PORTIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED AND HAVE BEEN SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE COMMISSION EQUIPMENT PURCHASE AND PRODUCT SUPPLY AGREEMENT
Execution
Copy
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED. CONFIDENTIAL
PORTIONS
OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED
AND
HAVE BEEN SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE COMMISSION
1. PARTIES
This
Equipment Purchase and Product Supply Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by
Venture
Lighting International, Inc.
(“VLI”),
an Ohio corporation with its principal place of business at 00000 Xxxxxx Xxxx,
Xxxxx, XX 00000, and Fiberstars,
Inc.,
an Ohio
corporation (“FIBERSTARS”) with its principal place of business at 00000 Xxxxxx
Xxxx, Xxxxx, XX 00000.
2. RECITALS
2.1 FIBERSTARS.
FIBERSTARS is in the business of supplying fiber optic lighting systems to
industry and end users. FIBERSTARS is engaged in developing and marketing fiber
optic lighting systems which utilize metal halide arc tubes as a light
source.
2.2 VLI.
VLI has
experience in and is in the business of manufacturing metal halide lamps, arc
tubes and related lighting products.
2.3 Purpose.
FIBERSTARS and VLI desire to enter into a mutually beneficial commercial
relationship through the purchase of the MACHINE by FIBERSTARS and the
engagement of VLI to produce and supply Products to FIBERSTARS using the
MACHINE.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.1 Equipment.
The
various items of component equipment supplied by third party vendors which
VLI
has incorporated into the MACHINE and which may hereafter be added to or
incorporated into the MACHINE will be collectively referred to as the
"EQUIPMENT." The term MACHINE will be inclusive of all EQUIPMENT.
3.2 Formed
Body.
“Formed
Body” shall mean a quartz tube which has an arc chamber formed in it that is
compatible with the MACHINE. At the time of this Agreement, only Formed Bodies
with “necked” tubes are compatible with the MACHINE.
3.3 License
Agreement.
Shall
mean the License Agreement the form of which is attached hereto in Exhibit
A.
3.4 Machine.
“MACHINE shall mean VLI’s used Tipless Low Watt Arc Tube Pinch & Exhaust
Machine, as more particularly described in Exhibit
B.
3.5 Products.
“Product” or “Products” shall mean the metal halide arc tube(s) without an
exhaust tip on the arc chamber(s), for use solely in the “Fiberoptic Field of
Use”, as such are specified and described on the attached Exhibit
C. For
purposes of this section, “Fiberoptic Field of Use” means lighting applications
or systems (and components of such systems) which include both (A) a remote
light source, and (B) either (i) fiberoptics, or (ii) light pipes, or (iii)
other light guides, for conveying light from the remote source, but excluding
applications in Civilian Transportation (described below), television, and
projection. Modifications or additions to such description shall require the
mutual agreement of the parties as reflected in an amendment to this Agreement.
Civilian
Transportation
shall
mean all passenger automobiles, commercial (non-military) aircrafts, trucks,
motorcycles, and off road vehicles, but excludes ships, RVs (recreation
vehicles), limousines and mining equipment and other industrial or military
vehicles or equipment.
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3.6 Product
Specifications.
“Product Specifications” shall mean the specifications set forth on the attached
Exhibit
C.
3.7 Technical
Documentation.
Current
engineering drawings, technical manuals and other technical documents describing
the operation, maintenance and process of the MACHINE, sufficient for reasonably
trained and qualified FIBERSTARS’ personnel to properly and effectively operate
and maintain the MACHINE without the assistance of VLI, will be collectively
referred to as the "TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION.”
3.8 Technical
Training.
Training on the use of the MACHINE to produce Products will be referred to
as
the “TECHNICAL TRAINING.”
3.9 Technical
Services.
Technical guidance available to FIBERSTARS from VLI during the installation,
trial operations and testing of the MACHINE at a FIBERSTARS facility, as well
as
other engineering services, will be collectively referred to as the "TECHNICAL
SERVICES.”
3.10 Term.
“Term”
shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 9.1 of this
Agreement.
3.11 VLI
Technology.
“VLI
Technology” shall mean all tangible and intangible know-how, trade secrets,
inventions (patented and unpatented), data, and other information relating
to
the design, fabrication, assembly, and operation of the MACHINE and the
processes employed on the MACHINE by VLI to manufacture Products.
4. PURCHASE
AND SALE OF THE MACHINE
4.1 Machine.
VLI
hereby agrees to sell, and, subject to acceptance as provided in Section 5.1,
FIBERSTARS hereby agrees to purchase the MACHINE, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement. The MACHINE is being sold in an “as is” condition,
without any warranty, express or implied, except as provided in Paragraph
7.
(a) Technical
Documentation.
At the
time the MACHINE is delivered to FIBERSTARS’ facility, and FIBERSTARS has paid
VLI the license fee if required by Paragraph 9.4, if any, FIBERSTARS may order
the current TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION from VLI, and VLI will provide it, at VLI’s
then prevailing hourly rates and reimbursable expense policies, with the total
price thereof not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). FIBERSTARS shall
treat the TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION as “VLI Confidential Information”, as such
term is defined in Paragraph 10, and shall restrict its disclosure to third
parties in the manner required by Paragraph 10.
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The
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION shall be prepared in the English language and shall
refer to the English measurement system normally used by VLI. Delivery of
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION shall require VLI to provide FIBERSTARS with: two (2)
written (paper) sets and one (1) electronic copy (using Microsoft Word or other
mutually agreed upon software)
VLI
shall
deliver to FIBERSTARS the TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION at least fifteen (15) days
prior to delivery of MACHINE under this Agreement. FIBERSTARS shall inspect
the
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION for completeness within fifty (50) days after the date
of its receipt, and promptly will advise VLI if FIBERSTARS discovers that it
is
not complete. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if errors, in the TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTATION are discovered, VLI promptly will correct them, and VLI also
will
provide up to twenty (20) hours of TECHNICAL SERVICES to FIBERSTARS via
telephone, without charge and designed to overcome any such inaccuracy so that
the period during which FIBERSTARS’ use of the MACHINE is adversely affected by
any such inaccuracy is a short as possible.
At
VLI’s
sole discretion, VLI may track the number of hours spent preparing the TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTATION. If VLI has provided the original version of the TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTATION, two (2) rounds of revisions based on FIBERSTARS’ concerns, and
logged at least one hundred forty (140) hours of time preparing the TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTATION, then the TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION will be deemed complete upon
delivery, even
if incomplete
and VLI
shall have no further obligations regarding the preparation or revision of
the
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION.
(b) Technical
Training.
At the
time the MACHINE is delivered to a FIBERSTARS’ facility, and FIBERSTARS has paid
VLI the applicable license fee if required by Paragraph 9.4, below, VLI will
provide, without additional charge, up to sixty (60) hours of TECHNICAL TRAINING
to FIBERSTARS’ personnel.
(c) Technical
Services.
Upon
FIBERSTARS request, VLI shall provide up to one hundred sixty (160) hours of
on-site TECHNICAL SERVICES to make the MACHINE operational at VLI’s standard
hourly rates, plus actual, reasonable travel and living expenses.
4.2 Site
Preparation.
The
proper and timely construction of the installation site for the MACHINE at
FIBERSTARS’ facility and the process support services (infrastructure for water,
power, etc.) shall be the responsibility of FIBERSTARS and shall conform to
the
written infrastructure requirements provided by VLI. Within thirty (30) days
following its receipt of Fiberstars’ written notice to VLI of FIBERSTARS’
election to terminate the bailment and take possession of the MACHINE, VLI
will
deliver to FIBERSTARS, in writing, the infrastructure requirements which shall
be limited to the following: Pipe drawings, list of utilities, list of
electrical requirements and physical layout.
