CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN OMITTED AND REPLACED WITH “[***]”. SUCH IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS (1) NOT MATERIAL AND (2) THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR...
Exhibit 10.16
CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN OMITTED AND REPLACED WITH “[***]”. SUCH IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS (1) NOT MATERIAL AND (2) THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of February 18, 2019 (the “Effective Date”) between Spaceflight Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Xxxxx Xxxx (“Executive”) (collectively referred to as the “Parties” or each individually referred to as a “Party”).
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive as its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer and to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to accept such employment and enter into such an agreement.
A G R E E M E N T
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Duties and Scope of Employment.
(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In this role, Executive will also be assigned duties as are commonly assigned to a Chief Operating Officer. The salary, benefits, and other compensation provided to Executive hereunder are intended to compensate Executive for all work performed for the Company and at the Company’s direction, whether for the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, or otherwise, as shall reasonably and lawfully be assigned to Executive by the Company’s President, or, at any time the Company’s President role is unfilled, by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and, as such, from and after the date hereof, Executive shall report directly to and shall be subject to the direction of the Company’s President or the Board, as applicable. Such duties may include, but not be limited to, activities such as overseeing cross-functional organizational operations to ensure effective financial and operational procedures are in place to drive sustainable growth and meet business goals. In performing Executive’s duties hereunder, Executive shall be available for reasonable travel as the needs of the business require. The period of Executive’s at-will employment under the terms of this Agreement is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”
(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of Executive’s ability and will devote Executive’s full business efforts and time to the Company. For the duration of the Employment Term, Executive agrees not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the prior written approval of the Board.
2. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and, as such, may be terminated at any time with or without cause, for any reason or no reason. Executive further understands and agrees that neither Executive’s job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of Executive’s employment with the Company.
3. Compensation.
(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive as compensation for Executive’s services a base salary at a rate of $275,000 per year, as may be modified from time to time at the discretion of the Board or a duly constituted committee of the Board (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices (subject to required withholdings). Any modification in Base Salary (together with the then existing Base Salary) shall serve as the “Base Salary” for future employment under this Agreement. The first and last payment will be adjusted, if necessary, to reflect a commencement or termination date other than the first or last working day of a pay period.
(b) Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for an annual bonus, as described in and subject to the terms of this Section 3(b), based upon the achievement of certain Company and individual goals as determined by the Company in its discretion after consultation with Executive (the “Annual Bonus”). The Board will determine in its reasonable discretion whether the performance objectives for any Annual Bonus have been achieved. In connection with the Annual Bonus, subject to the corresponding performance levels being achieved, the Executive shall be eligible for an annual target bonus of 50% of the Executive’s then-applicable Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”) with an annual maximum bonus equal to 100% of the Target Bonus. The Target Bonus amount may be modified from time to time at the discretion of the Board or a duly constituted committee of the Board.
Any such Annual Bonus will be determined and, to the extent earned, paid on an annual basis, at the time and manner in which such bonuses are normally paid to employees at Executive’s level, but in no event will such payment be made later than March 15 of the year following the year such Annual Bonus was earned. Receipt of any Annual Bonus is contingent upon Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the date the Annual Bonus is earned and any Annual Bonus for a calendar year will not be considered earned if Executive’s employment terminates on or before December 31 of the corresponding calendar year. Except as otherwise provided in Section 8 below, no “prorated” or partial bonus will be provided in the event of Executive’s earlier separation from employment.
(d) Equity. It will be recommended to the Board that it grant Executive a stock option to purchase 3,361,045 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Option”). The exercise price per share for the Option will be the fair market value of an underlying share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, as determined by the Board in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code (as defined below). The vesting schedule of the Option will be as follows: (i) twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares subject to the Option shall vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Effective Date; and (ii) one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the shares subject to the Option shall vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Effective Date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), subject to Executive continuing to be a service provider to the Company on each such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there is a Change in Control, (A) fifty percent (50%) of the unvested shares subject to the Option shall vest upon the closing of such Change in Control and (B) the remaining fifty percent of the unvested shares subject to the Option shall vest upon the earlier of (I) the termination of Executive’s employment without Cause
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or Executive’s resignation for Good Reason during the 12-month period immediately following the Change in Control or (II) twelve (12) months following the Change in Control (collectively, such acceleration terms, the “Option Acceleration”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Conditions Precedent described in Section 8(b) shall apply to the Option Acceleration in the event of clause (I) in the preceding sentence. The Option shall be subject to the terms, definitions and conditions, including vesting requirements, of the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and a stock option agreement between Executive and the Company (the “Option Agreement”), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. No right to any stock is earned or accrued until such time that vesting occurs, nor does the xxxxx xxxxxx any right to continue vesting or employment.
4. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to similarly-situated senior executives of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans and programs it offers to its employees at any time.
5. Business Expenses. During the Employment Term, the Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable business travel, entertainment or other business expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, no reimbursement payable to the Executive pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or pursuant to any plan or arrangement of the Company shall be paid later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the related expense was incurred, and no such reimbursement during any calendar year shall affect the amounts eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, except, in each case, to the extent that the right to reimbursement does not provide for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the final regulations and any formal guidance issued thereunder (“Section 409A”).
6. Termination on Death or Disability.
(a) Effectiveness. Executive’s employment will terminate automatically upon Executive’s death or, upon fourteen (14) days prior written notice from the Company, in the event of Disability.
(b) Effect of Termination. Upon any termination for death or Disability, Executive shall be entitled to: (i) Executive’s Base Salary through the effective date of termination; (ii) the right to continue health care benefits under Title X of the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, at Executive’s cost, to the extent required and available by law; (iii) reimbursement of expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to Section 5 above, but for which Executive has not yet been reimbursed; and (iv) no other severance or benefits of any kind, unless required by law or pursuant to any other written Company plans or policies, as then in effect.
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7. Involuntary Termination for Cause; Resignation.
(a) Effectiveness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for Cause or Executive may resign from Executive’s employment with the Company at any time without Good Reason. Termination for Cause, or Executive’s resignation (without Good Reason, as defined below), shall be effective on the date either Party gives notice to the other Party of such termination or resignation under this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. A resignation that is accelerated by the Company shall continue to be construed as a resignation under this Agreement.
(b) Effect of Termination. In the case of the Company’s termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, or Executive’s resignation without Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive: (i) Executive’s Base Salary through the effective date of the termination or resignation, as applicable; (ii) reimbursement of all business expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to Section 5 above, but for which Executive has not yet been reimbursed; (iii) the right to continue health care benefits under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, at Executive’s cost, to the extent required and available by law; and (iv) no other severance or benefits of any kind, unless required by law or pursuant to any other written Company plans or policies, as then in effect.
8. Involuntary Termination Without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason.
(a) Effect of Termination. The Company shall also be entitled to terminate Executive without Cause at any time, and Executive shall be entitled to resign from employment with the Company for Good Reason, subject to the following:
(i) If, outside of the Change in Control Period (as defined below), Executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company without Cause (excluding any termination due to death or Disability) or Executive resigns for Good Reason (as defined below), then, subject to the limitations of Sections 10 and 11 below, Executive shall be entitled to receive: (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the date of termination; (B) continuing severance pay at a rate equal to one-hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s monthly Base Salary, as then in effect (less applicable withholdings), for a period of six (6) months from the date of such termination, to be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices; (C) subject to Section 8(c) below, if Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, reimbursement for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (1) the maximum period of COBRA eligibility under the law, but not to exceed six (6) months from Executive’s date of termination from employment with the Company, or (2) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents become covered under similar plans; (D) an amount equal to Executive’s then-applicable Target Bonus opportunity, prorated based on a fraction equal to the number of days that Executive remained employed with the Company during the year in which the termination or resignation occurs, divided by 365; (E) reimbursement of all expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to Section 5 above, but for which Executive has not yet been reimbursed; and (F) no other severance or benefits of any kind, unless required by law or pursuant to any written Company plans or policies, as then in effect.
