EXHIBIT 10.9
NETCENTIVES INC.
SUPPLY AGREEMENT
This Supply Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into between Netcentives
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Inc., a California corporation ("Netcentives") and Northwest Airlines, Inc., a
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Minnesota corporation ("NW") and shall be effective for all purposes as of
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September 5, 1997 (the "Effective Date").
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RECITALS
WHEREAS, Netcentives has developed an Internet-based program which provides
for the grant of airline frequent flier miles and other incentives to end-users
(the "Netcentives Program");
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WHEREAS, NW has established a travel awards program (the "WorldPerks
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Program") pursuant to which, among other things, certain persons may receive
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frequent flier miles for travel on NW and for such other reasons as are
permitted by NW;
WHEREAS, in connection with the execution of this Agreement, NW has joined
a Rights Agreement among Netcentives and certain other parties and Netcentives
has issued NW a Warrant to purchase shares of the Non-Voting Convertible Stock
of Netcentives;
WHEREAS, Netcentives wishes to purchase Miles (as hereinafter defined) from
NW and NW wishes to sell Miles to Netcentives pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
consideration provided for herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
SECTION I
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
1.1 "Account" shall mean the account of Netcentives Members who are also
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WorldPerks Members in which Miles balances are maintained by NW.
1.2 "Confidential Information" means any information, technical data, or
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know-how, including, but not limited to, that which relates to research, product
plans, products, services, Netcentives Members, customers, markets, software,
developments, inventions, processes, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware
configuration information, marketing or finances of a party, which is designated
in writing to be confidential or proprietary, or if given orally, is identified
as confidential or proprietary at the time of disclosure or is obviously
confidential considering the context in which such disclosure is made.
Confidential Information does not include information, technical data or know-
how which (i) is rightfully in the possession of the receiving party at the time
of disclosure, (ii) prior to or after the time of disclosure becomes part
of the public knowledge or literature other than as a result of any improper
inaction or action of the receiving party hereunder, or (iii) is approved by the
disclosing party, in writing, for release.
1.3 "Direct Competitor of Netcentives" means any third party that operates
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a program to reward Internet or online service activities, (a) where end-users
may earn Miles at multiple web sites or multiple online service areas, or (b)
where end-users may earn points which are redeemable for the incentive awards
of more than one company.
1.4 NW and Netcentives shall have a relationship of "Limited Exclusivity"
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so long as (a) this Agreement has not been terminated in accordance with its
terms, (b) NW has not been released from its obligations under clause (c) hereof
pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof, and (c) NW has not sold Miles to any Direct
Competitor of Netcentives.
1.5 "Miles" means the points accrued under the Supplier Program by
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WorldPerks Members for travel on NW or such other reasons as are permitted by
NW.
1.6 "Netcentives Marks" means the trademarks and logos of Netcentives set
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forth on Exhibit A1 hereto.
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1.7 "Netcentives Member" means, as of any date, an individual who is a
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member in good standing of the Netcentives Program.
1.8 "Partner Advisory Board" means the consultative board of Netcentives
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which is composed of representatives of certain suppliers to Netcentives.
1.9 "Supplier Marks" means the trademarks and logos of NW set forth on
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Exhibit A2 hereto.
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1.10 "Term" has the meaning given it in Section 5.2(a) hereof.
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1.11 "WorldPerks Member" means, as of any date, an individual who is a
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member in good standing of the WorldPerks Program.
SECTION II
PURCHASE AND SALE
2.1 Orders. Netcentives shall deliver orders to NW for Miles in such
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format as is mutually agreed by the parties, which orders shall designate the
aggregate number of Miles to be purchased, the Account or Accounts to which such
Miles are to be credited, and the number of Miles to be credited to each such
Account. NW shall credit Accounts designated by Netcentives within a reasonable
time after receipt of an order from Netcentives, but in any event within seven
(7) business days thereof. Netcentives will supply NW with computer tapes, or
other mutually agreeable format, twice a month indicating those WorldPerks
Members who are eligible for Miles from Netcentives. The tapes will include the
name, WorldPerks number, the number of miles to be credited and any other
information reasonably identified as necessary by NW. All costs associated with
the accumulation of these data and delivery to NW will be borne by Netcentives.
