notify DA at least ten (10) days
prior to the cancellation or expiration of such
policies.
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c.
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Mexcor
shall maintain sufficient insurance to protect the Product Rights, and
shall notify DA at least ten (10) days prior to the cancellation or
expiration of such insurance.
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REPRESENTATION AND
WARRANTIES
18.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES.
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a.
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Each
party represents and warrants to the other party that it is duly organized
and in good standing in its respective jurisdiction of organization, that
it has the authority to enter into and perform this Agreement, and that
the consummation of this Agreement will not violate any agreement or
judicial order to which it is a party or by which it is
bound.
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b.
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DA
represents and warrants that it is authorized to sub-license the Products
Rights to Mexcor to the extent required for Mexcor to perform the
Services. DA warrants that the Products Rights do not, to the
best of DA's knowledge, infringe upon any copyrights, patents, trademarks,
trade dress, or other property rights of any person, firm or
entity. DA further represents and warrants that it is unaware
of any current, potential, and/or threatened claim for infringement of a
third-party’s intellectual property rights relating to the Products
Rights.
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c.
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Mexcor
represents and warrants to DA that (i) it currently has, will acquire,
and/or will maintain during the term of this Agreement, all state and
federal licenses, permits, registrations and certificates necessary to
produce or have produced, package, import, store, distribute and sell the
Products and to satisfy its obligations hereunder and that Mexcor will use
its best efforts to cause any sub-producers or sub-distributors
to have and maintain all such licenses, permits, registrations
and certificates, (ii) all Products will be brewed and packaged in strict
accordance with the Recipe and be free from adulteration and foreign
contaminants, (iii) both DA and the Product Rights Owner, as more
fully described herein, may inspect production records and operations
related to the Product upon request and during normal Mexcor business
hours, (v) it will follow and that Mexcor will use its best efforts to
cause sub-producers to follow good manufacturing practices in the
production of the Products and all Products shall be of a good and
merchantable quality and fit for the purpose for which intended, and (vi)
the Recipe and production and packaging of the Products will be in
accordance with all applicable state and federal and foreign
laws.
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d.
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EXCEPT
AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, THE PARTIES MAKE NO OTHER WARRANTIES AND
HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED.
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21
19.
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PRODUCT
RIGHTS.
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a.
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Mexcor
recognizes that the Product Rights have great value and acknowledges that
certain of the Product Rights are licensed and not owned by DA and all
accompanying rights thereto, including all goodwill, are the property of
the owner of the Product Rights (the “Product Rights
Owner”). Mexcor shall not, during the term of this Agreement or
anytime thereafter, assert any right of ownership over the Product
Rights in any manner, use the Product Rights other than in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, or otherwise misappropriate
the Product Rights for its own use and gain.
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b.
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Mexcor
agrees that it will not, in any manner, disparage or diminish the image
and quality of any of the Products, the Product Rights, or of
the owners of the Product Rights (the “Product
Rights Owners”) and, other than as expressly permitted under this
Agreement or with the written consent of DA, shall never (i) engage in any
communications, public relations, promotion marketing, or sales activities
relating to Mexcor’s involvement with production of the Products, or the
affiliation of the Products with the Product Rights Owners, or (ii) make
use, in any way, of the Products, the Product Rights, or of the name or
likeness of the Product Rights Owner, or any affiliate thereof,
except in furtherance of this Agreement.
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c.
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Mexcor
shall cooperate with DA in preserving and protecting the integrity and
value of the Product Rights. Mexcor agrees to indemnify and hold DA
harmless for any misuse or misappropriation of the Product Rights by
any person including any sub-distributor or sub-manufacturer, and to
compensate DA for any damages incurred as a result of such misuse or
misappropriation by Mexcor or sub-distributor or
sub-producer.
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d.