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(ii) If, during the period beginning on and ending six (6) months after a Change in Control (the “Change in Control Period”), Executive’s employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company without Cause (excluding any termination due to death or Disability) or Executive resigns for Good Reason, then, subject to the limitations of Sections 10 and 11 below, Executive shall be entitled to receive: (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the date of termination; (B) continuing severance pay at a rate equal to one-hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s monthly Base Salary, as then in effect (less applicable withholding), for a period of six (6) months from the date of such termination, to be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices; (C) an amount equal to Executive’s then-applicable Target Bonus opportunity, prorated based on a fraction equal to the number of days that Executive remained employed with the Company during the year in which the termination or resignation occurs, divided by 365; (D) subject to Section 8(c) below, if Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, reimbursement for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (1) the maximum period of COBRA eligibility under the law, but not to exceed six (6) months from Executive’s date of termination from employment with the Company, or (2) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents become covered under similar plans; (E) reimbursement of all expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed pursuant to Section 5 above, but for which Executive has not yet been reimbursed; and (F) no other severance or benefits of any kind, other than the Option Acceleration, unless required by law or pursuant to any written Company plans or policies, as then in effect.
(b) Conditions Precedent. Any severance, equity acceleration, COBRA reimbursements, or other payments or benefits contemplated by Section 8(a) above are conditional on Executive: (i) continuing to comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement (as defined in Section 12(a) below); and (ii) signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form satisfactory to the Company, including, but not limited to, a general release and other provisions required by the Company (the “Separation Agreement”) and provided that such Separation Agreement becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date or such earlier date required by the Separation Agreement (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Separation Agreement is not signed or is revoked by Executive prior to the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under Section 8(a), or elsewhere in this Agreement. Any severance payments under this Agreement that would not be considered Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits (as defined in Section 10) will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable, except that any payment made under clause (D) of Section 8(a)(i) and 8(a)(ii) relating to Executive’s target bonus severance (the “Bonus Severance”) will be paid during the first calendar quarter, but not later than March 15, of the year immediately following the year in which the termination of Executive’s employment occurs (and intended to be paid generally at the same time as bonus payments are made to other participants of the Company’s bonus plan or program under which Executive’s bonus otherwise would have been payable had Executive remained a participant thereunder), but no earlier than the date on which the Separation Agreement becomes effective and irrevocable; and any such installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the period prior to the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable. Any severance payments or other benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits
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will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service (or with respect to any Bonus Severance, paid on March 1 of the year immediately following the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurs), or, if later, such time as required by Section 10. Except as required by Section 10, any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this Agreement, unless subject to the six (6)-month payment delay under Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 8(b) shall not limit Executive’s ability to obtain expense reimbursements under Section 5 or any other compensation or benefits otherwise required by law or in accordance with written Company plans or policies, as then in effect.
(c) The COBRA reimbursements under Section 8(a)(i) or Section 8(a)(ii), as applicable, will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA reimbursements without potentially violating, or being subject to an excise tax under, applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the termination of employment date (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to six (6) monthly payments. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA reimbursements may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings.
9. Definitions.
(a) Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:
(i) Executive’s intentional and material failure to perform Executive’s lawful duties as assigned by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from death or Disability);
(ii) Executive’s intentional and material breach of any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(iii) Executive’s engagement in dishonesty, misrepresentation, illegal conduct, gross negligence or gross misconduct related to Executive’s employment duties to the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) that causes or could reasonably be anticipated to cause material harm to the Company;
(iv) Executive’s embezzlement, misappropriation or fraud, whether or not related to Executive’s employment with the Company;
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(v) Executive’s conviction of or plea of guilty or nobo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony; or Executive’s conviction of or plea of guilty or nobo contendere to a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, if such misdemeanor is work-related, or otherwise impairs Executive’s ability to perform services for the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or results in reputational or financial harm to the Company or any of subsidiaries or affiliates;
(vi) Executive’s willful unauthorized disclosure of Company Confidential Information or Associated Third Party Confidential Information (both as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement); or
(vii) Executive’s material breach of any material obligation under this Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement, or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(b) Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Equity Plan, as amended from time to time.
(c) Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” or “Disabled” means that Executive, at the time notice is given, has been unable to substantially perform Executive’s duties under this Agreement for not less than one-hundred and twenty (120) work days within a twelve (12) consecutive month period as a result of Executive’s incapacity due to a physical or mental condition and, if reasonable accommodation is required by law, after any reasonable accommodation.
(d) Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” means Executive’s termination of Executive’s employment in accordance with the next sentence after the occurrence of one or more of the following events without Executive’s consent:
(i) a material reduction of Executive’s material duties, authorities, or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, including a reduction to divisional duties, authorities or responsibilities; provided, however, that continued employment by the Company, or transfer of employment to another entity with substantially the same duties, authorities, or responsibilities with respect to the Company’s business and operations will not constitute “Good Reason”; and provided, further, that Executive’s cessation of employment with the Company but transfer of continued employment with a subsidiary of the Company with substantially the same duties, authorities or responsibility with respect to Company’s business and operations also will not constitute “Good Reason”; or
(ii) a material change in the geographic location of Executive’s primary work facility or location; provided, that a relocation of less than 30 miles from Executive’s then present work location will not be considered a material change in geographic location; or
(iii) a reduction in Executive’s Base Salary by more than ten percent (10%); provided, however, that a reduction in excess of ten percent (10%) shall not constitute “Good Reason” if it is made in connection with an across-the-board reduction by the Company of all base salaries for similarly situated employees by a percentage at least equal to the percentage by which Executive’s Base Salary is reduced.
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In order for Executive’s termination of Executive’s employment to be for Good Reason, Executive must not terminate employment with the Company without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within 90 days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a cure period of 30 days following the date of written notice (the “Cure Period”), such grounds must not have been cured during such time, and Executive must terminate Executive’s employment within 30 days following the Cure Period.
10. Section 409A.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the “Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits”) will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, any references to termination of employment, employment termination, or similar terms will mean a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination (other than due to death), then the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
(c) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (a) above.
(d) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (a) above. For purposes of this Agreement, “Section 409A Limit” will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated.
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(e) To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, with respect to any reimbursement or in-kind benefit plan or arrangement in which Executive participates, (i) the amount eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefit in one calendar year may not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefit in any other calendar year, (ii) the right to the applicable reimbursement or benefit is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit or payment, and (iii) to the extent there is any reimbursement of an expense, such reimbursement must be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, and (iv) except as specifically provided herein or in the applicable reimbursement arrangement, in-kind benefits will only be provided, and reimbursements will only be made for expenses incurred, during Executive’s lifetime.
(f) This Agreement is intended to be exempt from or comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted according to such intent. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company or any of its respective subsidiaries or affiliates have any liability or obligation to indemnify, reimburse, or hold harmless Executive for any taxes imposed, or other costs incurred, as a result of Section 409A.
11. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (a) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this Section 11 would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s benefits will be either (i) delivered in full, or (ii) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in amounts to be paid must be made, reduction shall occur in the following order: first, reduction of cash payments, which shall occur in reverse chronological order such that the cash payment owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering such excise tax will be the first cash payment to be reduced; second, cancellation of equity awards that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (that is, the most recently granted equity awards will be cancelled first); third, cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards, which shall occur in the reverse order of the date of grant for such stock awards (i.e., the vesting of the most recently granted stock awards will be reduced first); and fourth, reduction of employee benefits, which shall occur in reverse chronological order such that the benefit owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering such excise tax will be the first benefit to be reduced. If two or more equity awards are granted on the same date, each award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. In no event shall Executive have any discretion with respect to the ordering of payment reductions. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section will be made in writing by a nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”), whose determination will be conclusive and
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binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 11. The Company will bear all costs and make all payments for the Firm’s services reasonably required in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 11.
12. Company Matters.
(a) Proprietary Information and Inventions. Executive acknowledges and agrees that, as a condition of employment, Executive is required to sign and abide by the terms of the Company’s At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), including the arbitration agreement and provisions governing the non-disclosure of confidential information and restrictive covenants contained therein. A copy of the Confidentiality Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
(b) Ventures. If, during Executive’s employment, Executive is engaged in or associated with planning or implementing of any project, program or venture involving the Company and any third parties, all rights in such project, program or venture shall belong to the Company (or third party, to the extent provided in any agreement between the Company and the third party). Except as approved by the Board in writing, Executive shall not be entitled to any interest in such project, program or venture or to any commission, finder’s fee or other compensation in connection therewith other than the salary or other compensation to be paid to Executive as provided in this Agreement.
(c) Notification of New Employer. In the event that Executive leaves the employ of the Company, Executive grants consent to notification by the Company to Executive’s new employer about Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement.
13. Arbitration. IN CONSIDERATION OF EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, ITS PROMISE TO ARBITRATE ALL EMPLOYMENT-RELATED DISPUTES AND EXECUTIVE’S RECEIPT OF THE COMPENSATION, PAY RAISES AND OTHER BENEFITS PAID TO EXECUTIVE BY THE COMPANY, AT PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE, EXECUTIVE AGREES THAT ANY AND ALL CONTROVERSIES, CLAIMS, OR DISPUTES WITH ANYONE (INCLUDING THE COMPANY AND ANY EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, SHAREHOLDER OR BENEFIT PLAN OF THE COMPANY, IN THEIR CAPACITY AS SUCH OR OTHERWISE), ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR RESULTING FROM EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, INCLUDING ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION, AS SET FORTH IN THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT.
14. Assignment. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company and accordingly any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for such purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of
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the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.
15. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally by hand or by courier, mailed by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Party to be notified at the address indicated for such Party on the signature page to this Agreement, or at such other address as such Party may designate by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to the other Parties hereto. All such notices and other communications shall be deemed given upon personal delivery, three (3) days after the date of mailing.
16. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.
17. Integration. This Agreement, together with the Equity Plan, and the Confidentiality Agreement, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto.
18. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.
19. Waiver. No Party shall be deemed to have waived any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any provisions hereof unless such waiver shall have been duly executed in writing and acknowledged by the Party to be charged with such waiver. The failure of any Party at any time to insist on performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions, nor in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or any part hereof. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other subsequent breach
20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (with the exception of its conflict of law provisions).
21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with Executive’s legal counsel, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.
22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute but one instrument.
23. Effect of Headings. The section and subsection headings contained herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
24. Construction of Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated by the respective Parties, and the language shall not be construed for or against either Party.
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25. Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Employee understands that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Employee from engaging in any Protected Activity. For purposes of this Agreement, “Protected Activity” shall mean filing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”). Employee understands that in connection with such Protected Activity, Employee is permitted to disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, and without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company confidential information under the Confidentiality Agreement to any parties other than the Government Agencies. Employee further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications. Any language in the Confidentiality Agreement regarding Employee’s right to engage in Protected Activity that conflicts with, or is contrary to, this paragraph is superseded by this Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Employee is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individual’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
26. Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement and/or the employment relationship.
27. Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based compensation, or any other compensation, paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company or any of its affiliates, which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company or any of their affiliates pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement), including for any violations of the Confidentiality Agreement, if applicable.
[Remainder of page is intentionally blank; Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
| “COMPANY” | ||
| SPACEFLIGHT INDUSTRIES, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx | |
| Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxxx | |
| Its: | VP, Legal & Secretary | |
| Address: | 0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxx X, Xxxxx 000 | |
| Xxxxxxx, XX 00000 | ||
| “EXECUTIVE” | ||
| XXXXX XXXX, an individual | ||
| /s/ Xxxxx Xxxx | ||
| Xxxxx Xxxx | ||
| Address: | [***] | |
|
| ||
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
SIGNATURE PAGE
EXHIBIT A
(CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT)
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SPACEFLIGHT INDUSTRIES, INC.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION,
INVENTION ASSIGNMENT AND ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
As a condition of my employment with Spaceflight Industries, Inc. (the “Company”), and in consideration of my employment with the Company and my receipt of the compensation now and hereafter paid to me by the Company, I agree to the following provisions of this At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement (this “Agreement”):
1. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
I UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY IS FOR NO SPECIFIED TERM AND CONSTITUTES “AT-WILL” EMPLOYMENT. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNAUTHORIZED AND NOT VALID UNLESS IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT OR CEO OF THE COMPANY. ACCORDINGLY, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP MAY BE TERMINATED AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE OR FOR ANY OR NO CAUSE, AT MY OPTION OR AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY, WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE. I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE COMPANY MAY MODIFY JOB TITLES, SALARIES, AND BENEFITS FROM TIME TO TIME AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY.
2. CONFIDENTIALITY
A. Definition of Company Confidential Information. I understand that “Company Confidential Information” means information (including any and all combinations of individual items of information) that the Company has or will develop, acquire, create, compile, discover or own, that has value in or to the Company’s business which is not generally known and which the Company wishes to maintain as confidential. Company Confidential Information includes both information disclosed by the Company to me, and information developed or learned by me during the course of my employment with the Company. Company Confidential Information also includes all information of which the unauthorized disclosure could be detrimental to the interests of the Company, whether or not such information is identified as Company Confidential Information. By example, and without limitation, Company Confidential Information includes any and all non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business and/or products, research or development of the Company, or to the Company’s technical data, trade secrets, or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, product plans, or other information regarding the Company’s products or services and markets therefor, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on which I called or with which I may become acquainted during the term of my employment), software, developments, inventions, discoveries, ideas, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances, and other business information disclosed by the Company either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or inspection of premises, parts, equipment, or other Company property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company Confidential information shall not include any such information which I can establish (i) was publicly known or made generally available prior to the time of disclosure by the Company to me; (ii) becomes publicly known or made generally available after disclosure by the Company to me through no wrongful action or omission by me; or (iii) is in my rightful possession, without confidentiality obligations, at the time of disclosure by the Company as shown by my then-contemporaneous written records; provided that any combination of individual items of information shall not be deemed to be within any of the foregoing exceptions merely because one or more of the individual items are within such exception, unless the combination as a whole is within such exception. I understand that nothing in this Agreement limits employees’ rights to discuss the terms, wages, and working conditions of their employment, as protected by applicable law.