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4.3 Modification
of Terms.
No
addition to or modification of the terms and conditions of the purchase and
sale
of the MACHINE, whether contained in a purchase order or otherwise, shall be
binding upon either party unless specifically agreed to by both parties, in
writing.
4.4 Purchase
Price.
The
purchase price for the MACHINE and a schedule of payments of the purchase price
are set forth in Exhibit
D.
4.5 Form
of Payment.
All
payments to be made by FIBERSTARS to VLI for the purchase of the MACHINE shall
be made by wire transfer in U.S. Dollars through VLI’s bank, as described in
written instructions provided by VLI.
4.6 Sale
of the Machine by FIBERSTARS.
During
the first seven (7) years following the Effective Date of this Agreement, (the
“Restricted Sale Period”) if FIBERSTARS receives a bonafide third party offer to
purchase the MACHINE from any third party, then FIBERSTARS shall have the right,
subject to a written assignment and assumption of the License Agreement (and
all
of FIBERSTARS’ obligations therunder) approved in writing by VLI, to sell the
MACHINE to such third party only upon compliance with the
following:
(i) FIBERSTARS
will provide a written notice of the proposed transaction to VLI, including
identifying the proposed purchaser and the agreed price;
(ii) The
proposed sale must provide for the delivery of the MACHINE to such third party
on a date not less than ten (10) months from the date a copy of such offer
is
delivered to VLI;
(iii) VLI
will
provide a written notice to FIBERSTARS, either exercising or rejecting this
right of first refusal, not less than forty-five (45) days after the notice
of
the foregoing third party purchase offer is delivered to VLI; and
(iv) If
VLI
exercises this right of first refusal, VLI shall purchase the MACHINE from
FIBERSTARS, at a price equal to the lesser of: (A) the price offered by such
third party, or (B) the sum of the net book value of the MACHINE and the License
Agreement, as reflected in FIBERSTARS’ accounting records, determined and
payable as of the date of the proposed sale.
(v)
If
VLI
does not exercise the right of first refusal, their written approval is required
to sell the Machine to the third party.
Except
as
otherwise provided within the provisions of the License Agreement, upon the
expiration of the Restricted Sale Period, FIBERSTARS may sell the MACHINE and
transfer the License, without restriction.
4
5 BAILMENT
OF THE MACHINE
5.1 Bailment.
a)
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The
MACHINE is being sold “AS IS” condition. However, certain requirements and
criteria for performance acceptance tests as described in Exhibit
E will
be performed. Once the acceptable level of performance has been achieved,
a “Certificate of Acceptance” in the form described on Exhibit
F
shall be signed by both parties. The passage of title passes from
VLI to
FIBERSTARS at the time/date that the “Certificate of Acceptance” is
executed.
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b)
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On
and after the sale date of the MACHINE to FIBERSTARS, VLI agrees
to retain
possession of the MACHINE at a facility owned or operated by VLI,
or one
of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and use the MACHINE for the purpose
of
manufacturing Products for and on behalf of FIBERSTARS for the Term
of
this Agreement, or until the bailment is terminated by FIBERSTARS,
whichever first occurs. Title to the MACHINE shall remain vested
in
FIBERSTARS during the period of this bailment. FIBERSTARS shall have
the
right to inspect the MACHINE during VLI’s normal business hours upon
delivery of reasonable prior notice. VLI shall not acquire by this
Agreement any right, title or interest, legal or equitable, in the
MACHINE
except for what is granted under the terms of this
Agreement.
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5.2 Operational
Costs.
During
the period of bailment, VLI shall pay all costs associated with the use,
maintenance and repair of the MACHINE, including but not limited the replacement
of parts, components and equipment as required, however, all such costs shall
be
included in the definition of “Full Cost” as set forth in Paragraph 6.2(a). VLI
shall maintain the MACHINE in good condition and in accordance with VLI’s
standard practices and shall deliver the MACHINE to FIBERSTARS at FIBERSTARS’
expense at the termination of the bailment in such condition, normal wear and
tear excepted.
5.3 Other
Uses of the MACHINE by VLI.
In
exchange for the payment of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00)
from VLI to FIBERSTARS payable in twenty four (24) monthly installments of
Five
Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) each, VLI shall have the right, during the first
twenty four (24) months after the Effective Date, to use the MACHINE for its
own
account and for the account of VLI’s other customers, in its sole discretion
(the “VLI Use”) so long as, and to the extent that, such VLI Use does not hinder
or delay the fulfillment of, or the delivery of Products pursuant to, Purchase
Orders issued by FIBERSTARS pursuant to the forecast(s) provided by FIBERSTARS
to VLI pursuant to Paragraph 6.10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
this Agreement is terminated for any reason, on a date prior to twenty four
(24)
months after the Effective Date, then VLI shall have no further obligation
to
make payments hereunder.
5.4 Damage
to the MACHINE.
FIBERSTARS shall procure and maintain insurance to insure the MACHINE at its
purchase price for loss or damage occasioned by fire, theft, negligence or
vandalism while the MACHINE is in possession of VLI. VLI shall use the proceeds
of such insurance if delivered to VLI by FIBERSTARS to repair, renovate or
replace the MACHINE, as directed by FIBERSTARS. Any deficiency in the amount
of
insurance proceeds to accomplish any such action shall be paid by FIBERSTARS.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Machine is damaged or destroyed in whole
or in part as a result of the negligence or intentional misconduct of VLI,
its
employees, invitees, agents or contractors, VLI shall be liable to FIBERSTARS
in
an amount equal to the cost of repairing or replacing such damage or
destruction.
5
5.5 Termination
of Bailment.
Within
thirty (30) days after the expiration or earlier termination of the Term of
this
Agreement, VLI shall ship the MACHINE, at FIBERSTARS’ cost, to a location
designated by FIBERSTARS, and shall provide the TECHNICAL TRAINING as set forth
in Paragraph 4.1 and, to the extent purchased by FIBERSTARS, the TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTATION and the TECHNICAL SERVICES pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph
4.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and without limitation on VLI’s rights under
Paragraph 4.6, during the first five (5) years following the expiration or
earlier termination of the Term of this Agreement, VLI shall have the following
rights to purchase the MACHINE:
(i)
a
right of first refusal to purchase the MACHINE at the price set forth in a
bona
fide, arms length purchase offer from a third party, which offer must provide
for the delivery of the MACHINE to such third party on a date not less than
ten
(10) months from the date a copy of such offer is delivered to VLI. In
connection with the foregoing right of first refusal, VLI will provide a written
notice to FIBERSTARS, either exercising or rejecting such right of first
refusal, not less than 45 days after the notice of the foregoing third party
purchase offer is delivered to VLI; or
(ii)
upon
receipt of notification from FIBERSTARS that the MACHINE is no longer needed
by
FIBERSTARS for the manufacture of Products, VLI shall have the right to purchase
the MACHINE at its then depreciated book value as reflected in FIBERSTARS’
accounting records.
6. PURCHASE
OF PRODUCTS
6.1 Purchase
and Sale.
FIBERSTARS agrees to purchase one hundred percent (100%) of the FIBERSTARS’
Products requirements exclusively from VLI pursuant to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement; provided, however, that if: (a) VLI is unable to produce
Product(s) which meet the Product Specifications; or (b) VLI acknowledges its
inability to produce a particular Product, or (c) VLI is unable to meet the
agreed upon delivery dates for a particular Purchase Order, then FIBERSTARS
may
purchase such specific Product from another source until such time as VLI
advises FIBERSTARS of its ability to produce and deliver such Product in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
6.2 Unit
Prices.