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2.2 Purchase Terms. The terms specific to the purchase of NW's WorldPerks
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Miles by Netcentives under this Agreement are fixed and are contained in
Appendix A hereto. The prices for Miles shall not be changed during the term of
this Agreement without the prior written consent of Netcentives, provided
however, that the prices for Miles shall vary as set forth on Appendix A based
upon whether the parties have a relationship of Limited Exclusivity at the
time of an order.
2.3 Payment. The number of Miles will be obtained from the twice monthly
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tapes sent by Netcentives to NW. NW will issue an invoice to Netcentives by the
end of the month following the previous month for payment. The invoice shall
set forth an account total for all transactions for Miles during the previous
month, any retroactive transactions for the previous six months and the total
amount due. Within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such invoice, Netcentives
shall pay NW the amount set forth thereon. Should Netcentives reasonably
believe there is discrepancy in the number of transactions billed and so advises
NW, the parties will work together in good faith to resolve the dispute within
sixty (60) days of the receipt of the invoice. Netcentives shall pay the
disputed portion of the invoice as provided above. At termination of this
Agreement, any outstanding balance owed by Netcentives to NW will be paid within
thirty (30) days of receipt of the invoice.
2.4 Letter of Credit. To secure its payment obligation hereunder,
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simultaneous with execution of this Agreement, Netcentives will establish for
the exclusive benefit of NW an irrevocable Letter of Credit, upon substantially
the same terms as in Appendix B, with Silicon Valley Bank, or another bank at
Netcentives' discretion, provided such bank has assets in excess of
$2,000,000,000 and is headquartered in on of the 48 states. The initial amount
of such Letter of Credit shall be $10,000, which is the parties' present
estimate of Netcentives' monthly payment obligations hereunder. To the extent
such monthly obligation is reasonably estimated by NW to increase, it may, from
time to time, require Netcentives to increase the Letter of Credit face amount
to an appropriate level to secure anticipated monthly payment obligations. Any
such increase in the Letter of Credit will be accomplished within ten (10) days
of notice. The Letter of Credit shall provide for payment upon the terms set
forth in Appendix B. In addition to this remedy, a failure to make any payment
due hereunder or to provide or increase the Letter of Credit shall also be the
basis for NW to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2 (a) (ii), except
that for payment defaults related to the Letter of Credit there shall be no cure
period.
SECTION III
OBLIGATIONS OF NETCENTIVES
3.1 Distribution to Netcentives Members. Netcentives shall only request
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that Miles be credited to the accounts of persons in exchange for their
participation in the Netcentives Program.
3.2 Distribution to WorldPerks Members. Netcentives shall only request
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that Miles be credited to the Accounts of Netcentives Members whom Netcentives
believes in good faith to be WorldPerks Members. To the extent that Netcentives
requests that Miles be credited to a person who is not a WorldPerks Member, NW
shall not be obligated to credit such Account, provided however, that upon
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giving notice to Netcentives that a specified account does not
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belong to a WorldPerks Member, NW treat such Miles as if they had never been
ordered (in which case Netcentives' payment obligation shall be reduced
accordingly).
3.3 No Resale Of Miles. At no time shall Netcentives offer Miles to any
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person for resale to a third party. If Netcentives discovers with reasonable
certainty that any Netcentives Member is inappropriately redistributing Miles,
Netcentives shall immediately cease requesting that Miles be credited to the
Account of such Netcentives Member, and shall notify NW of the identity of such
Netcentives Member and the nature of the potential infraction.
3.4 Partner Advisory Board. For so long as Netcentives and NW maintain a
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relationship of Limited Exclusivity and Netcentives has an active Partner
Advisory Board, Netcentives shall permit one representative of NW to participate
in all of its Partner Advisory Board meetings, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Partner Advisory Board in effect at the time.