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B. Nonuse and Nondisclosure. I agree that during and after my employment with the Company, I will hold in the strictest confidence, and take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of Company Confidential Information. I will not (i) use Company Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever other than for the benefit of the Company in the course of my employment, or (ii) disclose Company Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written authorization of the President, CEO, or the Board of Directors of the Company. Prior to disclosure when compelled by applicable law; I shall provide prior written notice to the President, CEO, and General Counsel of the Company (as applicable). I agree that I obtain no title to any Company Confidential Information, and that the Company retains all Confidential Information as the sole property of the Company. I understand that my unauthorized use or disclosure of Company Confidential Information during my employment may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination and legal action by the Company. I understand that my obligations under this Section 2.B shall continue alter termination of my employment and also that nothing in this Agreement prevents me from engaging in protected activity, as described in Section 14 below.
C. Former Employer Confidential Information. I agree that during my employment with the Company, I will not improperly use, disclose, or induce the Company to use any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former employer or other person or entity with which I have an obligation to keep such proprietary information or trade secrets in confidence. I further agree that I will not bring onto the Company’s premises or transfer onto the Company’s technology systems any unpublished document, proprietary information, or trade secrets belonging to any such third party unless disclosure to, and use by, the Company has been consented to in writing by such third party and the Company.
D. Third Party Information. I recognize that the Company has received, and in the future may receive, from third parties (for example, customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees, partners, and collaborators) as well as its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Associated Third Parties”), information which the Company is required to maintain and treat as confidential or proprietary information of such Associated Third Parties (“Associated Third Party Confidential Information”), and I agree to use such Associated Third Party Confidential Information only as directed by the Company and to not use or disclose such Associated Third Party Confidential Information in a manner that would violate the Company’s obligations to such Associated Third Parties. By way of example, Associated Third Party Confidential Information may include the habits or practices of Associated Third Parties, the technology of Associated Third Parties, requirements of Associated Third Parties, and information related to the business conducted between the Company and such Associated Third Parties. I agree at all times during my employment with the Company and thereafter, that I owe the Company and its Associated Third Parties a duty to hold all such Associated Third Party Confidential Information in the strictest confidence, and not to use it or to disclose it to any person, firm, corporation, or other third party except as necessary in carrying out my work for the Company consistent with the Company’s agreement with such Associated Third Parties. I further agree to comply with any and all Company policies and guidelines that may be adopted from time to time regarding Associated Third Parties and Associated Third Party Confidential Information. I understand that my unauthorized use or disclosure of Associated Third Party Confidential Information or violation of any Company policies during my employment may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination and legal action by the Company.
3. OWNERSHIP
A. Assignment of Inventions. As between the Company and myself, I agree that all right, title, and interest in and to any and all copyrightable material, notes, records, ideas, drawings, designs, logos, inventions, improvements, developments, discoveries and trade secrets conceived, discovered, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice by me, solely or in collaboration with others, during the period of time I am in the employ of the Company (including during my off-duty hours), or with the use of the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or Company Confidential Information, and any copyrights, patents, trade secrets, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating to the
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foregoing, except as provided in Section 3.G below (collectively, “Inventions”), are the sole property of the Company. I also agree to promptly make full written disclosure to the Company of any Inventions, and to deliver and assign and hereby irrevocably assign fully to the Company all of my right, title and interest in and to Inventions. I agree that this assignment includes a present conveyance to the Company of ownership of Inventions that are not yet in existence. I further acknowledge that all original works of authorship that are made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the period of my employment with the Company and that are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act. I understand and agree that the decision whether or not to commercialize or market any Inventions is within the Company’s sole discretion and for the Company’s sole benefit, and that no royalty or other consideration will be due to me as a result of the Company’s efforts to commercialize or market any such Inventions. I understand that any and all Inventions that I may work on with personnel of the Company’s subsidiaries or other affiliates constitute joint research between the Company and its subsidiaries or other affiliates, as applicable, for the purposes of 35 U.S.C. section 103(c)(2).
B. Pre-Existing Materials. I will inform the Company in writing before incorporating any inventions, discoveries, ideas, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, trade secrets and other proprietary information or intellectual property rights owned by me or in which I have an interest prior to, or separate from, my employment with the Company, including without limitation, any such inventions that meet the criteria set forth herein under Section 3.G (“Prior Inventions”) into any Invention or otherwise utilizing any such Prior Invention in the course of my employment with the Company, and the Company is hereby granted a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable worldwide license (with the right to grant and authorize sublicenses) to make, have made, use, import,, offer for sale, sell, reproduce, distribute, modify, adapt, prepare derivative works of, display, perform, and otherwise exploit such incorporated or utilized Prior Inventions, without restriction, including, without limitation, as part of or in connection with such Invention, and to practice any method related thereto. I will not incorporate any inventions, discoveries, ideas, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, trade secrets and other proprietary information or intellectual property rights owned by any third party into any Invention without the Company’s prior written permission. I have attached hereto as Exhibit A, a list describing all Prior Inventions that relate to the Company’s current or anticipated business, products, or research and development or, if no such list is attached, I represent and warrant that there are no such Prior Inventions. Furthermore, I represent and warrant that if any Prior Inventions are included on Exhibit A, they will not materially affect my ability to perform all obligations under this Agreement.
C. Moral Rights. Any assignment to the Company of Inventions includes all rights of attribution, paternity, integrity, modification, disclosure and withdrawal, and any other rights throughout the world that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights,” “artist’s rights,” “droit moral,” or the like (collectively, “Moral Rights”). To the extent that Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law, I hereby waive and agree not to enforce any and all Moral Rights, including, without limitation, any limitation on subsequent modification, to the extent permitted under applicable law.
D. Maintenance of Records. I agree to keep and maintain adequate, current, accurate, and authentic written records of all Inventions made by me (solely or jointly with others) during the term of my employment with the Company. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, electronic files, reports, or any other format that may be specified by the Company. As between the Company and myself, the records are and will be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.
E. Further Assurances. I agree to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in the Inventions in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the
.
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execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments, and all other instruments that the Company shall deem proper or necessary in order to apply for, register, obtain, maintain, defend, and enforce such rights, and in order to deliver, assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns, and nominees the sole and exclusive rights, title, and interest in and to all Inventions, and testifying in a suit or other proceeding relating to such Inventions. I further agree that my obligations under this Section 3.E shall continue after the termination of this Agreement.
F. Attorney-in-Fact. I agree that, if the Company is unable because of my unavailability, mental or physical incapacity, or for any other reason to secure my signature with respect to any Inventions, including, without limitation, for the purpose of applying for or pursuing any application for any United States or foreign patents or mask work or copyright registrations covering the Inventions assigned to the Company in Section 3.A, then I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and on my behalf to execute and file any papers and oaths, and to do all other lawfully permitted acts with respect to such Inventions to further the prosecution and issuance of patents, copyright and mask work registrations with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me. This power of attorney shall be deemed coupled with an interest, and shall be irrevocable.
