EXHIBIT 10.3
PRINCIPAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), effective January 15, 2003 ("Effective
Date"), is made between, a CANONLINE GLOBAL MEDIA, INC. (USA), a Washington
corporation ("Employer"), and XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX ("Principal").
RECITALS
A. Employer is in the business (the "Business") of software
development, digital media communications, and the development and operation of
Internet websites and services.
B. On January 15, 2003 the Principal was appointed as a Director of the
Employer.
C. Employer desires to obtain the services of Principal as its Chief
Executive Officer (the "CEO"), and in that capacity and as a Director, the
Principal has access to Employer's Confidential Information (as hereinafter
defined), and to obtain assurance that Principal will protect Employer's
Confidential Information and will not compete with Employer or solicit its
customers or its other Principals during the term of employment and for a
reasonable period of time after termination of employment pursuant to this
Agreement, and Principal is willing to agree to these terms.
D. Principal desires to be assured of the salary, bonus opportunity and
other benefits provided for in this Agreement and, as additional consideration,
to obtain the stock options that Employer is willing to grant.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and
other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are
hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
I. EMPLOYMENT
. Employer hereby employs Principal, and Principal agrees to be employed
as Chief Executive Officer. Principal will report directly to Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx,
the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Employer (the "Chairman"). Changes
may be made from time to time by Employer in its sole discretion to the duties,
reporting relationships and title of Principal. Principal will devote full time
and attention to achieving the purposes and discharging the responsibilities
indicated on Exhibit A to this Agreement. Principal will comply with all rules,
policies and procedures of Employer as modified from time to time, including
without limitation, rules and procedures set forth in the Employer's Principal
handbook, supervisor's manuals and operating manuals. Principal will perform
all of Principal's responsibilities in compliance with all applicable laws and
will ensure that the operations that Principal manages are in compliance with
all applicable laws. During Principal's employment, Principal will not engage
in any other business activity which, in the reasonable judgment of the Chairman
of Employer, conflicts with the duties of Principal under this Agreement,
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whether or not such activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary
advantage.
II. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
The term of employment ("Term") will not be for a definite period, but
rather continue indefinitely until terminated in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
III. COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTIONS
For the duration of Principal's employment hereunder, the Principal will be
entitled to compensation which will be computed and paid pursuant to the
following subparagraphs.
3.1 Base Salary
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. Employer will pay to Principal a base annual salary ("Base Salary") at
an annual rate of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00 USD),
payable in such installments (but in no event less than monthly), subject to
withholdings and deductions as required or permitted by law, as is Employer's
policy with respect to other Principals. Principal's Base Salary will be
reviewed every six months by the Chairman of Employer during the term of
Principal's employment and may be adjusted in the sole discretion of Employer
based on such review, but will not be reduced by Employer unless a material
adverse change in the financial condition or operations of Employer has occurred
or unless Principal's responsibilities are altered to reflect less
responsibility.
3.2 Incentive Bonus
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. Principal will participate in Employer's annual incentive bonus plan in
accordance with which Principal may earn an annual incentive bonus. The terms
of the annual incentive bonus plan, including the criteria upon which Principal
can earn the maximum bonus, will be determined annually by Employer's Board of
Directors or its Chairman if so delegated to the Chairman or to its Compensation
Committee if so delegated to Compensation Committee. The Principal may earn an
annual incentive of up to Fifty Percent (50%) of Base Salary. Principal may also
participate in other bonus or incentive plans adopted by Employer that are
applicable to Principal's position, as they may be changed from time to time,
but nothing herein shall require the adoption or maintenance of any such plan.
3.3 Incentive Stock Options
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. Upon execution of this Agreement, Employer will grant to Principal to
participate in any Stock Option Plan or Eligible Stock Option Pool to be
administered by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the
Company.
3.4 Percent of Sales Benefit Employer will pay Principal three percent
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(3.0%) of the gross sales (the "Sales Benefit") of the Employer, its affiliates
and subsidiaries for so long as Principal remains in the position of Chief
Executive Officer and a Directors of the Employer or of any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries, or holds the position of a Director or a senior executive of the
Employer. The Sales Benefit will be paid to the Principal in the form of a cash
bonus on a yearly basis as soon as the amount of the Sales Benefit can be
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determined. The Sales Benefit will be paid in addition to all stock options or
other benefits that the Principal may be entitled to receive.
IV. OTHER BENEFITS
4.1 Certain Benefits
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. Principal will be eligible to participate in all Principal benefit
programs established by Employer that are applicable to management personnel
such as medical, dental, travel insurance, pension, disability and life
insurance plans (the "Benefits") on a basis commensurate with Principal's
position and in accordance with Employer's policies from time to time. Employer
agrees to provide Principal with all such Benefits whether Principal resides or
is traveling in the United States of America, Canada, or elsewhere.