The
unit price(s) for Products effective from the Effective Date until June 30,
2007
are set forth in Exhibit
G.
All
unit prices are and shall be exclusive of taxes, duties, tariffs, freight
charges, and in transit insurance, the payment of which shall be the
responsibility of FIBERSTARS. Annually,
beginning July 1, 2007, the unit prices for Products on Exhibit
G
shall be
amended annually (to be effective on July 1 of the applicable year through
June
30 of the following year) based on the following:
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a) |
The
annual revised Product prices shall be determined on or before July
1st
of
each year, based on VLI’s current “Full Cost” to manufacture and sell each
Product to FIBERSTARS (excluding the depreciation expense for the
MACHINE,
which MACHINE shall be owned by FIBERSTARS and used in the production
of
the Products)
plus
Thirty-Three
percent (33%)
of
such full cost of such Product. For purposes of this Agreement, “Full
Cost” shall have the meaning set forth on Exhibit
H attached
hereto.
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b)
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On
or before July 1, of each year, VLI shall establish its “Full Cost”. VLI
will review the annual “Full Cost” calculation with FIBERSTARS’ financial
management.
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c)
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The
annual revised Product prices shall not be increased during the year
unless VLI’s material costs have increased by more than five percent (5%)
during the year. In the event VLI’s material costs increase by more than
five percent (5%) during the year, VLI may unilaterally increase
the
Product prices to recoup any material costs above the five percent
(5%)
increase, provided however, that prior to any price increase VLI
shall
first deliver to FIBERSTARS reasonable documentary evidence..
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Other
products that may be required by FIBERSTARS during the Term may be added by
an
amendment to this Agreement.
6.3 Purchase
Orders.
FIBERSTARS shall initiate each order for Products by the delivery to VLI of
a
written purchase order (the “Purchase Order”), setting forth the quantity to be
ordered, the applicable unit price, and requested delivery date(s). Acceptable
delivery dates are a function of order quantities and shall be by mutual
agreement, negotiated in good faith between the parties; provided, however:
(i)
VLI shall commence delivery of Products ordered by FIBERSTARS pursuant to the
“firm” Purchase Order(s) (first four weeks) under the forecast(s) required under
Paragraph 6.10 within thirty (30) days after receipt of each such Purchase
Order; (ii) with regard to any Purchase Order in excess of the forecasted
amounts provided under Paragraph 6.10, VLI shall use its best efforts to
commence delivery of the Products within the requested delivery time, however,
VLI shall have no obligation to deliver such Products earlier than ninety (90)
days after its acceptance of each such Purchase Order.
6.4 Acceptance
of Orders.
Each
Purchase Order shall be deemed to be an offer by FIBERSTARS to purchase Products
from VLI pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, to the exclusion of any
additional or contrary terms set forth in the form of Purchase Order or any
other document submitted by FIBERSTARS. Any Purchase Order submitted by
FIBERSTARS to VLI shall be subject to written acceptance by VLI within seven
(7)
business days after receipt of the Purchase Order by VLI. In the event VLI
fails
to respond or reject such Purchase Order within seven (7) business days after
receipt of the Purchase Order by VLI, then such Purchase Order shall be deemed
to be accepted by VLI, however, if any such Purchase Order is in excess of
the
most current forecast provided by FIBERSTARS pursuant to Paragraph 6.10, then
such Purchase Order shall be deemed rejected unless accepted pursuant to a
written notice delivered from VLI to FIBERSTARS.
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6.5 Delivery.
Unless
otherwise agreed upon in a writing executed by both VLI and FIBERSTARS, all
deliveries of the Products shall be in VLI’s original packaging and shall be FOB
VLI’s shipping dock. “Delivery” shall occur and
title
to
the Products and all risk of damage to or loss of the Products shall pass to
FIBERSTARS upon receipt and/or pick up of the Products at VLI’s shipping dock by
FIBERSTARS or a carrier designated by FIBERSTARS. All in-transit insurance
premiums, freight charges and other expenses of delivery shall be at FIBERSTARS’
expense. The failure of FIBERSTARS to inspect and reject nonconforming items
via
a written notice to VLI within thirty (30) days after delivery shall be deemed
acceptance of such items by FIBERSTARS with full responsibility for
payment.
6.6 Payment.
VLI
will issue to FIBERSTARS an invoice for the Products on the date of delivery.
FIBERSTARS will pay invoices prepared and delivered in accordance with this
Agreement within forty-five (45) days following date of invoice. If FIBERSTARS
has a good faith dispute concerning any portion of an invoice from VLI,
FIBERSTARS will, within such forty-five (45) day period, pay the undisputed
portion, deliver a written notice to VLI describing in reasonable detail the
reasons why the invoice is disputed, and may withhold the disputed portion
pending resolution of the dispute in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph
11.9, below. If undisputed amounts are paid when due, VLI agrees that it may
not
withhold performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement. If an
undisputed amount or
any
disputed amount that is later determined to have been payable is
not
paid when due, VLI will provide a written notice thereof to FIBERSTARS, and
FIBERSTARS will pay such amount within thirty (30) additional days following
receipt of such notice. Any such amounts that are not paid within the foregoing
timeframe shall be “Delinquent”. If any amount is Delinquent, that shall be
deemed a material breach of this Agreement.
6.7 Manufacturing
Process.
The
Products shall be manufactured in conformity with the Product Specifications.
All process changes for manufacturing the Products may be made at the discretion
of VLI without the consent of FIBERSTARS. The aforementioned Products shall
meet
the internal quality standard of Products adopted by VLI. Should FIBERSTARS
decide to fund research and development for improvements to such process, the
details of such funding, the scope of the research and development, the
procedures by which any modifications are to be incorporated into the process
utilized for the manufacture of Products under this Agreement, and the ownership
of such improvements shall all be documented in a separate agreement between
FIBERSTARS and VLI.
6.8 Quality
Assurance.
VLI
shall perform quality assurance tests and inspections as it deems reasonably
necessary to screen Products prior to shipment. Records of relevant
manufacturing parameters and quality assurance data on a run-by-run basis will
be made available to FIBERSTARS upon request.
6.9 Specification
Changes.
FIBERSTARS and VLI anticipate that it may be desirable during the term of this
Agreement to amend the Product Specifications. Such amendments to the Product
Specifications shall be made by mutual agreement of VLI and FIBERSTARS. If
such
Product Specification changes require or allow a change in pricing, such pricing
changes shall be by mutual agreement and shall be reflected in a revision to
Exhibit
C
pursuant
to an amendment to this Agreement.
8
6.10 Forecasts.
FIBERSTARS is obligated to continually provide a six (6) month rolling forecast
of Product requirements (by type and quantity) to VLI, such forecast to be
updated monthly. All Product requirements forecasted for the first four (4)
weeks of the six (6) month forecast are considered a firm, non-cancelable
Purchase Order.
7. REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
7.1 Intellectual
Property Representation.
Each of
the parties represents and warrants to the other that: (i) it owns all right,
title and interest in its own technology; (ii) its technology does not infringe
or constitute a misappropriation of any intellectual property rights of any
third party; and (iii) it has not entered into any agreement inconsistent with
this Agreement or has not otherwise granted to any third party any rights
inconsistent with the rights granted to the other party under this Agreement.