SECTION IV
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
4.1 Confidential Information. Each party agrees not to use any
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Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other party for its own use or
for any purpose other than to carry out its obligations under this Agreement.
Neither party will disclose any Confidential Information of the other party to
third parties or to employees of the party receiving Confidential Information,
other than employees who are required to have the information in order to carry
out such party's obligations under this Agreement. Each party agrees that it
will take all reasonable measures to protect the secrecy of and avoid disclosure
or use of Confidential Information of the other party in order to prevent it
from falling into the public domain or the possession of persons other than
those persons authorized under this Agreement to have any such information,
including (without limitation) ensuring that recipients of the disclosing
party's Confidential Information adhere to confidentiality terms in content
substantially similar to the terms in this Agreement. Such measures shall
include the highest degree of care that the receiving party utilizes to protect
its own Confidential Information of a similar nature. Each party agrees to
notify the other in writing of any misuse or misappropriation of Confidential
Information of the disclosing party which may come to the receiving party's
attention.
4.2 Publicity. After the execution of this Agreement, Netcentives shall
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be permitted, at its discretion, to issue a press release which may, among other
things, confirm the existence of a relationship between the parties and of the
exclusive nature of such relationship, and may request that NW issue a similar
press release. Any other information regarding the relationship between the
parties including the other terms of this Agreement and any other agreement
between the parties shall be considered Confidential Information under the
definition set forth herein.
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4.3 Trademarks.
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(a) NW hereby grants Netcentives a limited, non-exclusive license to
duplicate and use the Supplier Marks in Netcentives' promotional materials and
on its Internet Web site, during the Term of this Agreement (as extended by
Section 5.2(b)(ii), as appropriate), provided however, that any use of the
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Supplier Marks shall be for the purpose of promoting the Netcentives Program and
shall only be used with regard to the inclusion of Miles within the Netcentives
Program.
(b) Netcentives hereby grants NW a limited, non-exclusive license to
duplicate and use the Netcentives Marks in NW's promotional materials and on its
Internet Web site, during the Term of this Agreement, provided however, that any
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use of the Netcentives Marks shall be for the purpose of promoting the
WorldPerks Program or the Netcentives Program and shall only be used with regard
to the inclusion of Miles within the Netcentives Program.
(c) Nothing herein shall be deemed to grant either party any ownership
interest in the Marks of the other party.
SECTION V
LIMITED EXCLUSIVITY; TERM AND TERMINATION
5.1 Limited Exclusivity.
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(a) Relationship. The parties hereto acknowledge that they shall have
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a relationship of Limited Exclusivity during the Term of this Agreement, whereby
NW grants Netcentives Limited Exclusivity on the Internet by agreeing not to
sell Miles to any Direct Competitor of Netcentives, and that certain rights and
privileges under this Agreement and other agreements between the parties are
dependent on the maintenance of such a relationship. This exclusivity is limited
in that it shall in no way prevent NW from pursuing its own sale of Miles on the
Internet (except to Direct Competitors). As long as a program is not a direct
competitor of Netcentives, NW is free to (i) sell Miles to any individual
Internet web site, (ii) sell mileage to an Internet provider or online service,
(iii) have current WorldPerks Partners offer Miles on their web sites or as
part of an Internet promotion, and (iv) award Miles on NW's own web site. Either
party hereto may terminate the obligations of the parties under the relationship
of Limited Exclusivity upon provision of ninety (90) days written notice to the
non-terminating party (the "Notice"), which termination shall have the effects
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set effects set forth in subsection (b), below.