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Mexcor
acknowledges and expressly agrees that the Product Rights Owners
(other than DA and its affiliates) are not a party to this Agreement, and
Mexcor shall have no recourse whatsoever, whether based in law or in
equity, against the third-party Product Rights Owner for any claim
Mexcor may have arising from this Agreement. To the extent
Mexcor may, under any law, have any claim against third-party Product
Rights Owner arising from this Agreement, Mexcor hereby expressly and
unequivocally waives such claim in its entirety and will indemnify the
third-party Product Rights Owners for any and all costs, expenses, or
damages, including attorney fees, incurred by the Product
Rights Owners resulting from Mexcor taking any action inconsistent
with Mexcor’s stated waiver and agreement contained in this
paragraph.
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OTHER AGREEMENTS AND
ACKNOWLEDGEMNTS
20.
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RELATIONSHIP
OF THE PARTIES. Mexcor and DA shall be deemed independent
contractors and nothing herein contained shall be construed to create any
partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between the
parties. Neither party shall have the power or right to bind
the other party to any third party.
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21.
|
INDEMNIFICATION.
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(a)
|
Mexcor
agrees to defend, indemnify and hold DA harmless against any and all
claims, costs, damages, liabilities, expenses, losses, causes of action
(including reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of, due to, or in any
way connected with (i) Mexcor’s breach of any agreement, representation,
or covenant contained in this Agreement, (ii) Mexcor's failure to properly
perform the Services including to properly produce, package, and
distribute the Products, or (iii) any violation by Mexcor of federal or
state law.
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23
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(b)
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DA
agrees to defend indemnify and hold Mexcor harmless against any and all
claims, costs, damages, liabilities, expenses, losses, causes of action
(including reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of, due to, or in any
way connected with (i) DA’s breach of any agreement, representation or
covenant contained in this Agreement; or (ii) DA’s failure to properly
perform its obligations hereunder.
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22.
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TERMINATION FOR CAUSE
AND DAMAGES.
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a.
|
In
addition to any other termination provision contained herein, either party
may terminate this Agreement for a material breach by the other party upon
ninety days (90) days written notice to the other party, provided,
however, that the party receiving notice shall have ninety (90) days to
cure or remedy any deficiency or alleged breach contained in the notice
received.
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b.
|
This
Agreement may be terminated if either party fails to make payment for any
undisputed amounts due under this Agreement within fifty-five (55) days
after receipt of written notice.
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c.
|
Upon
termination of this Agreement, Mexcor will immediately cancel new
production of the Products, but will be allowed to fulfill outstanding
orders and distribute all finished inventory and current production
scheduled to be packaged at the time of
termination.
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24
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d.
|
Any
claim by either party arising out of or relating to this Agreement must be
brought no later than 365 days after the latter of: (i) the date the claim
arises, or (ii) the date the claimant first becomes aware of the
claim. Claims not brought within the time provided herein shall
be barred.
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e.
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Claims
for money damages arising out of any action amounting to a breach of this
Agreement by either party shall be limited to the actual damages caused by
said breach. Neither party shall be entitled to any
consequential, special or exemplary damages. Either party may
make a claim for equitable relief.
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23.
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CONFIDENTIALITY AND
IMPLEMENTATION.
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a.
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DA,
in addition to granting the sub-licenses to Mexcor provided in this
Agreement, DA may provide Mexcor with designs for primary and secondary
packaging materials, marketing plans, and other information, materials,
and instructions related to the Product, the Product Rights, the Product
Rights Owner, the brand name, and the trade name (all of the foregoing is
to be considered as “Confidential Information.” Mexcor will
implement all such designs and instructions of DA with respect to the
foregoing.
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b.
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A
party’s Confidential Information, and all other materials, information,
data or records provided by one party to the other relating to this
Agreement shall be the sole and exclusive property of the party providing
such materials (collectively referred to as “Confidential Information”).
The parties agree that all Confidential information provided to
either party by the other in connection with this Agreement shall not be
disclosed to any other person and shall only be used in the performance of
this Agreement and for no other reason. Each party shall return the
original and all copies of any Confidential Information promptly following
termination of this Agreement.