No
rights to technology or proprietary data are created or transferred by this
Agreement. VLI’s current technology, processes, equipment (other than the
EQUIPMENT), procedures and technology it may develop during the term of this
Agreement that is not the result of a joint development effort with FIBERSTARS,
is and shall remain the exclusive property of VLI.
7.2 VLI
Warranties.
(a) VLI
represents and warrants that it will be the owner of the MACHINE on the day
of
transfer and the related TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION free and clear of any and
all
liens, claims and encumbrances of any kind.
(b) With
regard to Products for which product designs have been approved in writing
and
released for production by VLI, VLI warrants to FIBERSTARS for a period of
six
(6) months from the date of shipment that such Products supplied by VLI under
this Agreement shall conform to their applicable specifications and shall be
free of all defects in materials and workmanship and shall be free of all liens,
security interests and other claims of third parties. VLI makes no warranty
whatsoever with regard to Products for which product designs have not been
approved in writing and released for production by VLI.
EXCEPT
AS
EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES, VLI MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS
OR
IMPLIED WARRANTIES. VLI SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL VLI
BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES ARISING
OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE MACHINE OR THE
PRODUCTS DELIVERED HEREUNDER. WITH RESPECT TO ANY PRODUCT PURCHASED UNDER THIS
ORDER AND ALLEGED TO BE THE CAUSE OF ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO FIBERSTARS, THE
SUM
EQUAL TO THE INVOICED PRICE OF SUCH PRODUCT (OR IF NOT SEPARATELY PRICED, VLI'S
ESTABLISHED SELLING PRICE FOR SUCH ITEM) SHALL BE THE MAXIMUM CEILING LIMIT
ON
VLI'S LIABILITY, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE, STRICT TORT LIABILITY OR BREACH OF WARRANTY), ARISING OUT OF OR
RESULTING FROM: (I) THIS ORDER OR THE PERFORMANCE OR BREACH THEREOF, OR (II)
THE
DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, DELIVERY, SALE, REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, USE OR FURNISHING
OF
ANY SUCH PRODUCT(S).
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(c) All
Products which FIBERSTARS considers defective shall be
returned to VLI’s plant, transportation costs prepaid by FIBERSTARS. The risk of
loss of the Products shipped to VLI on a warranty claim will be borne by
FIBERSTARS. If Products have been returned without cause and are still
serviceable, FIBERSTARS will be notified and the Products returned at
FIBERSTARS’ expense. VLI shall bear the cost of testing and examination, if any,
with respect to Products so returned. VLI’s sole and exclusive liability and
FIBERSTARS’ sole and exclusive remedy with respect to warranty claims for
defective Products under this Agreement shall be, at VLI’s election, the repair
or replacement of any nonconforming Products, or a credit to FIBERSTARS’ account
at the purchase price plus all applicable freight charges, taxes, duties,
tariffs and in-transit insurance. These remedies are available only if VLI
is
notified in writing by FIBERSTARS within the warranty period of the discovery
of
nonconformities, and such nonconformities actually exist and persons not
authorized by VLI have not (a) repaired, worked on, or altered the Products
in a
manner that degrades or damages the stability, reliability, or proper operation
of such Products or (b) misused or negligently handled such
Products.
7.3 Indemnification.
Each
party shall indemnify and hold harmless the other party, and its officers,
directors, shareholders, employees and agents, from and against all claims,
damages, losses, liabilities, suits and expenses (including reasonable
attorneys’ fees) arising out of or by reason of any breach by such party of any
of the intellectual property representations made by it in Paragraph 7.1 or
any
violation of the License Agreement.
8. RIGHTS
TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
8.1 Existing
Intellectual Property.
Patents
of any country assigned or issued to either party, which patents claim
inventions developed prior to the Effective Date, and inventions, patentable
and
unpatentable, that were developed by either party prior to the Effective Date,
the subjects of which are necessary for the manufacture of Products, shall
remain the property of the originating party.
8.2 New
Intellectual Property.
Unless
otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, all intellectual property
and
all patents throughout the world resulting from the work performed by VLI during
the course of manufacturing the Products pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement (including, but not limited to, any patents on the Product(s)
themselves) shall be owned exclusively by VLI, excepting ownership of patents
on
lighting system(s) designed for the Fiber Optic Field of Use, which system(s)
may or may not utilize Product(s) as component(s) thereof. However, ownership
of
intellectual property resulting from research and development separately funded
by FIBERSTARS pursuant to Paragraph 6.7 shall be determined in accordance with
the provisions of the separate agreement for such work entered into after the
Effective Date.
10
9. TERM
AND TERMINATION
9.1 Term.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the term of this
Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence, if at all, upon May 1, 2006, between
FIBERSTARS and ADLT (the “Effective Date”) and shall remain in effect for seven
(7) years unless
earlier
terminated pursuant to the terms of this Paragraph 9.2 or 9.3
below.
9.2 Termination
without Cause.
Upon
completion of the first fifteen (15) months of the Term, FIBERSTARS shall
thereafter have the right to unilaterally terminate this Agreement, without
cause, by the delivery of a minimum of nine (9) months’ prior written notice to
VLI. At any time after the Effective Date, VLI shall thereafter have the right
to unilaterally terminate this Agreement, without cause, by the delivery of
a
minimum of twenty-four (24) months’ prior written notice to FIBERSTARS. In
either case, such written notice shall specifically set forth that the
terminating party is exercising its right of termination without cause pursuant
to this Paragraph 9.2.
9.3 Termination
for Cause.
This
Agreement may be earlier terminated in accordance with the following
provisions:
(a) Either
party may terminate this Agreement at any time by the delivery of a written
notice to the other party, which notice shall be effective upon receipt, if
the
other party files a petition for any type of bankruptcy, becomes insolvent,
makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, goes into liquidation, or
becomes the subject of a receivership.
(b) Either
party may terminate this Agreement by the delivery of written notice to the
other party, which notice shall be effective upon receipt, in the event the
other party is in breach of a material provision of this Agreement and has
failed to cure such breach within sixty (60) days after the date such notice
of
breach is received; provided, however, that if the nature of the breach is
such
that it cannot reasonably be cured within such sixty (60) day period, the
breaching Party shall not be deemed in breach if it commences the cure within
such sixty (60) day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes the cure to
completion. The breach of a material provision of this Agreement shall include,
but not be limited to: (i) late or nonpayment of amounts due under a VLI invoice
not subject to a timely dispute; and (ii) a breach of the confidentiality
provisions of Paragraph 10.
(c) In
the
event that VLI becomes a business outside of ADLT, through sale, divestment,
restructuring or any other means, then FIBERSTARS may terminate this Agreement
by the delivery of written notice to VLI.
9.4 Consequences
of Termination.
(a) Upon
the
expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, all Purchase Orders then
accepted by VLI shall be completed through the delivery of the ordered Products
and the payment of VLI’s invoices. All technical information, including but not
limited to know-how, provided by one party to the other during the term of
this
Agreement shall be returned at the request of the party who provided such
information.