G. Exception to Assignments. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT REQUIRING ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS (AS DEFINED UNDER SECTION 3.A ABOVE) TO THE COMPANY DO NOT APPLY TO ANY INVENTION THAT I DEVELOP ENTIRELY ON MY OWN TIME WITHOUT USING THE COMPANY’S EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, FACILITIES, OR TRADE SECRET INFORMATION, EXCEPT FOR THOSE INVENTIONS MEETING THE FOREGOING CRITERIA THAT EITHER (I) RELATE AT THE TIME OF CONCEPTION OR REDUCTION TO PRACTICE OF SUCH INVENTION TO THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS, OR ACTUAL OR DEMONSTRABLY ANTICIPATED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY OR (II) RESULT FROM ANY WORK THAT I PERFORM FOR THE COMPANY. I WILL ADVISE THE COMPANY PROMPTLY IN WRITING OF ANY INVENTIONS THAT I BELIEVE CONSTITUTES AN INVENTION COVERED BY THE EXCEPTION TO ASSIGNMENT DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION 3.G AND IS NOT OTHERWISE DISCLOSED ON EXHIBIT A TO PERMIT A DETERMINATION OF OWNERSHIP BY THE COMPANY. ANY SUCH DISCLOSURE WILL BE RECEIVED IN CONFIDENCE.
4. CONFLICTING OBLIGATIONS
A. Current Obligations. I agree that during the term of my employment with the Company, I will not engage in or undertake any other employment, occupation, consulting relationship, or commitment that is directly related to the business in which the Company is now involved or becomes involved or has plans to become involved, nor will I engage in any other activities that conflict with my obligations to the Company.
B. Prior Relationships. Without limiting Section 4.A, I represent and warrant that I have no other agreements, relationships, or commitments to any other person or entity that conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, my obligations to the Company under this Agreement, or my ability to become employed and perform the services for which I am being hired by the Company. I further agree that if I have signed a confidentiality agreement or similar type of agreement with any former employer or other entity, I will comply with the terms of any such agreement to the extent that its terms are lawful under applicable law. I represent and warrant that after undertaking a careful search (including searches of my computers, cell phones, electronic devices, and documents), I have returned all property and confidential information belonging to all prior employers (and/or other third parties I have performed services for in accordance with the terms of my applicable agreement). Moreover, I agree to fully indemnify the
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Company, its directors, officers, agents, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns for all verdicts, judgments, settlements, and other losses incurred by any of them resulting from my breach of my obligations under any agreement with a third party to which I am a party or obligation to which I am bound, as well as any reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs if the plaintiff is the prevailing party in such an action, except as prohibited by law.
5. RETURN OF COMPANY MATERIALS
A. Definition of Electronic Media Equipment and Electronic Media Systems. I understand that “Electronic Media Equipment” includes, but is not limited to, computers, external storage devices, thumb drives, mobile devices (including, but not limited to smart phones, tablets, and e-readers), telephone equipment, and other electronic media devices. I understand that “Electronic Media Systems” includes, but is not limited to, computer servers, messaging and email systems or accounts, applications for computers or mobile devices, and web-based services (including cloud-based information storage accounts).
B. Return of Company Property. I understand that anything that I created or worked on for the Company while working for the Company belongs solely to the Company and that I cannot remove, retain, or use such information without the Company’s express written permission. Accordingly, upon separation from employment with the Company or upon the Company’s request at any other time, I will immediately deliver to the Company, and will not keep in my possession, recreate, or deliver to anyone else, any and all Company property, including, but not limited to, Company Confidential Information, Associated Third Party Confidential Information, all Company equipment including all Company Electronic Media Equipment, all tangible embodiments of the Inventions, all electronically stored information and passwords to access such information, Company credit cards, records, data, notes, notebooks, reports, files, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, photographs, charts, any other documents and property, and reproductions of any of the foregoing items, including, without limitation, those records maintained pursuant to Section 3.D. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand that I am allowed to keep a copy of the Company’s employee handbook and personnel records relating to my employment.
C. Return of Company Information on Company Electronic Media Equipment. In connection with my obligation to return information to the Company, I agree that I will not copy, delete, or alter any information, including personal information voluntarily created or stored, contained in Company Electronic Media Equipment before I return the information to the Company.
D. Return of Company Information on Personal Electronic Media Equipment. In addition, if I have used any personal Electronic Media Equipment or personal Electronic Media Systems to create, receive, store, review, prepare or transmit any Company information, including but not limited to, Company Confidential Information, I agree to make a prompt and reasonable search for such information in good faith, including reviewing any personal Electronic Media Equipment or personal Electronic Media Systems to locate such information and if I locate such information I agree to notify the Company of that fact and then provide the Company with a computer-useable copy of all such Company information from those equipment and systems. I agree to cooperate reasonably with the Company to verify that the necessary copying is completed (including upon request providing a sworn declaration confirming the return of property and deletion of information), and, upon confirmation of compliance by the Company, I agree to delete and expunge all Company information.
E. No Expectation of Privacy in Company Property. I understand that I have no expectation of privacy in Company property, and I agree that any Company property is subject to inspection by Company personnel at any time with or without further notice. As to any personal Electronic Media Equipment or personal Electronic Media Systems that I have used for Company purposes, I agree that the
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Company, at its sole discretion, may have reasonable access, as determined by the Company in good faith, to such personal Electronic Media Equipment or personal Electronic Media Systems to review, retrieve, destroy, or ensure the permanent deletion of Company information from such equipment or systems or to take such other actions necessary to protect the Company or Company property, as determined by the Company reasonably and in good faith. I also consent to an exit interview and an audit to confirm my compliance with this Section 5, and I will certify in writing that I have complied with the requirements of this Section 5.
6. TERMINATION CERTIFICATION
Upon separation from employment with the Company, I agree to immediately sign and deliver to the Company the “Termination Certification” attached hereto as Exhibit B.
7. NOTIFICATION OF NEW EMPLOYER
In the event that I leave the employ of the Company, I hereby grant consent to notification by the Company to my new employer about my obligations under this Agreement. I also agree to keep the Company advised of my home and business address for a period of one (1) year after termination of my employment with the Company, so that the Company can contact me regarding my continuing obligations provided by this Agreement.
8. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE AND NO SOLICITATION
A. Covenant Not to Compete. I agree that during the course of my employment and for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of my relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with or without cause, at the option either of the Company or myself, with or without notice, I will not, in the same or similar role or scope as during my employment with the Company, without the prior written consent of the Company, whether paid or not: (i) serve as a partner, principal, licensor, licensee, employee, consultant, officer, director, manager, agent, affiliate, representative, advisor, promoter, associate, investor, or otherwise for (except for passive ownership of one percent (1%) or less of any entity whose securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended); (ii) directly or indirectly, own, purchase, organize or take preparatory steps for the organization of; or (iii) build, design, finance, acquire, lease, operate, manage, control, invest in, work or consult for or otherwise join, participate in or affiliate myself with, any business whose business, products or operations in which I would be directly or indirectly involved are in any respect involved in the Covered Business. For purposes of this Agreement, “Covered Business” shall mean any business in which the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company for which I provided services in connection with my employment with the Company (each, a “Subsidiary”), is engaged or in which the Company or a Subsidiary has plans to be engaged, or any service that the Company or a Subsidiary provides or has plans to provide. The foregoing covenant shall cover my activities in every part of the Territory. For purposes of this Agreement, “Territory” shall mean: (i) all counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia; (ii) all other states, commonwealths, or districts of the United States of America in which the Company or a Subsidiary provided goods or services, had customers, or otherwise conducted business at any time during the two-year period prior to the date of the termination of my relationship with the Company; and (iii) any other countries from which the Company or a Subsidiary maintains non-trivial operations or facilities, provided goods or services, had customers, or otherwise conducted business at any lime during the two-year period prior to the date of the termination of my relationship with the Company. Should I obtain other employment during my employment with the Company or within twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of my relationship with the Company, I agree to provide written notification to the Company as to the name and address of my new employer, the position that I expect to hold, and a general description of my duties and responsibilities, at least three (3) business days prior to starting such employment.