4.2 Vacations, Holidays and Expenses
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.. For the duration of Principal's employment hereunder, Principal will be
provided such holidays, sick leave and vacation as Employer makes available to
its management level Principals generally. Employer will reimburse Principal in
accordance with company policies and procedures for reasonable expenses
necessarily incurred in the performance of duties hereunder against appropriate
receipts and vouchers indicating the specific business purpose for each such
expenditure. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Principal will
be entitled to four weeks paid vacation in each year, the time of which will be
mutually agreed by Employer and Principal, during which no services are required
to be rendered hereunder. Provided, however that in the event that Employer
policy only allows its senior executives a maximum of 10 business days for
annual paid vacation, then Principal is entitled to those 10 business days of
paid vacation and in addition, Employer will pay the Principal for 20 business
days of additional vacation at a compensation of US$300.00 per day in lieu of
vacation time during which no services are required to be rendered hereunder. If
Principal takes the four weeks of vacation, then the Employer agrees to pay
Principal for the cost of reasonable airline travel and accommodations not
exceeding in the aggregate US$6,000.00.
4.3 Personal Expense Allowance In addition to the reimbursement to by
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Employer to Principal of expenses as described in Section 4.2 above, Employer
agrees to pay to Principal a personal expense allowance of not greater than
$2,000 USD per month provided that Principal gives Employer a written accounting
of the expenses incurred. In addition, Employer agrees to pay for any club fees
and dues in respect of health and sport clubs, entertainment centers, and the
like that Principal is a member or otherwise utilizes.
4.4 Moving and Residential Allowance If the Principal is required to
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relocate his residence for the purpose of carrying out his duties under this
Agreement or his duties as an officer or director of the Employer, its
affiliates or subsidiaries, the Employer agrees to compensate the Principal for
all expenses related to relocating and establishing his residence, the rental of
a residence (house or apartment as is appropriate) and a vehicle for an
aggregate amount not to exceed US$9,500 per month. In addition, Employer agrees
to provide Principal with a furnishing allowance if the Principal needs to
furnish any residence for his day to day living including any costs related to
storage, cleaning, maintenance, and child day care.
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4.5 Automobile Expenses Without limiting the generality of the
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foregoing, Employer agrees to pay Principal mileage at the rate of $0.50 per
kilometre for his use of Principal's vehicle for Employer's business or $375 per
month whichever is greater. All reasonable travel and related expenses incurred
by Principal while attending to the business of the Employer will be fully
reimbursed by the Employer in a like manner as described above. Employer agrees
to provide Principal with a leased vehicle having lease payments not exceeding
US$850 per month, including vehicle insurance and all maintenance and repair
costs of the vehicle. If the Principal is terminated by Employer for any reason
pursuant to this Agreement, all lease payments in respect of the vehicle,
including all ongoing insurance and maintenance costs, shall be paid for by the
Employer.
4.6 Office and Staff The Employer, at its own cost, shall provide Principal
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with appropriate offices and staff assistance, which offices and staff will be
primarily located at the Employer's operations in Greater Vancouver Metropolitan
Area, British Columbia, which shall be the place of business during the Term.
Employer will purchase and provide for the Principal's use all equipment,
supplies, facilities and other amenities necessary for the Principal to properly
perform his duties and assignments.
4.7 Key Man Insurance The Employer reserves the right to retain life
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insurance on the life of Principal in an amount of up to $2,500,000. Principal
will cooperate with Employer in securing such insurance. The costs of such
insurance will be borne entirely by the Employer and the benefits of such
insurance will be entirely the property of the Employer.
V. TERMINATION OR DISCHARGE BY EMPLOYER
5.1 For Cause
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. Employer will have the right to immediately terminate Principal's
services and this Agreement for Cause. "Cause" means: any breach of this
Agreement by Principal, including, without limitation, breach of Principal's
covenants in Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10; any failure to perform assigned job
responsibilities that continues unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days
after written notice to Principal by Employer; conviction of a felony or
failure to contest prosecution for a felony; the Employer's reasonable belief
that Principal engaged in a violation of any statute, rule or regulation, any of
which in the judgment of Employer is harmful to the Business or to Employer's
reputation; the Employer's reasonable belief that Principal engaged in unethical
practices, dishonesty or disloyalty; or any reason that would constitute Cause
under the laws the State of Washington.
5.2 Without Cause
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. Employer may terminate Principal's employment under this Agreement
without cause and without advance notice; provided, however, that Employer will
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continue to pay, as severance pay, Principal's Base Salary in cash at the rate
in effect on the termination date through the date that is thirty-six (36)
months from the termination date payable in the manner stated in Section 6.2.
VII. TERMINATION BY PRINCIPAL
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Principal may terminate Principal's employment under this Agreement for any
reason provided that Principal gives Employer at least thirty (30) days' notice
in writing. Employer may, at its option, accelerate such termination date to
any date at least two weeks after Principal's notice of termination. Employer
may also, at its option, relieve Principal of all duties and authority after
notice of termination has been provided.
