License Granted to
Turbine Truck Engines, Inc.
by
Alpha Engines Corporation
July 22, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Xxxxx of License and Other Rights; Reservations of Rite ....................2
1.1 Grant of License ..........................................................2
1.2 Sublicensing ..............................................................2
1.3 Improvements...............................................................2
1.4 License of Trademark.......................................................3
1.5 EIC Ignition System .......................................................3
1.6 CNF Agreement .............................................................4
1.7 Reservation of Rights by Alpha Engines ....................................4
2. Technical and Engineering Information and Services .........................4
2.1 Preliminary Engineering Consulting Services ...............................5
2.2 Detailed Engineering Services .............................................5
2.3 Production and Operating Consulting Services ..............................5
2.4 No Other Assistance .......................................................5
3. Manufacturing Plants........................................................6
3.1 Design and Construction ...................................................6
3.2 Ownership .................................................................6
4. EIC Ignition System Supply Contract ........................................6
4.1 Ownership of Ignition System ..............................................6
4.2 Supply Contract for EIC Ignition Systems ..................................6
5. Undertakings by Licensee ...................................................7
5.1 Design, Construction, and Operating Standards .............................7
5.2 Production ................................................................7
5.3 Maximize Production .......................................................7
5.4 Market Effectively ........................................................7
5.5 Legal Compliance ..........................................................8
5.6 Identification ............................................................8
5.7 Access.....................................................................8
6 . Export Licenses ...........................................................8
7. Payments ..................................................................9
7.1 License Fees and Royalties ................................................9
7.2 Provisions for Payments ...................................................9
7.3 Taxes Withheld ...........................................................12
7.4 No Set-Offs or Counterclaims .............................................12
8. Reports and Records .......................................................13
8.1 Records and Books of Account .............................................13
8.2 Production Reports .......................................................13
8.3 Payment Accompanying Reports .............................................13
8.4 Reports of Certified Public Accountants ..................................13
8.5 Right to Audit ...........................................................13
9. Confidentiality . .........................................................14
9.1 Information That Is Confidential; Obligation of Confidentiality ..........14
9.2 Exception to Confidentiality .............................................15
9.3 Published Disclosure .....................................................15
9.4 Non-Use after Termination ................................................15
10. Protection of Licensed Technology . ......................................16
10.1 Licensee to Detect and Report Breach or Infringements ...................16
10.2 Alpha Engines to Detect and Report Infringements ........................16
10.3 Responsibility for Infringements of Technology and Patents ..............16
10.4 Alpha Engines Responsible for Patent Validity Cases .....................16
10.5 Apportionment of Recoveries .............................................17
10.6 Alpha Engines's Name in Suit ............................................17
10.7 Notification of Suit ....................................................17
10.8 Action Against Breaches of Confidential Information .....................17
11. Defense of Claims of Trademark Infringement ..............................18
11.1 Defense of Trademark Infringement .......................................18
11.2 Right to Suspend Use of Trademarks ......................................18
11.3 Alpha Engines's Obligations Pertain Only to Licensed Trademarks .........18
11.4 Trademark and Patent Applications .......................................18
12. Representations, Warranties and Covenants . ..............................19
12.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Licensee ...................19
12.2 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Alpha Engines ..............21
12.3 Limited Warranty ........................................................23
12.4 Limitation of Damages ...................................................23
13. Term and Termination .....................................................24
13.1 Term ....................................................................24
13.2Defaults - General .......................................................24
13.3 Defaults - Non-Payment by Licensee ......................................25
13.4 License Termination for Infringement of U.S. Letters Patents ............25
13.5 No Termination Rights Regarding Adverse Trademark Decisions .............25
13.6 Winding Up ..............................................................25
13.7 Payment Obligations .....................................................26
13.8 No Damage ...............................................................26
13.9 Confidentiality Continues ...............................................26
13.10 Payment Obligations Continue ...........................................26
13.11 Licensee To Cease Practice of the Technology ...........................26
14. Miscellaneous ............................................................27
14.1 Assignment by Alpha Engines .............................................27
14.2 Assignment By Licensee ..................................................27
14.3 Arbitration and Injunctive Relief .......................................27
14.4Third Parties ............................................................29
14.5 No Other Relationship ...................................................29
14.6 Conversion to Dollars ...................................................29
14.7 Fees Payable ............................................................30
14.8 Force Majeure ...........................................................30
14.9 Cumulative Remedies; Waiver; Time .......................................31
14.10 Table of Contents and Headings .........................................31
14.11 Notices ................................................................31
14.12 Survival of Contents ...................................................31
14.13 Accrued Obligations Not Released .......................................32
14.14 Integration ............................................................32
14.15 Construction ...........................................................32
14.16 Invalidity of Provision ................................................32
14.17 Further Assurances .....................................................32
14.18 Counterparts ...........................................................32
Exhibit A - Confidentiality Agreement
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made and entered into as of July 22,
2002, by and between ALPHA ENGINES CORPORATION, a corporation incorporated in
the USA under provisions of the laws of Delaware (Alpha Engines) and TURBINE
TRUCK ENGINES, INC., a corporation organized in the USA under provisions of the
laws of Delaware (Licensee).
Preceding Circumstances:
A. Alpha Engines owns rights to a new gas turbine engine system including
an ignition system and component parts (called Detonation Cycle Gas Turbine
Engine or Detonation Engine) that uses cyclic detonations, provided by a process
called "electromagnetic isothermal combustion" (EIC), for complete combustion of
any fuel. The Detonation Engine may be designed and manufactured in many sizes
and configurations that enable it to produce the desired horsepower and meet the
design, weight and other special requirements for various discrete applications.
Alpha Engines is in the business of licensing use of its technology for the
Detonation Engine for many different applications.
B. Use of the Detonation Engine requires practice of Alpha Engines' (i) U.
S. Patent No. 6,000,214 issued December 14, 1999 to Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, and
licensed by him to Alpha Engines, as may be supplemented by (ii) U.S. and
foreign patents that may be issued after the effective date of this Agreement,
including any improvement patents, continuations, continuations-in-part,
divisionals or foreign counterparts of such patents, and any reissued and
re-examined patents that may result from such patents, whether such patents are
for the Detonation Engine itself or any component part or auxiliary system used
with the Detonation Engine. All of these patents are called the "Licensed
Patents" in this Agreement.
C. Alpha Engines also owns certain technical information, data, know-how
and unpatented inventions (Alpha Engines Technical Information) that are useful
with the Detonation Engine. The technology for practice of the Licensed Patents,
including the Alpha Engines Technical Information, is collectively called
"Detonation Engine Technology."
D. Licensee wishes to obtain a license from Alpha Engines to manufacture
and sell Detonation Engines for use as heavy duty highway truck engines. Alpha
Engines is willing to grant Licensee an exclusive license to use the Detonation
Engine in this field, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
E. Licensee desires to receive certain technical and engineering consulting
services from Alpha Engines in connection with the grant of the license. Alpha
Engines is willing to perform, on the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the services subsequently defined with respect to the Detonation Engine to be
manufactured by Licensee and the production of Detonation Engines.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the preceding circumstances and the
following mutual covenants, promises and agreements, Alpha Engines and Licensee
agree as follows:
1. Xxxxx of License and Other Rights; Reservations of Rights. Subject to
all terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and related agreements:
1.1 Grant of License. Alpha Engines hereby grants to Licensee a limited,
nontransferable, exclusive license under the Licensed Patents to use the
Detonation Engine Technology, including the Alpha Engines Technical Information,
solely for manufacture of, marketing and sales of heavy duty highway truck
engines with power ranges from 300 to 1,000 horsepower for use as engines for
heavy duty highway trucks (Field of Use).
1.2 Sublicensing. Licensee shall have the right to grant sublicenses, but
only for use entirely within the Field of Use, and only to parties who are first
approved by Alpha Engines in writing. Alpha Engines' approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld if, in its judgment, the proposed sublicensee has the
financial capability, technological skills and manufacturing plans to actively
conduct a substantial program for production of Detonation Engines. As an
express condition of any sublicense, the sublicensee must agree with Licensee
and Alpha Engines in writing to be bound by all applicable provisions of this
Agreement, and to be subject to its terms and provisions, and to be obligated
directly to Alpha Engines, in the same manner and to the extent of the
sublicensee's activities, without limitation by reason of enumeration, for the
payment of applicable licensee fees and royalties, confidentiality provisions,
providing of reports of its activities, and the performance of all other
obligations that apply to Licensee. Sublicensees shall have no right to,
directly or by implication, estoppel or otherwise, sublicense another. No right
or license is granted herein to any third party, by implication, estoppel or
otherwise. Each sublicense shall also expressly state that the covenants of the
sublicense and of this Agreement run for the benefit of Licensee and Alpha
Engines, and that Alpha Engines is an intended third-party beneficiary of those
covenants. Licensee agrees that the grant of one or more sublicenses and the
exercise of any rights under this Agreement by a sublicensee shall not relieve
Licensee of any of its obligations, duties or limitations under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, Licensee may not
sublicense to any person or entity unless that sublicensee agrees to the
royalty-free grantback without charge of the sublicensee's Alpha Engines
Improvements to Alpha Engines and its licensees.
1.3 Improvements.
(a) Title and Right to Patent. All improvements, inventions and
technological advances of any type that affect the Detonation Engine
Technology, whether made or conceived solely by Alpha Engines, or
jointly by Alpha Engines and Licensee and its agents, or solely by
Licensee and its agents, whether patentable or not, regardless of
where made or during or after working hours (Alpha Engine
Improvements), shall be titled solely in Alpha Engines. This agreement
is made by Licensee as partial consideration for Alpha Engines' grant
of the license described in this Agreement and also as works made for
hire for Alpha Engines. Licensee will assign all such Improvements to
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, or another principal of Alpha Engines, and he will
be the sole party authorized to apply for patents, if appropriate.
Licensee hereby assigns all rights and title to Alpha Engines
Improvements made solely or jointly by it and its agents during the
term of this Agreement and for one year thereafter to Alpha Engines.
Licensee, for itself and its agents, agrees, at no expense to Alpha
Engines, to execute all documents deemed necessary or advisable by
Alpha Engines in connection with preparation and prosecution of patent
applications, and protection of patents, trade secrets and copyrights
related to Alpha Engines Improvements.
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(b) License to Use Alpha Engines Improvements. During the term of
this Agreement, Alpha Engines agrees to disclose to and grants to
Licensee a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to
practice and use Alpha Engines Improvements, including any patent or
improvement patent, to the Detonation Engine Technology, such practice
and use to be limited solely to the Field of Use. Licensee agrees that
it shall hold all such information provided by Alpha Engines subject
to the provisions of confidentiality contained in this Agreement and
any related confidentiality agreements with Alpha Engines.
(c) Disclosure of Alpha Engines Improvements. Details,
descriptions and technical data regarding Alpha Engines Improvements,
when developed by Licensee or its agents, shall be fully conveyed by
Licensee to Alpha Engines without delay, in order that Alpha Engines
may take full advantage of them for the purposes previously described
in this section and for the improvement of the design and manufacture
of Detonation Engines in uses outside the Field of Use.
1.4 License of Trademark. Licensor also grants Licensee a limited
exclusive right to use, and Licensee undertakes to use, pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement, the trademark "Alpha Truck Engines" in the manufacture and sale
of its heavy-duty truck engines in the Field of Use. Licensee recognizes the
prior right and title of Alpha Engines in the corporate name, Alpha Engines
Corporation and in the trademark Alpha Engines.. Licensee will not use Alpha
Truck Engines in its corporate name or assert that use by Alpha Engines or by
its licensees of the trademark Alpha Engines is confusingly similar to the
corporate name and trademark of Licensee. When using the trademark in
advertising or on engines, or in any other manner, Licensee will include the
symbol ® to show the federal registration of the trademark. Licensee's right
to use the trademark is non-divisible and shall not be assignable without the
prior written consent of Alpha Engines, which it may withhold in its sole and
absolute discretion. Any such assignment or transfer without such consent shall
be void and of no effect.