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B. No Solicitation.
(1) Non-Solicitation of Customers. I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of my relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with or without cause, at the option either of the Company or myself, with or without notice, I will not contact, or cause to be contacted, directly or indirectly, or engage in any form of oral, verbal, written, recorded, transcribed, or electronic communication with any Customer for the purposes of conducting business that is competitive or similar to that of the Company or for the purpose of disadvantaging the Company’s or a Subsidiary’s business in any way. For purposes of this Agreement, “Customer” shall mean all persons or entities that have used or inquired of the Company’s or a Subsidiary’s services at any time during the two-year period preceding the termination of my employment with the Company and with whom I had business contact during my employment with the Company. I acknowledge and agree that the Customers did not use or inquire of the Company’s or a Subsidiary’s services, as applicable, solely as a result of my efforts, and that the efforts of other Company or Subsidiary personnel and resources are responsible for the Company’s or a Subsidiary’s relationship with the Customers. I further acknowledge and agree that the identity of the Customers is not readily ascertainable or discoverable through public sources, and that the any of the Company’s or a Subsidiary’s lists of Customers was cultivated with great effort and secured through the expenditure of considerable time and money by the Company and/or a Subsidiary, as applicable.
(2) Non-Solicitation of Employees. I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of my relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with or without cause, at the option either of the Company or myself, with or without notice, I will not directly or indirectly solicit, or attempt to solicit, any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary to leave their employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, nor will I contact any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, or cause an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary to be contacted, for the purpose of leaving employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable.
(3) Non-Solicitation of Others. I agree that for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of my relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with or without cause, at the option either of the Company or myself, with or without notice, I will not solicit, encourage, or induce, or cause to be solicited, encouraged or induced, directly or indirectly, any franchisee, joint venture, supplier, vendor or contractor who conducted business with the Company or a Subsidiary at any time during the two-year period preceding the termination of my employment with the Company, to terminate or adversely modify any business relationship with the Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, or not to proceed with, or enter into, any business relationship with the Company or a Subsidiary, nor shall I otherwise interfere with any business relationship between the Company or a Subsidiary and any such franchisee, joint venture, supplier, vendor or contractor.
C. Acknowledgements. I acknowledge that I will derive significant value from the Company’s and the Subsidiaries’ agreement to provide me with Company Confidential Information and Associated Third Party Confidential Information to enable me to optimize the performance of my duties to the Company, which such duties include provision of services to the Subsidiaries. I further acknowledge that my fulfillment of the obligations contained in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, my obligation neither to disclose nor to use Company Confidential Information other than for the Company’s exclusive benefit and my obligations not to compete and not to solicit contained in subsections (A) and (B) above, is necessary to protect Company Confidential Information and Associated Third Party Confidential Information and, consequently, to preserve the value and goodwill of the Company and the Subsidiaries. I also acknowledge the time, geographic and scope limitations of my obligations under subsections (A) and (B) above are fair and reasonable in all respects, especially in light of the Company’s and the Subsidiaries’ need to protect Company Confidential Information and Associated Third Party Confidential
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Information and the scope and nature of the Company’s and the Subsidiaries’ businesses, and that I will not be precluded from gainful employment if I am obligated not to compete with the Company and the Subsidiaries or solicit its or their customers, employees, or others during the period and within the Territory as described above. In the event of my breach or violation of this Section 8, or good faith allegation by the Company of my breach or violation of this Section 8, the restricted periods set forth in this Section 8 shall be tolled until such breach or violation, or dispute related to an allegation by the Company that I have breached or violated this Section 8, has been duly cured or resolved, as applicable. I agree that nothing in this Section 8 shall affect my continuing obligations under this Agreement during and after this twelve (12) month period, including, without limitation, my obligations under Section 2.
D. Separate Covenants. The covenants contained in subsections (A) and (B) above shall be construed as a series of separate covenants, one for each city, county and state of any geographic area in the Territory. Except for geographic coverage, each such separate covenant shall be deemed identical in terms to the covenant contained in subsections (A) and (B) above. If, in any judicial or arbitral proceeding, a court or arbitrator refuses to enforce any of such separate covenants (or any part thereof), then such unenforceable covenant (or such part) shall be revised, or if revision is not permitted it shall be eliminated from this Agreement, to the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants (or portions thereof) to be enforced. In the event that the provisions of subsections (A) and (B) above are deemed to exceed the time, geographic or scope limitations permitted by applicable law, then such provisions shall be reformed to the maximum time, geographic or scope limitations, as the case may be, then permitted by such law. In the event that the applicable court or arbitrator does not exercise the power granted to it in the prior sentence, I and the Company agree to replace such invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such invalid or unenforceable term.
9. CONFLICT OF INTEREST GUIDELINES
I agree to diligently adhere to all policies of the Company, including the Company’s xxxxxxx xxxxxxx policies and the Company’s Conflict of Interest Guidelines. A copy of the Company’s current Conflict of Interest Guidelines is attached as Exhibit C hereto, but I understand that these Conflict of Interest Guidelines may be revised from time to time during my employment.
10. REPRESENTATIONS
Without limiting my obligations under Section 3.E above, I agree to execute any proper oath or verify any proper document required to carry out the terms of this Agreement. I represent and warrant that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I hereby represent and warrant that I have not entered into, and I will not enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict herewith.
11. AUDIT
I acknowledge that I have no reasonable expectation of privacy in any Company Electronic Media Equipment or Company Electronic Media Systems. All information, data, and messages created, received, sent, or stored in Electronic Media Equipment or Company Electronic Media Systems are, at all times, the property of the Company. As such, the Company has the right to audit and search all such items and systems, without further notice to me, to ensure that the Company is licensed to use the software on the Company’s devices in compliance with the Company’s software licensing policies, to ensure compliance with the Company’s policies, and for any other business-related purposes in the Company’s sole discretion. I understand that I am not permitted to add any unlicensed, unauthorized, or non-compliant applications to the Company’s technology systems, including, without limitation, open source or free
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software not authorized by the Company, and that I shall refrain from copying unlicensed software onto the Company’s technology systems or using non-licensed software or websites. I understand that it is my responsibility to comply with the Company’s policies governing use of the Company’s documents and the internet, email, telephone, and technology systems to which I will have access in connection with my employment. In addition, as to any personal Electronic Media Equipment or personal Electronic Media Systems or other personal property that I have used for Company purposes, I agree that the Company may have reasonable access to such personal Electronic Media Equipment or personal Electronic Media Systems or other personal property to review, retrieve, destroy, or ensure the permanent deletion of Company information from such equipment or systems or property or take such other actions that are needed to protect the Company or Company property, as determined by the Company reasonably and in good faith.
I am aware that the Company has or may acquire software and systems that are capable of monitoring and recording all Company network traffic to and from any Company Electronic Media Equipment or Company Electronic Media Systems. The Company reserves the right to access, review, copy, and delete any of the information, data, or messages accessed through Company Electronic Media Equipment or Company Electronic Media Systems, with or without notice to me and/or in my absence. This includes, but is not limited to, all e-mail messages sent or received, all website visits, all chat sessions, all news group activity (including groups visited, messages read, and postings by me), and all file transfers into and out of the Company’s internal networks. The Company further reserves the right to retrieve previously deleted messages from e-mail or voicemail and monitor usage of the Internet, including websites visited and any information I have downloaded. In addition, the Company may review Internet and technology systems activity and analyze usage patterns, and may choose to publicize this data to assure that technology systems are devoted to legitimate business purposes.
