SONIC INDUSTRIES LLC NUMBER 4.4/5.4 LICENSE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN SONIC INDUSTRIES LLC, Licensor and ________________________, Licensee Sonic Drive-In of ____________________, ______________________ located at _____________________________
SONIC
INDUSTRIES LLC
NUMBER
4.4/5.4 LICENSE AGREEMENT
BY
AND BETWEEN SONIC INDUSTRIES LLC, Licensor and
________________________,
Licensee
Sonic
Drive-In of ____________________, ______________________
located
at _____________________________
_________________________,
______________________.
Dated: ___________,
_______.
Store
No.
_________
CIF
No.
__________
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
1.DEFINITIONS. |
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2
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1.01.
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Affiliate.
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2
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1.02.
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Control.
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2
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1.03.
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DMA.
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2
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1.04.
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Gross
Sales.
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2
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1.05.
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License.
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3
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1.06.
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MSA.
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3
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1.07.
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Person.
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3
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1.08.
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Proprietary
Marks.
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3
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1.09.
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Protected
Area.
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4
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1.10.
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Sonic
Restaurant.
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4
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1.11.
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Sonic
System.
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4
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1.12.
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Non-traditional
Locations.
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4
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2. LICENSE GRANT. |
4
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2.01.
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Location.
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5
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2.02.
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Trade
Radius.
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5
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2.03.
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Efficient
Market Development and Sales Dilution.
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6
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2.04.
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Licensee.
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7
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2.05.
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Use
of Sonic’s Marks.
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7
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2.06.
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Site
Selection.
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7
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2.07.
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Relocation.
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7
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3. TERM. |
8
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3.01.
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Initial
Term.
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8
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3.02.
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Opening
of Restaurant.
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8
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3.03.
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Option.
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8
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4. DUTIES OF LICENSOR. |
9
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4.01.
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Plans.
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9
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4.02.
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Operations
Manual.
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9
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4.03.
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Marketing
Assistance.
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9
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4.04.
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Communication.
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10
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4.05.
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Evaluation
Program.
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10
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5. FEES. |
|
10
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5.01.
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License
Fee.
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10
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5.02.
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Royalty
Fees.
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10
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5.03.
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Brand
Fee.
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14
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5.04.
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Transfer
Fee.
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14
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5.05.
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Late
Charges.
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14
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6. DUTIES OF LICENSEE. |
15
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6.01.
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Sonic
Restaurant Site.
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15
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6.02.
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Construction.
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15
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6.03.
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Equipment
and Sign.
|
16
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6.04.
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Training.
|
17
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6.05.
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Compliance
with Entire System.
|
17
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6.06.
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Approved
Suppliers and Advertising Agencies.
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19
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6.07.
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Best
Efforts.
|
20
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6.08.
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Interference
with Employment Relations of Others.
|
20
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6.09.
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SONIC’s
Standards.
|
21
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6.10.
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Majority
Interest Owner.
|
21
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7. PROPRIETARY MARKS. |
21
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7.01.
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SONIC’s
Representations.
|
21
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7.02.
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Use
of Marks.
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21
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7.03.
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Licensee’s
Understanding.
|
22
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8. MANUAL. |
|
23
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9. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. |
23
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9.01.
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SONIC
Proprietary and Confidential Information.
|
23
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9.02.
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Licensee’s
Use of Proprietary and Confidential Information.
|
24
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9.03.
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Licensee’s
Use of Sonic Operations Manual.
|
24
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10. ACCOUNTING AND RECORDS. |
25
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10.01.
|
Due
Date.
|
25
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10.02.
|
Record
Retention.
|
25
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10.03.
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Charitable
Contributions and Discounts.
|
25
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10.04.
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Annual
Reports.
|
25
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10.05.
|
Audit
by SONIC.
|
26
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10.06.
|
Third
–Party Audit.
|
26
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10.07.
|
Licensee’s
Failure to Timely Deliver Financial Records.
|
26
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10.08.
|
Financial
Disclosure.
|
27
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11. ADVERTISING AND BRAND EXPENDITURES. |
27
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11.01.
|
Standard
Program.
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27
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11.02.
|
Publicity.
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30
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12. INSURANCE. |
|
30
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12.01.
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Insurance
Amounts.
|
30
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12.02.
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SONIC
as Additional Insured.
|
30
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12.03.
|
General
Conditions.
|
31
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13. TRANSFER OF INTEREST. |
31
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13.01.
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Assignment.
|
31
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13.02.
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Death
or Permanent Incapacity of Licensee.
|
31
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13.03.
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Assignment
to Licensee’s Corporation.
|
32
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13.04.
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Other
Assignment.
|
33
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13.05.
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SONIC’s
Right of First Refusal.
|
34
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13.06.
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Consent
to Assignments.
|
35
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14. DEFAULT AND TERMINATION. |
35
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14.01.
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Automatic
Termination.
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35
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14.02.
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Optional
Termination.
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36
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14.03.
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Period
to Cure.
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36
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14.04.
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Resolution
of Disputes.
|
38
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(a)
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Negotiation.
|
38
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(b)
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Mediation.
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38
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(c)
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Arbitration.
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38
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(d)
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Excluded
Controversies.
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39
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(e)
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Attorneys’
Fees and Costs.
|
40
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15. OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION. |
40
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15.01.
|
Effect
of Termination, Cancellation or Expiration of this
Agreement.
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40
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15.02.
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SONIC’s
Option to Purchase.
|
41
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15.03.
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SONIC’s
Obligation to Purchase.
|
42
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15.04.
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Fair
Market Value Determination.
|
42
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16. COVENANTS.
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|
42
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16.01.
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Restrictions
on Licensee.
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42
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16.02.
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Covenants
by Others.
|
44
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17. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR & INDEMNIFICATION. |
45
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17.01.
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Licensee
not an Agent of SONIC.
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45
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17.02.
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Cost
of Enforcement.
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45
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17.03.
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Indemnification.
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45
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18. EFFECT OF WAIVERS. |
46
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19. NOTICES. |
46
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19.01.
|
Address.
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46
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19.02.
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Failure
to Accept.
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46
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19.03.
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Licensee’s
Principal.
|
46
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20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. |
46
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20.01.
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No
Oral Agreements.
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46
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20.02.
|
Scope
and Modification of License.
|
47
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21. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY. |
47
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21.01.
|
Interpretation.
|
47
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21.02.
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Scope
of Protected Area.
|
47
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21.03.
|
Invalidity.
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47
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21.04.
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Binding
Effect.
|
47
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21.05.
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Survival.
|
47
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21.06.
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Liability
of Multiple Licensees.
|
48
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22. BUSINESS ENTITY LICENSEES |
48
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22.01.
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Corporate
Licensee.
|
48
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22.02.
|
Partnership
Licensee.
|
48
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22.03.
|
Limited
Liability Company Licensee.
|
49
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22.04.
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Other
Entity Licensee.
|
50
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22.05.
|
Employee
Stock Purchase Plans.
|
50
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23. APPLICABLE LAWS. |
50
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24. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. |
50
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24.01.
|
Initial
Term.
|
51
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24.02.
|
Consultation
with Counsel.
|
51
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24.03.
|
Profitability.
|
51
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24.04.
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Licensee’s
Investigation.
|
51
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24.05.
|
Contrary
Representations.
|
51
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24.06.
|
Variances
to Other Licensees.
|
52
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24.07.
|
Complete
Agreement.
|
52
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25. INPUT AND ADVICE FROM LICENSEES. |
52
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26. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. |
52
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27. GENERAL RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO XXX. |
52
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SCHEDULE
I – GUARANTY AND RESTRICTION AGREEMENT
Store
No._________
CIF
No. _______
THIS
AGREEMENT made this ___day of
______, 200_, by and between SONIC INDUSTRIES LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (“SONIC”), and
_________________________ (“Principal”)
_________________________
(all
of whom shall be jointly
referred to herein as the “Licensee”).
RECITALS
SONIC
is the developer and the sole and
exclusive owner of the right to license the distinctive and proprietary
drive-in, food service system under which food is sold to the public from
drive-in restaurants operated under the trade name and federally registered
trademark and service xxxx “Sonic”. The Sonic System so developed now
includes, among other things, the following elements, all or some of which
may
be deleted, changed, improved or further developed by SONIC from time to
time:
A.
Methods
and procedures for the
preparation and serving of food and beverage products.
B.
Confidential
recipes for food
products and distinctive service accessories (including, but not limited to,
uniforms, menus, packages, containers and additional paper or plastic
items).
C.