1.5 EIC Ignition System. Operation of a Detonation Engine requires Alpha
Engine's EIC ignition process (EIC Ignition System). Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, Alpha Engines grants Licensee the right to
purchase from Alpha Engines or its licensed manufacturer, as designated from
time to time by Alpha Engines, EIC Ignition Systems necessary for operation of
each Detonation Engine. The purchase and sale of EIC Ignition Systems shall be
on the terms subsequently described in this Agreement. Licensee shall have no
right to make or have made, any EIC Ignition System used with Detonation Engines
or to market (including selling and offering to sell) any EIC Ignition System
other than those it purchases from Alpha Engines for use with Detonation
Engines.
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1.6 CNF Agreement. The license and rights granted to Licensee under this
Agreement are subject to the right of first refusal held by CNF Transportation,
Inc. (CNF), formerly Consolidated Freightways, Inc., under the agreement dated
September 15, 1988 between Alpha Engines and CNF, to form a joint venture with
Alpha Engines, after the development and testing of a demonstration engine, for
the manufacture of heavy-duty truck engines, both for the fleet of CNF and
exclusive sales of heavy-duty truck engines. Alpha Engines hereby assigns to
Licensee all rights of Alpha Engines under its agreement with CNF to enter into
such a joint venture with CNF, and Licensee agrees to fulfill the obligations of
Alpha Engines under the CNF agreement related to the joint venture.
1.7 Reservation of Rights by Alpha Engines. Alpha Engines hereby reserves
to itself and its successors and assigns, subject only to the grant of the
license described in this Agreement, all rights of ownership of the Detonation
Engine Technology, including but not limited to: (i) the right, by itself or
with others, to develop, design, manufacture, construct, operate, use, sell and
market (including selling and offering to sell) Detonation Engines in all fields
of use other than the Field of Use, anywhere in the world; (ii) the right to
license, sublicense, use, produce, patent, protect, sell and market (including
selling and offering to sell) the Detonation Engine Technology to anyone
anywhere in the world; (iii) the exclusive right to title and ownership of Alpha
Engines Improvements and to apply for and patent (or assign to Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
or other principal of Alpha Engines) Alpha Engines Improvements; (iv) the
exclusive right to use and license all trade names and trademarks used by Alpha
Engines or its licensees or sublicensees, including Licensee, in connection with
the Detonation Engine Technology anywhere in the world; (v) the right, by itself
or with others, to develop, design, construct, license and market (including
selling and offering to sell) all EIC Ignition Systems and component parts used
for operation of Detonation Engines; (vi) the ownership of all aspects of the
Detonation Engine Technology embodied in any designs, plans, specifications, and
drawings for Detonation Engines, auxiliary systems and component parts; (vii)
construction standards, operating standards and procedures for Detonation
Engines; (viii) all knowhow, technology, trade secret and other proprietary
information provided by Alpha Engines for the use of Licensee or that can be
discovered by an examination of a Detonation Engine; (ix) all rights to use the
corporate name Alpha Engines Corporation, and the trade mark Alpha Engines and
variations of Alpha Engines, except when used as Alpha Truck Engines, and (x)
all rights not specifically granted to Licensee in this Agreement.
2. Technical and Engineering Information and Services. Subject to
compensation to Alpha Engines or Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, the inventor, or in
appropriate situations, to both of them, as subsequently provided for in this
Agreement, and for the purpose of enabling Licensee more fully to exercise the
right and license granted to it by this Agreement, Alpha Engines agrees to
demonstrate the Alpha Engines Technical Information, and either it or Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxx will perform certain technical and engineering services for Licensee in
support of design and operation of a production prototype of a Detonation Engine
for use in the Field of Use, but only to the extent of transferring information
reasonably necessary for a person skilled in the art of producing turbine
engines to produce a Detonation Engine for the Field of Use. Any technical and
engineering services performed for Licensee pursuant to this Agreement shall be
of the same quality and in the same detail as Alpha Engines would use for its
own operations. Such services shall be provided on an as-needed basis to the
reasonable extent of the capabilities of the person providing the services.
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2.1 Preliminary Engineering Consulting Services. Upon signing of this
License Agreement by both parties, Licensee will enter into a separate contract
with Alpha Engines or Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx or both for certain technical and
consulting services for Licensee in connection with the development of
Licensee's Detonation Engine for the Field of Use. The services shall be
provided primarily at Licensee's facilities or manufacturing plant, during the
periods of development, preliminary design, detailed design and manufacture and
testing of the production prototype. The services will exclude fabrication
drawings. The services under the separate contract will be limited to consulting
concerning plans and specifications for construction of a production prototype
for Licensee's Detonation Engine, materials, and development of component parts
and auxiliary systems (excluding the EIC Ignition System to be sold to Licensee
by Alpha Engines or its separate licensee) that are necessary for use of the
Licensee's Detonation Engine. Such information is sometimes called design
consulting. Licensee shall, promptly upon receipt of invoices, pay such
consulting fees plus the travel and reasonable out-of-pocket living expenses of
the persons providing the design consulting services.
2.2 Detailed Engineering Services. If Licensee enters into a separate
contract for such services, Alpha Engines or Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx or both will
provide detailed engineering services to Licensee related to production of
Licensee's Detonation Engine. These detailed engineering services will provide
Licensee a complete engineering package; heat, energy and material balances;
major equipment lists and specifications; and detailed fabrication drawings for
the engines and component parts to be manufactured by Licensee. This information
is sometimes called engineering consulting. Licensee shall, promptly upon
receipt of invoices, pay such consulting fees plus the travel and reasonable
out-of-pocket living expenses of the persons providing the engineering
consulting services.
2.3 Production and Operating Consulting Services. If Licensee enters into a
separate contract for such services, and upon ninety days prior written request
of Licensee, Alpha Engines or Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx or both will provide to Licensee,
for use by it, additional consulting services in connection with development by
Licensee of production plant engineering design specifications, detailed plant
design and specifications, and operating instructions or manuals that are
necessary to operate the Detonation Engines and its component parts and
auxiliary systems. The fee consulting services may include production
information, quality control tests and inspections of products. Alpha Engines or
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx or both and Licensee will negotiate reasonable consulting
service rates or fixed price consulting service contract fees for such services
and information. Licensee shall, promptly upon receipt of invoices, pay such
consulting fees plus the travel and reasonable out-of-pocket living expenses of
the persons providing the additional consulting services.
5
2.4 No Other Assistance. Neither Alpha Engines, nor anyone else affiliated
with it will be required to provide to Licensee, and Licensee does not expect or
desire to receive from them (i) any business advice; (ii) any control or
assistance in the business methods that Licensee selects for the conduct of its
business; (iii) any technical assistance, operating advice, quality control
services, or other type of assistance not expressly provided for in this
License; (iv) any marketing plan, strategies or suggestions with respect to
offers to sell or sales by Licensee of the Detonation Engine or with respect to
Licensee's marketing, sales, distribution and pricing activities; (v) unless
separately contracted for, any technical information or consulting or
engineering services related to construction or operation of Licensee's
manufacturing plant for production of Detonation Engines, or (vi) any
information that is not required by a specific provision of this Agreement.
Licensee is responsible for all such matters and represents to Alpha Engines
that it is well informed about them and is fully capable of making such
decisions.
3. Manufacturing Plants.
3.1 Design and Construction. Licensee shall be responsible or financing,
designing, constructing, testing and operating its manufacturing plant or plants
for the production of its Detonation Engines, and compliance with all
environmental laws and regulations applicable to manufacture and use of
Licensee's Detonation Engines.
3.2 Ownership. Subject to the superior proprietary rights of Alpha Engines
in the designs, processes, technology, know-how, trade secrets, patent rights
and other proprietary rights in the Detonation Engine Technology that are
embodied and used with or incorporated in Licensee's manufacturing plant or
plants, all of which are reserved by Alpha Engines, Licensee shall be the owner
of the plants constructed by or for it under this Agreement for the manufacture
of Detonation Engines in the Field of Use.
4. EIC Ignition System Supply Contract.
4.1 Ownership of Ignition System. Alpha Engines owns the designs,
processes, technology, know-how, trade secrets, patent rights and other
proprietary rights embodied in the EIC Ignition System. Ownership of the EIC
Ignition System is reserved to Alpha Engines, and no rights shall be acquired by
Licensee in it other than the rights of use granted by this Agreement.
4.2 Supply Contract for EIC Ignition Systems. Alpha Engines or its licensee
which manufactures EIC Ignition Systems will enter into a long term supply
contract with Licensee. Under the terms of the supply contract, Alpha Engines or
its licensee will manufacture and sell EIC Ignition Systems to Licensee for use
with the Detonation Engines manufactured by Licensee, and Licensee will purchase
and pay for them. The supply contract will remain in effect during the term of
this Agreement and terminate upon termination of this Agreement. The sale price
(FOB Alpha Engines' manufacturing plant) will not exceed the least expensive
current invoice price quoted by Alpha Engines at the date of shipment, if any,
to any other licensees of Alpha Engines Detonation Engines for comparable uses,
and Alpha Engines shall provide evidence to this effect upon the request of
Licensee. The invoice price will include actual base cost to Alpha Engines or
its manufacturer, including costs for general overhead, administration, recovery
of capital and marketing of the EIC Ignition Systems, plus a reasonable profit
of 25 percent and adjustments to the actual cost for inflation, from the date of
the supply contract, as measured by the Producers Price Index, U.S. City
Average, published by the U.S. Department of Labor (PPI) or any other such index
as the parties mutually select. The actual base cost will also be adjusted by
any extraordinary increases or decreases in manufacturing costs directly
associated with the production of the EIC Ignition Systems including, but not
limited to, the costs of raw materials, equipment, labor and freight, but such
extraordinary increases shall not include costs for general overhead,
administration and marketing. Extraordinary increases shall be determined by
Alpha Engines in accordance with standard accounting practices. Licensee shall
have the right to obtain from Alpha Engines, upon reasonable prior request,
documentation substantiating base costs and any claim of extraordinary increase
in manufacturing costs incurred by Alpha Engines or its manufacturer licensee.
The invoice price shall be adjusted no more frequently than quarterly. If the
PPI ceases to be published or is significantly revised, another index generally
recognized as authoritative on changes in consumer prices shall be applied by
Alpha Engines.
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5. Undertakings by Licensee. As a material inducement for Alpha
Engines to enter into this Agreement, Licensee covenants and represents that it
will use its best efforts, diligently and in good faith and at its expense, to
undertake each of the following activities in such a way as to lawfully maximize
Licensee's revenues and the royalties reserved by Alpha Engines as well as the
value of the other rights reserved by Alpha Engines, all in accordance with
applicable safety standards and environmental protection requirements.
5.1 Design, Construction, and Operating Standards. Licensee will carefully
develop, design, manufacture, produce and operate its Detonation Engines in a
good, safe and workmanlike manner that takes full advantage of the preliminary
and detailed engineering design and specifications and any production and
operating services, and other know-how, trade secrets and proprietary
information made available by Alpha Engines; provided, however, all development,
design, construction, production, operations, safety standards and all other
activities of Licensee shall be at Licensee's sole expense and risk and subject
to its sole control.
5.2 Production. Licensee will fully exploit the license granted by this
Agreement in order to develop, finance, construct, manufacture and sell
Detonation Engines for use in the Field of Use as quickly as feasible.
5.3 Maximize Production. Licensee will develop, design, construct and
operate its manufacturing plant or plants by methods, within applicable
standards of safety and environmental protection, including providing adequate
financial and human resources, that maximize the quality, quantity, and market
value of Detonation Engines produced.