12. ARBITRATION AND EQUITABLE RELIEF
A. Arbitration. IN CONSIDERATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, ITS PROMISE TO ARBITRATE ALL EMPLOYMENT-RELATED DISPUTES WITH ME, AND MY RECEIPT OF COMPENSATION AND OTHER COMPANY BENEFITS, AT PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE, I AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL CONTROVERSIES, CLAIMS, OR DISPUTES THAT I MAY HAVE WITH THE COMPANY (INCLUDING ANY COMPANY EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, TRUSTEE, OR BENEFIT PLAN OF THE COMPANY, IN THEIR CAPACITY AS SUCH OR OTHERWISE), ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR RESULTING FROM MY EMPLOYMENT OR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMINATION OF MY EMPLOYMENT OR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, INCLUDING ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION UNDER THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (THE “FAA”). THE FAA’S SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL RULES SHALL GOVERN AND APPLY TO THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, AND ANY STATE COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION MAY STAY PROCEEDINGS PENDING ARBITRATION OR COMPEL ARBITRATION IN THE SAME MANNER AS A FEDERAL COURT UNDER THE FAA. I FURTHER AGREE THAT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, I MAY BRING ANY SUCH ARBITRATION PROCEEDING ONLY IN MY INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF, REPRESENTATIVE OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE OR REPRESENTATIVE LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING. DISPUTES THAT I AGREE TO ARBITRATE, AND THEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY, INCLUDE ANY STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CLAIMS UNDER TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1991, THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN
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EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967. THE OLDER WORKERS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT, THE WORKER ADJUSTMENT AND RETRAINING NOTIFICATION ACT, THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT, THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT, CLAIMS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT STATUS. CLASSIFICATION AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, CLAIMS OF HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, WRONGFUL TERMINATION, BREACH OF CONTRACT, AND ANY STATUTORY OR COMMON LAW CLAIMS. I ALSO AGREE TO ARBITRATE ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE INTERPRETATION OR APPLICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE, BUT NOT DISPUTES ABOUT THE ENFORCEABILITY, REVOCABILITY OR VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE. WITH RESPECT TO ALL SUCH CLAIMS AND DISPUTES THAT I AGREE TO ARBITRATE, I HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO WAIVE, AND DO WAIVE, ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE ALSO APPLIES TO ANY DISPUTES THAT THE COMPANY MAY HAVE WITH ME. I UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES A WAIVER OF ANY RIGHTS I MAY HAVE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, SUCH AS THE XXXXXXXX-XXXXX ACT, INCLUDING ANY RIGHTS PROHIBITING COMPULSORY ARBITRATION.
B. Procedure. I AGREE THAT ANY ARBITRATION WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY JAMS, PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (THE “JAMS RULES”), WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxx.xxx/xxxxx-xxxxxxxxxx-xxxxxxxxxxx/ AND FROM THE COMPANY. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE JAMS RULES SHALL NOT CONTRADICT OR OTHERWISE ALTER THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. THE ARBITRATION SHALL BE BEFORE A SINGLE ARBITRATOR WHO SHALL BE A FORMER FEDERAL OR STATE COURT JUDGE. THE ARBITRATION SHALL APPLY THE FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH RULES CONFLICT WITH THE JAMS RULES. IF THE JAMS RULES CANNOT BE ENFORCED AS TO THE ARBITRATION, THEN THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THEY WILL ARBITRATE THIS DISPUTE UNDER THE FAA AND PURSUANT TO THE ARBITRATION PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN IN THE VIRGINIA UNIFORM ARBITRATION ACT, VA. CODE SECTION 8.01-577 ET SEQ. (THE “THE RULES”). I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL EACH PAY AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION (“ARBITRATION COSTS”), EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. AND UNDERSTAND THAT EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY ITS RESPECTIVE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS. IN THE EVENT THAT JAMS FAILS, REFUSES, OR OTHERWISE DOES NOT ENFORCE THE AFOREMENTIONED ARBITRATION COSTS SHARING PROVISION, EITHER PARTY MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION TO RECOVER SUCH AMOUNTS AGAINST THE NON-PAYING PARTY IN COURT AND THE NON-PAYING PARTY SHALL REIMBURSE THE MOVING PARTY FOR THE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH ACTION. I AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL CONSIDER AND SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR ADJUDICATION, AND MOTIONS TO DISMISS, PRIOR TO ANY ARBITRATION HEARING. I AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE A WRITTEN DECISION ON THE MERITS. I ALSO AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. I AGREE THAT THE DECREE OR AWARD RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR MAY BE ENTERED AS A FINAL AND BINDING JUDGMENT IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF. I AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL APPLY SUBSTANTIVE VIRGINIA LAW TO ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO RULES OF CONFLICT OF LAW. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE JAMS RULES CONFLICT WITH SUBSTANTIVE VIRGINIA LAW, VIRGINIA LAW SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. I AGREE THAT THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE IN WRITING. I AGREE THAT ARBITRATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA.
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C. Remedy. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY THE RULES AND THIS AGREEMENT, ARBITRATION SHALL BE THE SOLE, EXCLUSIVE AND FINAL REMEDY FOR ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN ME AND THE COMPANY. ACCORDINGLY, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR BY THE RULES OR THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER I NOR THE COMPANY WILL BE PERMITTED TO PURSUE OR PARTICIPATE IN A COURT ACTION REGARDING CLAIMS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION.
D. Availability of Injunctive Relief. I AGREE THAT ANY PARTY MAY ALSO PETITION THE COURT FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF WHERE EITHER PARTY ALLEGES OR CLAIMS A VIOLATION OF THE AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, INVENTION ASSIGNMENT, AND ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN ME AND THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT REGARDING TRADE SECRETS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NONCOMPETITION OR NONSOLICITATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY BREACH OR THREATENED BREACH OF SUCH AN AGREEMENT WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE INJURY AND THAT MONEY DAMAGES WILL NOT PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE REMEDY THEREFOR AND BOTH PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF AN INJUNCTION WITHOUT POSTING OF A BOND. IN THE EVENT EITHER PARTY SEEKS INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, THE PREVAILING PARTY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER REASONABLE COSTS AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE PREVAILING PARTY IN THE FINAL JUDGMENT, IF ANY. SUCH ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS SHALL BE RECOVERABLE ON WRITTEN DEMAND AT ANY TIME, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PRIOR TO ENTRY OF A FINAL JUDGMENT, IF ANY, BY THE COURT, AND MUST BE PAID WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER DEMAND OR ELSE SUCH AMOUNTS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE ACCRUAL OF INTEREST AT A RATE EQUAL TO THE MAXIMUM STATUTORY RATE.
E. Administrative Relief I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT PROHIBIT ME FROM PURSUING AN ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIM WITH A LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE BODY OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY THAT IS AUTHORIZED TO ENFORCE OR ADMINISTER LAWS RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE VIRGINIA DIVISION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, OR THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD. THIS AGREEMENT DOES, HOWEVER, PRECLUDE ME FROM PURSUING A COURT ACTION REGARDING ANY SUCH CLAIM, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.