11
(b) In
the
event of the termination of this Agreement by: (i) VLI pursuant to the
provisions of Paragraph 9.2, or (ii) FIBERSTARS pursuant to the provisions
of
Paragraph 9.3(a) or 9.3(b), and
upon
receipt by VLI from FIBERSTARS of a license fee in the amount of one thousand
dollars ($1,000.00), then
VLI
shall: (A) grant to FIBERSTARS a limited license to use the VLI Technology
, as
set forth in Exhibit
A of
this
Agreement (the “License Agreement”), (B) transfer the MACHINE to a facility
specified by FIBERSTARS at FIBERSTARS’ expense, (C) supply FIBERSTARS with a
price quote for the delivery and installation (within one month) at a location
designated by FIBERSTARS, of one (1) Krypton cabinet appropriate for use with
the MACHINE, such quote not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00); (D)
VLI
shall supply Formed Bodies pursuant to the terms set forth on Exhibit
I
to VLI
for the longer of: (1) nine (9) months following termination of this Agreement;
or (2) completion of delivery and installation of a “Bulb Former” machine (at
location designated by FIBERSTARS, pursuant to Subsection 9.4(b)(E); below;
and
(E) deliver and install a “Bulb Former” machine, for the manufacture of Formed
Bodies, (which machine shall include bulb
former jaws and burners for each size arc tube, chucks and seals for each size
tubing, loading trays for each size tube) at a location designated by
FIBERSTARS, for the price of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) to be paid
by
FIBERSTARS to VLI in advance of installation. Upon completion of delivery and
installation of the “Bulb Power” machine, VLI shall have no further obligation
to supply formed bodies to FIBERSTARS. Further, in this event, VLI shall forfeit
its rights to purchase the MACHINE as detailed in Sections 4.6 and 5.5, however
all of VLI’s approval rights regarding the sale and transfer of the MACHINE to a
third party shall remain in effect.
(c) In
the
event of the termination of this Agreement by: (i) FIBERSTARS pursuant to the
provisions of Paragraph 9.2, or 9.3(c) or (ii) VLI pursuant to the provisions
of
Paragraph 9.3(a) or 9.3(b), and
upon
receipt by VLI from FIBERSTARS of both, a license fee in the amount of three
thousand dollars ($3,000.00), and full payment for VLI’s entire remaining
inventory of “finished” Products which were manufactured by VLI pursuant to the
forecasts provided by FIBERSTARS pursuant to Paragraph 6.10, then
VLI
shall: (A) grant to FIBERSTARS a limited license to use the VLI Technology
, as
set forth in Exhibit
A of
this
Agreement (the License Agreement), (B) transfer the MACHINE to a facility
specified by FIBERSTARS at FIBERSTARS’ expense, and (C) supply FIBERSTARS with a
price quote for the delivery and installation (within one month) at a location
designated by FIBERSTARS, of one (1) Krypton cabinet appropriate for use with
the MACHINE, such quote not to exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00).
Upon completion of the foregoing, VLI shall have no further obligations
hereunder.
(d) The
parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the grant of a limited license from
VLI to FIBERSTARS in conjunction with the transfer of the MACHINE pursuant
to
any of the above paragraphs, will not require payment of any additional “license
fee” or royalty.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
During
the term of this Agreement it is anticipated that each party will be exposed
to
proprietary information and intellectual property concerning the other party’s
business, products, technology, customers, marketing and sales plans, and
related information that is of substantial value to the party owning it, which
value would be impaired if such information were disclosed to others. This
information is referred to as “Confidential Information.” “Confidential
Information of FIBERSTARS” includes, but is not limited to, marketing plans for
Products. “Confidential Information of VLI” includes, but is not limited to,
information concerning the MACHINE and the Products as set forth in Exhibits
B, C, E, G, and
H,
marketing and sales plans, Product designs, machine designs, and technology,
processes and tooling for the manufacture of Products.
12
For
a
period of five (5) years following the termination of this Agreement, each
party
agrees not to disclose or otherwise make the other party’s Confidential
Information available to third parties or to make any use of such Confidential
Information except as contemplated in this Agreement. Each party further agrees
to restrict access to the other party’s Confidential Information to employees
who have a need to know in order to fulfill the provisions of this Agreement
and
who have signed confidentiality agreements with their employer. Each party
shall
give notice to the other party of information disclosed to such other party
which the disclosing party deems Confidential Information as follows: all
written confidential information shall be labeled as such; all verbal
Confidential Information shall be reduced to writing and sent to the receiving
party within thirty (30) days after the verbal disclosure. If either party
is in
doubt as to whether or not certain information is confidential, it shall request
and receive written clarification from the other party before disclosing such
information.
Each
party will treat and safeguard the Confidential Information received from the
other party, whether verbally or in writing (provided that it is properly
identified as such as provided above), in the same manner as the receiving
party
safeguards its own Confidential Information but in no event using less than
reasonable efforts to safeguard such Confidential Information from disclosure.
The restrictions against disclosure or unauthorized use of Confidential
Information shall not apply to:
(a) Information
which, through no breach of the receiving party’s obligations hereunder, is in
the public domain, revealed in published technical articles or other printed
publications, or inherently revealed by products on the market, the sale of
which is not a violation of the terms of this Agreement or subsequent production
contracts or purchase orders;
(b) Information
already known to the receiving party prior to the date of this Agreement and
not
subject to any similar obligation of the receiving party in any other agreement
with the disclosing party, as shown by documentary materials;
(c) Information
which is or becomes rightfully available to the receiving party from a source
other than the disclosing party, which has no confidentiality obligation to
the
disclosing party in respect thereto;
(d) Information
the receiving party is obligated to produce as a result of a court order;
and
(e) Information
which, by prior agreement, the disclosing party agrees may be
disclosed.
If
the
receiving party intends to rely upon any of the foregoing exceptions in order
to
disclose or use Confidential Information for purposes other than those
identified in this Agreement, the receiving party agrees to discuss the basis
for such reliance with the disclosing party prior to any disclosure or use.
13
At
the
request of the disclosing party, the receiving party shall return to the
disclosing party all writing and documents containing Confidential Information
that are in the possession of the receiving party, except for one copy retained
for archival purposes. At such time, the receiving party also will make
reasonable efforts to locate and destroy electronic copies of such Confidential
Information, except that one electronic copy also may be retained for archival
purposes.
11. MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 Force
Majeure.
If the
performance of this Agreement by either party should be prevented, delayed,
restricted, or interfered with by any man-made or natural catastrophe, including
but not limited to strikes or other labor disturbances (not including strikes
or
labor disturbances involving the employees of the party seeking to rely on
this
provision to excuse non-performance), embargoes, fire, explosion, acts of war,
unforeseeable government action or inaction, the unavailability of materials
supplied by third parties, or any other circumstance outside the control of
the
parties, then the party so affected shall, upon giving prompt notice of the
same, be excused from such performance to the extent of such prevention, delay,
restriction, or interference provided that the party so affected shall use
its
best efforts to avoid or remove such causes of nonperformance and promptly
resume performance hereunder when such causes have been removed. Upon such
circumstances arising, the parties shall promptly consult as to what (if any)
modifications to the terms of the Agreement may be required to arrive at an
equitable solution; and, if such nonperformance appears likely to continue
for
an extended period of time and the affected party’s nonperformance appears
likely to cause serious hardship to the other party, such party may terminate
this Agreement by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the other
party.
11.2 Assignment.
Neither
Party shall have the right to assign or otherwise transfer its rights and
obligations under this Agreement except with the prior written consent of the
other Party; provided, however, that a successor in interest by merger, by
operation of law, assignment, purchase or otherwise of the entire business
of
either Party shall acquire all rights and obligations of such Party. Any
prohibited assignment shall be null and void. Provided that VLI provides
FIBERSTARS with a minimum of ninety (90) days prior written notice (the
“Relocation Notice”),
VLI
shall
have the right to: (i) assign this Agreement and to relocate the MACHINE to
an
entity in India formed under the laws of India that is owned and controlled
by
VLI and/or ADLT; and/or (ii) assign this Agreement and to relocate the MACHINE
to an entity in India formed under the laws of India that is a joint venture
among VLI and/or ADLT and a third party. In either case, this Agreement will
not
be terminated, VLI shall remain fully liable to FIBERSTARS for the timely and
proper performance of the Agreement by such assignee.