5.4 Market Effectively. Licensee will actively and fully promote, market,
offer for sale and sell the Detonation Engines produced by it under this
Agreement at the highest practical prices and in the largest feasible
quantities. Licensee will market, offer to sell and sell its Detonation Engines
on their own merits and not in a manner primarily designed to promote other
products.
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5.5 Legal Compliance. Licensee will at all times comply with all applicable
legal standards of due care, safety and protection of its employees and the
environment, and comply with all applicable governmental laws and regulations.
5.6 Identification. On each Detonation Engine, there shall be affixed and
maintained a metal identification plate or embossed lettering, in easily
readable, non-obscured type, that indicates (i) each relevant patent and patent
application with serial number or numbers, (ii) the place of manufacture, (iii)
the following statement: "Under License from Alpha Engines Corporation," and
(iv) Alpha Engines' designated trademark or marks with a legend that Alpha
Engines owns the marks. Alpha Engines will have the right of prior approval with
respect to such markings.
5.7 Access. Licensee will permit Alpha Engines to have access to Licensee's
manufacturing plant or plants constructed under this Agreement (i) at all
reasonable times for the purpose of determining whether all of Licensee's
undertakings pursuant to this section and elsewhere in this Agreement are being
met and maintained; and (ii) upon at least three days of prior notice, during
normal business hours, for the purposes of showing the manufacturing plant,
whether or not under construction or in operation, to Alpha Engines's
prospective licensees, joint venturers, purchasers, construction contractors,
consultants, financiers or others whose tour and inspection of such a plant
might enhance the business of Alpha Engines or its other licensees. All persons
attending such a tour and inspection must first have executed and delivered to
Licensee and Alpha Engines confidentiality agreements with substantially the
same provisions as those attached to this Agreement and incorporated herein as
Exhibit B. Neither access to nor inspection of the manufacturing plant nor any
preliminary and detailed engineering design and specifications, consulting
services or other know-how, trade secrets or proprietary information provided by
Alpha Engines shall impose any duty upon Alpha Engines or its agents to warn of,
or make Alpha Engines to Licensee or its agents responsible or liable in any way
for errors, omissions or inadequate standards of Licensee or the consequences
thereof. Licensee agrees that it is solely responsible for such matters and
further agrees to indemnify and hold Alpha Engines and its agents harmless from
any and all such claims, expenses and damages.
6. Export Licenses. Any and all obligations of Alpha Engines under
this Agreement to provide Licensee with any part of the Detonation Engine
Technology or technical services, for any purpose or pursuant to any other
contract between them, are expressly conditioned upon Alpha Engines obtaining
any and all export and re-export authorizations and export licenses that may
from time to time be required of it for such purposes under United States law
and other applicable law. Alpha Engines agrees to use its best efforts to obtain
authorizations and licenses required of it, but its inability to obtain such
authorizations and licenses shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement. If
Alpha Engines is unable to obtain such authorizations or licenses, Licensee may,
but is not required to, attempt to do so.
8
7. Payments.
7.1 License Fees and Royalties. As consideration for the right and license
granted to Licensee in this Agreement, Licensee shall pay Alpha Engines the
following consideration and non-refundable payments and royalties in cash or
other immediately available funds.
(a) Upfront Fee. Upon execution of this Agreement, Licensee will
either pay Alpha Engines Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) in
immediately available cash funds or issue to Alpha Engines 10,000,000
shares of the common stock of Licensee (the Shares).
(b) License Fee. Licensee will pay Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($250,000) payable according to the terms of Licensee's
promissory note for that amount dated July 22, 2002, which it has
delivered to Alpha Engines and which is incorporated herein by this
reference.
(c) Restricted Stock. Alpha Engines acknowledges that it will
receive the Shares from Licensee subject to the following
representations and agreements.
(i) Investment Intent. The Shares to be received by Alpha
Engines are being acquired for its own account, not as
nominee or agent, for investment and not with a view to, or
for resale in connection with, any distribution or public
offering of the Shares within the meaning of the Securities
Act of 1933 (Securities Act).
(ii) Shares Not Registered. Alpha Engines understands and
acknowledges that the offering of the Shares pursuant to
this Agreement will not be registered under the Securities
Act on the grounds that the offering and sale of securities
contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from registration
under the Securities Act, and that Alpha Engines' reliance
upon such exemptions is predicated upon Alpha Engines'
representations set forth in this Agreement. Alpha Engines
acknowledges and understands that the Shares must be held
indefinitely unless the Shares are subsequently registered
under the Securities Act and qualified under the applicable
state law or an exemption from such registration and such
qualification is available.
(iii) No Transfer. Alpha Engines agrees that in no event
will it dispose of any of the Shares except in conjunction
with an effective registration statement for the Shares
under the Securities Act or in compliance with Rule 144
promulgated under the Securities Act.
(iv) Knowledge and Experience. Alpha Engines (1) has such
knowledge and experience in financial and business matters
as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of Alpha
Engines' investment in the Shares; (2) has the ability to
bear the economic risk of Alpha Engines' prospective
investment; (3) has been furnished with and has had access
to such information as Alpha Engines has considered
necessary to make a determination as to the purchase of the
Shares together with such additional information as is
necessary to verify the accuracy of the information
supplied; (4) has had all its questions satisfactorily
answered by Licensee; and (5) has not been offered the
Shares by any form of public solicitation.
9
(v) Holding Requirements. Alpha Engines understands that if
Licensee does not register its common stock with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Section
12 or become subject to Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) or supply
information pursuant to Rule 15c2-11 under the Exchange Act
or if a registration statement covering the Shares under the
Securities Act is not in effect when it desires to sell the
Shares, Alpha Engines may be required to hold the shares for
an indeterminate period. Alpha Engines also understands that
any sale of the Shares that might be made by Alpha Engines
in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be
made only in limited amounts in accordance with the terms
and conditions of that rule.
(vi) Restrictive Endorsement. Each certificate representing
the shares may be endorsed with the following restrictive
endorsement:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE
NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933,
AS AMENDED ("ACT") AND ARE "RESTRICTED SECURITIES"
AS DEFINED IN RULE 144 PROMULGATED UNDER THE ACT.
THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE OR
OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED EXCEPT (1) IN CONJUNCTION WITH
AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SHARES
UNDER THE ACT OR (2) IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144, OR
(3) PURSUANT TO AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY
TO THE CORPORATION THAT SUCH REGISTRATION OR
COMPLIANCE IS NOT REQUIRED AS TO SAID SALE, OFFER, OR
DISTRIBUTION.
(vii) Removal of Endorsement and Transfer Restrictions. Any
legend endorsed on a certificate pursuant to this Agreement
and the stop transfer instructions with respect to such
legended Shares will be removed, and Licensee will issue a
certificate without such endorsement to the holder of such
Shares if the Shares are registered under the Securities Act
and a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of
the Securities Act is available or if such holder satisfies
the requirements of Rule 144(k).
10
(d) Production Royalties. As additional consideration for the
right and license granted to Licensee in this Agreement, Licensee
shall pay Alpha Engines monthly throughout the term of this Agreement,
and thereafter so long as Detonation Engines are produced by it,
royalties at the rate of eight percent (8%) of Net Sales, as
subsequently defined, of all Detonation Engines produced under this
License (Production Royalties). "Net Sales" shall mean all revenues
recognized from the sale, use or other disposition of Licensee's
Detonation Engines less only the revenues returned to buyers of
rejected engines and sales and use and excise taxes paid by Licensee
or another on Licensee's behalf. However, in the case of a disposition
of a Detonation Engine to an Affiliate (as subsequently defined), or
if a Detonation Engine is incorporated into another product such as a
heavy-duty truck, and not sold separately, Net Sales will be the
average Net Sales price of Detonation Engines of the same general type
and size, and with similar component parts and auxiliary systems, sold
to unaffiliated third parties by Licensee or Alpha Engines or its
other licensees; provided that if Licensee or Alpha Engines or its
other licensees do not sell Detonation Engines to unaffiliated third
parties, Net Sales will be deemed to be five times the average Cost,
as subsequently defined, of Detonation Engines manufactured by
Licensee or, if not available, of Detonation Engines of the same
general type and size manufactured by Alpha Engines or its other
licensees. Cost shall mean Licensee's expenses of procurement of
Detonation Engines, or if manufactured by Licensee, all expenses
directly incurred in connection with Licensee's manufacturing of the
Detonation Engine, including depreciation of production plant and
equipment, utilities, occupancy cost for machine-related personal
property taxes, and labor overhead costs for the direct labor support
of the manufacturing plant and equipment. As used in this Agreement,
"Affiliate" means any corporation, person or entity that controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, a party to this
Agreement, whether by ownership or otherwise. Costs are to be
accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP), consistently applied and uniformly presented, as
stated in Licensee's financial statements, which shall be audited for
these purposes.
(e) Minimum Royalties. Beginning on the first annual anniversary
of this Agreement, and continuing on each succeeding annual anniversary
thereafter while this Agreement remains in effect, Licensee will pay
Alpha Engines a minimum annual royalty of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($250,000.00) (Minimum Royalty). No part of the Minimum
Royalty payments will be recoverable by Licensee, but Production
Royalties actually received by Alpha Engines during each twelve-month
period preceding the payment date for a Minimum Royalty will be credited
against the annual Minimum Royalties due for that twelve-month period.
11
7.2 Provisions fog Payments.
(a) Manner of Payment. All payments of money made under this
Agreement shall be calculated and made in U. S. dollars, by wire
transfer, to such banks and accounts as Alpha Engines shall from time
to time designate in writing.
(b) Non-Business Days. Whenever any payment or calculation of
payment due hereunder shall be stated to be due or made on a day that
is not a business day, the payment or calculation shall be made on the
immediately succeeding business day.
(c) Receipt. Payments shall not be considered to be made until
the day they are received at Alpha Engines's final bank account that
is designated by it for such purpose.
(d) Payment Due Date. Payments of Production Royalties shall be
due on the twentieth day of each month for the previous month's
production.
(e) Late Payments. In the event any payment of any type by
Licensee to Alpha Engines shall at any time be overdue, Licensee shall
pay interest to Alpha Engines on any and all such late payments at the
rate of four percent per annum over the prime rate of interest listed
in the Wall Street Journal for the first day the payment is past due.
Interest will be calculated on each late payment from the date it
became due to the date of actual payment. Payment of such interest
shall be in addition to any of Alpha Engines's other rights under this
Agreement resulting from Licensee's default in making timely payments.
Interest shall accrue on late payments from the due date regardless of
whether Alpha Engines has given Licensee written notice of the
default.
7.3 Taxes Withheld. If Licensee is required by any government with
jurisdiction to withhold any tax from any payment due by Licensee to Alpha
Engines, Licensee shall remit the net amount of the payment to Alpha Engines,
together with official receipts or other evidence acceptable to Alpha Engines
establishing payment of such tax to the taxing authority. Any such tax payments
shall be made by Licensee on time and in the proper amount to relieve Alpha
Engines from liabilities for failure to pay such payments timely or fully.
7.4 No Set-Offs or Counterclaims. Under no circumstances shall any amount
payable to Alpha Engines be reduced, either by set-off, counterclaim, adjustment
or otherwise, except for taxes withheld in accordance with provisions of this
section, by virtue of any claim of Licensee or any other person or for any other
purpose. The licensee fee and royalties to be paid under this Agreement are in
consideration of Alpha Engines supplying the various services described in this
Agreement, for the benefits of its scientific research activities, for use of
the other technical information, and for the specific covenants and warranties
made by Alpha Engines, but do not include consideration for its design or
engineering services. The license fees and royalties are due without regard to
the issuance, scope or validity of any patents or other protected rights.