6.1 Termination By Principal for Good Reason
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. Principal's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate prior
to the expiration of the Term or following a Change in Control in the event
Principal shall determine that there is "Good Reason" to terminate his
employment, which shall mean the following:
(a) Employer's material breach of the terms of this Agreement or any
other written agreement between Principal and Employer;
(b) the assignment to Principal of any duties that are substantially
inconsistent with or materially diminish Principal's position prior to execution
of this Agreement or prior to a Change in Control;
(c) a material reduction of Principal's salary, or material adverse
modifications to the stock option awarded to Principal under Section 3.3, above,
or to the Stock Plan (or any similar stock option plan), or a material reduction
in the Principal's total compensation hereunder; or
(d) a requirement that the Principal be based at any office or location
more than 50 miles from Principal's primary work location prior to the Effective
Date of this Agreement or prior to a Change in Control.
Employer shall have thirty (30) days to cure any such alleged breach,
assignment, reduction or requirement under Subsections (i), (ii), (iii) and
(iv), above, after Principal provides Employer written notice of the actions or
omissions constituting such breach, assignment, reduction or requirement.
If Principal resigns his employment for Good Reason, or Employer terminates
Principal's employment under this Agreement without cause, or Principal
voluntary terminates his employment under this Agreement for any reason (other
than for Good Reason), then Principal shall be paid (i) his salary through the
date of termination, (ii) for any unused vacation time, and (iii) for any
unreimbursed business expenses that are subject to reimbursement under
Employer's then current policy on business expenses.
In addition, Principal shall receive in cash as severance pay an amount equal to
Principal's annual salary on the termination date, computed on a monthly basis,
multiplied by thirty-six (36) months. Principal shall only be entitled to such
severance pay if both Employer and Principal sign (and then Principal does not
rescind, as may be permitted by law) a mutual general release of claims in a
form mutually acceptable to both parties (provided, however, that such release
of claims shall only require each party to release the other party from claims
relating directly to Principal's employment and the termination thereof, and
shall not require Principal to release claims relating to vested Principal
benefits or relating to other matters, including, but not limited to, claims
relating to his status as a shareholder of CanOnline Global Media, Inc. (USA) or
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any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Any severance payments made under this
Section 10 shall be paid to Employee in one lump sum payment within thirty (30)
days after termination or resignation.
In addition, Employer shall:
(a) make a cash payment to the Principal of an amount equal to the total
amount of the Sales Benefit for the then current year multiplied by three (3)
years in one lump sum payment within thirty (30) days after determination of the
amount of the Sales Benefit;
(b) cause all stock options of the Principal, whether unvested or
unexercised to be automatically and immediately vested by the Employer for the
benefit of Principal, and all unexercised options will be exercised for the
benefit of Principal at the sole cost of the Employer at the price set for those
options; and
(c) cause all of Principal's rights to any other unvested benefits and any
other compensation or payments to be automatically and immediately vested by the
Employer for the benefit of Principal.
6.2 Definition of Change in Control
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. For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) Any "Person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) is or becomes the
"Beneficial Owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent
(50%) of the total voting power represented by the Company's then outstanding
voting securities without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company,
unless the Board of Directors specifically designates such acquisition to be a
change of control; or
(b) A merger or consolidation of the Company whether or not approved by
the Board of Directors of the Company, other than a merger or consolidation
which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding
immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining
outstanding or by being converted or into voting securities of the surviving
entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by
the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding
immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the shareholders of the
Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement
for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the
Company's assets.
6.3 Board Observation on Termination. Employer agrees that if
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Principal is terminated as a member of the Board of Directors of the Employer or
is terminated from his position with the Employer pursuant to this Agreement,
then Principal shall have the right to receive notice of, attend, observe and
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participate in all meetings of the Board. Provided, however, Principal will not
be entitled to cast a vote on any issues before the Board but Principal is
permitted to be present during any voting process.
VII. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE
During Principal's employment by Employer and for a period expiring two (2)
years after the termination of Principal's employment for any reason, Principal
covenants and agrees that Principal will not:
(a) Directly, indirectly, or otherwise, own, manage, operate,
control, serve as a consultant to, be employed by, participate in, or be
connected, in any manner, with the ownership, management, operation or control
of any business that competes with the Business or that competes with Employer
or any of its affiliates or that is engaged in any type of business which, at
any time during Principal's employment with Employer, Employer or any of its
affiliates planned to develop.
(b) Hire, offer to hire, entice away or in any other manner persuade or
attempt to persuade any officer, Principal or agent of Employer or any of its
affiliates to alter or discontinue a relationship with Employer or to do any act
that is inconsistent with the interests of Employer or any of its affiliates;
(c) Directly or indirectly solicit, divert, take away or attempt to
solicit, divert or take away any customers of Employer or any of its affiliates;
or
(d) Directly or indirectly solicit, divert, or in any other manner
persuade or attempt to persuade any supplier of Employer or any of its
affiliates to alter or discontinue its relationship with Employer or any of its
affiliates.