Plans
and specifications for
distinctive standardized premises featuring characteristic exterior style,
colors, and design (including angled parking stalls equipped with menu housings,
speakers and tray supports), interior furnishings, equipment layout, exterior
signage, and marketing techniques and materials.
D.
A
uniform method of operating
which is described in the Sonic Operations Manual.
E.
Distinctive
and characteristic
trade names, trade dress, trademarks and service marks, including, but not
limited to: “Sonic”, “Sonic Happy Eating,” “America’s Favorite Drive-In Sonic,”
signs, menu housings, designs, color schemes, standardized premises featuring
characteristic exterior style, canopies, colors, and design (including angled
parking stalls equipped with menu housings, speakers and tray supports),
interior furnishings and equipment layout, and emblems as SONIC designates
in
the Sonic Operations Manual or otherwise in writing or through usage as
prescribed for use with the Sonic System and as may from time to time be
developed.
1
F.
Such
exclusive and trade
secrets as have been and may from time to time be developed, which are owned
by
SONIC and which are disclosed to its licensees in confidence in connection
with
the construction and operation of a Sonic drive-in restaurant.
Licensee
wishes to obtain a license
from SONIC to operate a Sonic drive-in restaurant pursuant to the Sonic System
and to be afforded the assistance provided by SONIC in connection therewith,
and
understands and accepts the terms, conditions and covenants set forth herein
as
those which are reasonably necessary to maintain SONIC’s high and uniform
standards of quality and service designed to protect the goodwill and enhance
the public image of the Proprietary Marks and the Sonic System, and recognizes
the necessity of operating the licensed Sonic drive-in restaurant in faithful
compliance therewith, and with SONIC’s standards and
specifications.
1. DEFINITIONS.
Unless
the context of their use in this
Agreement requires otherwise, the following words and phrases shall have the
following meanings when used in initially-capitalized form in this
Agreement.
1.01. Affiliate.
The
word “Affiliate” shall mean (a) any
stockholder, director or officer of a specified Person (if the specified Person
is a corporation), (b) any partner of a specified Person (if the specified
Person is a partnership), (c) any member of a specified Person (if the specified
Person is a limited liability company), (d) any employee of a specified Person,
and (e) any Person which directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries Controls the specified Person, the specified Person Controls,
or
shares a common Control with the specified Person.
1.02.
Control.
The
word “Control” means the
possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction
of
the management and policies of a Person or entity, whether through the ownership
of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
1.03. DMA.
The
term “DMA” shall mean a Designated
Market Area as defined by X.X. Xxxxxxx Company from time to time.
1.04.
Gross Sales.
The
phrase “Gross Sales” shall mean all
revenues from sales resulting from all business conducted upon or from the
Sonic
Restaurant, whether evidenced by check, cash, credit, charge account, exchange
or otherwise, and shall include (without limitation) the amounts received from
the sale of goods, wares and merchandise, including sales of food, beverages
and
tangible property of every kind and nature, promotional or otherwise (excluding
restaurant
2
equipment)
and for services performed from or at the Sonic Restaurant, whether the Licensee
fills the orders from the Sonic Restaurant or elsewhere. Each charge
or sale upon credit shall constitute a sale for the full price in the month
during which the charge or sale occurs, regardless of the time when the Licensee
receives payment (in whole or in part) for the charge or sale. The
phrase “Gross Sales” shall not include (a) sales of merchandise for which the
Licensee makes a cash refund, if previously included in Gross Sales; (b) the
price of merchandise returned by customers for exchange, if the Licensee
previously included the sales price of the merchandise returned by the customer
in Gross Sales and includes the sales price of merchandise delivered to the
customer in exchange in Gross Sales; (c) amounts received from the sale of
tobacco products; (d) the amount of any sales tax imposed by any governmental
authority directly on sales and collected from customers, if the Licensee adds
the amount of the tax to the sales price or absorbs the amount of the sales
tax
in the sales price and the Licensee actually pays the tax to the governmental
authority; and (e) amounts not received for menu items because of discounts
or
coupons, if properly documented. The phrase “Gross Sales” also shall
not include any proceeds received by the Licensee pursuant to an assignment
made
in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.
1.05. License.
The
word “License” shall mean the
rights granted the Licensee pursuant to Section 2 of this
Agreement.
1.06. MSA.
The
term “MSA” shall mean a
Metropolitan Statistical Area as defined by the United States Census Bureau
from
time to time. An MSA shall not include any city or town otherwise
falling within the MSA which has at least 10 miles of continuous undeveloped
and
sparsely populated rural land between every portion of its boundary and the
boundary of the city which serves as the primary metropolitan area for the
MSA.
1.07. Person.
The
word “Person” shall mean any
individual or business entity, including (without limitation) corporation,
joint
venture, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company,
or
trust.
1.08. Proprietary
Marks.
The
phrase “Proprietary Marks” shall
mean the distinctive and characteristic trade names, trademarks, service marks,
and trade dress which SONIC designates in writing or through usage from time
to
time as prescribed for use with the Sonic System, including (without limitation)
the terms “Sonic,” “Happy Eating,” and “America’s Favorite Drive-In”; signs;
emblems; menu housings; designs; color schemes; standardized premises featuring
characteristic
3
exterior
style, canopies, colors and design (including angled parking stalls equipped
with menu housings, speakers and tray supports); interior furnishings; and
equipment layout.
1.09. Protected
Area.
The
phrase “Protected Area” shall mean
the area defined by Sections 2.02 and 2.03 of this Agreement.
1.10. Sonic
Restaurant.
The
phrase “Sonic Restaurant” shall
mean the Sonic drive-in restaurant licensed by this Agreement.
1.11. Sonic
System.
The
phrase “Sonic System” shall mean
the unique, proprietary and confidential information of SONIC, including
(without limitation) the Sonic Operations Manual and consisting of (a)
methods and procedures for the preparation of food and beverage products; (b)
confidential recipes for food products; (c) distinctive service and accessories;
(d) plans and specifications for interior and exterior signs, designs, layouts
and color schemes (whether copyrighted or not); (e) methods, techniques,
formats, systems, specifications, procedures, information, trade secrets, sales
and marketing programs; (f) methods of business operations and management;
and
(g) knowledge and experience regarding the operation and franchising of Sonic
drive-in restaurants.
1.12. Non-traditional
Locations.
The
phrase “Non-traditional Locations” shall mean permanent or temporary food
service facilities operating under one or more of the Proprietary Marks at
locations featuring facilities other than free-standing buildings with canopies
devoted solely to the operation of a Sonic drive-in restaurant and accessible
to
the general public by automobile from public
thoroughfares. Non-traditional Locations shall include (without
limitation) (a) military bases and other governmental facilities; (b)
universities and schools; (c) airports and other transportation facilities;
(d)
stadiums, arenas and other sports and entertainment venues; (e) amusement and
theme parks; (f) cafeterias and food courts in shopping centers, shopping malls,
office buildings, and industrial buildings; (g) hotels and convention centers;
(h) hospitals and nursing facilities; (i) museums, zoos and other public
facilities; and (j) highway travel plazas, convenience stores, and gasoline
filling stations.
2. LICENSE
GRANT.
SONIC
grants to Licensee for the
following stated term the right, license and privilege:
4
2.01.
Location.
(a) To
adopt and use the Sonic System at the Sonic Restaurant located at
__________________________, ______________, _______________.
(b) To
have the exclusive rights to adopt and use the Sonic System for a Sonic
Restaurant to be constructed within the current boundaries of the town or city
of __________________, ________________, for a period of six months from the
date hereof, with the obligation of selecting and having such site approved
within such six month period and completing Section 2.01(a), above, within
such
six month period.
2.02. Trade
Radius.
Subject
to the provisions of paragraphs
(c) and (d), below, SONIC shall not own or operate a Sonic Restaurant and shall
not franchise any other Person to own or operate a Sonic Restaurant (other
than
a Sonic drive-in restaurant licensed prior to the date of this Agreement) within
the area determined by the following provisions:
|
(a)
|
(i)
|
An
area defined by a radius extending one and one-half miles from the
front
door of the Sonic Restaurant if located within a city, town or MSA
having
a population of 75,000 or more.
|
|
(ii)
|
An
area defined by a radius extending two miles from the front door
of the
Sonic Restaurant if located within a city, town or MSA having a population
of less than 75,000 but more than
25,000.
|
|
(iii)
|
An
area defined by a radius extending three miles from the front door
of the
Sonic Restaurant if located within a city, town or MSA having a population
of 25,000 or less.
|
|
(iv)
|
An
area defined by a radius extending three miles from the front door
of the
Sonic Restaurant if located outside a city, town or
MSA.
|
(b) The
foregoing radius shall not extend into the contractually-granted protected
radius of any Sonic drive-in restaurant in existence as of the date of this
Agreement and shall not extend into the franchised area of any developer under
an existing area development agreement with SONIC. SONIC shall
determine the population of an MSA from time to time after the date of this
Agreement according to the latest published federal census.