12
8. Reports and Records.
8.1 Records and Books ofAccount. Licensee shall make and keep complete and
accurate records and books of account describing all financial activities by it
under this Agreement in sufficient detail to enable license fees and royalties
payable under this Agreement to be determined. The records shall be kept on a
month-by-month basis and shall include, without limitation by reason of
enumeration, separate reports on the construction status and operation of
Licensee's manufacturing plants, the quantities of Detonation Engines produced,
and the names and addresses of distributors and other purchasers of the
Detonation Engines produced.
8.2 Production Reports. Licensee shall deliver to Alpha Engines within
twenty days after the end of each calendar month, beginning with the calendar
month in which "Start-Up" is achieved for the Licensee's first manufacturing
plant (Start-Up meaning daily operation of the plant during scheduled operating
hours for at least ten consecutive business days without an unplanned stoppage
of more than eight hours at any one time), a written report, certified by the
plant manager for the plant and the financial officer of Licensee responsible
for the plant, as being true and correct, describing for the applicable calendar
month for each plant, the following:
(a) Production and Price. All data necessary for the calculation
of license fees, royalties and determination of Licensee's compliance
with the terms of this Agreement for such payments and for marketing.
(b) Royalties. Calculations showing the total royalties due for
the month and the cumulative total royalties due and payable for the
calendar year to date.
8.3 PaymentAccompanyingReports. Each monthly report shall be accompanied by
evidence showing full payment to Alpha Engines, as provided in this Agreement,
of all license fees, royalties, technical and engineering service fees, and
other payments due. Any payments of any type due that are not paid when due
shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement by Licensee.
8.4 Reports of Certified Public Accountants. Licensee shall deliver to
Alpha Engines within ninety days after the end of each calendar year, (i) a
written report prepared by Licensee's certified public accountants which
summarizes for the calendar year just completed, all license fees and royalties
and other amounts due to Alpha Engines hereunder, month by month, and certifies
to the accuracy of the calculations, and (ii) a written report prepared and
certified by Licensee's chief financial officer which states that, with respect
to the calendar year just completed, Licensee is in compliance with the monetary
compensation provisions of this Agreement. Both of such reports shall be in
reasonable detail and satisfactory in scope to Alpha Engines. Licensee shall
also deliver to Alpha Engines such other financial data and written evidence as
Alpha Engines may reasonably request to verify the accuracy of the reports.
8.5 Right to Audit. Licensee agrees, at the request of Alpha Engines, to
permit Alpha Engines and its accountants, or any of them, to have full access
during customary business hours to the books and records of Licensee pertaining
to activities under this Agreement, and they shall have the right to make copies
there from at Alpha Engines's expense. This right to examine may be exercised at
any time during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two years after
its expiration or termination.
13
9. Confidentiality.
9.1 Information That Is Confidential; Obligation of Confidentiality.
Licensee agrees that the terms of this Agreement are to be kept strictly
confidential except to the extent required to be disclosed by law. Licensee
agrees that all information that it receives from Alpha Engines relating to the
Detonation Engine Technology, all EIC Ignition Systems and component parts and
auxiliary systems used for operation of Detonation Engines, as well as designs
and specifications, including without limitation, the following, collectively
called "Confidential Information":
(a) preliminary engineering designs and specifications, flow
sheets, drawings related to the designs, aspects, configurations,
operating conditions, and functions of Detonation Engines and
component parts and auxiliary systems;
(b) plans, engineering designs and specifications, and
instrumentation drawings for those systems; cost estimates,
construction standards and procedures;
(c) processes, formulas, improvements, inventions, techniques,
designs and plans for manufacturing plants;
(d) forecasts, new products, customer lists, information
regarding prospective financing sources, competitors, fee and royalty
amounts charged by Alpha Engines; and non-published financial
information relating to Alpha Engines;
(e) all know-how, technology, trade secrets and other proprietary
information of Alpha Engines.
Confidential Information shall be considered confidential, except as specified
in the next section of this Agreement. In addition, all information described as
confidential in documents submitted by Alpha Engines to Licensee or its agents
or in other written confidentiality agreements executed by the parties shall be
considered confidential, except as specified in the next section of this
Agreement. Licensee agrees that, except as necessary to protect itself against
infringement, it shall neither use such information, except pursuant to and in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, nor disclose such
information to anyone except to its employees and agents that Licensee
determines need to know in connection with the development, financing, or
manufacturing of the Detonation Engines by Licensee, or for operation of the
Detonation Engines, and whose knowledge of such information is necessary to
effect the purposes of this Agreement. Licensee may only disclose Confidential
Information to such person if (i) such person has executed a confidentiality
agreement with Licensee, a copy of which is available to Alpha Engines, in
substantially the form of Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein, or
(ii) Licensee has taken other steps to strictly ensure that such person will
maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information during the term of
this Agreement, and after termination or expiration of this Agreement until such
time as the information ceases being Confidential Information pursuant to the
provisions of the next section. Licensee shall maintain the confidentiality of
the Confidential Information during the continuance of this Agreement and
thereafter until the information ceases being confidential pursuant to the
provisions of the next section.
14
9.2 Exception to Confidentiality. It is agreed, as an exception to the
foregoing obligations of confidentiality, that information received by Licensee
from Alpha Engines as a result of this Agreement shall not be considered
confidential, and Licensee shall not be limited in disclosing the same, if and
to the extent that the information, as shown by competent evidence, (i) is or
becomes, through no fault of the party obligated to maintain confidentiality, in
the public domain; (ii) is lawfully obtained by Licensee from a source other
than Alpha Engines or its agents; (iii) was already known by Licensee at the
time of its receipt, as shown by credible proof filed with Alpha Engines within
thirty days after its receipt; or (iv) is required to be disclosed by law or
final order of any court or governmental authority having jurisdiction.
Disclosures that are specific, including but not limited to operating conditions
such as pressures, temperatures, formulas, procedures and other like standards
and conditions, shall not be deemed to be within the foregoing exceptions merely
because they are embraced by general disclosures available to the general public
or in Licensee's possession. Additionally, any combination of features shall not
be deemed to be within the foregoing exceptions merely because the individual
features are available to the general public or in Licensee's possession unless
the combination itself and its principle of operation are available to the
general public.
9.3 Published Disclosure. It is agreed that the disclosure of certain
information by Alpha Engines in a publication, such as in letters patent,
technical and scientific articles, lectures, or by otherwise placing it in the
public domain, will not free Licensee from its obligation to maintain in
confidence any information not specifically disclosed in or fairly ascertainable
from the publication or other disclosure, such as, for example, the fact that
information in the publication or any portion of it is or is not used by either
party. Licensee shall have the right to publish information or articles
pertaining to the Detonation Engine Technology and its manufacturing plant only
if such information is not confidential, and, with respect to Confidential
Information, only upon prior written approval by Alpha Engines, which Alpha
Engines may withhold in its absolute discretion.
9.4 Non-Use after Termination. Licensee shall not use the Confidential
Information after termination or expiration of this Agreement until such time,
if any, as the information ceases being Confidential Information pursuant to the
provisions of this section and with no breach of these provisions by Licensee.
15
10. Protection of Licensed Technology.
10.1 Licensee to Detect and Report Beach or Infringements. Licensee agrees
to keep watch to detect any actual or suspected unauthorized uses, infringements
and disclosures of the Detonation Engine Technology and Confidential
Information, and shall notify Alpha Engines of any actual or suspected
unauthorized uses, infringements and disclosures within thirty days after
receiving knowledge of the actual or suspected activities; provided, however, it
shall not be a material breach of this Agreement for mere negligence of Licensee
in failing to provide such written notice to Alpha Engines as required.
10. 2 Alpha Engines to Detect and Report Infringements. If Alpha Engines
detects any actual or suspected infringements of the Detonation Engine
Technology and any Licensed Patents for which Licensee is responsible, Alpha
Engines shall notify Licensee thereof. Such notice shall be given to Licensee
not more than thirty days after Alpha Engines has discovered any such actual or
suspected infringement.
10.3 Responsibility for Infringements of Technology and Patents.
(a) Infringements. Licensee shall take all actions, through
judicial action or otherwise, to terminate infringements of the
Detonation Engine Technology licensed to Licensee under this
Agreement, including any Licensed Patents. The type and conduct of
such actions shall be governed by Licensee. Alpha Engines agrees to
reasonably cooperate with Licensee and to not interfere with any of
the actions taken by Licensee so long as Licensee is, in the sole
judgment of Alpha Engines, diligently and competently fulfilling such
obligations. Licensee shall bear all the expenses of such technology
and patent infringement actions.
(b) Information. Licensee shall fully and promptly inform Alpha
Engines of the status and progress of all infringement actions
considered or instituted by Licensee.
(c) Alpha Engines's Action. If Licensee does not institute a
technology or patent infringement action within ninety days after
receiving notice from Alpha Engines of an infringement that is
Licensee's responsibility under this Agreement, Alpha Engines may
institute a infringement action with respect thereof. Licensee shall
reimburse Alpha Engines for its reasonable expenses incurred in
connection with such action. Licensee shall be kept informed by Alpha
Engines of the status and progress of all infringement actions
instituted by Alpha Engines pursuant to this section.
10.4 Alpha Engines Responsible for Patent Validity Cases.
(a) Licensee's Conduct of Business. The exact manner in which
Licensee conducts its business is substantially within the discretion
and decision of Licensee. Any risks of infringement of the rights of
others that may be associated with using the Detonation Engine
Technology and any Licensed Patents as permitted under this Agreement
cannot be foreseen and evaluated until Licensee has established its
own business practice techniques. Alpha Engines does not, therefore,
accept responsibility for actual or alleged patent infringement by
reason of the practice by Licensee of the Detonation Engine
Technology, including any Licensed Patents, except as follows:
16
(b) Defense of Licensed Patents. As between Alpha Engines and
Licensee, Alpha Engines shall have the sole responsibility for
defending at its sole expense all legal actions asserting the
invalidity of any of the Licensed Patents. The conduct of such defense
shall be solely governed by Alpha Engines, and Xxxxxxxx agrees to
fully cooperate with and to not interfere with Alpha Engines's defense
of such actions. If Alpha Engines does not defend or in the reasonable
judgment of Licensee is not vigorously and adequately defending
against any such action, including appropriate appeals, Licensee may,
after written notice to Alpha Engines given a reasonable time in
advance but not less than thirty days, defend against such an action.
Alpha Engines shall be kept fully and promptly informed of the status
and progress of each such defense by Licensee.
10.5 Apportionment of Recoveries. Any recoveries or settlement fees
received from suits or settlements involving alleged or actual infringement of
the Detonation Engine Technology and any Licensed Patents initiated by either
party or agreed to by Alpha Engines shall be paid entirely to Alpha Engines
after Licensee recovers its actual damages, costs and reasonable expenses, if
any, incurred in maintaining the infringement action; provided, however,
Licensee shall pay all such costs and expenses if its wrongful conduct led to
the infringement.
10.6 Alpha Engines's Name in Suit. When, in the reasonable judgment of
Licensee, it is necessary to use Alpha Engines's name for Licensee to prosecute
or defend an action asserting infringement or invalidity of any Licensed
Patents, Alpha Engines agrees to allow Licensee to use the name of Alpha Engines
in doing so; provided, however, Licensee agrees to hold Alpha Engines harmless
against any award of court costs or damages resulting from the use of Alpha
Engines's name by Licensee in any such action.
10. 7 Notification of Suit. Licensee shall immediately notify Alpha Engines
of any suit or action wherein Licensee or any Affiliate of Licensee is named as
a party, and which directly or indirectly relates to the use of the Detonation
Engine Technology or the manufacture and sale of Detonation Engines.