NOTE:
The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, in the event VLI relocates the
MACHINE to a facility in India (as described above), then VLI shall be obligated
to build up to a six (6) month supply of Products in VLI’s inventory to supply
FIBERSTARS during the transition. Such inventory build up shall be based on
a
special written forecast to be delivered to VLI from FIBERSTARS (“Relocation
Forecast”) within ten (10) days after receipt by FIBERSTARS of VLI’s Relocation
Notice (as set forth above). The Relocation Forecast shall be a firm,
non-cancelable Purchase Order from FIBERSTARS.
14
11.3 Applicable
law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the
State of Ohio, excluding its laws relating to the conflict of laws and the
choice of laws.
11.4 Notice.
Any
notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and may
be
served either by personal delivery, telex, facsimile transmission, telegram,
certified or registered air mail (return receipt requested and postage prepaid)
or express delivery service addressed to the parties respectively at the
following addresses.
VLI
or
ADLT:
Venture
Lighting International, Inc
00000
Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx,
XX
00000
Attention:
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, President
Fax:
000-000-0000
FIBERSTARS:
Fiberstars,
Inc.
00000
Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx,
XX
00000
Attention:
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Chief Technology Officer
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
or
such
other address, facsimile, or telex number as the parties may later designate
by
written notice to each other. All notices delivered in accordance with this
Paragraph 8.4 shall be effective as of the date of receipt by the notified
party.
11.5 Modifications.
This
Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, released, discharged, abandoned,
changed, or modified in any manner, orally or otherwise, except by an instrument
in writing of concurrent or subsequent date signed by a duly authorized
representative of each of the parties.
11.6 Entire
Agreement.
The
terms and provisions set forth in this Agreement constitute the entire and
only
agreement between FIBERSTARS and VLI with respect to this subject matter, and
cancel all preexisting agreements, contracts or understandings between them
in
respect to the same. Headings used in this Agreement are only for convenience
and are not to be used in the interpretation of this Agreement. The parties
expressly acknowledge and agree that the Master Services Agreement, the ADLT
Development Agreement, the Fiberstars Development Agreement, the Cross-License
Agreement and the Mutual Supply Agreement, each by and between FIBERSTARS and
Advanced Lighting Technologies, Inc. and each dated September 19, 2005 shall
not
apply to and shall not govern the matters agreed upon hereunder.
15
11.7 Severability.
If any
provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance should, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid, unenforceable
or illegal, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such
provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be effected thereby,
but
rather shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law, and a rapid
remedy sought for the provision found to be at fault.
11.8
No
Partnership.
This
Agreement does not create a relationship of joint venture, employment,
partnership, or agency between FIBERSTARS and VLI.
11.9 Dispute
Resolution.
In the
event a dispute, claim or controversy arises between the parties relating to
the
validity, interpretation, performance, termination or breach of this Agreement
(collectively, the “Dispute”) the parties agree to hold a meeting, attended by
individuals with decision-making authority regarding the Dispute, to attempt
in
good faith to negotiate a resolution of the Dispute prior to pursuing other
available remedies. If within thirty (30) days after such meeting, the parties
have not succeeded in negotiating a resolution of the Dispute, the Dispute
shall
be resolved through final and binding arbitration at the request of either
party.
The
arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator in the City of Solon,
Ohio, in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, and the then-current
commercial arbitration rules and supplementary procedures for commercial
arbitration of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitrator
shall be selected by the mutual agreement of the parties, or failing such
agreement, shall be selected according to the relevant AAA rules. The parties
shall bear the costs of such arbitrator equally.
The
prevailing party in any such arbitration or in any judicial enforcement or
review proceeding shall be entitled to its reasonable attorneys fees and costs
in addition to any other amount of recovery ordered by such arbitrator or court.
Either party may cause judgment to be entered upon such award in any court
of
competent jurisdiction. The duty of the parties to arbitrate any Dispute
relating to the interpretation or performance of this Agreement or the grounds
for any termination thereof shall survive expiration of this Agreement for
any
reason.
11.10
Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts in the English language,
and each such counterpart shall be deemed an original.
11.11 Waiver.
No
failure by either Party to take any action or assert any right under this
Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of such right in the event of the
continuation or repetition of the circumstances giving rise to such
right.
11.12 Attorneys’
Fees.
In the
event that any action or proceeding is brought to enforce or interpret any
term,
covenant or condition of this Agreement or to collect damages due to a breach
of
this Agreement, the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding (whether
after
trial or appeal) shall be entitled to recover from the Party not prevailing
its
expenses incurred in such action or proceeding, including reasonable attorneys'
fees and all allowable costs.
11.13 Headings.
The
section and paragraph headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only.
They shall not be used to define, limit or interpret this
Agreement.
16
FIBERSTARS, INC. | VENTURE LIGHTING INTERNATIONAL, INC. | ||
By | By | ||
|
|
||
Title | Title | ||
|
|
||
Date: May ___, 2006 | Date: May __, 2006 |
17
EXHIBIT
A
LICENSE
AGREEMENT
This
License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this
______ day of ___________, 2006 (the “Effective Date”), by and between
FIBERSTARS,
INC.,
an Ohio
corporation with its principal place of business at 00000 Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx,
Xxxx 00000 (the "Licensee") and VENTURE
LIGHTING INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
an Ohio
corporation with its principal place of business at 00000 Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx,
Xxxx 00000 (“VLI”).
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 VLI
Process.
The
proprietary process for use of the MACHINE for manufacturing LICENSED PRODUCTS,
utilizing inventions (patentable and unpatentable), designs, specifications,
manuals, techniques, procedures, know-how and trade secrets, that are documented
in written, electronic or graphic form and provided to Licensee in the
TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTATION,
as
defined in the SUPPLY CONTRACT (see Section 1.4, below), or otherwise provided
to Licensee in written, electronic or graphic form and labeled as
“confidential”, all of which are necessary for the manufacture or processing of
metal halide arc tubes, will be referred to as the “VLI PROCESS.”
1.2 Licensed
Product.
“LICENSED PRODUCT(S) shall mean metal halide arc tubes without an exhaust tip
on
the arc chamber(s), manufactured by means of the VLI PROCESS for use(s) solely
and exclusively within the “Fiberoptic Field of Use” (defined
below).
1.3 Machine.
The VLI
Tipless Low Watt Arc Tube Pinch & Exhaust machine as sold by VLI to Licensee
under the SUPPLY CONTRACT will be referred to as the “MACHINE”.
1.4 Supply
Contract.
The
Equipment Purchase and Product Supply Agreement, dated______________, 2006,
between VLI and Licensee shall be referred to as the “SUPPLY
CONTRACT.”
1.5 Technical
Documentation.
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the SUPPLY
CONTRACT.
1.6
Fiberoptic
Field of Use.
Lighting applications or systems (and components of such systems) which include
both: (A) a remote light source, and (B) either (i) fiberoptics, or (ii) light
pipes, or (iii) other light guides, for conveying light from the remote source,
but excluding applications in Civilian Transportation, television, and
projection.
1.7 Civilian
Transportation.
Civilian Transportation shall mean all passenger automobiles, commercial
(non-military) aircrafts, trucks, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles, but
excludes ships, RV’s (recreation vehicles), limousines and mining equipment and
other industrial or military vehicles or equipment.