(c) SONIC
shall not own, operate or license any other Person to own or operate a
Non-traditional Location (other than a Non-traditional Location owned, operated
or licensed prior to the date of this Agreement) within the Protected Area
without the Licensee’s prior written consent. Simultaneously with the
request for that written consent, SONIC shall offer the Licensee a right of
first refusal to develop the Non-traditional Location. The Licensee
must notify SONIC in writing of its decision regarding the right of first
refusal to license and operate the Non-traditional Location within 30 days
after
SONIC notifies the Licensee of SONIC’s request for the Licensee’s written
consent to own, operate and/or license the Non-traditional
Location. If the Licensee chooses to exercise its right of first
refusal, the Licensee must sign SONIC’s then current form of license agreement
for a Non-traditional Location for the applicable jurisdiction within 30 days
after the Licensee notifies SONIC of its decision. The Licensee then
must open the Non-traditional Location within the time period specified in
the
license agreement (if specified) or within 12 months after the date of the
license agreement (if not specified). If the Licensee does not
execute that agreement within the foregoing 30-day period or does not exercise
its right of first refusal within the foregoing 30-day period, SONIC shall
have
the right to proceed with the ownership, operation and/or licensing of the
Non-traditional Location as disclosed to the Licensee only if the Licensee
has
given its written consent to SONIC. If the Licensee elects, in its
sole and absolute discretion, not to give its written consent, SONIC shall
not
own, operate or license any other Person to own or operate the Non-traditional
Location.
5
(d) SONIC
has and hereby further reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to acquire
the assets or controlling ownership of an existing restaurant within the
Protected Area. However, prior to converting an acquired restaurant to a Sonic
drive-in restaurant or a Non-traditional Location within the Protected Area,
SONIC shall offer the Licensee a right of first refusal to acquire the
restaurant at a price equal to SONIC’s cost of acquiring the
restaurant. If the restaurant represents a part of an acquisition of
multiple restaurants, SONIC shall make a reasonable allocation of its cost
to
acquire the restaurant. The Licensee must notify SONIC of its
decision regarding the right of first refusal within 30 days after SONIC gives
the Licensee written notice of its intention to convert the restaurant to a
Sonic drive-in restaurant or Non-traditional Location. If the
Licensee chooses to exercise its right of first refusal, the Licensee must
sign
SONIC’s then current form of license agreement for a Sonic drive-in restaurant
or Non-traditional Location, and pay the required license fee, as applicable,
within 20 days after the Licensee notifies SONIC of its decision. In
the event the Licensee fails to convert the restaurant to a Sonic drive-in
restaurant or Non-traditional Location pursuant to the terms of the applicable
license agreement, SONIC shall have the right to repurchase the restaurant
from
the Licensee at the same purchase price. If the Licensee does not
exercise its right of first refusal, SONIC shall have the right to own, operate
and/or license other Persons to operate the restaurant in any manner which
does
not violate the provisions of this Agreement or SONIC may sell or otherwise
dispose of the restaurant to any person or entity under any terms or conditions
SONIC deems appropriate. SONIC shall not own, operate or license any
Person to operate the restaurant if the ownership or operation of the restaurant
otherwise would violate the non-compete provisions of 16.01 of this Agreement
if
owned or operated by a Sonic licensee.
2.03. Efficient
Market Development and Sales Dilution.
The
following additional provisions
shall apply to the Sonic Restaurant:
(a) In
utilizing its best efforts to reduce the dilution of sales and profitability,
in
the event SONIC develops or licenses another Person to develop a Sonic drive-in
restaurant on the same street as the Sonic Restaurant (according to the Sonic
Restaurant’s designated street address) and no traffic barrier or break (such as
a river or other waterway, interceding roadway, unpaved landmass, or other
similar structure blocking through traffic) exists between the Sonic Restaurant
and the proposed new site, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.02,
above, the Protected Area provided by Section 2.02 shall equal two and one-half
miles (each way) on that street and an additional 500 feet (each way from the
center of the intersection) on any street crossing that street within the
foregoing 2 1/2-mile distance.
6
(b) In
order to achieve efficient market development and in utilizing its best efforts
to reduce the dilution of sales and profitability, in the event SONIC develops
or licenses another Person to develop a Sonic drive-in restaurant within two
miles of the Sonic Restaurant (if permitted under Section 2.02, above), SONIC
shall apply at least the level of demographic analysis, market impact analysis,
and site and market review used by SONIC as of the date of this Agreement in
considering the additional site for the development of a Sonic drive-in
restaurant.
2.04. Licensee.
Licensee
shall advertise to the public
as a Licensee of SONIC.
2.05. Use
of Sonic’s Marks.
Licensee
shall adopt and use, but only
in connection with the sale of those food and beverage products which have
been
designated in the Sonic menu as specified in the Sonic Operations
Manual, the trade names, trademarks and service marks which SONIC shall
designate from time to time to be part of the Sonic System.
2.06. Site
Selection.
In
the event the Licensee receives this
license pursuant to Section 2.01(b), above, the selection of a site by Licensee
shall be subject to the approval of SONIC in accordance with the standard site
approval procedures required by this Agreement and the standard practices of
SONIC. In the event a site for the Sonic Restaurant has not been
approved by SONIC before the expiration of the six month period provided for
by
Section 2.01(b), above, then this Agreement shall expire and be of no further
force or effect.
2.07. Relocation.
If
the Licensee relocates the Sonic
Restaurant during the term of this Agreement with the written consent of SONIC
(which consent SONIC shall not withhold unreasonably), this Agreement shall
continue to apply to the Sonic Restaurant in accordance with the terms contained
in this Agreement, except that SONIC and the Licensee shall enter into an
amendment to this Agreement to change the address of the Sonic Restaurant
accordingly.
7
3. TERM.
3.01. Initial
Term.
Unless
sooner terminated as hereafter
provided, the term of this License shall end 20 years from the effective date
of
this Agreement as set forth on the cover page to this Agreement.
3.02. Opening
of Restaurant.
Licensee
expressly acknowledges and
agrees that a pre-condition to opening the Sonic Restaurant shall be SONIC’s
written authorization to open, which authorization shall be given only upon
Licensee’s completing, to SONIC’s satisfaction, (i) construction of the Sonic
Restaurant, (ii) preparation of the Sonic Restaurant for commencement of
operations, and (iii) training as required by Section 6.04 of this
Agreement.
3.03.
Option.
At
the end of the term, if Licensee
desires, Licensee may renew the License to adopt and use the Sonic System at
the
Sonic Restaurant for an additional 10-year term, provided that prior to the
expiration of the initial term:
(a) Licensee
gives SONIC written notice of Licensee’s election to renew not less than six
months nor more than 12 months prior to the end of the initial
term.
(b) Licensee
is not, when notice is given, in material default of any provision of this
Agreement or any amendment hereof or successor agreement hereto or in material
default of any other agreement between Licensee and SONIC or SONIC’s Affiliates
involving any other License Agreement and has substantially complied with the
terms and conditions of this Agreement and all other such agreements, during
the
term thereof.
(c) All
monetary obligations owed by Licensee to SONIC or SONIC’s Affiliates from any
source whatsoever (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) have been
satisfied prior to renewal.
(d) The
Licensee executes a license agreement containing the same terms and conditions
as this Agreement, except that the license agreement shall provide for a term
of
10 years and shall contain the then current royalty rate and the then current
national and local advertising and brand expenditure requirements; provided,
however, that in lieu of an initial license fee, a renewal fee shall be paid
to
SONIC in the amount of: (i) $3,000.00, or (ii) 20% of the then
current initial license fee, whichever is greater. However, the
renewal fee shall not exceed $6,000 as adjusted for inflation on September
1 of
each year in accordance with the consumer price index and using August of 1994
as the base amount.
8
(e) Licensee
performs such remodeling, repairs, replacements and redecorations as SONIC
may
reasonably require to cause the restaurant equipment and fixtures to conform
to
the plans and specifications being used for new or remodeled Sonic drive-in
restaurants on the renewal date, provided SONIC notifies Licensee of such
requirements within 30 days after receipt of Licensee’s notice of
renewal.