(b) Effect of Termination of Limited Exclusivity. Termination of the
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relationship of Limited Exclusivity between NW and Netcentives shall not affect
the obligations of the parties under this Agreement except that upon the
termination of the relationship of Limited Exclusivity, in addition to the loss
of certain other rights as set forth in other Agreements between the parties,
(i) immediately upon receipt of the Notice by the non-terminating party,
prices paid for miles by Netcentives shall be adjusted downward in accordance
with Appendix A, hereof; (ii) immediately upon receipt of the Notice by the non-
terminating party, designees of NW shall no longer be permitted to participate
on the Partner Advisory Board; and (iii)
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beginning ninety (90) days after receipt of the Notice by the non-terminating
party, NW shall be permitted to sell Miles to any third party, including a
Direct Competitor of Netcentives.
5.2 Term and Termination.
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(a) Term and Termination.
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(i) The term of this Agreement shall be four (4) years from
the Effective Date (the "Term"), unless terminated pursuant to this Section 5.2.
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This Agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of the Term unless renewed by
the parties hereto in writing.
(ii) If either party defaults in the performance of any
material provision of this Agreement then the non-defaulting party may give
written notice to the defaulting party that if the default is not cured within
thirty (30) days, the Agreement will be terminated. If the non-defaulting party
gives such notice and the default is not cured during the thirty (30) day
period, then the Agreement shall automatically terminate at the end of that
period.
(iii) This Agreement shall terminate, without notice, (A) upon
the institution by or against either party of insolvency, receivership or
bankruptcy proceedings or any other proceedings for the settlement of such
party's debts, (B) upon either party's making an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, (C) upon the dissolution of either party.
(b) Effect of Termination or Expiration. Upon termination of this
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Agreement for any reason whatsoever: (i) NW will credit all uncredited orders to
the Accounts originally designated by Netcentives; and (ii) if the parties
choose, by mutual agreement, to provide for a "winding down" period during which
Netcentives Members may redeem their accumulated Netcentives Points for Miles,
then the term of the license granted to Netcentives under section 4.3(a) shall
be extended until the end of such "winding down" period.
(c) Survival. NW's obligations to credit Accounts in a timely manner
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and Netcentives' obligations to pay NW all amounts due hereunder, as well as
Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3(a) (to the extent provided in Section 5.2(b) above),
4.3(c), 6.2, 6.3 and 6.7 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
SECTION VI
MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Independent Contractors. The relationship of Netcentives and NW
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established by this Agreement is that of independent contractors, and nothing
contained in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute the parties as
agents, partners, joint venturers, co-owners or otherwise as participants in a
joint or common undertaking.
6.2 Indemnification.
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(a) NW hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Netcentives and its respective directors, officers. agents and employees, from
and against any and all claims,
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losses, damages, suits, judgments, costs and expenses (including litigation
costs and reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to (i) NW's
operation of the WorldPerks Program including without limitation, claims by
participants in the WorldPerks Program of NW's breach, violation or failure to
comply with the terms of the WorldPerks Program and (ii) an allegation that
Netcentives use of the Supplier Marks licensed hereunder infringes a copyright
or trademark existing or issued as of the date of such use, provided in each
case that Netcentives promptly notifies NW in writing of any such claim, gives
NW sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations, and
cooperates with NW in defending or settling any such claim.
(b) Netcentives hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
NW and its respective directors, officers, agents and employees, from and
against any and all claims, losses, damages, suits, judgments, costs and
expenses (including litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out
of or relating to (i) Netcentives' operation of the Netcentives Program
including without limitation, claims by participants in the Netcentives Program
of Netcentives' breach, violation or failure to comply with the terms of the
Netcentives Program and (ii) an allegation that NW's use of the Netcentives
Marks licensed hereunder infringes a copyright or trademark existing or issued
as of the date of such use, provided in each case that NW promptly notifies
Netcentives in writing of any such claim, gives Netcentives sole control of the
defense and all related settlement negotiations, and cooperates with Netcentives
in defending or settling any such claim.
6.3 Notices. All notices and demands hereunder shall be in writing and
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shall be delivered by personal service or by telex, facsimile, cable, telegram,
certified or registered mail, or return receipt express courier to the address
of the receiving party set forth on the signature page of this Agreement, or to
any other address of the receiving party designated by written notice in
accordance with this paragraph.