For the purposes of this Section 7, businesses that are deemed to compete with
Employer include, without limitation, businesses engaged in software
development, digital media communications, and the development and operation of
Internet websites and services. Because Employer does business in the United
States of America and Canada, the geographic scope of the prohibitions in this
Section 7 shall be the United States of America and Canada. Notwithstanding
Principal's obligations under this Section 7, Principal will be entitled to own,
as a passive investor, up to five percent (5%) of any publicly traded company
without violating this provision.
Employer and Principal agree that: this provision does not impose an undue
hardship on Principal and is not injurious to the public; that this provision is
necessary to protect the business of Employer and its affiliates; the nature of
Principal's responsibilities with Employer under this Agreement require
Principal to have access to confidential information which is valuable and
confidential to all of the Business; the scope of this Section 7 is reasonable
in terms of length of time and geographic scope; and adequate consideration
supports this Section 7, including consideration herein.
VIII. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
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Principal recognizes that Employer's Business and continued success depend
upon the use and protection of confidential and proprietary business
information, including, without limitation, the information and technology
developed by or available through licenses to Employer related to its decision
support and expert systems, to which Principal has access (all such information
being "Confidential Information"). For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase
"Confidential Information" includes, for Employer and its current or future
subsidiaries and affiliates, without limitation, and whether or not specifically
designated as confidential or proprietary: all business plans and marketing
strategies; information concerning existing and prospective markets and
customers; financial information; information concerning the development of new
products and services; information concerning any personnel of Employer
(including, without limitation, skills and compensation information); and
technical and non-technical data related to software programs, designs,
specifications, compilations, inventions, improvements, methods, processes,
procedures and techniques; provided, however, that the phrase does not include
information that (a) was lawfully in Principal's possession prior to disclosure
of such information by Employer; (b) was, or at any time becomes, available in
the public domain other than through a violation of this Agreement; (c) is
documented by Principal as having been developed by Principal outside the scope
of Principal's employment and independently; or (d) is furnished to Principal by
a third party not under an obligation of confidentiality to Employer. Principal
agrees that during Principal's employment and after termination of employment
irrespective of cause, Principal will use Confidential Information only for the
benefit of Employer and will not directly or indirectly use or divulge, or
permit others to use or divulge, any Confidential Information for any reason,
except as authorized by Employer. Principal's obligation under this Agreement
is in addition to any obligations Principal has under state or federal law.
Principal agrees to deliver to Employer immediately upon termination of
Principal's employment, or at any time Employer so requests, all tangible items
containing any Confidential Information (including, without limitation, all
memoranda, photographs, records, reports, manuals, drawings, blueprints,
prototypes, notes taken by or provided to Principal, and any other documents or
items of a confidential nature belonging to Employer), together with all copies
of such material in Principal's possession or control. Principal agrees that in
the course of Principal's employment with Employer, Principal will not violate
in any way the rights that any entity has with regard to trade secrets or
proprietary or confidential information. Principal's obligations under this
Section 8 are indefinite in term and shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
IX. WORK PRODUCT AND COPYRIGHTS
Principal agrees that all right, title and interest in and to the materials
resulting from the performance of Principal's duties at Employer and all copies
thereof, including works in progress, in whatever media, (the "Work"), will be
and remain in Employer upon their creation. Principal will xxxx all Work with
Employer's copyright or other proprietary notice as directed by Employer.
Principal further agrees:
(a) To the extent that any portion of the Work constitutes a work
protectable under the copyright laws of the United States (the "Copyright Law"),
that all such Work will be considered a "work made for hire" as such term is
used and defined in the Copyright Law, and that Employer will be considered the
"author" of such portion of the Work and the sole and exclusive owner throughout
the world of copyright therein; and
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(b) If any portion of the Work does not qualify as a "work made for
hire" as such term is used and defined in the Copyright Law, that Principal
hereby assigns and agrees to assign to Employer, without further consideration,
all right, title and interest in and to such Work or in any such portion thereof
and any copyright therein and further agrees to execute and deliver to Employer,
upon request, appropriate assignments of such Work and copyright therein and
such other documents and instruments as Employer may request to fully and
completely assign such Work and copyright therein to Employer, its successors or
nominees, and that Principal hereby appoints Employer as attorney-in-fact to
execute and deliver any such documents on Principal's behalf in the event
Principal should fail or refuse to do so within a reasonable period following
Employer's request.
X. INVENTIONS AND PATENTS
For purposes of this Agreement, "Inventions" includes, without limitation,
information, inventions, contributions, improvements, ideas, or discoveries,
whether protectable or not, and whether or not conceived or made during work
hours. Principal agrees that all Inventions conceived or made by Principal
during the period of employment with Employer belong to Employer, provided they
grow out of Principal's work with Employer or are related in some manner to the
Business, including, without limitation, research and product development, and
projected business of Employer or its affiliated companies. Accordingly,
Principal will:
(a) Make adequate written records of such Inventions, which
records will be Employer's property;
(b) Assign to Employer, at its request, any rights Principal may have
to such Inventions for the U.S. and all foreign countries;
(c) Waive and agree not to assert any moral rights Principal may have or
acquire in any Inventions and agree to provide written waivers from time to time
as requested by Employer; and
(d) Assist Employer (at Employer's expense) in obtaining and
maintaining patents or copyright registrations with respect to such Inventions.