A-1
2. LICENSE
VLI
hereby grants to Licensee a royalty-free, nonexclusive, worldwide, transferable
(subject to the limitations provided below), irrevocable (except as expressly
provided herein) limited license, with the right (subject to the limitations
provided below) to use the VLI PROCESS to make LICENSED PRODUCTS. Licensee
acknowledges and agrees that any and all LICENSED PRODUCTS made or manufactured
hereunder, shall be made or manufactured solely and exclusively for use in
the
Fiberoptic Field of Use. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following
limitations shall apply to proposed assignment of this License Agreement (which
may only occur in conjunction with an approved sale of the MACHINE) by
Licensee:
(a) During
the period ending five (5) years from the date of this License Agreement, the
assignment of the license granted in this License Agreement shall be subject
to
the provisions of Paragraph 4.6 of the SUPPLY CONTRACT.
(b) During
the period ending five (5) years from the date of this License Agreement, if
Licensee proposes to purchase any one or more additional “Tipless
Low Watt Arc Tube Pinch & Exhaust” machines
that are the same as, or substantially the same as the MACHINE, Licensee shall
purchase such machine(s) exclusively from VLI or from a person, firm or
corporation authorized by VLI to do so.
(c) In
any
event and at any time after the date of this License Agreement, if Licensee
proposes to purchase a “Tipless
Low Watt Arc Tube Pinch & Exhaust” machine
from a third party, Licensee may not disclose to such third party any portion
of
the VLI PROCESS or the TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION that is VLI’s Confidential
Information, and Licensee will not allow such third party to examine
MACHINE.
(d) In
any
event and at any time after the date of this License Agreement, Licensee is
prohibited from building or manufacturing, or having any third party build
or
manufacture (whether as a “work for hire” or otherwise) any “Tipless
Low Watt Arc Tube Pinch & Exhaust” machine(s)
that are the same as, or substantially the same as the MACHINE, without first
obtaining the prior written approval of VLI. Notwithstanding any written
approval granted by VLI for the building or manufacture of such a machine,
Licensee shall have no right and shall not under any circumstances, provide
to
any third party any portion of the VLI PROCESS or the TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTATION.
3.
|
LICENSE
FEE
|
As
full
and complete consideration for all rights granted by VLI and for all
representations, warranties and covenants of VLI under this License Agreement,
Licensee shall pay to VLI the applicable license fee as specified in the SUPPLY
CONTRACT, if any. The parties acknowledge that there are circumstances where
the
license fee may be zero dollars, and other circumstances where the amount of
the
license fee will vary, all as more particularly set forth in the SUPPLY
CONTRACT. VLI acknowledges that, where the license fee is zero, the amounts
paid
to purchase MACHINE under the SUPPLY CONTRACT shall constitute complete
consideration for this License Agreement.
A-2
4.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
|
The
VLI
PROCESS shall be deemed to be “Confidential Information”, as that term is
defined in the SUPPLY CONTRACT. The provisions of Section 10 of the SUPPLY
CONTRACT shall apply to Confidential Information of the VLI and Licensee, and
their successors and assigns.
5. TERM
AND TERMINATION
5.1 Term.
This
License Agreement will be effective on the Effective Date and its term shall
be
perpetual, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the other provisions of this
Section 5.
5.2 Termination
for Cause.
The
grounds for termination of this License Agreement for “cause” shall be as
follows: A party may terminate this License Agreement in accordance with the
following procedures in the event the other party fails to cure a material
breach of this License Agreement. Material breaches of this License Agreement
by
a party shall include, but not be limited to: (i) a material failure of a party
to comply with the confidentiality obligations in Section 4, (ii) the use of
the
MACHINE by Licensee (or any successor or assign of Licensee) to manufacture,
make or otherwise produce any goods or products for use outside of the
Fiberoptic Field of Use. In the event a material breach occurs, the
non-breaching party shall give the breaching party a written notice thereof,
which notice shall contain a reasonably detailed description of the conduct
alleged to give rise to the breach. The party asserting the breach may terminate
this License Agreement, effective upon delivery of a written notice of
termination to the breaching party, in the event the breach is not cured within
thirty (30) days from the date the initial notice of breach is delivered. If,
however, the nature of the breach is such that it cannot reasonably be cured
within such thirty (30) day period, the breaching party shall not be deemed
in
breach if it commences the cure within such period and thereafter diligently
prosecutes the same to completion.
5.3 Consequences
Of Termination for Cause .
Within
ten (10) days after the date of termination for cause by VLI, Licensee shall
deliver to VLI all copies of TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION and all other information
about the VLI PROCESS provided by VLI to Licensee in connection with this
License Agreement. A termination of this License Agreement for cause shall
not
relieve either party from its obligations of confidentiality under Section
4 for
the period set forth therein. A termination of this License Agreement for cause
shall not prejudice the right of either party to recover any sums due or accrued
at the time of such termination, nor shall it prejudice any cause of action
or
claim of such party arising out of any breach or default by the other party.
The
provisions of Sections 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive the termination of this
License Agreement.
6.
DISPUTE
RESOLUTION
In
the
event a dispute, claim or controversy arises between the parties relating to
the
validity, interpretation, performance, termination or breach of this License
Agreement (collectively, the “Dispute”) the parties agree to hold a meeting,
attended by individuals with decision-making authority regarding the Dispute,
to
attempt in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the Dispute prior to pursuing
other available remedies. If within thirty (30) days after such meeting, the
parties have not succeeded in negotiating a resolution of the Dispute, the
Dispute shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration at the request
of either party.
A-3
The
arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator in the City of Solon,
Ohio, in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, and the then-current
commercial arbitration rules and supplementary procedures for commercial
arbitration of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitrator
shall be selected by the mutual agreement of the parties, or failing such
agreement, shall be selected according to the relevant AAA rules. The parties
shall bear the costs of such arbitrator equally.
The
prevailing party in any such arbitration or in any judicial enforcement or
review proceeding shall be entitled to its reasonable attorneys fees and costs
in addition to any other amount of recovery ordered by such arbitrator or court.
Either party may cause judgment to be entered upon such award in any court
of
competent jurisdiction. The duty of the parties to arbitrate any Dispute
relating to the interpretation or performance of this License Agreement or
the
grounds for any termination thereof shall survive expiration of this License
Agreement for any reason.
7. REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
7.1 Intellectual
Property Representation.
VLI
represents and warrants to Licensee that: (i) it owns all right, title and
interest in the VLI PROCESS;
(ii)
its technology does not infringe or constitute a misappropriation of any
intellectual property rights of any third party; and (iii) it has not entered
into any agreement inconsistent with this License Agreement or has not otherwise
granted to any third party any rights inconsistent with the rights granted
to
the other party under this License Agreement.
7.2 Patent
Indemnification.
In the
event a claim is brought by a third party alleging the infringement of its
United States patent by the VLI PROCESS, VLI will defend Licensee against any
and all claims, suits, or proceedings alleging such infringement and will hold
harmless and indemnify Licensee against any costs incurred and any sums paid
or
awarded with respect thereto as royalties, penalties or otherwise fixed by
settlement or set by final and non-appealable court judgment or order. Licensee
shall, at its own cost and expense, have the right to participate in any
proceedings or negotiations; provided, however, that in such event VLI shall
have sole control of the defense of any such action in all negotiations for
its
settlement or compromise. If VLI, at any time, fails to fulfill its defense
and
indemnity obligations described above, then upon written notice to VLI from
Licensee, Licensee may, at its option, defend such claims, suits or proceedings,
including taking control thereof, and VLI promptly shall reimburse Licensee
for
all reasonable expenditures and costs incurred by Licensee in connection with
such defense, no less often than monthly, as such expenditures and costs are
incurred. Licensee shall reimburse VLI in the amount of all costs and expenses
recovered in such claims, suits or proceedings.