F. Voluntary Nature of Agreement. I ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT I AM EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT ANY DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE BY THE COMPANY OR ANYONE ELSE. I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT I HAVE ASKED ANY QUESTIONS NEEDED FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND THE TERMS, CONSEQUENCES, AND BINDING EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND IT, INCLUDING THAT I AM WAIVING MY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. FINALLY, I AGREE THAT I HAVE BEEN PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY OF MY CHOICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT.
13. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Governing Law; Consent to Personal Jurisdiction. With the exception of the arbitration requirements set forth in Section 12 herein (to the extent governed by the FAA as indicated therein), this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to Virginia’s conflicts of law rules that may result in the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Virginia. To the extent that any lawsuit is permitted under this Agreement, I hereby expressly consent to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts exercising jurisdiction over Fairfax County, Virginia for any lawsuit filed against me by the Company.
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B. Assignability. This Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, executors, assigns, administrators, and other legal representatives, and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns. The Associated Third Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement with respect to my obligations in Section 2.D. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company may assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s relevant assets, whether by merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, sale of assets or stock, or otherwise. For avoidance of doubt, the Company’s successors and assigns are authorized to enforce the Company’s rights under this Agreement.
C. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits herein and any executed written offer letter between me and the Company, to the extent such materials are not in conflict with this Agreement, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and me with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior written and oral agreements, discussions, or representations between us, including, but not limited to, any representations made during my interview(s) or relocation negotiations. I represent and warrant that I am not relying on any statement or representation not contained in this Agreement. Any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary, compensation, conditions or any other terms of my employment will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement.
D. Headings. Headings are used in this Agreement for reference only and shall not be considered when interpreting this Agreement.
E. Severability. If a court or other body of competent jurisdiction finds, or the Parties mutually believe, any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the Parties, and the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect.
F. Modification, Waiver. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in a writing signed by the President or CEO of the Company and me. Waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement will not operate as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
G. Survivorship. The rights and obligations of the Parties to this Agreement will survive termination of my employment with the Company.
14. PROTECTED ACTIVITY NOT PROHIBITED
I understand that nothing in this Agreement limits or prohibits me from filing a charge or complaint with, or otherwise communicating or cooperating with or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”), including disclosing documents or other information as permitted by law, without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding, in making any such disclosures or communications, I agree to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company Confidential Information to any parties other than the Government Agencies. I further understand that I am not permitted to disclose the Company’s attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product. In addition, I hereby acknowledge that the Company has provided me with notice in compliance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 regarding immunity from liability for limited disclosures of trade secrets. The full text of the notice is attached in Exhibit D.
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[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SPACEFLIGHT INDUSTRIES, INC. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT,
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, INVENTION ASSIGNMENT, AND ARBITRATION AGREEMENT]
| Date: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxx | |||
| Signature | ||||
| Name of Employee (typed or printed) | ||||
| Xxxxx Xxxx | ||||
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EXHIBIT A
LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS
AND ORIGINAL WORKS OF AUTHORSHIP
| Title |
Date |
Identifying Number or Brief Description | ||
| None |
| No inventions or improvements
Additional Sheets Attached |
||||
| Date: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxx | |||
| Signature | ||||
| Xxxxx Xxxx | ||||
| Name of Employee (typed or printed) | ||||
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EXHIBIT B
SPACEFLIGHT INDUSTRIES, INC. TERMINATION CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return, any devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, any other documents or property, or reproductions of any and all aforementioned items belonging to Spaceflight Industries, Inc. (the “Company”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand that I may keep a copy of the Company’s employee handbook and personnel records relating to me.
I further certify that I have complied with all the terms of the Company’s At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement (the “Agreement”) signed by me, including the reporting of any inventions and original works of authorship (as defined therein) conceived or made by me (solely or jointly with others), as covered by that Agreement.
I understand that pursuant to the Agreement, and subject to its protected activity exclusion, I am obligated to preserve, as confidential, all Company Confidential Information and Associated Third Party Confidential Information, including trade secrets, confidential knowledge, data, or other proprietary information relating to products, processes, know-how, designs, formulas, developmental or experimental work, computer programs, databases, other original works of authorship, customer lists, business plans, financial information, or other subject matter pertaining to any business of the Company or any of its employees, clients, consultants, or licensees.
I also acknowledge that under the Agreement, for twelve (12) months from this date, I will not engage in any of the activities prohibited by Section 8 of the Agreement, including competition with the Company in the “Territory” defined in Section 8.A of the Agreement, and solicitation of employees, customers, vendors, consultants, collaborators, agents, and contractors of the Company. After leaving the Company’s employment, I will be employed by in the position of .
| Date: | ||||
| Signature | ||||
| Name of Employee (typed or printed) | ||||
| Address for Notifications: | ||
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EXHIBIT C
SPACEFLIGHT INDUSTRIES, INC. CONFLICT OF INTEREST GUIDELINES
It is the policy of Spaceflight Industries, Inc. to conduct its affairs in strict compliance with the letter and spirit of the law and to adhere to the highest principles of business ethics. Accordingly, all officers, employees, and independent contractors must avoid activities that are in conflict, or give the appearance of being in conflict, with these principles and with the interests of the Company. The following are potentially compromising situations that must be avoided:
1. Revealing confidential information to outsiders or misusing confidential information. Unauthorized divulging of information is a violation of this policy whether or not for personal gain and whether or not harm to the Company is intended. (The At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement elaborates on this principle and is a binding agreement.)
2. Accepting or offering substantial gifts, excessive entertainment, favors, or payments that may be deemed to constitute undue influence or otherwise be improper or embarrassing to the Company.
3. Participating in civic or professional organizations that might involve divulging confidential information of the Company.
4. Initiating or approving personnel actions affecting reward or punishment of employees or applicants where there is a family relationship or is, or appears to be, a personal or social involvement.
5. Initiating or approving any form of personal or social harassment of employees.
6. Investing or holding outside directorship in suppliers, customers, or competing companies, including financial speculations, where such investment or directorship might influence in any manner a decision or course of action of the Company.
7. Borrowing from or lending to employees, customers, or suppliers,
8. Acquiring real estate of interest to the Company.
9. Improperly using or disclosing to the Company any proprietary information or trade secrets of any other employer or other person or entity with whom obligations of confidentiality exist.
10. Unlawfully discussing prices, costs, customers, sales, or markets with competing companies or their employees.
11. Making any unlawful agreement with distributors with respect to prices.
12. Improperly using or authorizing the use of any inventions that are the subject of patent claims of any other person or entity.
13. Engaging in any conduct that is not in the best interest of the Company.
Each officer, employee, and independent contractor must take every necessary action to ensure compliance with these guidelines and to bring problem areas to the attention of higher management for review. Violations of this conflict of interest policy may result in immediate termination of employment.
Nothing in these guidelines is intended to limit employees’ rights to discuss the terms, wages, and working conditions of their employment, as protected by applicable law, including any rights an employee may have under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. Also, nothing in these guidelines limits or prohibits employees from filing a charge or complaint with, or otherwise communicating or cooperating with or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National
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Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”), including disclosing documents or other information as permitted by law, without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding, in making any such disclosures or communications, employees must take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company Confidential Information to any parties other than the Government Agencies. Employees may not disclose the Company’s attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product.
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EXHIBIT D
SECTION 7 OF THE DEFEND TRADE SECRETS ACT OF 2016
“... An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(A) is made—(i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.... An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual—(A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (B) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.”
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