Principal understands and agrees that Employer or its designee will
determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether an application for
patent will be filed on any Invention that is the exclusive property of
Employer, as set forth above, and whether such an application will be abandoned
prior to issuance of a patent. Employer will pay to Principal, either during or
after the term of this Agreement, the following amounts if Principal is sole
inventor, or Principal's proportionate share if Principal is joint inventor:
$750 upon filing of the initial application for patent on such Invention; and
$1,500 upon issuance of a patent resulting from such initial patent application,
provided Principal is named as an inventor in the patent.
Principal further agrees that Principal will promptly disclose in writing to
Employer during the term of Principal's employment and for one (1) year
thereafter, all Inventions whether developed during the time of such employment
or thereafter (whether or not Employer has rights in such Inventions) so that
Principal's rights and Employer's rights in such Inventions can be determined.
Except as set forth on the initialed Exhibit C (List of Inventions) to this
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Agreement, if any, Principal represents and warrants that Principal has no
Inventions, software, writings or other works of authorship useful to Employer
in the normal course of the Business, which were conceived, made or written
prior to the date of this Agreement and which are excluded from the operation of
this Agreement
NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH WASHINGTON LAW, THIS SECTION 10 DOES NOT APPLY TO
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INVENTIONS FOR WHICH NO EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, FACILITY, OR TRADE SECRET
INFORMATION OF EMPLOYER WAS USED AND WHICH WAS DEVELOPED ENTIRELY ON PRINCIPAL'S
OWN TIME, UNLESS: (A) THE INVENTION RELATES (I) DIRECTLY TO THE BUSINESS OF
EMPLOYER OR (II) TO EMPLOYER'S ACTUAL OR DEMONSTRABLY ANTICIPATED RESEARCH OR
DEVELOPMENT, OR (B) THE INVENTION RESULTS FROM ANY WORK PERFORMED BY PRINCIPAL
FOR EMPLOYER.
Reassignment of Inventions, Patents and Works to Principal
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If the Principal assigns or transfers any Inventions, Patents, Works or other
intellectual property rights (collectively, "Intellectual Property") to
Employer, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, before or during the term of
this Agreement, and the Employer becomes insolvent or can no longer continue to
successfully commercialize the Intellectual Property, then Principal shall have
the right to absolutely reacquire such Intellectual Property from Employer, or
its affiliates or subsidiaries, as the case may be, upon request and the payment
of the sum of $10.00 to the party to whom the Intellectual Property has been
assigned or transferred. Employer or its affiliates or subsidiaries, as the
case may be, shall then absolutely transfer and assign all right, tile and
interest in and to the Intellectual Property to the Principal free and clear of
all claims and encumbrances whatsoever. Provided, however that if Employer, or
any of its affiliates or subsidiaries (as the case may be) transfers, or enters
into a binding agreement to transfer, the Intellectual Property, or any part of
it, to a bona fide third party for value then Principal agrees to grant a full
release of its rights hereunder to reacquire that part of the Intellectual
Property that was or is agreed to transferred to such bona fide third party.
XI. REMEDIES
Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement regarding dispute
resolution, Principal agrees that Principal's violation of any of Sections 7, 8,
9 or 10 of this Agreement would cause Employer irreparable harm which would not
be adequately compensated by monetary damages and that an injunction may be
granted by any court or courts having jurisdiction, restraining Principal from
violation of the terms of this Agreement, upon any breach or threatened breach
of Principal of the obligations set forth in any of Sections 7, 8, 9 or 10. The
preceding sentence shall not be construed to limit Employer from any other
relief or damages to which it may be entitled as a result of Principal's breach
of any provision of this Agreement, including Sections 7, 8, 9 or 10. Principal
also agrees that a violation of any of Sections 7, 8, 9 or 10 would entitle
Employer, in addition to all other remedies available at law or equity, to
recover from Principal any and all funds, including, without limitation, wages,
salary and profits, which will be held by Principal in constructive trust for
Employer, received by Principal in connection with such violation.
XII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
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Except for the right of Employer and Principal to seek injunctive relief in
court, any controversy, claim or dispute of any type arising out of or relating
to Principal's employment or the provisions of this Agreement shall be resolved
in accordance with this Section 12 regarding resolution of disputes, which will
be the sole and exclusive procedure for the resolution of any disputes. This
Agreement shall be enforced in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act, the
enforcement provisions of which are incorporated by this reference. Matters
subject to these provisions include, without limitation, claims or disputes
based on statute, contract, common law and tort and will include, for example,
matters pertaining to termination, discrimination, harassment, compensation and
benefits. Matters to be resolved under these procedures also include claims and
disputes arising out of statutes such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the
Washington Minimum Wage Act, and the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
Nothing in this provision is intended to restrict Principal from submitting any
matter to an administrative agency with jurisdiction over such matter.
