DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of the 23th day of
June, 2003 (the "Effective Date"), by and between, Applied Biotech, Inc., a
California corporation, having its principal offices at 00000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 ("ABI") and Synova Healthcare, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, having its principal office at 3553 West Xxxxxxx Xxxx, No. 000,
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000 ("SYNOVA").
RECITALS
ABI currently manufactures and distributes rapid diagnostic tests,
including the FSH Midstream Test Stick, Catalog No. FSH 8607KPL, and desires to
engage non-exclusive distributors for such tests;
SYNOVA is a marketer of rapid diagnostic tests, and desires the
non-exclusive right to market the FSH Midstream Test Stick and the non-exclusive
right to market certain other ABI tests under a private label/OEM arrangement;
ABI is willing to manufacture the rapid diagnostic tests described in
this Agreement for non-exclusive distribution by SYNOVA under the private
label/OEM brand SYNOVA will provide to ABI.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the promises and the
covenants, terms and conditions contained herein, SYNOVA and ABI agree as
follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the
following words and phrases, whenever capitalized in this Agreement, shall have
the following meanings:
1.1 "Act" has the meaning attributed to it in Section 6.4.
1.2 "Affiliate" means any entity that controls, is controlled by or is
under common control with another entity. An entity shall be deemed to be in
control of another entity (controlled entity) if the former owns directly or
indirectly at least fifty percent (50%), or the maximum percentage allowed by
law in the country of the controlled entity, of the outstanding voting equity of
the controlled entity, (or other equity or ownership interest in the event that
such controlled entity is other than a corporation).
1.3 "Confidential Information" means: the existence and terms of this
Agreement; all other information disclosed in writing by one party to the other
pursuant to this Agreement and identified as "CONFIDENTIAL"; and information
disclosed orally to the extent such oral disclosure is reduced to writing and is
identified as "CONFIDENTIAL," which writing is provided to the other party
within thirty (30) days after oral disclosure. "Confidential Information" does
not include any such information that:
(a) is known to the receiving party before receipt thereof under
this Agreement, as evidenced by the receiving party's written
records; or
(b) is disclosed to the receiving party without restriction by a
Third Party lawfully in possession of such information and not
under an obligation of nondisclosure; or
(c) is or becomes part of the public domain through no breach of
this Agreement; or
(d) is independently developed by or for the receiving party
without reference to Confidential Information of the other
party, as evidenced by such receiving party's written records.
1.4 "Contract Year" means for the first Contract Year, that period of
time commencing on the Effective Date and ending twelve (12) months thereafter
and for all subsequent Contract Years, the twelve (12) month period commencing
on the day after the last day of the previous Contract Year.
1.5 "FDA" means the United States Food and Drug Administration or any
successor agency thereof.
1.6 "Kit(s)" means the finished, packaged and labeled assembly of the
Product configured in accordance with the Specifications.
1.7 "Improvements" means an improvement to the Product, including but
not limited to a waiver under the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.
1.8 "Product" means the FSH Midstream Test Stick, Catalog No. FSH
8607KPL, listed on Exhibit 1.9, which has been approved for marketing in the
United States by the FDA.
1.9 "Product Line" means the ABI rapid test products listed on Exhibit
1.9, all of which have been approved for marketing in the United States by the
FDA. SYNOVA has the right to distribute any of the products listed on Exhibit
1.9, subject to terms agreeable to both parties, and the parties can add
additional products for distribution to the list by mutual agreement.
1.10 "Quality Systems and GMP Requirements" means the current and any
future quality system and good manufacturing practices regulations under 21
C.F.R. Part 820 to the extent that such regulations are applicable to the
Product, as such regulations are implemented by the FDA.
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1.11 "Specifications" means those product, labeling, packaging and
performance specifications established for the FSH Midstream Test Stick, and
used in all Private Label and OEM products. Which specifications may from time
to time be amended by ABI. Such amended Specifications shall become a part of
this Agreement as if incorporated herein.
1.12 "Territory" means the United States.
1.13 "Third Party" means any individual, corporation, partnership,
trust or other business or government organization or entity, and any other
recognized organization or entity other than SYNOVA, ABI and their Affiliates.
1.14 "Unit" means a single unit of the Product for performing an
analytical test result.
2. DISTRIBUTION, PURCHASE AND SALE
2.1 Appointment. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
ABI hereby appoints SYNOVA as a distributor in the Territory for the marketing,
promotion, solicitation, sales and distribution of Product. This appointment
shall be non-exclusive.
2.2 Purchase and Sale. During the term of this Agreement and subject to
the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, SYNOVA shall have the
right, but not the obligation, to purchase the Product from ABI and ABI may
supply, or shall cause its Affiliates to supply, SYNOVA such quantities of the
Product as may be ordered by SYNOVA as provided hereunder. SYNOVA shall resell
the Product in the Territory either directly or through Third Party distributors
subject to the approval of ABI, which is not to be withheld unreasonably. ABI
shall approve or deny any Third Party Distributor proposed by SYNOVA within
seven (7) days. Should ABI reject any proposed Third Party Distributor, it
agrees to provide SYNOVA with a written explanation of the basis for its
decision. ABI further agrees that neither ABI nor its Affiliates will enter into
any distribution agreements with any proposed Third Party Distributors rejected
under this provision for a period of 18 months. Provided however, ABI shall have
the right to sell any and all ABI products to any Third Party Distributor
rejected by ABI, if ABI has had a previous relationship or had attempted to sell
product to the proposed Third Party Distributor prior to the request by Synova
to approve or reject the proposed Third Party Distributor. At the request of
Synova, ABI will provide information to document the prior contact.