6.4 Waiver, Amendment and Modification. No waiver, amendment or
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modification of any provision hereof shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by the party against whom such waiver, amendment or modification is
sought to be enforced. No failure by either party to exercise and no delay by
either party in exercising any right, power or remedy with respect to the
obligations secured hereby shall operate as a subsequent waiver of any such
right, power or remedy.
6.5 Assignment. Each of the parties agrees that its rights and
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obligations under this Agreement may not be transferred or assigned directly or
indirectly without the prior written consent of the other party, provided
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however, that such consent shall not be required for an assignment of this
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contract pursuant to a merger, sale of substantially all of the assets, or sale
of all of the outstanding stock of either party. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their successors
and assigns.
6.6 Severability. In the event that any of the provisions of this
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Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
unenforceable, such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible
and the remaining portions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect. The parties agree to negotiate in good faith a substitute, valid and
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enforceable provision that most nearly effects the parties' intent and to be
bound by the mutually agreed substitute provision.
6.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
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accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without reference to
conflict of laws provisions thereof. Sole and exclusive jurisdiction of any
lawsuit filed by either party shall be in a federal or state court located in
Hennepin or Dakota counties, Minnesota.
6.8 Force Majeure. Neither party shall be responsible for any failure to
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perform (except for payment obligations) due to unforeseen circumstances or to
causes beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, riot
embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents,
strikes, or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labor or
materials. A party whose performance is affected by a force majeure condition
shall be excused from such performance to the extent required by the force
majeure condition so long as such party takes all reasonable steps to avoid or
remove such causes of nonperformance and immediately continues performance
whenever and to the extent such causes are removed.
6.9 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement together with the Rights
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Agreement among NW, Netcentives and certain other parties and the Warrant to
Purchase Non-Voting Convertible Stock of even date herewith, constitute the
final and entire Agreement between the parties and may not be modified or
amended except in writing signed by both of the parties.
6.10 Headings. The headings and captions used in this Agreement are for
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convenience of reference only, and shall not in any way affect the
interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement.
6.11 Counterparts. This Agreement maybe executed in counterparts, each of
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which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one
instrument.
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
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The parties have executed this Supply Agreement as of the date set forth
below.
NETCENTIVES INC.
ADDRESS:
0000 X. Xx Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
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Xxxx X Xxxxxxxx, Chairman
NORTHWEST AIRLINES, INC.
ADDRESS:
Northwest Airlines, Inc.
Dept. A6800 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xx.
Xx. Xxxx, XX 00000-0000
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
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(Signature of Authorized Person)
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
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(Print Name of Signatory)
Director - WorldPerks Mktg
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(Print Title of Signatory)
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SUPPLY AGREEMENT]
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EXHIBIT A1
TRADEMARKS OF NETCENTIVES
Netcentives
ClickRewards
ClickPoints
Internet Incentives Network
NETCENTIVES
C1ICKREWARDS
Online Rewards Program
EXHIBIT A2
TRADEMARKS OF NW
APPENDIX A
PURCHASE TERMS
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Item Limited Exclusivity Non-Exclusive
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Price per mile - if under $0.0160 $0.0140
$1,000,000 of miles purchased
per year
Price per mile - if over $0.0150 $0.0140
$1,000,000 of Miles
purchased per year
Warrants to purchase
Netcentives Inc. common stock* 50,000 Vesting cases
plus right to unused
warrants of other airlines
Partner Advisory Board Seat Yes No
*
See Warrant Agreement for Details
APPENDIX B
LETTER OF CREDIT TERMS
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Beneficiary's signed statement stating that Netcentives Inc. is in default
of payment of its certain invoice(s) and/or other obligations, such as a
required increase in the amount of this Letter of Credit, which is/are unpaid
and due, under the terms of the contract between Netcentives Inc. and Northwest
Airlines, Inc., dated September, 1997.
Copy(ies) of the above mentioned invoice(s) marked "UNPAID" (no such
invoices required with respect to Letter of Credit claims).