12.1 Mediation. Employer and Principal will make a good faith attempt
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to resolve any and all claims and disputes by submitting them to mediation in
Seattle, Washington before resorting to arbitration or any other dispute
resolution procedure. The mediation of any claim or dispute must be conducted
in accordance with the then-current JAMS procedures for the resolution of
employment disputes by mediation, by a mediator who has had both training and
experience as a mediator of general employment and commercial matters. If the
parties to this Agreement cannot agree on a mediator, then the mediator will be
selected by JAMS in accordance with JAMS' strike list method. Within thirty
(30) days after the selection of the mediator, Employer and Principal and their
respective attorneys will meet with the mediator for one mediation session of at
least four hours. If the claim or dispute cannot be settled during such
mediation session or mutually agreed continuation of the session, either
Employer or Principal may give the mediator and the other party to the claim or
dispute written notice declaring the end of the mediation process. All
discussions connected with this mediation provision will be confidential and
treated as compromise and settlement discussions. Nothing disclosed in such
discussions, which is not independently discoverable, may be used for any
purpose in any later proceeding. The mediator's fees will be paid in equal
portions by Employer and Principal, unless Employer agrees to pay all such fees.
12.2 Arbitration. If any claim or dispute has not been resolved in
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accordance with Section 12.1, then the claim or dispute will be determined by
arbitration in accordance with the then-current JAMS employment arbitration
rules and procedures, except as modified herein. The arbitration will be
conducted by a sole neutral arbitrator who has had both training and experience
as an arbitrator of general employment and commercial matters and who is and for
at least ten (10) years has been, a partner, a shareholder, or a member in a law
firm. If Employer and Principal cannot agree on an arbitrator, then the
arbitrator will be selected by JAMS in accordance with Rule 12 of the JAMS
employment arbitration rules and procedures. No person who has served as a
mediator under the mediation provision, however, may be selected as the
arbitrator for the same claim or dispute. Reasonable discovery will be
permitted and the arbitrator may decide any issue as to discovery. The
arbitrator may decide any issue as to whether or as to the extent to which any
dispute is subject to the dispute resolution provisions in Section 12 and the
arbitrator may award any relief permitted by law. The arbitrator must base the
arbitration award on the provisions of Section 12 and applicable law and must
E - 25
render the award in writing, including an explanation of the reasons for the
award. Judgment upon the award may be entered by any court having jurisdiction
of the matter, and the decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding.
The statute of limitations applicable to the commencement of a lawsuit will
apply to the commencement of an arbitration under Section 12.2. The
arbitrator's fees will be paid in equal portions by Employer and Principal,
unless Employer agrees to pay all such fees.
XIII. FEES
. Unless otherwise agreed, the prevailing party will be entitled to its
costs and attorneys' fees incurred in any litigation or dispute relating to the
interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement.
XIV. DISCLOSURE
. Principal agrees fully and completely to reveal the terms of this
Agreement to any future employer or potential employer of Principal and
authorizes Employer, at its election, to make such disclosure.
XV. REPRESENTATION OF PRINCIPAL
. Principal represents and warrants to Employer that Principal is free to
enter into this Agreement and has no contract, commitment, arrangement or
understanding to or with any party that restrains or is in conflict with
Principal's performance of the covenants, services and duties provided for in
this Agreement. Principal agrees to indemnify Employer and to hold it harmless
against any and all liabilities or claims arising out of any unauthorized act or
acts by Principal that, the foregoing representation and warranty to the
contrary notwithstanding, are in violation, or constitute a breach, of any such
contract, commitment, arrangement or understanding.
XVI. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
. Employer's obligations to Principal under this Agreement are conditioned
upon Principal's timely compliance with requirements of the United States
immigration laws if such compliance is required for the Principal's performance
of its duties and obligations hereunder.
XVII. ASSIGNABILITY
. During Principal's employment, this Agreement may not be assigned by
either party without the written consent of the other; provided, however, that
Employer may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without
Principal's consent to a successor by sale, merger or liquidation, if such
successor carries on the Business substantially in the form in which it is being
conducted at the time of the sale, merger or liquidation. This Agreement is
binding upon Principal, Principal's heirs, personal representatives and
permitted assigns and on Employer, its successors and assigns.
XVIII. NOTICES
E - 26
. Any notices required or permitted to be given hereunder are sufficient
if in writing and delivered by hand, by facsimile or by registered or certified
mail, to Principal at 00000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, X0X
0X0 or to the Chairman or President of Employer at Xxxxx 000, 0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxx, XX X0X 0X0, or at such other address as one party may notify the
other from time to time.