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3. PURCHASE PRICE, ORDERS, PRODUCT SUPPLY
3.1 Purchase Price. ABI shall charge SYNOVA and SYNOVA shall purchase
the quantities of Product ordered and accepted by SYNOVA pursuant to this
Agreement, at a purchase price as set forth on Exhibit 3.1 (the "Purchase
Price"); provided, however, the Purchase Price applicable to the Product may be
adjusted pursuant to the terms of Section 3.2.
3.2 Price Adjustment. Except as set forth in this Article 3 and in
Section 7.2, no adjustment in the Purchase Price shall be permitted during the
term of this Agreement. The Purchase Price will be firm for the first Contract
Year. After the first Contract Year, the Purchase Price for the Product may be
adjusted once each Contract Year by written notice from ABI to SYNOVA at least
sixty (60) days prior to the first day of such Contract Year. The adjusted
Purchase Price shall become effective for Product ordered by and delivered to
SYNOVA during the Contract Year to which such adjustment applies. Any adjustment
in Purchase Price for each Contract Year must correlate with raw material price
increases, and will be validated in writing by ABI prior to implementation. Any
increase in Purchase Price shall not exceed the previous Contract Year Purchase
Price by greater than [XXXX]*.
3.3 Orders.
(a) Each purchase order submitted by SYNOVA to ABI shall contain
at least the following minimum quantities; [XXXX]* pieces of
any single catalog number.
(b) Orders shall be placed upon SYNOVA's purchase order form,
specifying quantities ordered, delivery dates, and delivery
and shipping instructions. However, the obligations and rights
of the parties shall be governed by the terms and conditions
of this Agreement. In the event there is any conflict between
the provisions of this Agreement and the purchase order, or
any acknowledgement or acceptance document of ABI as to the
obligations of the parties regarding any Product order, the
parties agree that the resolution of such issue shall be
controlled by the terms of this Agreement, and then by the
terms of the subject purchase order acknowledgement.
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* Filed under an application for confidential treatment.
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3.4 Delivery and Invoicing.
(a) ABI shall ship Product that is ordered by SYNOVA, FOB ABI's
facility in San Diego, California, in accordance with the
quantities, delivery dates, and delivery and shipping
instructions specified in SYNOVA's purchase orders. In the
event that SYNOVA designates no carrier or if the designated
carrier is not available or not feasible, then ABI shall
select a reasonable alternative mode of shipment. ABI's
responsibility shall be to deposit the ordered Product with
the carrier in accordance with the purchase order, and ABI
shall not be liable for late delivery if so accomplished.
Title and risk of loss with regard to Product shall pass to
SYNOVA upon delivery of such Product to the carrier for
shipment. SYNOVA shall bear the cost of all shipping, handling
or processing charges and any applicable taxes or duties or
fees.
(b) SYNOVA shall prepay the entire cost of its first three (3)
orders, in accordance with the following terms. For these and
all future orders, SYNOVA shall pay a cost per kit of [XXXX]*,
subject to increase in accordance with the provisions of
Article 3.2 of this Agreement. Each order must be for a
minimum of [XXXX]* Product kits. For SYNOVA's first and second
orders, SYNOVA shall prepay 50% of the cost of the order at
time the order is placed, and the remaining 50% of the cost of
the order prior to delivery. For the third order, SYNOVA shall
pay 25% of the cost of the order at the time the order is
placed, and the remaining 75% of the cost of the order prior
to delivery. For all orders thereafter, upon delivery of
Product to the carrier as set forth in Section 3.4(a), ABI
shall invoice SYNOVA for the Purchase Price of Product
supplied, at the Purchase Price in effect on the date of ABI's
receipt of SYNOVA's purchase order for such Product. SYNOVA
shall pay all invoices within thirty (30) days of the shipment
of the product from ABI's warehouse. If SYNOVA reasonably
disputes any invoice for good cause and in good faith, SYNOVA
will notify ABI prior to the expiration of such 30-day period
stating the reasons therefore. All payments shall be made via
wire transfer pursuant to the following information:
Beneficiary Bank
ABA # [XXXX]*
Swift # [XXXX]*
Name: [XXXX]*
Address: [XXXX]*
Ultimate Beneficiary:
Bank Acct # [XXXX]*
Name: [XXXX]*
Reference field: [XXXX]*.
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* Filed under an application for confidential treatment.
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All payments that are not received when due shall
bear interest at a rate of one and one half percent
(1.5%) per month until the payment is paid in full.
(d) Unless the parties expressly agree in writing to use
a different currency, all invoices under this
Agreement shall be paid in U.S. dollars.