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25
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c.
|
In
the event of any breach of confidentiality, the injured party may seek
injunctive relief against the other party's disclosure of the Proprietary
and Confidential Information and be entitled to damages for each
individual instance of disclosure whether or not such instances of
disclosure are of the same Proprietary and Confidential
Information. This agreement of confidentiality and non-disclosure
shall not apply to information which (i) is in the public domain at the
time of the receipt from the other party, or which comes into the public
domain without breach of an obligation hereunder; (ii) is known and can be
shown to be known by one party at the time of receipt from the other
party; (iii) becomes known to one party through a third source whose
acquisition was independent of the other party and not in breach of any
obligation under this Agreement; or (iv) is required to be disclosed under
applicable laws.
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24.
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ENTIRE
AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the exhibits referred to
herein constitute the entire Agreement between the parties pertaining to
the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements,
understandings, negotiations and discussions of the parties, whether oral
or written, and there are no warranties, representations or other
agreements between the parties in connection with the subject matter
hereof, except as specifically set forth
herein.
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26
25.
|
SEVERABILITY. If
any term or provision of this Agreement shall, to any extent, be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement
shall not be affected thereby, and each remaining term and provision of
this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the extent permitted by
law.
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26.
|
MISCELLANEOUS.
|
|
a.
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Governing
Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be construed and
interpreted according to the laws of the State of Texas without reference
to its conflicts of laws principles. The Parties agree that any
dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be brought Xxxxxx County,
Texas or, in the case of federal jurisdiction, the United States District
Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston
Division.
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b.
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any dispute between the parties as to conformity of
Products to the Recipe shall be determined by Brewing and Distilling
Analytical Services, 000 Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000, at the expense
of DA.
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c.
|
Attorneys'
Fees. If either party brings an action to enforce this
Agreement, or to declare rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party
in any such action shall be entitled to its reasonable attorneys' fees to
be paid by the losing party.
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27
|
d.
|
Assignment. Either
party may assign this Agreement, subject to all of the terms and
provisions hereof and to the written consent of the non-assigning party,
which may be withheld by DA in its sole discretion but may not be
unreasonably withheld by Mexcor. All provisions of this Agreement
shall be binding upon the respective employees, delegates, successors,
heirs and permitted assignees of the parties.
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|
e.
|
Notices. Unless
otherwise specifically provided herein, all communications or notices
required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given at the earlier of the date when actually
delivered to an officer of the other or three (3) days after
mailing in the United States mail via certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested, and addressed as follows, unless and until either party
notifies the other of a change of
address:
|
If to
Mexcor:
Xx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Mexcor,
Inc.
0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
If to
DA:
Mr. J.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, CEO
000
Xxxxxxx Xx.
Xxxxxx,
XX 00000
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f.
|
Waiver
and Modification. Unless otherwise specifically provided
herein, no waiver or modification of any of the terms of this Agreement
shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties. No
waiver by either party of a breach or default under this Agreement shall
be deemed a waiver by such party of a prior or subsequent breach or
default of a like or similar
nature.
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|
g.
|
Force
Majeure. In the event that either party is prevented or delayed
from performing its obligations under this Agreement by virtue of fires,
labor strikes, labor disputes, accidents, sabotage, federal or state
legislation, or orders there under, judicial action, acts of God, war,
acts of terrorism, or civil commotion, such nonperformance shall be
excused and shall not constitute a default under this Agreement; provided,
that in the event that such nonperformance continues for a period in
excess of three (3) consecutive months, either party shall have the option
to terminate this Agreement immediately upon written
notice.
|
|
h.
|
Further
Instruments. The parties shall execute and deliver any and all
other instruments and shall take any and all other actions as may be
reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this
Agreement.
|
|
i.
|
Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument. The descriptive headings herein are inserted for
convenience only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. DA and Mexcor hereby
acknowledge that this Agreement shall not be construed in favor of one
party more than the other based upon which party drafted the
Agreement.
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29
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.
Drinks
Americas Holding, Ltd.
|
Mexcor
Distributors
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By:
|
By:
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Title:
|
Title:
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30