10.8 Action Against Breaches of Confidential Information. If any
unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information has not ceased within
a reasonable period, not to exceed fifteen days after written notice is given by
Alpha Engines which demands that the relevant person or entity terminate such
unauthorized disclosure or use, then Licensee shall have the right to
immediately bring legal action to enjoin and seek damages for such unauthorized
disclosure or use, and Alpha Engines shall join with Licensee in such action if
necessary in the judgment of Licensee; provided, however, if Licensee does not
bring any such legal action within thirty days after Alpha Engines gives the
written demand previously described or does not adequately commence or prosecute
such legal action in the sole judgment of Alpha Engines, then Alpha Engines
shall have the right to do so upon written notice to Licensee. The conduct of
such actions brought by Licensee shall be fully governed by Licensee, although
Alpha Engines shall have the right to participate and to be fully and promptly
informed if Alpha Engines joins or is joined with Licensee in such action. Alpha
Engines and Licensee shall individually bear their costs of such legal actions
that each may respectively incur. Any recoveries or settlement fees resulting
from legal action taken against parties making unauthorized disclosures or uses
shall be paid to Alpha Engines after Licensee recovers its actual damages, costs
and reasonable expenses, if any, in maintaining the action.
17
11. Defense of Claims of Trademark Infringement.
11.l Defense of Trademark Infringement. Alpha Engines shall be solely
responsible for defending all actions brought against Licensee for infringement
and unfair competition in which the primary issue involves the use by Licensee
of trademarks licensed from Alpha Engines for the Detonation Engine Technology
in the Field of Use. Alpha Engines shall indemnify Licensee against any final
adverse monetary judgment rendered against Licensee in such legal actions for
infringement and unfair competition involving the trademarks.
11.2 Right to Suspend Use of Trademarks. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, if considered by Alpha Engines to be appropriate or
necessary to protect it and Licensee from trademark infringement, and upon
notice from Alpha Engines, Licensee shall immediately take all steps necessary
to cease all use of the trademarks of Alpha Engines. There shall be no reduction
of or credit against any fee or royalty payable to Alpha Engines hereunder due
to such a cessation in the use of such trademarks. Alpha Engines shall not give
notice to Licensee to cease use of the trademarks unless a substantial claim for
or risk of trademark infringement or unfair competition or the like arises in
which the primary issue involves the use of the trademarks. Should Alpha Engines
or Licensee be exonerated from such substantial claim or risk pertaining to the
use of the trademarks, Alpha Engines shall immediately again authorize the use
by Licensee of the trademarks, and Licensee may again use the trademarks, but
shall not be obliged to do so. Should Licensee fail to immediately cease use of
the trademarks after receiving written notice from Alpha Engines, Alpha Engines
shall be relieved of any obligation to indemnify Licensee under the preceding
section.
11.3 Alpha Engines's Obligations Pertain Only to Licensed Trademarks. In
claims pertaining to unfair competition and the like in which trademarks
licensed by Alpha Engines to Licensee, if any, are only a part of the overall
actions complained of, Alpha Engines's obligations to Licensee under the two
preceding sections shall apply only with respect to that portion or part of the
claim relating solely to the use of the trademarks.
11.4 Trademark and Patent Applications. Except as may be expressly provided
for elsewhere in this Agreement, no one other than Alpha Engines shall file any
trademark or patent registration application in any jurisdiction with respect to
any Licensed Patents or trademarks. Licensee shall, at the request of Alpha
Engines, execute such documents as may be appropriate for filing or recording in
any jurisdiction or with any agency to evidence Alpha Engines's rights in the
trademarks or any Licensed Patent or to evidence Alpha Engines' status as
registered user. Alpha Engines may attempt to register such trademark or any
Licensed Patent with the appropriate governmental authorities in such
jurisdiction, but Alpha Engines's inability or failure to obtain such a
registration shall not be a breach of this Agreement and shall otherwise be of
no force and effect. If Alpha Engines is unable to obtain any such registration,
Licensee may, but is not required to, attempt to obtain such a registration. In
the event Licensee succeeds in obtaining such a registration, the costs and
reasonable expenses of Licensee in connection therewith (including without
limitation reasonable legal expenses) shall be paid by Alpha Engines, unless
Licensee succeeded in obtaining such a registration due to a change of law or
regulation. Licensee shall further, at the request of Alpha Engines, either
during or after the term of this Agreement, execute such documents and render
such assistance as may be appropriate to enable Alpha Engines to obtain further
registration of the trademarks or Licensed Patents in any jurisdiction. Alpha
Engines shall have no obligation, except as set forth in this section, to
register or attempt to register any trademark or any Licensed Patent in any
jurisdiction in which the trademark or Licensed Patent is not registered as of
the date of execution of this Agreement.
18
12. Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
12.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Licensee. Licensee hereby
represents, warrants and covenants to Alpha Engines as follows:
(a) Right, Power and Authority. Licensee has full right, power
and authority to enter into this Agreement, and there is no impediment
that would inhibit its ability to perform the terms and conditions
imposed upon it by this Agreement.
(b) Binding Obligation. This Agreement has been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate and stockholder action and constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of Licensee, enforceable in accordance
with its terms.
(c) Corporate Good Standing. Licensee is a corporation duly
organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the place of its organization and is duly qualified and authorized to
do business wherever the nature of its activities or properties
requires such qualification or authorization.
(d) No Government Approval Needed. No registration with or
approval of any government agency or commission is necessary for the
execution, delivery or performance by Licensee of any of the terms of
this Agreement, or for the validity and enforceability hereof or with
respect to the obligations of Licensee hereunder, except such
registrations and approvals as have been previously made or obtained,
certified copies of which have been delivered to Alpha Engines.
(e) No Provisions Contravened. There are no provisions in the
articles of association or articles of incorporation, as the case may
be, or bylaws or operating agreement, if any, of Licensee, and no
provision in any existing mortgage, indenture, contract or agreement
binding upon Licensee that would be contravened by the execution,
delivery or performance by Licensee of this Agreement.
19
(f) No Consent of Third Parties Needed. No consent of any lender,
trustee or holder of any indebtedness of Licensee is or will be
required as a condition to the validity of this Agreement, except such
consents as have been previously obtained, certified copies of which
have been delivered to Alpha Engines.
(g) No Proceedings Pending. No actions or proceedings are
pending, or insofar as Licensee knows or ought to know, threatened
against Licensee or any or its officers or directors in their
capacities as officers and directors of Licensee before any court,
administrative agency or other tribunal that might have a material
adverse effect on its business or condition, financial or otherwise,
or its operation.
(h) Not Contravene Any Law. Neither the execution nor the
delivery of this Agreement by Licensee nor the fulfillment of or
compliance with its terms and provisions by Licensee will contravene
any provision of law including, without limitation, any statute, rule,
regulation, judgment, decree, order, franchise or permit applicable to
Licensee.
(i) Shape Capital Fully Paid. All of Licensee's issued share
capital is fully paid; and Licensee has assets that exceed its
liabilities, both determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; and Licensee is solvent.
(j) Experience. Licensee is experienced with production of
engines and has fully tested or will fully test the Detonation Engine
Technology in order to confirm its fitness for the purpose for which
Licensee intends to use it.
(k) Alpha Engines Held Harmless.
(i) Licensee shall indemnify and hold Alpha Engines
harmless, and cause permitted assignees of Licensee, if any,
to indemnify and hold Alpha Engines harmless, from and
against any and all claims, injuries, liabilities, costs and
expenses resulting from or caused by or claimed to have
resulted from any use or operation of the Detonation Engine
Technology, the Licensee's manufacturing plant or plants, or
Detonation Engines by Licensee, any Affiliate of Licensee or
other party, whether based on negligence, strict liability,
product liability, environmental damage, breach of warranty,
or any cause that was under their control, and from
liabilities and claims for consequential damages and lost
profits arising from use or operation by them. Licensee
agrees to defend, at its sole expense and with counsel of
its own choice, all such actions brought against Alpha
Engines. Licensee shall also indemnify against any adverse
final monetary judgment award rendered against Alpha Engines
in any such action. Licensee shall not compromise or settle
any such claim or action without the prior written consent
of Alpha Engines if the amount of such compromise or
settlement exceeds the sum of Licensee's relevant insurance
coverages and its respective net worth. Any such attempted
compromise or settlement shall be void and of no effect
whatsoever. Licensee shall maintain insurance policies
issued by reputable insurance companies approved by Alpha
Engines (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) for
all of such risks and in appropriate amounts acceptable to
Alpha Engines. Alpha Engines shall be named as an additional
insured and loss payee on each such insurance policy.
20
(ii) Nothing in this subsection requires Licensee to
indemnify and hold Alpha Engines harmless from and against
patent infringement actions previously described in this
Agreement.
(l) Financial Statement Accurate. Licensee has previously
furnished to Alpha Engines its most current profit and loss statement
and balance sheet. These financial statements present fairly the
financial condition of Licensee as of the specified date. Such
financial statements show all material liabilities, direct or
contingent, of Licensee as of the specified date, including, without
limitation, liabilities for taxes and material commitments. Licensee
acknowledges that such financial statements have been provided to
Alpha Engines in partial consideration for Alpha Engines's grant of
rights and licenses hereunder and that Alpha Engines has relied upon
such financial statements in deciding to enter into this Agreement.
(m) No Adverse Financial Changes. There have been no changes in
the business, operations, property, assets, ownership, management or
condition (financial or otherwise) of Licensee since the date to its
latest financial statements furnished to Alpha Engines on or prior to
the date of this Agreement, that would, individually or in the
aggregate, be material and adverse. Licensee is not aware of any fact
or circumstances which (with or without notice or lapse or time or
both) would or could result in any materially adverse change.
(n) Continued Effect of Representations and Warranties. Licensee
covenants and agrees that its representations and warranties contained
in this Agreement shall remain true in all respects at all times after
the date of this Agreement, and before the expiration of the term of
this Agreement, with the same effect as though such representations
and warranties had been made on and as of each such subsequent date.
12.2 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Alpha Engines. Alpha
Engines hereby represents and warrants to Licensee as of the date of execution
of this Agreement and hereby covenants to Licensee as follows: These
representations and warranties are subject to the right of first refusal held by
CNF Transportation, Inc. to form a joint venture with Alpha Engines, after the
development and testing of a demonstration engine, for the manufacture of
heavy-duty truck engines, both for the fleet of CNF and exclusive sales of heavy
duty truck engines.
(a) Right, Power and Authority. Alpha Engines has full right,
power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and there is no
impediment that would inhibit its ability to perform the terms and
conditions imposed upon it by this Agreement.
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(b) Binding Obligation. This Agreement has been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate and stockholder action and constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of Alpha Engines, enforceable in
accordance with its terms.
(c) Corporate Good Standing. Alpha Engines is a corporation duly
organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the state of Delaware, United States of America, and is duly qualified
and authorized to do business wherever the nature of its activities or
properties requires such qualification or authorization.
(d) No Government Approval Needed. No registration with or
approval of any government agency or commission is necessary for the
execution, delivery or performance by Alpha Engines of any of the
terms of this Agreement, or for the validity and enforceability hereof
or with respect to the obligations of Alpha Engines hereunder, except
such registrations and approvals as have been previously made or
obtained, certified copies of which have been delivered to Licensee.
(e) No Provisions Contravened. There are no provisions in the
articles of association or articles of incorporation, as the case may
be, or bylaws or operating agreement, if any, of Alpha Engines, and no
provision in any existing mortgage, indenture, contract or agreement
binding on Alpha Engines that would be contravened by the execution,
delivery or performance by Alpha Engines of this Agreement.
(f) No Consent of Third Parties Needed. No consent of any lender,
trustee or holder of any indebtedness of Alpha Engines or any other
third party is or will be required as a condition to the validity of
this Agreement, except such consents as have been obtained, certified
copies of which have been delivered to Licensee.