(e) SYNOVA's initial Credit Line, once credit has been
established (i.e after satisfactory completion of the
first three orders) shall be $150,000. Such credit
line is subject to review every six (6) months, and
may be adjusted, at ABI's sole discretion, either
higher or lower, based on SYNOVA's payment and
ordering history and/or any other criteria it may
deem relevant.
4. MANUFACTURE, PACKAGING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
4.1 Manufacture. ABI shall manufacture the Product in accordance with
all applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the Quality
Systems and GMP Requirements.
4.2 Product Description and Packaging. ABI shall package and supply the
Product, i.e., the FSH Midstream Test Stick, to SYNOVA as follows: the Product
will be packaged in a 4-color, OTC quality box, enclosed in clear outer wrap.
Each box shall contain two (2) FSH Midstream Test Stick, each consisting of a
Top, Bottom, Cap and Test Strip. Each Test Stick shall be wrapped in a generic
white foil pouch, stamped with the Product Name, Expiration Date, Lot Number and
Catalog Number. A Desiccant Pouch shall be inserted in each foil pouch to
prevent moisture. The wrapped Test Sticks shall be placed inside the OTC box,
along with a 2-color package insert The boxed Test Sticks shall be placed in a
4-color Shelf Tray holding six (6) units, and packaged in a Shipper Box holding
two Shelf Trays (12 units).
SYNOVA agrees to specify and provide ABI with Art Work for the Bar
Code, OTC Box, Test Stick printing (if any), Package Insert Cover, Shelf Tray
and Shipper Box. Product packaging does not include any items not specified
above, such as promotional coupons, labels or security sensors. Any such
additional items would be specified by SYNOVA, and provided, by agreement
between the parties, and may result in higher costs.
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4.3 Changes to Product. ABI shall notify SYNOVA in writing at least
ninety (90) days prior to any proposed changes in its manufacturing procedures,
materials, equipment used or processes, which effect Product fit, form or
function. ABI has the absolute right to change the Product and to unilaterally
amend the Specifications to reflect any such change; provided, however, SYNOVA
may immediately cancel any outstanding purchase orders if such changes are
unacceptable to SYNOVA. SYNOVA shall in no way modify, alter or change the
Product. In addition, SYNOVA shall not repackage any Product unless ABI has
agreed to such repackaging in writing and signed by ABI.
4.4 Rejected Goods/Shortages SYNOVA shall notify ABI of any claim
relating to Product that SYNOVA believes does not conform to the Specifications
or of any shortage in quantity of any Product shipment (a "Rejection Event"),
within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such shipment. Upon ABI's confirmation
that (a) a shortage exists, (b) the subject Products do not conform to the
Specifications, (c) the subject Products contain a manufacturing or Product
defect, and/or (d) ABI has failed to satisfy any of its responsibilities under
this Agreement with respect to such Product, ABI shall, in its discretion,
replace Product or make up the shortage within thirty (30) days of receiving
notice of the Rejection Event. ABI shall refund costs incurred by SYNOVA in
connection with delivery of the Product to SYNOVA, at no additional cost to
SYNOVA, and shall make arrangements with SYNOVA for the return or destruction of
any rejected Product, such return shipping charges to be paid by ABI. This is
SYNOVA's sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a Rejection Event. SYNOVA
acknowledges that the expiration of a Product after it has been delivered to
SYNOVA (provided the expiration period meets the requirements of Section 4.5) or
improper storage of a product by SYNOVA will not constitute grounds for
rejection under this Section 4.4.
4.5 All Products supplied by ABI to SYNOVA shall have an expiration
date of at least 23 months after the date of delivery of such Product to the
carrier for shipment to SYNOVA's facility unless written approval is obtained
from SYNOVA by ABI to ship product with a shorter expiration period.
4.6 SYNOVA reserves the right to audit ABI's facilities, as reasonably
necessary. However, exercise of such right shall be subject to the following
conditions: (a) without good cause shown (for example ABI's repeated failure to
remedy problems), SYNOVA shall be entitled to conduct only one audit per
Contract Year; (b) SYNOVA audits shall be conducted only after reasonable
advance written notice of the audit is provided by SYNOVA to ABI, and then only
at such time as is reasonably convenient to ABI; (c) all information gathered
and data reviewed during any such audit shall be "Confidential Information"
subject to the provisions of Article 9 of this Agreement; and (d) the scope of
each such audit shall be limited to the production and delivery of the Products
under this Agreement and all documentation, data and other records relating
solely thereto, including, without limitation, records and data relating to raw
materials. ABI shall provide commercially reasonable cooperation to SYNOVA in
the performance of such audit including, without limitation, providing
reasonable access to all documents relevant to the development and manufacture
of any Product sold to SYNOVA or contemplated for sale to SYNOVA. To the extent
SYNOVA reasonably believes it may be legally required to obtain copies of any
ABI records, documents or data relating to the Products, ABI shall permit SYNOVA
to obtain such copies, provided such copies and all information contained
therein shall be "Confidential Information" subject to Article 9. ABI retains
the right, in its sole discretion, to determine what materials or information to
release to SYNOVA.