(f) SONIC
and the Licensee execute a general release of each other, in a form satisfactory
to SONIC, of any and all claims the Licensee may have against SONIC and its
Affiliates, including (without limitation) all claims arising under any federal,
state or local law, rule or ordinance, but excluding (as to SONIC) any claims
against the Licensee for (a) unpaid moneys due SONIC or its Affiliates, (b)
a
material breach of the provisions of this Agreement regarding the Proprietary
Marks, or (c) the violation of SONIC’s legal rights regarding the Proprietary
Marks. SONIC may waive the requirements of this paragraph (f) at
SONIC’s election.
(g) Licensee
principal and/or manager at their expense attend and satisfactorily complete
such retraining program as SONIC may require at its sole
discretion.
(h) Licensee
meets the remodeling requirements set forth in Section 6.02(d)
herein.
4. DUTIES
OF LICENSOR.
SONIC
agrees to regularly advise and consult with Licensee in connection with the
operation of the Sonic Restaurant and to provide to Licensee:
4.01. Plans.
Standard
Sonic Plans and Specifications
for a free standing building, equipment layout and signs (See Subsection 6.03),
together with advice and consultation. Any modifications for
nonstandard buildings, whether required by local zoning or building laws or
otherwise, must be approved in writing by SONIC and are to be paid by
Licensee.
4.02. Operations
Manual.
The
Sonic
Operations Manual
containing the standards, specifications, procedures and methods for operating
a
Sonic drive-in restaurant, a copy of which will be loaned to Licensee for the
term of this Agreement.
4.03.
Marketing Assistance.
Certain
marketing materials and such
merchandising, marketing and advertising research data and advice as may be
developed from time to time by SONIC and deemed to be helpful in the operation
of a Sonic drive-in restaurant.
9
4.04. Communication.
Certain
management development and
motivational seminars and periodic newsletters which communicate to Licensee
available advertising materials and new developments, techniques and
improvements in areas of restaurant equipment, management, food preparation
and
service which are pertinent to the operation of a restaurant using the Sonic
System.
4.05. Evaluation
Program.
A
field evaluation of the Restaurant
will be conducted for the mutual benefit of both SONIC and Licensee to promote
uniform standards of operation and quality control.
5. FEES.
5.01. License
Fee.
The
Licensee shall not pay any
conversion fee or initial license fee for this Agreement.
5.02. Royalty
Fees.
On
or before the 20th day of each
calendar month, the Licensee shall pay a royalty fee determined by the following
provisions:
(a)
|
Number
4.4 License Agreement.
|
(i) Converting
from Number 4.0 License Agreements and Number 4.1 License
Agreements. For all Number 4.0 license agreements and Number 4.1
license agreements converting to this Agreement, the following provisions shall
apply:
(A) Through
Original Expiration Date. Through the original expiration date of
the license agreement converted to this Agreement, the Licensee shall pay a
royalty fee determined by the following scale based on Gross Sales:
Gross
Sales
|
But
Not
|
Royalty
|
|
Greater
Than
|
More
Than
|
Rate
|
|
$0.00
|
$10,000.00
|
1.00%
|
|
$10,000.00
|
$20,000.00
|
1.50%
|
|
$20,000.00
|
$30,000.00
|
2.00%
|
|
$30,000.00
|
$40,000.00
|
2.50%
|
|
$40,000.00
|
N/A
|
3.00%
|
10
The
calculation of Gross Sales and the corresponding royalty fees shall take place
on a cumulative basis. For example, the formula for determining the
royalty amount for monthly Gross Sales of $50,000 is: ($10,000 x .01) + ($10,000
x .015) + ($10,000 x .02) + ($10,000 x .025) + ($10,000 x .03).
(B) Conversion
of Rate. After the original expiration date of the license
agreement converted to this Agreement, the Licensee shall pay a monthly amount
equal to the royalty fee determined pursuant to the Conversion Royalty Table,
below.
CONVERSION
ROYALTY TABLE
Gross
Sales
|
But
Not
|
Royalty
|
|
Greater
Than
|
More
Than
|
Rate
|
|
$
0.00
|
$
5,000.00
|
1.00%
|
|
$
5,000.00
|
$10,000.00
|
2.00%
|
|
$10,000.00
|
$15,000.00
|
3.00%
|
|
$15,000.00
|
$30,000.00
|
4.00%
|
|
$30,000.00
|
$40,000.00
|
4.25%
|
|
$40,000.00
|
$50,000.00
|
4.50%
|
|
$50,000.00
|
$60,000.00
|
4.75%
|
|
$60,000.00
|
N/A
|
5.00%
|
The
calculation of Gross Sales and the corresponding royalty fees shall take place
on a cumulative basis. For example, the following formula results in
the calculation of the royalty fee on $50,000 of gross sales: Royalty
Fee = ($5,000 x .01) + ($5,000 x .02) + ($5,000 x .03) + ($15,000 x .04) +
($10,000 x .0425) + ($10,000 x .0450).
(ii) Converting
from Number 4.2 License Agreements. For all Number 4.2 license
agreements converting to this Agreement, the following provisions shall
apply:
(A) For
conversions from Number 4.2 license agreements operating under the Table I
royalty rate, as elected in the Number 4.2 license agreement from which Licensee
is converting:
(1) Through
First Original Expiration Date. Through the original expiration
date of the license agreement converted to the Number 4.2 license agreement
or
through the date elected for the royalty rate conversion pursuant to Section
5.02(a)(3) of the Number 4.2 license agreement, whichever date is earlier (the
“First Original Expiration Date”), the Licensee shall pay a monthly
amount equal to the sum of (a) the royalty fee determined pursuant to Table
I,
below, plus (b) either (i) $625.00 if Option A was elected by Licensee in the
Number 4.2 license agreement from which Licensee is converting or (ii) $416.67
if Option B was elected by Licensee in the Number 4.2 license agreement from
which Licensee is converting.
11
TABLE
I
Gross
Sales
|
But
Not
|
Royalty
|
|
Greater
Than
|
More
Than
|
Rate
|
|
$
0.00
|
$10,000.00
|
1.00%
|
|
$10,000.00
|
$20,000.00
|
1.50%
|
|
$20,000.00
|
$30,000.00
|
2.00%
|
|
$30,000.00
|
$40,000.00
|
2.50%
|
|
$40,000.00
|
N/A
|
3.00%
|
The
calculation of Gross Sales and the corresponding royalty fees shall take place
on a cumulative basis. For example, the formula for determining the
royalty amount for monthly Gross Sales of $50,000 is: ($10,000 x .01) + ($10,000
x .015) + ($10,000 x .02) + ($10,000 x .025) + ($10,000 x .03).
(2) Through
Second Original Expiration Date. After the First Original
Expiration Date and through the original expiration date of the Number 4.2
license agreement converted to this Agreement (the “Second Original Expiration
Date”), the Licensee shall pay a monthly amount equal to the royalty fee
determined pursuant to Table II, below.
TABLE
II
Gross
Sales
|
But
Not
|
Royalty
|
|
Greater
Than
|
More
Than
|
Rate
|
|
$
0.00
|
$
5,000.00
|
1.00%
|
|
$
5,000.00
|
$10,000.00
|
1.50%
|
|
$10,000.00
|
$15,000.00
|
2.00%
|
|
$15,000.00
|
$20,000.00
|
2.50%
|
|
$20,000.00
|
$30,000.00
|
3.00%
|
|
$30,000.00
|
$40,000.00
|
3.50%
|
|
$40,000.00
|
N/A
|
4.00%
|
12
The
calculation of Gross Sales and the corresponding royalty fees shall take place
on a cumulative basis. For example, the following formula results in
the calculation of the royalty fee on $50,000 of Gross Sales: ($5,000 x .01)
+
($5,000 x .015) + ($5,000 x .02) + ($5,000 x .025) + ($10,000 x .03) + ($10,000
x .035) + ($10,000 x .04).
(3) Conversion
of Rate. After the Second Original Expiration Date, the Licensee
shall pay a monthly amount equal to the royalty fee determined pursuant to
the
Conversion Royalty Table, above.
(B) For
conversions from Number 4.2 license agreements operating under the Table II
royalty rate, as elected in the Number 4.2 license agreement from which Licensee
is converting:
(1) Through
Original Expiration Date. Through the original expiration date of
the Number 4.2 license agreement converted to this Agreement, the Licensee
shall
pay a monthly amount equal to the royalty fee determined pursuant to Table
II,
above.
(2) Conversion
of Rate. After the original expiration date of the Number 4.2
license agreement converted to this Agreement, the Licensee shall pay a monthly
amount equal to the royalty fee determined pursuant to the Conversion Royalty
Table, above.