(g) No Proceedings Pending. There are no actions or proceedings
pending, or in so far as Alpha Engines knows or ought to know,
threatened against Alpha Engines or any of its officers or directors
in their capacities as officers and directors of Alpha Engines, before
any court, administrative agency or other tribunal that might have an
adverse effect on its business or condition, financial or otherwise,
or its operation of any business or operation.
(h) Not Contravene Any Law. Neither the execution nor the
delivery of this Agreement by Alpha Engines nor the fulfillment of or
compliance with the terms and provisions hereof by Alpha Engines will
contravene any provision of law including, without limitation, any
statute, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, order, franchise or
permit applicable to Alpha Engines.
(i) No Patent Invalidity. To the best of Alpha Engines's
knowledge, there are no U. S. letters patent or foreign patents that
invalidate the Licensed Patents, and the use by Licensee of any
Licensed Patents will not infringe upon any third-party rights,
including patent rights.
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(j) No Knowledge of Prior Trademarks. Alpha Engines knows of no
prior use by others of any trademarks used with the Detonation Engine
Technology other than those that are authorized by Alpha Engines as of
the date of execution of this Agreement.
(k) Alpha Engines Owner of Licensed Technology. Alpha Engines has
the right to use the Detonation Engine Technology and has the right to
grant licenses to the Detonation Engine Technology for use in the
Field of Use subject to the rights of CNF to participate in a joint
venture for heavy-duty truck engines. To the best of Alpha Engines's
knowledge, the use by Licensee of the Detonation Engine Technology
under the terms of this Agreement will not infringe upon any
third-party rights.
(l) No Current Restrictions on Providing Information to Licensee.
Alpha Engines is not a party to any contract, confidence or obligation
that would create liability for Alpha Engines by reason of (i)
disclosure by Alpha Engines of information not formulated in whole or
in part by Alpha Engines which pertains to applications to patent any
aspect of Detonation Engine Technology or (ii) the use of such
information by Alpha Engines or Licensee.
(m) Licensing All Rights. The Detonation Engine Technology
licensed under this Agreement represents all rights of Alpha Engines
with respect to technologies for the Detonation Engine Technology,
except Alpha Engines' right to manufacture and sell EIC Ignition
Systems and other component parts and auxiliary systems.
(n) Continued Effect of Representations and Warranties. Alpha
Engines covenants and agrees that its representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement shall remain true in all respects at all
times after the date of this Agreement, and before the expiration of
the term of this Agreement, with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of each such
subsequent date.
12.3 Limited Warranty. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS
AGREEMENT OR OTHER WRITTEN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, ALPHA ENGINES MAKES NO
AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY
KIND, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND TO LICENSEE,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO
USE OF THE DETONATION ENGINE TECHNOLOGY AS AUTHORIZED HEREUNDER.
12.4 Limitation of Damages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained or construed to be contained in this Agreement, Alpha Engines shall
not be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, punitive, exemplary or
consequential damages of any kind whatsoever including lost profits or savings,
relating to, resulting from, arising out of or connected with the Detonation
Engine Technology, including the EIC Ignition System and other component parts,
and auxiliary systems or this Agreement, whether in contract or tort (including
negligence) even if Alpha Engines has been advised of or should be aware of the
possibility of such damages. In no event shall Alpha Engines's liability to
Licensee for any reason exceed one half of the amount of royalties paid to Alpha
Engines by Licensee for the previous calendar quarter.
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13. Term and Termination.
13.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence on the date of this Agreement. The
term of the license granted hereby shall extend only for so long as Licensee is
diligently developing or fully promoting, marketing, offering for sale, and
selling, using the Detonation Engine Technology in the Licensed Field on a
commercial basis to the fullest practical extent, or until expiration of the
last of the Licensed Patents to expire, whichever occurs first. Upon expiration
of the term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate except for obligations
previously incurred and the following provisions regarding winding up.
(a) Termination for Breach. Either party shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement as a result of the other party's material
breach. The party claiming breach of the Agreement shall give the
other party written notice of the breach, specifying the nature
thereof, and the other party shall have sixty days after such notice
to cure such breach. Upon the failure of the party in breach to cure
the breach within the sixty-day period, the other party shall have the
right to terminate this Agreement by giving written notice of
termination. This Agreement shall terminate effective on the date set
forth in such termination notice. The right of a party to terminate
this Agreement for material breach shall be in addition to and not in
lieu of any other right or remedy that the terminating party may have
at law or in equity, including without limitation, the right to sue a
breaching party for any prior breach of the Agreement, or for breach
of the whole Agreement or any unperformed balance thereof, as is the
case under the Colorado Uniform Commercial Code (UCC § 2-106(4)) with
respect to "cancellation" of a contract for breach.
(b) Termination for Bankruptcy. Unless impermissible under the
applicable laws as of the date that written notice of termination is
given, either party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement
by giving the other party written notice of a termination as a result
of such other party being: (i) the subject, for more than sixty days,
of any voluntary or involuntary proceeding relating to bankruptcy, or
composition of or assignment for the benefit of creditors, (ii)
insolvent; (iii) subject to liquidation or receivership pursuant to
the order of any court or tribunal of (a) any nation; (b) any state of
such foreign nation, or (c) any political subdivision of such foreign
nation (foreign court); (iv) admitted to the benefits of any procedure
of a foreign court for the settlement of debts; declared bankrupt by
any foreign court; dissolved by any foreign court; or otherwise
admitting in writing its inability to pay its debts. This Agreement
shall terminate effective on the date set forth in the termination
notice.
13.2 Defaults - General. Except for the arbitration provisions of this
Agreement, should there be a material breach as to any obligation hereunder that
does not involve payment of a fee, royalty, or other amount of money due to
Alpha Engines, and should the breaching party fail to put into action, within
forty-five days after receiving written notice thereof from the other party, and
diligently thereafter pursue, a reasonable remedy designed to diligently cure
(in the reasonable judgment of the other party) such material breach or default,
then this Agreement may thereupon be terminated by the other party by giving
written notice of termination to the breaching party.
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13.3 Defaults - Non-Payment by Licensee. (a) Should Licensee fail to pay
any contract sum, fee, royalty or other amount due to Alpha Engines when it is
due hereunder, and following such failure of payment, should Licensee fail to
pay such contract sum, fee, royalty or amount in full within fifteen days after
receiving written notice thereof from Alpha Engines, this Agreement may
thereupon be terminated by Alpha Engines giving written notice of termination to
Licensee.
13.4 License Termination for Infringement of U.S. Letters Patents.
(a) Licensee Termination Based on Infringement. Should an adverse
judgment be entered against Alpha Engines or Licensee for reason of
infringement of U.S. Letters Patent that arises out of the grant of
the license pursuant to this Agreement, Licensee shall have the right
to terminate this Agreement by giving ninety days prior written notice
to Alpha Engines. For the period from the receipt of such notice by
Alpha Engines through such ninetieth day, Licensee shall comply with
the terms of the judgment insofar as restrictions imposed by it are
concerned. If such restrictions materially affect Licensee's ability
to use the Detonation Engine Technology as licensed under this
Agreement, Licensee will not be required to pay any further royalties
pursuant to this Agreement that would have accrued during such period
but for termination. If the restrictions do not materially affect use
of the Detonation Engine Technology in the Licensed Field, as defined
in this Agreement, Licensee's further royalty obligations shall not be
affected.
(b) License Abatement Based Upon Infringement. In lieu of the
preceding subsections of this section, should an adverse judgment be
entered against Alpha Engines or Licensee for reason of infringement
of U. S. Letters Patent that arise out of the Licensed Patents and
that partially reduce Licensee's ability to use the Detonation Engine
Technology, Licensee shall have the right to reduce the amount of the
royalties payable under this Agreement by a percentage equal to the
percentage decrease in the value of the use of the Detonation Engine
Technology to Licensee due to such adverse judgment. The amount of
such percentage decrease in the value of the Detonation Engine
Technology shall be determined by the parties hereto, or failing their
agreement, by arbitration pursuant to this Agreement.
13.5 No Termination Rights Regarding Adverse Trademark Decisions. Neither
Alpha Engines nor Licensee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for
reason of an adverse final judgment respecting infringement or unfair
competition that involves a use of any trademarks used or licensed by Alpha
Engines for the Detonation Engine Technology.
13.6 Winding Up. On the effective date of any termination, cancellation or
expiration of this Agreement, the right and license granted herein to Licensee
shall terminate; provided, however, that, except where such termination,
cancellation or expiration is the result of Licensee's failure to pay license
fees or royalties when due, Licensee may use, sell, or otherwise dispose of its
Detonation Engines in stock or in production on the effective date of
termination, cancellation or expiration provided Licensee complies with the
reporting and royalty payment provisions of this Agreement with respect to such
Detonation Engines.
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13.7 Payment Obligations. Licensee's obligation to pay for technical
consulting services and the license fees and royalties specified in this
Agreement shall survive any termination, cancellation or expiration of this
Agreement. After any termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement,
Alpha Engines shall have no obligation to refund any money paid to it under this
Agreement.
13.8 No Damage. Neither party shall be liable for damages of any kind as a
result of properly exercising its respective right to terminate this Agreement
according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
13.9 Confidentiality Continues. All confidentiality obligations imposed on
the parties under this Agreement shall survive any termination, cancellation or
expiration of this Agreement.
13.10 Payment Obligations Continue. Upon termination of this Agreement for
any reason, nothing shall be construed to release Licensee from any of its
obligations or liabilities to Alpha Engines hereunder, including without
limitation, Licensee's obligations to pay Alpha Engines any and all fees,
royalties or other amounts accrued but unpaid before or after the date of such
termination.
13.11 Licensee To Cease Practice of the Technology. Upon termination or
expiration of this Agreement, Licensee shall take the following actions and have
the following rights:
(a) Discontinue Use and Operations. Licensee shall immediately
discontinue operations of the manufacturing plant or plants permitted
under this Agreement for the manufacture of Detonation Engines.
(b) Period Preceding Termination. If the date of termination or
expiration is known in advance, Licensee shall, during the period
immediately preceding the date of termination or expiration, complete
use of the Detonation Engine Technology, finish and wind up production
of Detonation Engines within three months after the date of
termination or expiration, and liquidate its inventory of Detonation
Engines, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
(c) One Year Following Termination. Licensee shall have the right
for a period of one year, but not more, after the date of termination
or expiration, to sell any Detonation Engines produced after
termination or expiration during the three-month winding up period.
Licensee shall sell and return to Alpha Engines or its designee, but
not to anyone else, at the place specified by Alpha Engines, any
Detonation Engines remaining in inventory at the end of the one-year
period, at Licensee's Cost for those engines. Licensee shall also sell
and return to Alpha Engines those parts and items of production
equipment comprising any part of the manufacturing plant or plants
that might enable others to appropriate or use Confidential
Information. The purchase price for the parts and equipment shall be
the lesser of their depreciated value carried on the books of Licensee
or $1,000. Reasonable shipping charges shall be paid by Alpha Engines
or its designee.
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(d) Use and Supply Contacts. Any separate agreement or supply
contract for consulting services and EIC Ignition Systems entered into
between Alpha Engines and Licensee, or any Affiliate, shall be
terminated as of the date this Agreement terminates or expires.
14. Miscellaneous.
14.1 Assignment by Alpha Engines. This Agreement and any and all of the
rights of Alpha Engines hereunder shall be freely assignable by Alpha Engines to
any party.