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5. CUSTOMER SUPPORT, COMPLAINTS AND RETURNS
5.1 Customer Complaints. In the event that SYNOVA receives any customer
complaint regarding Product covered by this Agreement, SYNOVA shall give ABI
written notice of the complaint within thirty (30) days of SYNOVA's receipt of
the complaint. ABI shall respond in writing to any inquiry, customer complaint,
nonconformity or corrective and preventative action request, within ten (10)
days of written request therefore.
5.2 Returned Product. In the event any customer of SYNOVA rejects or
returns Product to SYNOVA as a result of performance problems or other
deficiencies that are the result of noncompliance of any Product with the
Specifications by ABI, or the failure of ABI to satisfy any of its
responsibilities under this Agreement, then, as SYNOVA's sole remedy with
respect thereto, such Product shall, be replaced by ABI within thirty (30) days
of such rejection or return, at ABI's expense. ABI shall pay all costs of
shipping the: (i) rejected Product from customer sites to ABI, and (ii)
replacement Product to SYNOVA. ABI shall not repackage any such returned Product
for sale to SYNOVA. Any claim arising out of the expiration of the product, or
due to improper handling or storage or caused by actions or inactions of the
customer, or caused by actions or inactions by SYNOVA shall not be subject to
replacement.
6. REGULATORY MATTERS
6.1 Assistance. ABI will be responsible for and bear the cost of any
510(k) update or other filings necessary with the FDA and/or Center for Disease
Control in order for SYNOVA to market the Product in the United States. ABI
shall own all such 510(k) registrations and updates and filings. ABI retains the
right to remove any product from the market should they determine that the cost
of providing such updates or filings to the FDA cannot be reasonably recovered
through the sale of the product.
6.2 Regulatory Inquiry. Each party promptly and, in any event, within
five (5) days of receipt of notice of inquiry, shall inform the other in writing
of any formal or informal inquiry relating to any Product by any regulatory
agency of any state or national government or supranational authority.
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6.3 Recall. If any Product defect or any final, non-appealable
governmental or court action or any voluntary action by ABI results in: (A) the
recall, destruction or withholding from market of any Product sold under this
Agreement (hereinafter "Recall"); or (B) institution of a field correction of
any Product sold under this Agreement (hereinafter "Field Correction"). ABI
shall bear the direct costs and expenses of and shall be responsible for all
corrective actions and agency communications associated with such Recall or
Field Correction to the extent such Recall or Field Correction results from any
cause or event (i) arising from the responsibility of ABI under this Agreement,
or (ii) otherwise attributable solely to ABI. SYNOVA will provide ABI with
direct access to those SYNOVA customers affected by the Recall or Field
Correction, and all information received or compiled by SYNOVA from such
customers or otherwise with respect to such Recall or Field Correction. Neither
ABI nor SYNOVA shall initiate a Recall or Field Correction until such party has
communicated its intention to the other party, and provided the other party with
data and information relating to the proposed Recall or Field Correction and a
reasonable opportunity to evaluate and comment on its implementation. Further,
after consultation with ABI, SYNOVA will be responsible for communication to its
customers regarding such Recall. All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,
including but not limited to the expenses of notification and destruction or
return of the defective Product, and the cost of replacement Product incurred by
SYNOVA relating to such Recall or Field Connection, shall be reimbursed by ABI,
provided that such Recall results from (i) any cause or event arising from the
responsibility of ABI under this Agreement; or (ii) is otherwise attributable
solely to ABI. SYNOVA will be responsible for, and bear the direct costs of any
Recall and/or Field Correction to the extent such Recall and/or Field Correction
results from any cause or event arising from the responsibilities of SYNOVA
under this Agreement, or otherwise attributable solely to SYNOVA. SYNOVA shall
promptly notify ABI of any such Recall or Field Correction attributable to it,
and shall provide regular reports and updates to ABI with respect to the
progress and conclusion of any such Recall or Field Correction. SYNOVA will not
initiate any Recall or Field Correction unless SYNOVA provides prior written
notice of the proposed Recall or Field Correction to ABI, and affords ABI a
reasonable opportunity to comment on and influence the proposed Recall or Field
Correction in advance of its implementation.
6.4 Medical Device Reports. Each party will immediately (within two
business days) notify the other party in writing of any event or complaint that
gives rise or could give rise to the need to file a Medical Device Report
(hereinafter, an "MDR") within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act, as amended (the "Act"), with respect to any Product or the
manufacture, distribution or use thereof in accordance with the MDR regulation,
21 C.F.R. Part 803. ABI, as the manufacturer of the Products, shall be
responsible for preparing and shall file any MDR if such filing is required by
applicable law. If, as a result of any corrective action or any final,
non-appealable or non-appealed governmental or court action, an MDR is required
to be issued for any Product sold hereunder, ABI shall bear the costs and
expenses of and shall be responsible for all corrective actions associated with
such MDR if such MDR is not the direct result of any breach of SYNOVA's duties
under this Agreement or of SYNOVA's negligence or willful misconduct, in which
event, SYNOVA shall bear the costs and expenses of such MDR. Because it
manufactures the Products, ABI shall be responsible for submitting MDRs in
accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
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6.5 MSDS. ABI shall promptly provide to SYNOVA or its customers upon
request all required Material Safety Data Sheets ("MSDS") for any Product
containing hazardous chemicals as required by federal, state or local law.