XIX. SEVERABILITY
. If any provision of this Agreement or compliance by any of the parties
with any provision of this Agreement constitutes a violation of any law, or is
or becomes unenforceable or void, then such provision, to the extent only that
it is in violation of law, unenforceable or void, shall be deemed modified to
the extent necessary so that it is no longer in violation of law, unenforceable
or void, and such provision will be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by
law. If such modification is not possible, said provision, to the extent that
it is in violation of law, unenforceable or void, shall be deemed severable from
the remaining provisions of this Agreement, which provisions will remain binding
on the parties.
XX. WAIVERS
No failure on the part of either party to exercise, and no delay in
exercising, any right or remedy hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof; nor
will any single or partial waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach; nor will any
single or partial exercise of any right or remedy hereunder preclude any other
or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy granted
hereby or by law.
XXI. GOVERNING LAW
Except as provided in Section 12 above, the validity, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Washington without regard to the conflicts of law provisions of such laws. The
parties hereto expressly recognize and agree that the implementation of this
Section 21 is essential in light of the fact that Employer has its corporate
headquarters and its principal executive offices within the State of Washington
and elsewhere, and there is a critical need for uniformity in the interpretation
and enforcement of the employment agreements between Employer and its key
Principals. The King County Superior Court, Seattle, Washington shall have
exclusive jurisdiction of any lawsuit arising from or relating to Principal's
employment with, or termination from, Employer, or arising from or relating to
this Agreement. Principal consents to such venue and personal jurisdiction.
XXII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect
to the relationship between Principal and Employer and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings, and there are no other representations or
agreements other than as stated in this Agreement related to the terms and
conditions of Principal's employment. This Agreement may be changed only by an
agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver,
change, modification, extension or discharge is sought, and any such
modification will be signed by the Chairman of Employer.
E - 27
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HAVE DULY SIGNED AND DELIVERED THIS AGREEMENT AS
OF THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN.
CANONLINE GLOBAL MEDIA, INC. (USA)
By:
Name:
Title:
XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX
By:
Name:
E - 28
ADDENDUM TO PRINCIPAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This is an Addendum to that certain Principal Employment Agreement (the
"Agreement") having an Effective Date as of January 15, 2003 between CANONLINE
GLOBAL MEDIA, INC. (USA), as "Employer", and XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX, as "Principal",
whereby the Employer and Principal hereby mutually agree to amend the Agreement
to add the following indemnification provisions to the Agreement:
1. Indemnification of Principal
------------------------------
The Employer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Principal from and
against any claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities (collectively,
"Losses"), including without limitation legal fees and accounting fees (subject
to the limitations set forth below), incurred in connection with investigating,
preparing, defending, paying, settling or compromising any action, claim; or
proceeding (whether or not in connection with any pending or threatened
litigation in which the Principal is a named party) to which the Principal may
become subject and which is related to or arises out of the engagement or
performance of the services of the Principal contemplated in this Agreement.
The Employer will not, however, be responsible to the Principal with respect to
any Losses to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction shall have
determined by a final judgment that such Losses resulted from actions taken or
omitted to be taken by the Principal due to the Principal's gross negligence or
wilful misconduct.
The Employer will reimburse the Principal for Losses as such Losses are incurred
or paid, notwithstanding the absence of judicial determination as to the
propriety or enforceability of the Employer's obligation to reimburse the
Principal for such Losses and the possibility that such payments might later be
held by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been improper. To the extent
that any such interim reimbursement is so held to have been improper, the
Principal shall promptly return it to the Employer, together with interest,
compounded annually, equal to the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank
of America, San Francisco, California.
The Employer also agrees that Principal shall have no liability, whether at law
or in equity, to the Employer or its affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
agents, advisors, representatives, control persons or stockholders, directly or
indirectly, related to or arising out of the engagement or performance of the
services of the Principal contemplated in this Agreement, except Losses incurred
by the Employer to the extent a court of competent jurisdiction shall have
determined by a final judgment that such Losses resulted primarily from actions
taken or omitted to be taken by the Principal due to the Principal's gross
negligence or wilful misconduct. In no event, regardless of the legal theory
advanced, shall the Principal be liable for any consequential, indirect,
incidental or special damages of any nature.
2. Addendum Incorporated into Agreement by Reference
------------------------------------------------------
All of the terms, provisos and conditions of this Addendum are hereby
incorporated into the Agreement by reference and shall form a part thereof for
all purposes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HAVE DULY SIGNED AND DELIVERED THIS ADDENDUM TO
THE AGREEMENT AS OF THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN.
CANONLINE GLOBAL MEDIA, INC. (USA)
By:
Name:
Title:
XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX
By:
Name:
E - 29
ADDENDUM TO PRINCIPAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This is an Addendum to that certain Principal Employment Agreement (the
"Agreement") having an Effective Date as of January 15, 2003 between CANONLINE
GLOBAL MEDIA, INC. (USA), as "Employer", and XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX, as "Principal",
whereby the Employer and Principal hereby mutually agree to amend the Agreement
to add the following indemnification provisions to the Agreement:
1. Indemnification of Principal
------------------------------
The Employer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Principal from and
against any claims, losses, damages, expenses or liabilities (collectively,
"Losses"), including without limitation legal fees and accounting fees (subject
to the limitations set forth below), incurred in connection with investigating,
preparing, defending, paying, settling or compromising any action, claim; or
proceeding (whether or not in connection with any pending or threatened
litigation in which the Principal is a named party) to which the Principal may
become subject and which is related to or arises out of the engagement or
performance of the services of the Principal contemplated in this Agreement.