14.2 Assignment By Licensee. This Agreement and the rights and obligations
of Licensee hereunder may be assigned by Licensee only to a purchaser of the
entire ownership of the business or all the assets of Licensee to which this
Agreement pertains (regardless of the form of the sale of such business or
assets, and only with the express written consent of Alpha Engines, which it may
withhold in its sole and absolute discretion). Alpha Engines is entering into
this Agreement because of its evaluation of the capabilities of Licensee and its
personnel and other factors that are important in the judgment of Alpha Engines.
Accordingly, this Agreement is personal to Licensee, is granted only to it, and
may be performed only by it. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of
Licensee hereunder may not be assigned, transferred or delegated by Licensee to
any assignee, transferee or successor of Licensee, voluntarily or by operation
of law or otherwise, regardless of the form of transfer, including transfer of
Licensee's business or assets or merger or consolidation of entities. Alpha
Engines may withhold its consent to any proposed assignment, transfer or
delegation that is not satisfactory to it in its sole judgment and discretion.
With respect to any permitted assignment by Licensee, neither the Licensee nor
the assignee shall be released or otherwise relieved of any liability for
obligations and infringements occurring prior to the date of the assignment.
14.3 Arbitration and Injunctive Relief.
(a) Procedure for Arbitration; Judgment. Except as specified in
this Agreement for the non-payment of sums of money due to Alpha
Engines, any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating
to this Agreement or to a breach thereof, including its
interpretation, performance or termination, which the parties are
unable to resolve within sixty days after written notice by a party to
the other, shall be submitted to arbitration by any party after giving
the other party fifteen days prior written notice of such intent.
Thereafter, such dispute, controversy or claim shall be finally
resolved by arbitration, which shall be the exclusive means for
deciding the matter. The arbitration shall be in accordance with the
commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association, which shall
administer the arbitration and act as appointing authority. In the
event of any conflict between the rules and this section, the
provisions of this section shall govern. The arbitration, including
27
the rendering of the award, shall take place in the city of Denver,
Colorado, United States of America, which shall be the exclusive forum
for resolving such dispute, controversy or claim. For the purpose of
the arbitration, the provisions of this Agreement and all rights and
obligations hereunder shall be governed or construed in accordance
with the laws of the state of Colorado, United States of America,
without regard to the conflicts of law doctrine observed in Colorado.
The parties shall allow and participate in discovery in accordance
with the United States Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Unresolved
discovery disputes and other motions may be brought to the attention
of the chair of the arbitration panel and may be finally disposed of
by the chair of the panel. The arbitration award shall be in writing
and specify the factual and legal basis for the award, and shall be
accompanied by a reasoned opinion. The decision of the arbitrators
shall be final and binding upon the parties hereto, and the expense of
the arbitration (including without limitation the award of attorneys'
fees to the prevailing party) shall be paid as the arbitrators
determine. Each party hereby submits itself to the jurisdiction of the
courts of the place arbitration is held for the entry of judgment
thereunder. Notwithstanding this provision, judgment upon the award of
the arbitration may be entered in any court where the arbitration
takes place or any court having jurisdiction thereof, and application
may be made to any court for a judicial acceptance of the award and
order of enforcement. The parties acknowledge that this Agreement and
any award rendered pursuant to it if applicable, shall be governed by
the 1958 United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement
of Foreign Arbitral Awards. In the event any such dispute, controversy
or claim involves a claim of damages in excess of Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($50,000), the arbitration shall be conducted by three
arbitrators, one to be appointed by Alpha Engines, one to be appointed
by Licensee and a third to be nominated by the two arbitrators so
selected or, if they cannot agree on a third arbitrator within thirty
days after the first has named an arbitrator, by the chief judge of
the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado;
provided, however, that the arbitrators named by the parties shall be
licensed mechanical engineers knowledgeable in turbine engine
technology who are certified to practice engineering in at least one
of the states of the United States. The arbitrator nominated by the
arbitrators so selected and any arbitrator nominated by the chief
judge of the District Court for the City and County of Denver, shall
be an attorney located in Denver, Colorado who is a licensed member of
the U.S. patent bar. In the event that either party within one month
of any notification made to it of the submission to arbitration by the
other party shall not have appointed its arbitrator, such arbitrator
shall be appointed by the chief judge of the District Court for the
City and County of Denver, Colorado. The decision of any two of the
three arbitrators shall be deemed the decision of the arbitrators. In
the event any such dispute, controversy or claim involves a claim of
damages for Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) or less, the arbitration
shall be conducted by one arbitrator appointed by the chief executive
officer of the American Arbitration Association located in Denver,
Colorado, and such arbitrator shall be a licensed mechanical engineer
knowledgeable in turbine engine technology who is certified to
practice engineering in at least one of the states of the United
States.
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(b) Judicial Action for Specific Performance or Injunction.
Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding section to the
contrary, each party shall have the right to institute judicial
proceedings against the other party or anyone acting by, through or
under such other party in order to enforce the instituting party's
rights hereunder through rectification of contract, specific
performance, injunction or similar equitable relief. For the purpose
of such proceedings, the provisions of this Agreement and all rights
and obligations hereunder shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the state of Colorado, United States of
America, without regard to the conflicts of law doctrine observed in
Colorado. The parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the
courts of the state of Colorado and of the United States of America
for the District of Colorado for these purposes; provided, however,
that nothing herein shall preclude either party, if it thinks fit,
from instituting proceedings for rectification of contract, specific
performance, injunction or similar equitable relief against any other
party or anyone acting by, through or under such other party in any
country or place which may have jurisdiction for the purpose of
protecting and enforcing the instituting party's rights either under
this Agreement or pursuant to any other agreements, documents,
instruments or otherwise. Licensee irrevocably designates and appoints
the Secretary of State of Colorado as its agent for the service of
process in Colorado and agrees to consider any legal process or any
demand or notice made or served on said agent as being made on it;
provided, however, that Alpha Engines shall within forty-eight hours
of such service send to Licensee a copy of the documents so served,
and such copies shall be sent by air courier to Licensee's address as
set out in this Agreement or to such other address as Licensee may
have given notice of in writing to Alpha Engines. In the alternative,
service of process may be made by postage prepaid certified or
recorded delivery air mail letter transmitted by either party to the
other party at the address for notices set forth in this Agreement
with a duplicate copy sent by postage prepaid certified or recorded
delivery air mail letter to such other party's agent for service of
process at its present office identified in this Agreement. The
foregoing, however, shall not limit the right of either party to serve
process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any legal
action or proceeding to protect and enforce through rectification of
contract, specific performance, injunction or similar equitable relief
its rights either hereunder or pursuant to any other agreements,
documents, instruments or otherwise or to obtain execution of judgment
in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably
waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying
of venue of any suit, action or proceeding for rectification of
contract, specific performance, injunction or similar equitable relief
relating to this Agreement in the state of Colorado and further
irrevocably waives any claim that the state of Colorado is not a
convenient forum for any such suit, action or proceeding.
14.4 Third Parties. The parties intend to confer no benefit or right on any
person not a party to this Agreement. No third party shall have the right to
claim the benefit of any provision hereof as a third party beneficiary of any
such provision.
14.5 No Other Relationship. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
create an agency, joint venture, partnership, franchise or similar relation
between the parties hereto. Each party shall conduct all business in such
party's own name as an independent contractor. Neither party shall be liable for
the representations, acts, or omissions of the other party contrary to the terms
of this Agreement. Neither party has the right or power to act for or on behalf
of the other or to bind the other in any respect whatsoever, other than as
expressly provided for herein.
14.6 Conversion to Dollars. If any payment due to Alpha Engines is stated
in a currency other than U.S. Dollars, such payment shall be converted into U.S.
Dollars at the commercial rate quoted in Denver, Colorado by Xxxxx Fargo Bank
West, Colorado, N.A., or its successor, for a prime commercial customer to buy
U.S. Dollars with such other currency for spot value at or about eleven a.m.
(Denver time) eve business days immediately preceding the date on which the
payment becomes due. If no such commercial rate is or can be quoted at such
time, such payment shall be converted into U. S. Dollars at the commercial rate
most recently quoted in Denver, Colorado by Xxxxx Fargo Bank West, N.A., or its
successor, for a commercial customer to buy U.S. Dollars with such other
currency for spot value prior to the due date. If no such commercial rate has
been quoted at any time during the three-month period preceding the payment due
date, such payment shall be converted into U.S. Dollars at the rate most
recently used for the currency other than U. S. Dollars by Licensee, or an
Affiliate resident in the United States of America, or if none, by Alpha
Engines. In the event that any payment, whether pursuant to a judgment or
otherwise, upon such conversion and transfer does not result in payment of such
amount of U.S. Dollars in Denver, Colorado, United States of America, Licensee
shall, immediately upon demand by Alpha Engines, make up any such deficiency and
Alpha Engines shall have a separate cause of action against Licensee in respect
to the deficiency.
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14.7 Fees Payable. Alpha Engines and Licensee acknowledge that there are
no broker's commissions, finder's fees or other like amounts payable with regard
to this transaction. Alpha Engines and Licensee agree to indemnify and hold the
other harmless from and against all liability, claims, demands, damages or costs
of any kind arising from or connected with any broker's or finder's fee,
commission or charge claimed to be due any person arising from the indemnitor's
conduct with respect to this Agreement and the transactions described in it.
14.8 Force Majeure.
(a) No Liability for Certain Delays or Defaults. Neither Alpha
Engines nor Licensee shall be liable in damages, or have the right to
terminate this Agreement, for any delay or default in performing any
obligation hereunder if that failure or delay is due to any cause
beyond the reasonable control and without default or negligence of
that party and it is making efforts in good faith to comply with the
terms of this Agreement; provided, however, in order to excuse its
delay or default hereunder, a party shall notify the other within five
business days of the delay or default of the occurrence or the cause
specifying the nature and particulars thereof and the expected
duration thereof; and provided, further, that within five business
days of the termination of such occurrence or cause, such party shall
give notice to the other party specifying the date of termination
thereof. All obligations of both parties shall return to being in full
force and effect upon the termination of such occurrence or cause
(including without limitations any payment that became due and payable
hereunder prior to the termination of such occurrence or cause).
However, in the event that the duration of such occurrence or cause
extends beyond one year, the non-excused party shall then have the
right, by giving sixty days prior written notice to the other party,
to terminate this Agreement unless the other party shall substantially
cure such occurrence or cause within the sixty-day period.
(b) Cause Beyond the Reasonable Control. For the purposes of this
section, a "cause beyond the reasonable control" of a party shall mean
any act of any government or other authority or statutory undertaking,
labor walkout or work stoppage that compels termination of all work on
a plant for the production of Detonation Engines or EIC Ignition
Systems and continues for more than three months; ire; explosion;
failure of electric power supply for thirty consecutive days; flood;
riot or war (declared or undeclared) that renders a party unable to
proceed with construction or continue, despite all reasonably
commercial efforts to proceed or continue.
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14.9 Cumulative Remedies; Waive; Time. Each and every power and remedy in
this Agreement shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other
right, power and remedy herein or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity,
or by statute. Each and every right, power and remedy, whether specifically
provided in this Agreement or otherwise existing, may be exercised from time to
time and as often and in such order as may be deemed expedient by the party
exercising the right, power or remedy. The exercise or the beginning of the
exercise of any right, power or remedy shall not be construed to be a wavier of
the right to exercise at the same time or thereafter any other right, power or
remedy. It is expressly understood and agreed by Licensee that time is of the
essence of the Agreement and that no delay or omission by Alpha Engines in the
exercise of any right or power or in the pursuit of any remedy accruing upon any
ground for termination hereunder shall impair any such right, power or remedy or
be construed to be a waiver thereof or of any such or to be an acquiescence
therein, nor shall the acceptance by Alpha Engines of any payment be deemed a
waiver of any right to take advantage of any future ground for termination or of
any past ground for termination not completely cured thereby.