6.6 Confidential Information. All notices, correspondence, submissions,
filings, MDR's, MSDS's and other information provided by one party to the other
party under this Section 1.4 shall be "Confidential Information" under this
Agreement.
6.7 Compliance with Laws. In performing this Agreement, each party
shall comply with all applicable treaties, laws and regulations, and shall not
be required to perform or omit to perform any act required or permitted under
this Agreement if such performance or omission would violate the provisions of
any such treaty, law or regulation.
7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
7.1 Third Party Infringement. ABI may, in its discretion, pursue in its
name, efforts to restrain any Third Party infringement of any ABI patent. Upon
ABI's request, SYNOVA may, but is not obligated to be joined as a party
plaintiff and shall cooperate in the pursuit thereof, as is reasonably
necessary. ABI shall have the sole right to control prosecution of such action,
but, to the extent SYNOVA is a party plaintiff, ABI shall keep SYNOVA informed
in writing on a regular basis as to the status of such proceeding.
7.2 Third Party License. In the event an additional Third Party license
is necessary in order for ABI to manufacture or SYNOVA to distribute the Product
because such manufacture or distribution may conflict with such Third Party's
intellectual property rights or if either ABI or SYNOVA are given written notice
by a Third Party that the Product infringes a patent, trademark or other right
owned or controlled by the Third Party, then (a) either party may immediately
terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other party; or (b) either
or both parties may seek to obtain a license from the Third Party in a timely
manner and on commercially reasonable terms and, upon procuring such license,
the parties may renegotiate the then-applicable price for the Product to reflect
any royalty payments to be paid by ABI or SYNOVA to such Third Party. Prior to
ABI's suspension in the supply of Product or termination of this Agreement as
contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence, ABI shall give SYNOVA the
option to hold ABI harmless from any future damages for the continued supply of
the Product if, but only if, upon the request of ABI, in ABI's sole discretion,
SYNOVA shall procure infringement insurance in all respects reasonably
satisfactory to ABI.
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7.3 License to use SureStep(TM). ABI hereby grants SYNOVA a limited
nontransferable, non-assignable license to use, during the term of this
Agreement, the SureStep(TM) trademark for the exclusive purpose of marketing,
distributing and selling the Products in accordance with this Agreement. All use
of the SureStep(TM) trademark pursuant to such license shall inure to the
benefit of ABI. As of the effective date of termination of this Agreement,
SYNOVA shall cease and desist from all use of the SureStep(TM) trademark. SYNOVA
shall have no right to incorporate the SureStep(TM) trademark or any derivation
thereof in its corporate or business name or with regard to any products other
than the Products.
8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
8.1 By ABI. ABI hereby represents and warrants that:
(a) ABI has the full right, power and corporate authority to enter
into this Agreement, and to make the promises set forth in
this Agreement, and to grant the rights herein, and that there
are no outstanding agreements, assignments or encumbrances in
existence inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement
and that the Agreement is enforceable against ABI;
(b) Each lot of Product delivered pursuant to this Agreement will
continue, until the applicable expiration date (which such
expiration date shall meet the requirements of Section 4.5),
to conform to the Specifications, and shall be free from
defects in materials and workmanship; and
(c) ABI has good and marketable title to the Product, which shall
be transferred to SYNOVA upon delivery.
ANY ALTERATION, CHANGE, MODIFICATION OR REPAIR MADE ON THE PRODUCT BY ANY PARTY
OTHER THAN ABI SHALL VOID THE WARRANTY EXTENDED BY ABI UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
8.2 By SYNOVA. SYNOVA represents and warrants that SYNOVA has the full
right, power and corporate authority to enter into this Agreement and to make
the promises set forth in this Agreement, that there are no outstanding
agreements, assignments or encumbrances in existence inconsistent with the
provisions of this Agreement, and that this Agreement is enforceable against
SYNOVA.
8.3 Extent of Warranties. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS
AGREEMENT, ABI AND SYNOVA EACH DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
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9. CONFIDENTIALITY
9.1 Confidential Information. It is contemplated that in the course of
the performance of this Agreement each party may, from time to time, disclose
proprietary and confidential information to the other ("Confidential
Information"). Except to the extent expressly authorized by this Agreement or
otherwise agreed to in writing, during the term of this Agreement and for a
period of five (5) years following the termination of this Agreement, the
receiving party shall take such reasonable measures to maintain such
Confidential Information as confidential as it takes to protect its own
proprietary and confidential information, and shall not use, publish or
otherwise disclose such Confidential Information.
9.2 Permitted Disclosures.
(a) Notwithstanding the above, nothing contained in this Agreement
shall preclude ABI or SYNOVA from utilizing or disclosing to
others its own Confidential Information or utilizing
Confidential Information received from the other party as may
be required: (i) for regulatory purposes, including obtaining
FDA approvals; (ii) for audit, tax or customs purposes; (iii)
by court or other government order, provided that the party
subject to such order notifies the other party and uses
reasonable efforts to obtain a protective order covering such
Confidential Information; or (iv) as otherwise required by
law, provided that if one party is required to make any of the
foregoing disclosures, the disclosing party shall not make
such disclosure unless it has first provided the proposed
disclosure of Confidential Information to the other party, and
has given the other party reasonable opportunity for prior
review of and comment on such disclosure in accordance with
the procedure in Section 10.3.