The
foregoing indemnity obligation excludes claims for infringement that relate
to
or arise from: (i) processes and equipment not included within the definition
of, or not falling within the scope of, the VLI PROCESS that is employed by
Licensee in its use of the MACHINE, and (ii) the goods or products made or
processed by Licensee.
A-4
In
the
event a final injunction is obtained against the use of the infringing VLI
PROCESS, VLI will, at its option and expense: (i) secure for Licensee the right
to continue to use the VLI PROCESS, or (ii) replace or modify the same so it
meets the agreed technical specifications but becomes non-infringing, or (iii)
refund to Licensee all sums paid by Licensee for the License Fee, as well as
the
net book value of MACHINE, as reflected on the books and records of Licensee
on
the date of the entry of such injunction; and VLI will reimburse Licensee for
all costs and expenses of replacement or modification of the VLI PROCESS. If
VLI
elects to refund to Licensee all sums paid for the License Fee (if any) and
for
then-depreciated book value of MACHINE, the Licensee shall promptly return
and
surrender to VLI the TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, and all other information about
the VLI PROCESS provided from VLI to Licensee in connection with this License
Agreement.
8. MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Assignment.
The
rights and obligations of the parties under this License Agreement are personal
and may not be assigned or otherwise transferred by either party without the
prior written consent of the other party. Any attempted assignment or transfer
without such consent shall be null and void. Notwithstanding any other provision
of this License Agreement or of the Supply Contract, any third party purchaser
of the MACHINE must
assume
all of Licensee’s obligations and liabilities to VLI under this License
Agreement pursuant to a written assignment and assumption agreement approved
in
writing by VLI, or such sale shall be null and void. In the event Licensee
sells
the Machine to a third party in connection with a VLI-approved sale in
accordance with the provisions of the Supply Contract, then, in conjunction
therewith, Licensee’s rights and obligations under this License Agreement shall
be assigned by Licensee to such third party purchaser (and all of Licensee’s
obligations and liabilities hereunder shall be assumed by such third party
purchaser) in a writing acceptable to VLI, except
that
Licensee
shall not transfer the indemnity obligations of VLI (reflected in Section 7.2,
above) to any subsequent purchaser of MACHINE. The parties hereto acknowledge
and agree that in the event of a sale of VLI, or substantially all of VLI’s
assets, to an unrelated third party, this License Agreement and the rights
and
obligations of VLI hereunder, may be transferred to such party without the
prior
consent of Licensee, to the extent the third party assumes all obligations
and
liabilities of VLI hereunder.
8.2 Applicable
Law.
This
License Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws
of the State of Ohio.
8.3 Notice.
Any
notice required to be given under this License Agreement shall be in writing
and
may be served either by personal delivery, e-mail (return receipt requested),
telefax, telegram, certified or registered air mail (return receipt requested)
postage prepaid or reputable
air
courier addressed to the parties respectively at the following
addresses:
VLI
Venture
Lighting International, Inc.
00000
Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx,
Xxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
Fax:
000
000-0000
LICENSEE
Fiberstars,
Inc.
00000
Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx,
XX
00000
Attention:
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Chief Technology Officer
Fax:
000
000-0000
A-5
or
such
other address, facsimile number, or e-mail address as Licensee or VLI may later
designate by written notice to the other. All notices delivered in accordance
with this Paragraph 8.3 shall be effective as of the date of receipt by the
notified party.
8.4 Modifications.
This
License Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, released, discharged,
abandoned, changed or modified in any manner, orally or otherwise, except by
an
instrument in writing of concurrent or subsequent date signed by a duly
authorized representative of each of the parties.
8.5 Entire
Agreement.
The
terms and provisions set forth in this License Agreement and in the SUPPLY
CONTRACT constitute the entire and only agreement between the Licensee and
VLI
with respect to this subject matter, and cancel all preexisting agreements,
contracts or understandings between them in respect to the same. Headings used
in this License Agreement are only for convenience and are not to be used in
the
interpretation of this License Agreement.
The
parties expressly acknowledge and agree that the Master Services Agreement,
the
ADLT Development Agreement, the Fiberstars Development Agreement, the
Cross-License Agreement and the Mutual Supply Agreement, each by and between
FIBERSTARS and Advanced Lighting Technologies, Inc. and each dated September
19,
2005 shall not apply to and shall not govern the matters agreed upon
hereunder.
8.6 Severability.
If any
provision of this License Agreement, or the application thereof to any person
or
circumstance should, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid, unenforceable
or illegal, the remainder of this License Agreement and the application of
such
provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be effected thereby,
but
rather shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law, and a rapid
remedy sought for the provision found to be at fault.
8.7 Relationship
Of The Parties.
This
License Agreement in no way creates a relationship of joint venture, employment,
partnership or agency between VLI and Licensee.
8.8 Waiver.
Failure
of either party to insist upon the strict performance of any provision of this
License Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy shall not be deemed a
waiver of any right or remedy.
8.9 Exhibits.
Exhibits to this License Agreement form an integral and binding part of this
License Agreement.
A-6
8.10 Disclaimer.
Except
as expressly provided in this License Agreement and in the SUPPLY CONTRACT,
VLI
makes no other representation, grants no warranty, express or implied, and
assumes no responsibility of any kind to Licensee or to any third party
respecting suitability for any purpose or use of any information, data, process,
equipment, patented or unpatented inventions, or trade secrets, disclosed,
furnished, or made available to Licensee.
8.11 Force
Majeure.
The
provisions of Section 11.1 of the SUPPLY CONTRACT are expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this License Agreement
to
be executed in duplicate by its duly authorized representative.
VENTURE LIGHTING INTERNATIONAL, INC. | FIBERSTARS, INC. | ||
By: | By: | ||
|
|
||
Title: | Title: | ||
|
|
||
Date: __________________________________________________________, 2006 | Date: __________________________________________________________, 2006 |
A-7
EXHIBIT
B
(Machine)
General
Description: One (1) USED Tipless
Low Watt Arc Tube Pinch & Exhaust Machine built by Venture Lighting
International, Inc.
***
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
EXHIBIT
C
(PRODUCTS
& PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | SPECIFICATIONS | ||
*** | |||
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
EXHIBIT
D
MACHINE
SALE PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS
***
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
D-1
MACHINE
PERFORMANCE/ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Milestones:
***
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
E-1
Addendum
to EXHIBIT E
Low
Watt Tipless Pinch-Exhaust Machine Process Capability
***
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
E-2
EXHIBIT
F
Certificate
of Acceptance
DATE: | |||
|
|||
SELLER:
VENTURE
LIGHTING INTERNATIONAL, INC. (VLI)
BUYER:
FIBERSTARS,
INC. (FIBERSTARS)
DATED
_________________________
DESCRIPTION
OF MACHINE
(I)
|
USED
TIPLESS LOW WATT ARC TUBE PINCH & EXHAUST
MACHINE
|
WE
HEREBY
CERTIFY THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED MACHINE.
SIGNED
BY
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF:
BUYER: FIBERSTARS, INC.
|
|||
SELLER: VENTURE LIGHTING INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
|
|||
F-1
EXHIBIT
G
UNIT
PRICES FOR PRODUCTS
Price:
***
Discounts:
***
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
G-1
EXHIBIT
H
***
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
H-1
EXHIBIT
I
***
___________________________
***
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL REDACTED AND SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE
COMMISSION.
I-1