14.10 Table of Contents and Headings. The table of contents accompanying
this Agreement and the section headings contained herein are for ease of
reference only. They do not constitute a part of this Agreement, and shall not
be employed in interpreting this Agreement.
14.11 Notices. Any notice, payment, request, demand or other communication
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
(i) delivered personally, upon personal delivery to the party to be notified; or
(ii) one business day after sent by facsimile transmission with confirmation
that the facsimile message was received at the facsimile machine of the party to
be notified, or (iii) five business days after sent by registered or certified
mail, postage paid, to the party to be notified; or (iv) five business days
after sent by ordinary mail, postage paid, to the party to be notified, at the
address set forth below:
Alpha Engines: Licensee:
President President
Alpha Engines Corporation Turbine Truck Engines, Inc.
P. O. Box 9483 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx., Xxx. 0
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000-0000 Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000 Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Either Alpha Engines or Licensee may change its address, facsimile number or
representative to be notified by written notice to the other party.
14.12 Survival of Contents. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement
to the contrary, the parties agree that those provisions of this Agreement that
by their nature survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement shall do
so to the extent required for the full observation and performance of them by
any or all of the parties to this Agreement.
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14.13 Accrued Obligations Not Released. Unless otherwise specifically
provided in this Agreement, all rights and obligations of Alpha Engines and
Licensee hereunder shall remain in effect throughout the term of this Agreement.
Neither cancellation, expiration or other termination of this Agreement shall
relieve either party of any obligation arising under this Agreement which shall
have accrued prior to such cancellation, expiration or other termination, or
which accrues thereafter pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
14.14 Integration. This Agreement represents the entire agreement of the
parties with respect to the subject matter herein contained and supersedes all
prior correspondence, conversations, negotiations and understandings with
respect to those subjects, except as to other written agreements referred to in
this Agreement. No change or modification to this Agreement shall be valid
unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement.
14.15 Construction. This Agreement has been prepared, examined, negotiated
and revised by each party and their respective attorneys, and no implication
shall be drawn and no provision shall be construed against any party to this
Agreement by virtue of the purported identity of the drafter of this Agreement,
or any portion thereof.
14.16 Invalidity of Provision. If any of the provisions of this Agreement
shall be held by arbitrators or a court or administrative agency of competent
jurisdiction to contravene the laws of any country, it is agreed that such
invalidity or illegality should not invalidate the whole Agreement, but this
Agreement shall be construed as if it did not contain the provision or
provisions held to be invalid or illegal in the particular jurisdiction
concerned, and insofar as such construction does not affect the substance of
this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto, it shall be
construed and enforced accordingly. In the event, however, that such invalidity
or illegality will substantially alter the relationship between the parties to
this Agreement, affecting adversely the interest of either party, then the
parties hereto shall negotiate a mutually acceptable alternative provision not
in conflict with such laws.
14.17 Further Assurances. Each party shall execute and deliver all such
further documents and instruments and take all such further actions as may be
reasonably required or appropriate to carry out the intent and purposes
expressed in this Agreement.
14.18 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts.
All copies so executed shall constitute but one and the same agreement, which
shall be binding on all the parties hereto notwithstanding that less than all of
the parties may have signed the original or the same counterpart.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed duplicate originals of
this Agreement by their duly authorized officers as of the date first mentioned
above.
Alpha Engines Corporation ATTEST:
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, President X.X. Xxxxxx, Secretary
Licensee: Turbine Truck Engines, Inc. ATTEST:
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxx /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Chairman and CEO Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx., President and COO
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EXHIBIT A
Confidentiality Agreement
This Agreement is entered into as of _______________________, 200__ by and
between TURBINE TRUCK ENGINES, INC., a corporation incorporated in the USA under
provisions of the laws of Delaware (Turbine Truck Engines), and
____________________________________________, a corporation organized under the
laws of ___________________, (Recipient) whose address is
________________________________ in consideration of the following
circumstances.
A. Turbine Truck Engines has obtained from Alpha Engines Corporation a
limited license to use certain technology developed by Alpha Engines for a new
gas turbine engine system (called Detonation Cycle Gas Turbine Engine or
Detonation Engine), that uses cyclic detonations, provided by a process called
"electromagnetic isothermal combustion" (EIC), for complete combustion of any
fuel. The Detonation Engine may be designed and manufactured in many sizes and
configurations that enable it to produce the desired horsepower and meet the
design, weight and other special requirements for various discrete applications.
Alpha Engines is in the business of licensing use of its technology for the
Detonation Engine for many different applications.
B. Alpha Engines also owns and Turbine Truck Engines has licensed certain
technical information, data, know-how and unpatented inventions (Alpha Engines
Technical Information) that are useful with the Detonation Engine. The
technology for practice of the Patent Rights, including the Alpha Engines
Technical Information, is collectively called "Detonation Engine Technology."
C. For the purpose of evaluating or practicing the Detonation Engine
Technology for heavy duty highway truck engines, Recipient desires to receive
confidential information about the Detonation Engine Technology that is licensed
by Turbine Truck Engines and is proprietary to Alpha Engines and material to
Turbine Truck Engines and Alpha Engines's businesses and not generally known in
the industry. During the term of this Agreement and any further agreement for
use of the Detonation Engine Technology, the Recipient may receive additional
confidential information relating to the Detonation Engine Technology. All of
the foregoing confidential information, including the Detonation Engine
Technology, is collectively called Confidential Information.
D. Licensee agrees that all information that it receives from Turbine Truck
Engines and Alpha Engines and their agents relating to the Detonation Engine
Technology, all EIC Ignition Systems and the component parts and auxiliary
systems used for operation of Detonation Engines, as well as designs and
specifications, including without limitation, (a) preliminary engineering
designs and specifications, flow sheets, drawings related to the designs,
aspects, configurations, operating conditions, and functions of Detonation
Engines and component parts and auxiliary systems; (b) plans, engineering
designs and specifications, and instrumentation drawings for those systems; (c)
cost estimates, construction standards and procedures; (d) processes, formulas,
improvements, inventions, techniques, designs and plans for manufacturing
plants; (e) forecasts, new products, customer lists, information regarding
prospective financing sources, competitors, fee and royalties charged by Alpha
Engines; (fj all know-how, technology, trade secrets and other proprietary
information of Turbine Truck Engines and Alpha Engines, and (g) non-published
financial information relating to Turbine Truck Engines and Alpha Engines
(Confidential Information) shall be considered confidential.
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Now, therefore, in consideration of the preceding circumstances and the
following covenants, promises and agreements, Turbine Truck Engines agrees to
disclose to the Recipient, on the following terms and conditions, certain
aspects of the Confidential Information.
1. Receipt and Confidentiality. Whether or not Recipient enters into any
further transaction with Turbine Truck Engines or Alpha Engines, Recipient will
not use such information except for the purpose of evaluating, or if a
sublicense is granted by Turbine Truck Engines to Recipient that is approved by
Alpha Engines, to practicing the Detonation Engine Technology described in this
Agreement. Recipient will not disclose such information to anyone except its
employees and agents that Recipient determines need to know in connection with
such purposes, and to them only if (i) they have executed a confidentiality
agreement maintained by Recipient, with a true copy delivered to Turbine Truck
Engines, in substantially the form and with the terms of this Agreement, or (ii)
Recipient has taken other steps to strictly ensure that such persons will
maintain its confidentiality. The Confidential Information shall be kept
confidential during the term of this Agreement and after termination or
expiration of this Agreement until such time as the information ceases being
Confidential Information pursuant to the following provisions of paragraph 2.
2. Limit on Obligation. Confidential Information, for the purpose of this
Agreement, shall not include, and Recipient and its employees and agents shall
not be limited in disclosing the same, if and to the extent that the
information, as shown by competent evidence:
(a) is or becomes, through no fault of the party obligated to maintain
confidentiality, in the public domain;
(b) is lawfully obtained by Recipient from a source other than Turbine
Truck Engines, Alpha Engines or their agents;
(c) was already known by Recipient at the time of its receipt, as
shown by reasonable proof filed with Turbine Truck Engines within thirty
days after its receipt by the Recipient; or
(d) is required to be disclosed by order of any court or governmental
authority having jurisdiction.
Disclosures that are specific, including but not limited to operating
conditions such as pressures, temperatures, formulas, procedures and other such
standards and conditions, shall not be deemed to be within the foregoing
exceptions merely because they are embraced by general disclosures available to
the general public or in Recipient's possession. Additionally, any combination
of features shall not be deemed to be within the foregoing exceptions merely
because the individual features are available to the general public or in
Recipient's possession unless the combination itself and its principle of
operation are available to the general public.
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3. Published Disclosure. It is agreed that the disclosure of certain
information by Turbine Truck Engines or Alpha Engines in a publication, such as
in letters patent, technical and scientific articles, lectures, or by otherwise
placing it in the public domain, will not free Recipient from its obligation to
maintain in confidence any information not specifically disclosed in or fairly
ascertainable from the publication or other disclosure, such as, for example,
the fact that information in the publication or any portion of it is or is not
used by either party.
4. Duration of Obligations. Recipient shall not use the Confidential
Information after termination or expiration of this Agreement until such time,
if any, as the information ceases being Confidential Information pursuant to the
provisions of paragraph 2.
5. Remedies for Breach. Recipient hereby agrees that the violation, breach
or threatened violation or breach of the agreements contained herein may cause
immediate and irreparable harm to Turbine Truck Engines and Alpha Engines and
their affiliated entities, which may be difficult to calculate, and that any
award of any sum of money damages may not be adequate relief to Turbine Truck
engines or Alpha Engines. Recipient therefore agrees that, in the event of any
actual or threatened violation of the provisions of the Agreement, Turbine Truck
Engines and Alpha Engines shall have the right to injunctive and other equitable
relief against Recipient in addition to any other judicial and equitable
remedies in any court of competent jurisdiction, without bond.
6. Legal and Accounting Fees. In the event that a court of competent
jurisdiction judicially determines that there has been a breach of this
Agreement by either party, the prevailing party shall be entitled to all costs
and expenses incurred by the other in the enforcement hereof, including, without
limitation, all actual and reasonable attorney fees and accounting fees, as well
as damages.
7. Conflicting Obligations. The Recipient believes that it is free to enter
into this Agreement and perform in accordance therewith. If, however, the
Recipient finds, upon its receipt of Confidential Information, that a conflict
appears likely to occur because of Recipient's previous and continuing
obligations or commitments to other parties, then Recipient will promptly so
advise Turbine Truck Engines in writing and, unless otherwise then agreed by the
parties, will return any documents and other materials containing Confidential
Information to Turbine Truck Engines without copying, retaining copies,
summaries, analyses or extracts thereof. Thereafter, Recipient shall maintain
the confidentiality of the Confidential Information as provided in this
Agreement.
8. Effects of Agreement. The execution of this Agreement creates and
ratifies only the relationship and prior agreements recited. It conveys no right
to use any of the Confidential Information disclosed for any commercial purposes
beyond the contemplated evaluation without the specific written authorization of
Turbine Truck Engines in the form of a sublicense that has been approved in
writing by Alpha Engines to practice and use the Detonation Engine Technology.
Termination of this Agreement shall not operate to terminate obligations of the
parties arising under the Agreement.
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9. Binding Effect; Governing Law. The agreements contained herein shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of Recipient, Turbine Truck Engines and
Alpha Engines, their successors, assigns and legal representatives. This is a
contract, made and to be performed in the state of, United States of America,
whose substantive laws, without regard to conflict of laws, shall apply to its
construction and enforcement. The agreements contained in this Agreement
supersede any and all prior agreements between Recipient and Turbine Truck
Engines relating to the subject matter.
RECIPIENT:
ATTEST:
By:
Name:
Title:
TURBINE TRUCK ENGINES, INC.
ATTEST:
By:
Name:
Title:
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