(b) In addition to the foregoing, SYNOVA and ABI may upon prior
written notice disclose the Confidential Information of the
other party to the receiving party's directors, officers,
employees, legal counsel or other agents ("Representatives")
who have a reasonable need for the Confidential Information in
the performance of their services in connection with the
matters set forth in this Agreement; who are informed of the
confidential nature of the Confidential Information; and who
are bound not to disclose such Confidential Information or use
the same except in performance of this Agreement. The
receiving party agrees to be fully responsible for enforcing
as to the receiving party's Representatives the obligations of
this Agreement, and to take such actions, legal or otherwise,
to the extent necessary to cause its Representatives to comply
with such obligations.
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10. INDEMNIFICATION
10.1 Indemnification by ABI. ABI shall defend, indemnify and hold
SYNOVA, its officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents
(collectively, "SYNOVA indemnified entities") harmless from and against any
liability, damage, loss, cost or expense, including reasonable attorney and
other legal fees ("Liability"), directly arising out of or resulting from: (i)
ABI's breach of any representation, warranty or guarantee set forth in this
Agreement; (ii) ABI's default in the performance of its obligations under this
Agreement, and failure or inability to cure such default in accordance with
Section 11.2; and (iii) any Third Party claims or suits made or brought against
any one or more of the SYNOVA indemnified entities to the extent such Liability
arises out of or relates to ABI's negligence or willful misconduct with regard
to any Product manufactured by ABI or ABI's performance or non-performance
hereunder.
10.2 Indemnification by SYNOVA. SYNOVA shall defend, indemnify and hold
ABI, its officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents ("ABI
indemnified entities") harmless from and against any Liability arising out of or
resulting from: (i) SYNOVA's breach of any representation, warranty or guarantee
set forth in this Agreement; (ii) SYNOVA's default in the performance of its
obligations under this Agreement, and failure or inability to cure such default
in accordance with Section 11.2; and (iii) any Third Party claims or suits made
or brought against any one or more of the ABI indemnified entities to the extent
such Liability arises out of or relates to SYNOVA's negligence or willful
misconduct with regard to SYNOVA's sale or promotion of any Product, or SYNOVA's
performance or non-performance hereunder.
10.3 Conditions of Indemnification. With respect to any claim for which
a party seeks indemnification from the other party ("alleged indemnifying
party") under this Agreement, the party seeking indemnification shall: (i)
advise the alleged indemnifying party of any claim or suit, in writing, within
twenty (20) days after the indemnified party has received notice of such claim
or suit, or within such period of time so as not to materially prejudice the
right of the alleged indemnifying party with regard to the defense of such claim
or action, whichever period is shorter; (ii) assist the indemnifying party and
its representatives in the investigation and defense of any claim and/or suit
for which indemnification is provided; and (iii) not offer to settle, settle or
otherwise compromise such claim or action without the alleged indemnifying
party's prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld,
unless such settlement fully releases the party seeking indemnification without
any liability, loss, cost or obligation to such party.
13
10.4 Insurance.
(a) By ABI. During the term of this Agreement, ABI shall, at its
sole cost and expense, obtain and keep in force a policy of
comprehensive general liability insurance with bodily injury,
death and property damage limits of at least One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Three Million Dollars
($3,000,000) in the aggregate, including product liability
coverage. Upon the Effective Date, ABI shall furnish a
certificate of insurance, in form acceptable to SYNOVA,
evidencing the insurance required hereunder and providing for
at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to SYNOVA of
any cancellation, termination or change of such insurance
coverage.
(b) By SYNOVA. During the term of this Agreement, SYNOVA shall, at
its sole cost and expense, obtain and keep in force adequate
insurance coverage for the sale of the Product under this
Agreement, at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per
occurrence and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) in the
aggregate including product liability coverage. Upon the
Effective Date, SYNOVA shall furnish a certificate of
insurance, in form acceptable to ABI, evidencing the insurance
required hereunder, naming ABI as additional insured, and
providing for at least thirty (30) days prior written notice
to ABI of any cancellation, termination or change of such
insurance coverage.
10.5 Limitation of Liability. EXCEPT FOR THIRD PARTY CLAIMS SET FORTH
IN SECTIONS 10.1 AND 10.2 AND CLAIMS RESULTING FROM THE WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF A
PARTY, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR SIMILAR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RELATING TO LOSS OF
PROFITS.
11. TERM/TERMINATION
11.1 Term and Expiration. The initial term of this Agreement shall
commence on the Effective Date and, unless sooner terminated as provided in this
Agreement, shall continue in effect until the last day of the third (3rd)
Contract Year. This Agreement may be terminated at any time upon mutual
agreement of the parties. This Agreement shall automatically renew for period of
two (2) Contract Years each, unless one party provides the other with a written
notice of termination at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the third
Contract Year or of any subsequent 2-year Contract term, as the case may be.
11.2 Termination for Cause. Upon any material breach of this Agreement
by either party, the non-breaching party may terminate this Agreement upon
thirty (30) days prior written notice to the breaching party. The notice shall
become effective at the end of the thirty (30) day period unless the breaching
party shall cure such breach within such period.