(b) Number
5.4 License Agreement. For all Number 5.0 license agreements and
Number 5.1 license agreements converting to this Agreement, the following
provisions shall apply:
(i) Through
Original Expiration Date. Through the original expiration date of
the license agreement converted to this Agreement, the licensee shall pay a
royalty fee determined pursuant to Table II, above.
(ii) Conversion
of Rate. After the original expiration date of the license
agreement converted to this Agreement, the Licensee shall pay a monthly amount
equal to the royalty fee determined pursuant to the Conversion Royalty Table,
above.
13
5.03. Brand
Fee.
(a) On
or before the 20th day of each calendar month throughout the term of this
Agreement, Licensee shall pay to Sonic Brand Fund, which is administered by
SONIC, a brand contribution fee in an amount equal to .75% of the Gross Sales
received by Licensee from the operation of the Sonic Restaurant during the
calendar month next preceding the date of such payment. Such payment
shall be forwarded with the profit and loss statement required to be provided
pursuant to Section 10.01 herein.
(b) The
amount due to SONIC by Licensee pursuant to Section 5.03, above, shall be in
addition to and separate from that which Licensee is obligated to spend pursuant
to Section 11.01(a) of this Agreement.
5.04. Transfer
Fee.
(a) A
transfer fee in the amount of $500 shall be paid by Licensee in the event of
a
transfer or assignment of this Agreement (resulting in a change in Control
of
the License) to a licensee then-currently qualified as a licensee, excluding
assignments under Subsections 13.02 and 13.03.
(b) A
transfer fee in the amount of $1,500 shall be paid by Licensee in the event
of a
transfer or assignment of this Agreement (resulting in a change in Control
of
this license) to a new licensee not then-currently qualified as a licensee,
excluding assignments under Subsections 13.02 and 13.03.
5.05. Late
Charges.
In
the event any payments required by
Sections 5.02, 5.03 or 5.04, above, are not paid on or before the date on which
they are due, a late charge in an amount equal to 1.75% per month shall be
levied against such amounts due and shall be owing to SONIC by the Licensee
from
the date on which such obligations were due until any such obligations are
paid
in full. In the event the interest rate set out in this Section 5.05
exceeds that amount permitted by Oklahoma law, then the maximum interest rate
permitted by Oklahoma law shall be charged.
14
6. DUTIES
OF LICENSEE.
6.01.
Sonic Restaurant Site.
(a) The
site at which Licensee shall operate the Sonic Restaurant is more fully
described in paragraph (a) of Section 2.01. During the term of this
Agreement, the site shall be used exclusively for the purpose of operating
a
franchised Sonic drive-in restaurant.
(b) In
the event the Sonic Restaurant premises suffers some physical casualty, the
minimum acceptable quality and appearance for the restored restaurant will
be
that which existed just prior to the casualty, unless the Sonic Restaurant
was
below minimum acceptable standards for SONIC at the time of casualty in which
event the Sonic Restaurant will be restored to a condition which meets the
minimum acceptable standard according to SONIC. However, Licensee agrees
to make all reasonable effort to have the restored Sonic Restaurant reflect
the
then current image, design and specifications of Sonic drive-in
restaurants. If the Sonic Restaurant is substantially destroyed by fire or
other casualty, Licensee may, with the written consent of SONIC elect to
terminate this Agreement in lieu of Licensee reconstructing the restaurant,
provided that for a period of 18 months after said election, Licensee shall
not
enter into, become landlord of or loan money to any restaurant business within
a
three- mile radius of the drive-in site which is similar in nature to, or
competitive with a Sonic drive-in restaurant or considered a fast food
establishment.
6.02. Construction.
(a) Licensee
agrees to complete the construction of the Sonic Restaurant within a minimum
of
365 days from the effective date of this Agreement. Unless Licensee is
remodeling an existing building, Licensee shall construct the Sonic Restaurant
in accordance with the site plan approved by SONIC for such site and with
SONIC’s standard construction plans and specifications (“Sonic Plans and
Specifications”) and layout subject, however, to any alterations thereto that
may be required by any applicable law, regulation or ordinance. If
alterations of any kind are required to be made to the site plan, as approved
by
SONIC, or to the Sonic Plans and Specifications or layouts for any reason,
such
alterations must be approved by SONIC in writing before any work is begun on
the
Sonic Restaurant. The Licensee shall submit the final site layout and
construction plans for the Sonic Restaurant to SONIC for its written
approval. Any costs including engineering and architectural fees incurred
in obtaining approvals by the appropriate governmental authorities of the
construction plans, specifications and layouts shall be paid by
Licensee.
(b) If
Licensee is remodeling the existing restaurant, SONIC shall have the right
to
inspect and approve all plans and specifications prior to the commencement
of
any work. The Licensee shall submit the final remodeling plans and
specifications for the Sonic Restaurant to SONIC for its written approval.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as an endorsement or guarantee of
the
conformity of such plans to applicable local, state or federal building or
safety codes, or a guarantee that construction will be done in conformity with
such approved plans. In any event, Licensee shall obtain written approval
of such plans or written notice of SONIC’s waiver of the rights reserved
hereunder prior to the commencement of construction.
15
(c) Licensee
shall not deviate from the approved plans and specifications in any manner
in
the construction or remodeling of the restaurant without the prior written
approval of SONIC. If at any time SONIC determines (prior to opening date)
that Licensee has not constructed or remodeled the Sonic Restaurant in
accordance with the plans and specifications approved by SONIC, SONIC shall,
in
addition to any other remedies, have the right to obtain an injunction from
a
court of competent authority against the continued construction and opening
of
the Sonic Restaurant, and Licensee hereby consents to any such
injunction.
(d) SONIC
may require the Licensee to undertake extensive remodeling and renovation and
substantial modifications to existing buildings necessary for the Licensee’s
restaurant to conform with SONIC’s then existing system image. SONIC
may exercise the foregoing right at any time during the term of this Agreement,
but may not require (1) the remodeling of the restaurant more than once every
seven years or (2) the remodeling of a restaurant built within the preceding
three years, unless the required remodeling will not exceed 15% of the original
cost of the building, equipment and land improvements (as adjusted for increases
in the consumer price index after the construction date of the
restaurant). Notwithstanding the foregoing, SONIC shall have the
right to require the Licensee to modify or replace the large Sonic sign for
the
restaurant at any time during the term of this Agreement. If SONIC
exercises its right to require the Licensee to undertake extensive remodeling
or
renovation or substantial modification within five years of the end of the
term
of this Agreement, the Licensee may exercise any right to renew the term of
this
Agreement at that point in time in accordance with the applicable provisions
of
this Agreement, which renewal then shall take effect as of the expiration the
then current term of this Agreement.
6.03. Equipment
and Sign.
(a) Licensee
shall only install in and about the Sonic Restaurant such equipment, fixtures,
furnishings and other personal property as are required and which strictly
conform to the appearance, uniform standards and specifications of SONIC
existing from time to time, which shall be communicated to Licensee in the
Sonic Operations Manual or otherwise in writing. Licensee may
purchase the equipment from SONIC if SONIC at that time is offering such
equipment for sale on a regular basis, but is not required by this or any other
agreement to do so.
(b) In
order to provide maximum exposure of the Sonic name and marks, Licensee shall
prominently display and maintain at Licensee’s own expense one (1) Sonic
drive-in sign (“Sign”) which complies with the specifications required by SONIC
from time to time and in such location as SONIC may approve. Licensee
shall not display any other sign or advertising at the Sonic Restaurant without
SONIC’s prior written approval.
(c) Licensee
may lease the required Sign from SONIC or may acquire or lease the Sign from
any
other source approved by SONIC. Licensee agrees to require in any lease
agreement with SONIC or other suppliers a clause giving SONIC the right to
remove the Sign from the Sonic Restaurant upon termination of this
Agreement.
16
(d) Licensee
hereby agrees that it shall, upon SONIC’s request, obtain from the landlord of
the property at which the Sonic Restaurant is located, a landlord’s lien and
waiver releasing all claims against any equipment or sign which belongs to
SONIC.
(e) If
Licensee is or becomes a lessee of the Sonic Restaurant premises, he shall
provide SONIC with a true and correct, complete copy of any such lease, and
shall have included therein provisions, in form satisfactory to SONIC, expressly
permitting both the Licensee and SONIC to take all actions and make all
alterations referred to under subsection 15.01(c). Any such lease
shall also require the lessor thereunder to give SONIC reasonable notice of
any
contemplated termination and a reasonable time in which to take and make the
above actions and alterations and provide that the Licensee has the unrestricted
right to assign such lease to SONIC.