The Employer will not, however, be responsible to the Principal with respect to
any Losses to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction shall have
determined by a final judgment that such Losses resulted from actions taken or
omitted to be taken by the Principal due to the Principal's gross negligence or
wilful misconduct.
The Employer will reimburse the Principal for Losses as such Losses are incurred
or paid, notwithstanding the absence of judicial determination as to the
propriety or enforceability of the Employer's obligation to reimburse the
Principal for such Losses and the possibility that such payments might later be
held by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been improper. To the extent
that any such interim reimbursement is so held to have been improper, the
Principal shall promptly return it to the Employer, together with interest,
compounded annually, equal to the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank
of America, San Francisco, California.
The Employer also agrees that Principal shall have no liability, whether at law
or in equity, to the Employer or its affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
agents, advisors, representatives, control persons or stockholders, directly or
indirectly, related to or arising out of the engagement or performance of the
services of the Principal contemplated in this Agreement, except Losses incurred
by the Employer to the extent a court of competent jurisdiction shall have
determined by a final judgment that such Losses resulted primarily from actions
taken or omitted to be taken by the Principal due to the Principal's gross
negligence or wilful misconduct. In no event, regardless of the legal theory
advanced, shall the Principal be liable for any consequential, indirect,
incidental or special damages of any nature.
2. Addendum Incorporated into Agreement by Reference
------------------------------------------------------
All of the terms, provisos and conditions of this Addendum are hereby
incorporated into the Agreement by reference and shall form a part thereof for
all purposes.
E - 30
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HAVE DULY SIGNED AND DELIVERED THIS ADDENDUM TO
THE AGREEMENT AS OF THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN.
CANONLINE GLOBAL MEDIA, INC. (USA)
By:
Name:
Title:
XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX
By:
Name:
E - 31
AMENDMENT TO PRINCIPAL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This is an amendment (the "Amendment"), made effective as of January 7, 2004, to
that certain Principal Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") having an
Effective Date as of January 15, 2003 made between CANONLINE GLOBAL MEDIA, INC.
(USA), as "Employer", and XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX, as "Principal". The Agreement
includes that certain Addendum to the Agreement made between the Employer and
Principal dated as of January 15, 2003 that was incorporated into the Agreement
by reference. NS8 CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation and the parent of
Canonline Global Media, Inc. (USA) is hereby made a party to this Amendment to
the Agreement.
WHEREAS, as of December 2003 Canonline Global Media, Inc. (USA) became the
wholly owned subsidiary of NS8 Corporation and the Directors and senior Officers
of Canonline Global Media, Inc. (USA) became the Directors and senior Officers
of NS8 Corporation;
AND WHEREAS, NS8 Corporation, Canonline Global Media, Inc. (USA) and certain of
the Directors and senior Officers of Canonline Global Media, Inc. (USA) wish to
amend their respective Principal Employment Agreements to confirm and evidence
that NS8 Corporation has agreed to adopt the Principal Employment Agreements and
be a party thereto and to make an additional amendment deleting Section 3.4 -
"Percent of Sales Benefit" provision of the Principal Employment Agreements
regarding the right of the Principal to receive a percentage of the gross sales
of the Employer as defined therein;
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and
other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Delete Section 3.4 - Percent of Sales Benefit
----------------------------------------------------
By this Amendment the Employer, Principal and NS8 Corporation hereby mutually
agree to further amend the Agreement by deleting in its entirety Section 3.4 -
"Percent of Sales Benefit" provision of the Agreement and for all purposes of
the Agreement, as amended, and the matters contemplated therein Section 3.4
shall be deemed to have never been a provision of the Agreement.
E - 32
2. NS8 Corporation Adoption of the Agreement
----------------------------------------------
NS8 Corporation hereby absolutely agrees to adopt the Agreement, as amended, and
be bound by the terms and conditions thereof and be a party thereto as if it was
party from the Effective Date of the Agreement and for all purposes NS8
Corporation agrees to be deemed an "Employer" under the terms of the Agreement
together with and in the same manner as Canonline Global Media, Inc. (USA).
3. Amendment Incorporated into Agreement by Reference
-------------------------------------------------------
All of the terms, provisos and conditions of this Amendment are hereby
incorporated into the Agreement by reference and shall form a part thereof for
all purposes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HAVE DULY SIGNED AND DELIVERED THIS
AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT AS OF THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN.
CANONLINE GLOBAL MEDIA, INC. (USA)
By:
Name:
Title:
XXXXX XXXXXXXXXX
By:
Name:
NS8 CORPORATION
By:
Name:
Title: __________________________
E - 33