14
11.3 Termination by Either Party. Either party may terminate this
Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.2, in the event of
infringement on Third Party rights, or as set forth in Section 12.5, upon an
event of force majeure.
11.4 Termination for Insolvency. Either party may terminate the
agreement upon written notice to the other in the event of:
(a) insolvency of the other party, or the appointment of a
receiver by the other party for all or any substantial part of
its properties, provided that such receiver is not discharged
within sixty (60) days of its appointment;
(b) the adjudication of the other party as bankrupt;
(c) the admission by the other party in writing of its inability
to pay its debts as they become due;
(d) the execution by the other party of an assignment for the
benefit of its creditors; or
(e) the filing by the other party of a petition to be adjudged as
bankrupt, or a petition or answer admitting the material
allegations of a petition filed against the other party in any
bankruptcy proceeding, or the acts of the other party to any
other judicial proceeding intended to effect a discharge of
the debts of the other party, in whole or in part.
11.5 Consequences of Expiration or Early Termination. Upon the
expiration or early termination of this Agreement:
(a) Each party shall return or destroy, and certify to such
destruction of, all Confidential Information of the other
party, except that each party may maintain one (1) copy for
archival purposes solely to confirm compliance with the
provisions of Article 9; and
(b) Neither party shall be relieved from any obligation that
accrues pursuant to this Agreement before the effective date
of the termination or expiration, nor shall either party be
released from any payment obligation that accrued prior to the
effective date of termination.
11.6 Inclusive Remedy. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
each party shall have the rights and remedies set forth herein, in addition to
any other remedies which it may have under applicable statutory or common law.
Each party shall have the sole discretion to determine which of its rights and
remedies, if any, it shall pursue, and such party shall not be required to
exhaust any of its other rights or remedies before pursuing any one of the
rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement.
15
11.7 Survival. Expiration or early termination of this Agreement shall
not relieve either party of its obligations incurred prior to expiration or
early termination. The obligations under Sections 3.4 (Delivery and Invoicing,
as to payments owed); 5.1 (Customer Complaints); 5.2 (Returned Product); 6.2
(Regulatory Inquiry); 6.3 (Recall); 6.4 (Medical Device Reports); 11.5
(Consequences of Expiration or Early Termination); 11.7 (Survival); and Articles
8 (Representations and Warranties); 9 (Confidentiality); and 10
(Indemnification) shall survive expiration or early termination of this
Agreement, or of any extensions thereof, for a period of five (5) years if a
survival period is not otherwise stated. Any other provisions or licenses
granted under this Agreement and contemplated by their terms to pertain to a
period of time following termination or expiration of this Agreement shall
survive.
12. MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Notices. All notices, requests or other communications required or
permitted to be given under this Agreement to any party shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given when delivered by personal
service or sent by registered mail or a recognized private mail carrier service,
telex or facsimile with a written confirmation copy, to the recipient addressed
as follows:
(a) If to SYNOVA: with a copy to:
Synova Healthcare, Inc. Xxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esquire
0000 Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xx. 000 00 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, XX 00000 X.X. Xxx 000
Attention: Xxxxxxx Xxxx (President) Xxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000 Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
(b) If to ABI: with a copy to:
Applied Biotech, Inc. Apogent Technologies Inc.
00000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx Attn: General Counsel
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000 00 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000 Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: President Facsimile: 0-000-000-0000
All such communications shall be deemed to be effective on the day on
which personally served; or, if sent by registered mail, on the date of delivery
reflected in the Return Receipt or other proof of delivery to the other party
received from the Postal Service; or if by private mail carrier service, the
date of the carrier delivery receipt; or if by telex or facsimile, on the telex
or facsimile date. Either party must provide to the other written notice of
change of address, in which event any communication shall thereafter be given to
such party as above provided at such changed address.
16
12.2 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and assigns. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, neither party hereto shall have the right to assign any of its
rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of
the other party, which consent may not be withheld unreasonably, and which
consent or reasonable withholding of consent shall be timely provided.
12.3 Waivers. Any delay or failure or by either party to strictly
enforce any term or provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a
waiver or a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same nature or other
covenants or conditions of this Agreement.
12.4 Relationship of Parties. The relationship of the parties under
this Agreement is that of independent contractors. Nothing contained in this
Agreement is intended or is to be construed so as to constitute the parties as
partners, joint ventures, or either party as an agent or employee of the other.
Neither party has any express or implied right under this Agreement to assume or
create any obligation on behalf of or in the name of the other, or to bind the
other party to any contract, agreement or undertaking with any Third Party, and
no conduct of the parties shall be deemed to infer such right.
12.5 Force Majeure
(a) Delay or failure on the part of either party in performing its
obligations under this Agreement shall not subject such party
to any liability to the other if such delay or failure is
caused by or results from acts such as, but not limited, to,
acts of God, fire, explosion, flood, drought, war, riot,
sabotage, embargo, strikes or other labor trouble, or
compliance with any law, order or regulation of any government
entity acting with color of right.