6.04. Training.
(a) Licensee
acknowledges the importance of the quality of business operations among all
restaurants in the Sonic System and, agrees that it will not allow any of its
licensed establishments to be opened or operated without having at least one
individual working full time at the Sonic Restaurant who has completed the
Stage
Career Development Program. If the trained individual ceases to work
full time at the Sonic Restaurant for whatever reason, the Licensee shall have
120 days in which to replace the individual with a person who has completed
the
Stage Career Development Program.
(b) Licensee
shall pay all traveling expenses, living expenses, and any other personal
expenses for themselves and managers while enrolled in the training
program. As part of the initial franchise fee paid pursuant to
Section 5.01 herein, Licensee shall have the right to have one principal and
one
manager of the Sonic Restaurant attend the Stage Career Development Program
for
no cost other than those set out in the preceding sentence. Any
additional parties attending the Stage Career Development Program shall bear
the
cost, including any fees and tuition due for such training program.
6.05. Compliance
with Entire System.
(a) Licensee
acknowledges that every component of the Sonic System is important to SONIC
and
to the operation of the Sonic Restaurant as a Sonic drive-in restaurant,
including a designated menu of food and beverage products; uniformity of food
specifications, preparation methods, quality and appearance; and uniformity
of
facilities and service.
(b) SONIC
shall have the right to inspect the Sonic Restaurant at all reasonable times
to
ensure that Licensee’s operation thereof is in compliance with the standards and
policies of the Sonic System. In the event that such inspection reveals
any deficiency or unsatisfactory condition with respect to any aspect of the
drive-in operation, Licensee shall, within 72 hours of Licensee’s receipt of
notice of such condition or such other time as SONIC in its sole discretion
may
provide, correct or repair such deficiency or unsatisfactory condition if it
is
correctable or repairable within such time period, and, if not, shall within
such time commence such correction or repair and thereafter diligently pursue
same to completion. The preceding sentence notwithstanding, the
Licensee shall take immediate action to correct or repair any deficiency or
unsatisfactory condition which poses a risk to public health or
safety. In the event Licensee fails to comply with the foregoing
obligations to correct and repair, SONIC, upon 24 hours’ notice to Licensee,
shall have the right, without being guilty of trespass or tort, to forthwith
make or cause to be made such corrections or repairs, and the expense thereof,
including board, wages, lodging and transportation of SONIC personnel, if
utilized, shall be paid by Licensee upon billing by SONIC. The foregoing
shall be in addition to any other right or remedies SONIC may have.
17
(c) Licensee
shall comply with the entire Sonic System as described herein and in the
Sonic Operations Manual, including but not limited to the
following:
(i) Operate
the Sonic Restaurant in a clean, wholesome manner in compliance with prescribed
standards of quality, service and cleanliness; comply with all business
policies, practices and procedures imposed by SONIC; and maintain the building,
equipment and parking area in a good, clean, wholesome condition and repair,
well lighted and in compliance with designated standards as may be prescribed
from time to time by SONIC.
(ii) Purchase
and install kitchen fixtures, lighting, and equipment, and office equipment
and
signs in accordance with the equipment specifications and layout initially
designated by SONIC.
(iii) Licensee
shall not, without prior written consent of SONIC: (a) make any building
design conversion or (b) make any alterations, conversions or additions to
the
building or parking area.
(iv) Make
repairs or replacements required because of damage, wear and tear or in order
to
maintain the Sonic Restaurant building and parking area in good condition and
in
conformity with blueprints and plans.
(v) Maintain
the parking stalls, as required in the standard Sonic Plans and Specifications,
for the exclusive use of Sonic Restaurant customers.
(vi) Operate
the Sonic Restaurant everyday of the year (except Easter, Thanksgiving and
Christmas), and at least 10 hours per day or such other hours as may from time
to time be reasonably prescribed by SONIC (except when the Sonic Restaurant
is
untenantable as a result of fire or other casualty), maintain sufficient
supplies of food and paper products and employ adequate personnel so as to
operate the Sonic Restaurant at its maximum capacity and
efficiency.
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(vii) Cause
all employees of Licensee, while working in the Sonic Restaurant, to: (a)
wear uniforms of such color, design and other specifications as SONIC may
designate from time to time, (b) present a neat and clean appearance and (c)
render competent and courteous service to Sonic Restaurant
customers.
(viii) All
menu items which SONIC may deem appropriate to take fullest advantage of the
potential market and achieve standardization in the Sonic System will be served,
and no items which are not set forth in the Sonic Operations Manual or
otherwise authorized and approved in writing by SONIC will be
served.
(ix) In
the dispensing and sale of food products: (a) use only containers, cartons,
bags, napkins and other paper goods and packaging bearing the approved
trademarks and which meet the Sonic System specifications and quality standards,
(b) use only those flavorings, garnishments and food and beverage ingredients
which meet the Sonic System specifications and quality standards, which SONIC
may designate from time to time and (c) employ only those methods of food
handling, preparation, and serving which SONIC may designate from time to
time.
(x) Make
prompt payment in accordance with the terms of invoices rendered to Licensee
including but not limited to, his purchase of fixtures, equipment and food
and
paper supplies.
(xi) At
his own expense, comply with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances
and
regulations affecting the operation of the Sonic Restaurant.
(xii) Licensee
shall not install any electronic games or other games of chance at the Sonic
Restaurant without the express prior written consent of SONIC.
(xiii) Furnish
SONIC with current changes in home addresses and phone number of its owners
and
manager and, upon SONIC’s reasonable request, provide updates of personal
financial statements or other credit information.
(xiv) The
Licensee shall notify SONIC’s Director of Corporate Communications or, if not
available, the most senior executive officer of SONIC as soon as possible and,
in any event, within 12 hours after the occurrence at the Sonic Restaurant
of
any event which could have an adverse impact on the Sonic Restaurant and/or
the
Sonic System, including (without limitation) the death or serious bodily injury
of any employee or customer for any reason or the risk of infection by a
contagious disease.
6.06. Approved
Suppliers and Advertising Agencies.
(a)
SONIC may require the Licensee (i)
to purchase food, beverages, signs and equipment which meet the specifications
established by SONIC, (ii) to participate in SONIC’s approved purchasing
cooperative for the area in which the Sonic Restaurant is located, and (iii)
to
retain and utilize exclusively the marketing and advertising services of SONIC
approved advertising agency of record. In addition, the Licensee
immediately shall use the Licensee’s vote or votes in all advertising
cooperatives in which the Licensee participates to support the use of the
advertising agency of record for the Sonic drive-in restaurant
chain.
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(b) SONIC
may require the Licensee to support the use of and to use the products and
programs of the cola syrup supplier approved by SONIC and used by a majority
of
all Sonic drive-in restaurants, to the exclusion of any other supplier of cola
syrup.
(c) SONIC
may require the Licensee to comply with the foregoing provisions not only for
the Sonic Restaurant, but also (to the extent the Licensee exercises Control)
for all other Sonic drive-in restaurants for which the Licensee serves as a
licensee.
(d) SONIC
hereby explicitly retains the exclusive right to consider, review or approve
any
and all distributors which may hold, sell or distribute Sonic-labeled goods
or
products, except that SONIC shall not withhold unreasonably its approval of
a
supplier approved for use by a duly constituted purchasing
cooperative.
(e) The
terms of this Section 6.06 shall continue in effect for as long as the Licensee
serves as a licensee for a Sonic drive-in restaurant and shall survive the
expiration or termination of this Agreement.
(f) If
at least 95% of all Sonic drive-in restaurants are in compliance with paragraphs
(a) and (b) of Section 6.06, SONIC periodically shall submit the approved
advertising agency or cola syrup supplier to competitive bid or review, but
shall not be obligated to do so more often than once every three
years.
6.07.
|
Best
Efforts.
|
Licensee
shall diligently and fully
exploit his rights in this License by personally devoting his best efforts
and,
in case more than one (1) individual has executed this License as the Licensee,
at least one (1) individual Licensee shall devote his full time and best efforts
to the operation of the Sonic Restaurant. Licensee shall keep free from
any activities which would be detrimental to or interfere with the business
of
the Sonic Restaurant, the Sonic System, or SONIC.
6.08. Interference
with Employment Relations of Others.
During
the term of this License,
Licensee shall not employ or seek to employ any person who is at the time
employed by SONIC or any of its subsidiaries in a management level
position. In addition, during the term of this License, SONIC agrees not to
employ or seek to employ any person who is at the time employed by Licensee
in a
management level position. This Subsection 6.08 shall not be violated if such
person has left the employ of any of the foregoing parties for a period in
excess of six months.
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6.09. SONIC’s
Standards.