(b) Upon occurrence of an event of force majeure, the party
affected shall promptly notify the other in writing, setting
forth the details of the occurrence, and making every attempt
to resume the performance of its obligations as soon as
practicable after the force majeure event ceases. If such
event prevents or will prevent performance of a material
provision of this Agreement by one party for more than ninety
(90) days, then the other party may terminate this Agreement
effective thirty (30) days after delivery of written notice to
the non-performing party and in accordance with Section 11.7.
12.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States of
America, excluding its conflict of laws principles. The English version of this
Agreement shall be the true and correct version of this Agreement. The parties
agree that the provisions of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the
International Sale of Goods shall not apply whatsoever, and is hereby expressly
excluded. In the event of any lawsuit relating to this Agreement, ABI AND SYNOVA
EACH EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY, WHETHER SUCH RIGHT IS
STATUTORY, CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHERWISE, AND EACH CONSENTS TO JURISDICTION IN A
STATE OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA.
17
12.7 Exhibits. Exhibit 1.9 contains a list of the ABI rapid test
products that SYNOVA is authorized to distribute under this Agreement. This list
of products may be supplemented by mutual agreement of the parties. Exhibit 3.1
contains a list of prices for those products. Only the price reflected for the
FSH Midstream Test Stick product, which SYNOVA will distribute under the terms
of this Agreement, has been negotiated and agreed upon by the parties as of the
Effective Date of this Agreement. Should SYNOVA desire to distribute any of the
other ABI rapid test products, the parties will mutually agree in writing upon
product price and other terms and conditions, and such agreed upon terms will be
incorporated into and made part of this Agreement as an Exhibit.
12.8 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is finally held
to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court or agency of competent
jurisdiction, that provision shall be severed or shall be modified by the
parties so as to be legally enforceable (and to the extent modified, it shall be
modified so as to reflect, to the extent possible, the intent of the parties),
and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall
not be affected or impaired in any way.
12.9 Amendments. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, neither
this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended or waived except by a
written instrument signed by both parties.
12.10 Singular and Plural. Where the context hereto requires, the
singular number shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa.
12.11 Headings. The headings of the Articles and Sections of this
Agreement have been added for the convenience of the parties and shall not be
deemed a part hereof.
12.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, all of which together shall constitute a single Agreement.
12.13 Final Agreement. This Agreement and each applicable Purchase
Order are the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other such prior
agreements and understandings.
18
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed by its duly authorized representative,
SYNOVA HEALTHCARE, INC. APPLIED BIOTECH, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Konocke
------------------------ ------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxx Name: Xxxxxxx X. Konocke
------------------------ ------------------------
Title: President and CEO Title: V.P. Sales & Marketing
------------------------ ------------------------
EXHIBIT LIST
1.9 PRODUCT LINE LIST
3.1 PRODUCT LINE PRICES
19
EXHIBIT 1.9
PRODUCT LINE
CAT. # DESCRIPTION CLIA STATUS PACKAGE
-------- ------------ ------------ --------
STREP A
-------
6209KAB Strep A Dipstick Waived 25 Tests per Box**
6208KA4 Strep A Cassette Moderate 40 Tests per Box **
HCG
---
6008KAB hCG Cassette Waived 25 Tests per Box **
6028KAB hCG Combo/3 Line Waived/Moderate 25 Tests per Box **
H. PYLORI
---------
6706KAW h. Pylori Cassette Waived 25 Tests per Box **
MONO
----
6908KAW Mono Cassette Waived 25 Tests per Box **
LH
--
6108KAB LH Cassette Moderate 25 Tests per Box **
FSH
---
8607KPL FSH Midstream Waived [XXXX]*
[XXXX]* minimum order.
** Note: Prices for these products to be determined at the time SYNOVA desires
to begin marketing the products.
Note: Other products may be added to this list by mutual agreement of both
parties. i.e. ABI and SYNOVA. Such prices for these products shall be added as
such agreement is reached, and shall be incorporated as part of this agreement.
--------
* Filed under an application for confidential treatment.
EXHIBIT 3.1
PRODUCT PRICES
CAT. # DESCRIPTION CLIA STATUS PACKAGE PRICE
-------- ------------ ------------ -------- ------
STREP A
-------
6209KAB Strep A Dipstick Waived 25 Tests $TBD**
6208KA4 Strep A Cassette Moderate 40 Tests $TBD**
HCG
---
6008KAB hCG Cassette Waived 25 Tests $TBD**
6028KAB hCG Combo/3 Line Wvd/Mdrt 25 Tests $TBD**
H. PYLORI
---------
6706KAW h. Pylori Cassette Waived 25 Tests $TBD**
MONO
----
6908KAW Mono Cassette Waived 25 Tests $TBD**
LH
--
6108KAB LH Cassette Moderate 25 Tests $TBD**
FSH
---
8607KPL FSH Midstream Waived [XXXX]* [XXXX]* per kit
[XXXX]* minimum order. (Description of product in attached agreement.)
** Note: Prices for these products to be determined at the time SYNOVA desires
to begin marketing the products.
Note: Other products may be added to this list by mutual agreement of both
parties. i.e. ABI and SYNOVA. Prices for these products shall be added at such
time that agreement is reached, and shall be incorporated as part of this
agreement.
--------
* Filed under an application for confidential treatment.