Licensee
shall operate the Sonic
Restaurant specified in this License in conformity with the Sonic System and
the
obligations set forth in this Agreement and shall strictly adhere to SONIC’s
standards and policies as they exist now and as they may be from time to time
modified.
6.10. Majority
Interest Owner.
Licensee
represents, warrants and
agrees that Licensee actually owns the majority interest in the legal and equity
ownership and Control of the operation of the Sonic Restaurant, and that
Licensee shall maintain such interest during the term of this License except
only as otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms and conditions of this
License. Licensee shall furnish SONIC with such evidence as SONIC may
request from time to time for the purpose of assuring SONIC that Licensee’s
interest remains as represented herein.
7. PROPRIETARY
MARKS.
7.01.
SONIC’s Representations.
SONIC
represents with respect to the
Proprietary Marks that SONIC will use and permit Licensee and other licensees
to
use the Proprietary Marks only in accordance with the Sonic System and the
standards and specifications attendant thereto which underlie the goodwill
associated with and symbolized by the Proprietary Marks.
7.02. Use
of Marks.
With
respect to Licensee’s licensed use
of the Proprietary Marks pursuant to this Agreement, Licensee agrees
that:
(a) Licensee
shall use only the Proprietary Marks designated by SONIC and shall use them
only
in the manner authorized and permitted by SONIC.
(b) Licensee
shall use the Proprietary Marks only for the operation of the Sonic
Restaurant.
(c) During
the term of this Agreement and any renewal hereof, Licensee shall identify
itself as the owner of the Sonic Restaurant in conjunction with any use of
the
Proprietary Marks, including, but not limited to, invoices, order forms,
receipts, and contracts, as well as at such conspicuous locations on the
premises of the Sonic Restaurant as SONIC shall designate in writing. The
identification shall be in the form which specifies Licensee’s name, followed by
the term “Licensed Proprietor”, or such other identification as shall be
approved by SONIC.
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(d) Licensee’s
rights to use the Proprietary Marks is limited to such uses as are authorized
under this Agreement, and any unauthorized use thereof shall constitute an
infringement of SONIC’s rights.
(e) Licensee
shall not use the Proprietary Marks to incur any obligation or indebtedness
on
behalf of SONIC.
(f) Licensee
shall not use the Proprietary Marks as part of its corporate or other legal
name
if not already in existence prior to the effective date of this
Agreement.
(g) Licensee
shall comply with SONIC’s instructions in filing and maintaining the requisite
trade name or fictitious name registrations, and shall execute any documents
deemed necessary by SONIC or its counsel to obtain protection for the
Proprietary Marks or to maintain their continued validity and
enforceability.
(h) In
the event that litigation involving the Proprietary Marks is instituted or
threatened against Licensee, Licensee shall promptly notify SONIC and shall
cooperate fully in defending or settling such litigation.
7.03. Licensee’s
Understanding.
Licensee
expressly understands and
acknowledges that:
(a) As
between the parties hereto, SONIC has the exclusive right and interest in and
to
the Proprietary Marks and the goodwill associated with and symbolized by them,
and any and all use thereof by Licensee inures to the benefit of
SONIC.
(b) The
Proprietary Marks are valid and serve to identify the Sonic System and those
who
are licensed under the Sonic System.
(c) Licensee
shall not directly or indirectly contest the validity or the ownership of the
Proprietary Marks.
(d) Licensee’s
use of the Proprietary Marks pursuant to this Agreement does not give Licensee
any ownership interest or other interest in or to the Proprietary Marks, except
the nonexclusive license granted herein.
(e) Any
and all goodwill arising from Licensee’s use of the Proprietary Marks in its
licensed operations under the Sonic System shall inure solely and exclusively
to
SONIC’s benefit, and upon expiration or termination of this Agreement and the
License herein granted, no monetary amount shall be assigned as attributable
to
any goodwill associated with Licensee’s use of the Sonic System or the
Proprietary Marks.
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(f) The
right and license of the Proprietary Marks granted hereunder to Licensee is
nonexclusive except as provided in subsection 2.01(a) of this Agreement, and
SONIC thus has and retains the right among others:
(i) To
grant other licenses for the Proprietary Marks, in addition to those licenses
already granted to existing licensees.
(ii) To
use the Proprietary Marks in connection with selling products and
services.
(iii) To
develop and establish other systems for the same or similar Proprietary Marks,
or any other Proprietary Marks, and grant licenses or franchises thereto without
providing any rights therein to Licensee.
(g) SONIC
reserves the right to substitute different Proprietary Marks for use in
identifying the Sonic System and the businesses operating thereunder if SONIC’s
currently owned Proprietary Marks no longer can be used.
8. MANUAL.
SONIC
shall loan to Licensee for use at
the Sonic Restaurant the Sonic Operations Manual prepared by SONIC for
use by licensees of Sonic drive-in restaurants similar to the Sonic Restaurant
to be operated by Licensee. Licensee recognizes that the Sonic
Operations Manual contains detailed information relating to operation of
the Sonic Restaurant including: (a) food formulas and specifications for
designated food and beverage products; (b) methods of inventory control; (c)
bookkeeping and accounting procedures; (d) business practices and policies;
and
(e) other management, advertising, and personnel policies. Licensee agrees
to promptly adopt and use exclusively the formulas, methods and policies
contained in the Sonic Operations Manual, now and as they may be
modified by SONIC from time to time and to return said manual to SONIC at the
expiration or earlier termination of this License.
9. CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION.
9.01. SONIC
Proprietary and Confidential Information.
SONIC
possesses certain unique,
proprietary and confidential information, consisting of methods and procedures
for preparation of food and beverage products, confidential recipes for food
products, distinctive service and accessories, plans and specifications for
interior and exterior signs, designs, layouts and color schemes, and methods,
techniques, formats, systems, specifications, procedures, information, trade
secrets, sales and marketing programs, methods of business operations and
management, and knowledge of and experience in the operation and franchising
of
Sonic drive-in restaurants and the Sonic System (collectively, the “Confidential
Information”). SONIC will disclose the Confidential Information to
Licensee in furnishing Licensee the Sonic Plans and Specifications for a Sonic
drive-in restaurant, the training program, and the Sonic Operations
Manual, and in providing guidance and assistance to Licensee during the
term of this Agreement. The Sonic Operations Manual, as
modified by SONIC from time to time, and the policies contained therein, are
incorporated in this Agreement by reference.
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9.02. Licensee’s
Use of Proprietary and Confidential Information.
Licensee
acknowledges and agrees that
Licensee shall not acquire any interest in the Confidential Information, other
than the right to utilize it in the development and operation of the Sonic
Restaurant (and other Sonic drive-in restaurants under license agreements with
SONIC) during the term of this Agreement, and that the use or duplication of
the
Confidential Information in any other business would constitute an unfair method
of competition. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that the
Confidential Information is proprietary to SONIC, may constitute trade secrets
of SONIC and is disclosed to Licensee solely on the condition that Licensee
agrees, and Licensee does hereby agree, that Licensee:
(i) shall
not use the
Confidential Information in any other business or capacity, or for the benefit
of any other Person or entity;
(ii)
shall maintain the absolute
confidentiality of the Confidential Information, and shall not disclose or
divulge the Confidential Information to any unauthorized Person or entity,
during and after the term of the License;
(iii)
shall not make unauthorized
copies of any portion of the Confidential Information disclosed in printed,
audio, or video form (except in connection with instruction of employees in
the
operation of the Sonic Restaurant); and
(iv)
shall adopt and implement all
procedures prescribed from time to time by SONIC to prevent unauthorized use
or
disclosure of the Confidential Information, including, without limitation,
restrictions on disclosure thereof to employees of the Sonic Restaurant and
the
use of nondisclosure and non-competition clauses in employment agreements with
employees (including all owners, shareholders and partners of Licensee) who
have
access to the Confidential Information.
9.03. Licensee’s
Use of Sonic Operations Manual.
Licensee
may not at any time, in any
manner, directly or indirectly, and whether or not intentionally, copy any
part
of the Sonic Operations Manual, permit any part of it to be copied,
disclose any part of it except to employees or other having a need to know
its
contents for purposes of operating the Sonic Restaurant, or permit its removal
from the Sonic Restaurant without prior written consent from
SONIC. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement and provided Licensee shall have obtained SONIC’s prior written
consent, the restrictions on Licensee’s disclosure and use of the Confidential
Information shall not apply to the following:
24
(a) information,
processes or techniques which are or become generally known in the food service
industry, other than through disclosure (whether deliberate or inadvertent)
by
Licensee; and
(b) disclosure
of the Confidential Information in judicial or administrative proceedings to
the
extent that Licensee is legally compelled to disclose such information, provided
Licensee shall have used its best efforts, and shall have afforded SONIC the
opportunity, to obtain an appropriate protective order or other assurance
satisfactory to SONIC of confidential treatment for the information required
to
be so disclosed.
10. ACCOUNTING
AND RECORDS.
10.01. Due
Date.
On
or before the 20th day of each
month, Licensee shall submit to SONIC a complete profit and loss statement
in a form prescribed by SONIC and such statistical reports in such form as
SONIC
shall reasonably require from time to time, for the previous month immediately
ended.
10.02.
Record Retention.
Licensee
shall keep and preserve full
and complete records of the Sonic Restaurant business for at least three years
in a manner and form satisfactory to SONIC and shall also deliver such
additional financial, operating and other information and reports as SONIC
may
reasonably request on the forms and in the manner prescribed by SONIC; provided,
however, that Licensee shall maintain, at a minimum, those books and records
required to be kept by the Internal Revenue Service under the Internal Revenue
Code for purposes of its regulation of Licensee’s business and make the same
books available to SONIC.
10.03. Charitable
Contributions and Discounts.
In
meeting the requirements set forth
in Sections 10.01 and 10.02 above, Licensee shall keep records substantiating
and enter as a line item on its financial statements amounts representing the
valuation for goods (whether food, paper or otherwise) which constitute
charitable contributions to third parties from the same goods out of the Sonic
Restaurant. Likewise, the Licensee shall maintain records and enter
on its financial statements (particularly a line item on its profit and loss
statement) information representing the value or amount of sales represented
by
coupons traded with and discounts granted by the Licensee at the Sonic
Restaurant.
10.04. Annual
Reports.
Licensee
further agrees to submit,
within 90 days following the close of each fiscal year of the Sonic Restaurant’s
operation, a profit and loss statement covering operations during such fiscal
year and the balance sheet taken as of the close of such fiscal
year.
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10.05. Audit
by SONIC.
SONIC
shall have the right to inspect
and audit Licensee’s accounts, books, records and tax returns at all times
during and after the term of this Agreement. If such inspection
discloses that Gross Sales actually exceeded the amount reported by Licensee
or
that Licensee failed to make advertising expenditures required by Sections
11.01(a) or 11.01(b), Licensee shall immediately pay SONIC: (i) the
additional royalty fee, brand fee and advertising expenditures; (ii) interest
on
all unpaid amounts (from the original due date) at a rate equal to that provided
by Section 5.05 herein; and (iii) a 10% surcharge on all unpaid amounts.
If such inspection discloses that Gross Sales actually exceeded the amount
reported by Licensee as Licensee’s Gross Sales by an amount equal to 3% or more
of the Gross Sales originally reported to SONIC or, in the case of failing
to
make required advertising expenditures, that such unpaid expenditures exceeded
3% of the amount required to be expended, Licensee shall bear the cost of such
inspection and audit at rates and fees customarily charged by SONIC for such
auditing and inspecting services and duties. Unpaid brand fees,
including interest and surcharges collected by SONIC pursuant to this section,
shall be used in accordance with the expenditures authorized by Section 5.03;
nevertheless, SONIC may, on a case by case basis, at SONIC’s sole discretion,
use such collected amounts in accordance with the expenditures authorized by
Sections 11.01(a) and 11.01(b). SONIC shall have the right to bring
an action in its own name to collect unpaid advertising and brand expenditures
required by Section 11 herein.
10.06. Third
–party Audit.
If
SONIC has reason to believe that the
Licensee may not have reported all of its Gross Sales, SONIC may require the
Licensee to have its profit and loss statement and balance sheet certified
by an
independent public accountant. Licensee shall at his expense cause a
Certified Public Accountant to consult with SONIC concerning such statement
and
balance sheet. The original of each such reports required by this Section
10.06 shall be mailed to SONIC’s business office at the address designated in
Section 19 below.
10.07. Licensee’s
Failure to Timely Deliver Financial Records.
If
Licensee fails to timely provide
SONIC with complete profit and loss statements, accounts, books, records and
tax
returns pertaining to the Sonic Restaurant business, or fails to fully cooperate
with SONIC’s audit of the Sonic Restaurant business, SONIC shall have the right
to estimate Licensee’s Gross Sales for the Sonic Restaurant using information
available on the Sonic Restaurant or other Sonic drive-in
restaurants. Licensee agrees to accept SONIC’s estimates as
conclusively correct until Licensee fully complies with SONIC’s accounting and
disclosure requirements under this Agreement. However, if the
Licensee’s subsequent accounting and disclosures reveal that Licensee
under-reported Gross Sales or underpaid fees due under this Agreement, SONIC
may
recover all deficiencies and may litigate claims of fraud even though SONIC
may
have already obtained a judgment using SONIC’s
estimates. Furthermore, nothing in this Agreement or any judgment
using estimates shall prevent or hinder SONIC’s further efforts and rights to
obtain the accounting and disclosures which Licensee is required to give to
SONIC under this Agreement.
26
10.08. Financial
Disclosure.
SONIC
shall have the right to assemble
and disseminate to third parties financial and other information regarding
the
Licensee and other licensees of SONIC to the extent required by law or to the
extent necessary or appropriate to further the interests of the Sonic System
as
a whole. SONIC shall have the right to disclose the business name,
address and telephone number of the Licensee as they appear in SONIC’s records
to any Person making inquiry as to the ownership of the Sonic
Restaurant. SONIC shall not disclose specific financial information
regarding the Licensee or the Sonic Restaurant to any Person without (a) the
Licensee’s prior, written consent or (b) being directed to disclose the
information pursuant to the order of a court or other governmental
agency.
11. ADVERTISING
AND BRAND EXPENDITURES.
11.01. Standard
Program.
Recognizing
the value of advertising
and the importance of the standardization of advertising programs to the
furtherance of the goodwill and public image of the System, the parties agree
as
follows:
(a) In
the event the Sonic Restaurant lies within a DMA for which a SONIC-approved
advertising cooperative has been formed, Licensee shall contribute to such
advertising cooperative an amount required by such advertising cooperative
on a
schedule required by such advertising cooperative, provided that such
contributions shall occur no less often than each calendar quarter and shall
be
of an amount not less than 3.25% of Licensee’s Gross Sales from the operation of
the Sonic Restaurant during each partial or full calendar month.
(b) In
the event there exists no SONIC-approved advertising cooperative in the DMA
in
which the Sonic Restaurant is located, during each calendar quarter of the
term
of this Agreement, Licensee shall spend for approved advertising and promotion
of the Sonic Restaurant (including, but not limited to, television time, radio
time, newspaper display space, distributed promotional materials, but not
including any amount spent on sign rent, paper products, candy or other foods
which evidence SONIC’s trademarks or color patterns and the like) an amount
equal to but not less than 3.25% of Licensee’s Gross Sales from the operation of
the Sonic Restaurant during each partial or full calendar month.
(c) For
purposes of determining the amount which the Licensee is required to spend
pursuant to Sections 11.01(a), 11.01(b) and 5.03, above, for each calendar
quarter which is the subject of review, the parties hereto agree that the first
two months of such calendar quarter and last month of the preceding calendar
quarter shall be used in determining the Gross Sales of the Sonic Restaurant
to
determine the expenditures required hereunder. For example, to
determine the expenditures required for January, February and March, the parties
hereto agree that they will look to December, January, and February’s sales in
order to determine the Gross Sales to determine the amount which must be
expended by the Licensee under these Sections 11.01(a), 11.01(b) and
5.03. In the event the amounts required by Section 11.01(a) or
11.01(b) are not spent in a timely fashion, Licensee shall pay SONIC in
accordance with Section 10.05.
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(d) All
advertising by Licensee in any medium which utilizes the Proprietary Marks
or
refers in any way to the Sonic Restaurant shall be conducted in a dignified
manner and shall conform to such standards and requirements as SONIC may specify
from time to time in writing. Licensee shall submit to SONIC (in
accordance with the notice provisions contained herein), for SONIC’s prior
approval (except with respect to prices to be charged), samples of all
advertising and promotional plans and materials that Licensee desires to use,
that use the Proprietary Marks or refer to the Sonic Restaurant and that have
not been prepared or previously approved by SONIC. If written disapproval
thereof is not received by Licensee within 15 days from the date of receipt
by
SONIC of such materials, SONIC shall be deemed to have given the required
approval. Upon notice from SONIC, Licensee shall discontinue and/or remove
any objectionable advertising material, whether or not same was previously
approved by Franchisor. If said materials are not discontinued and/or
removed within five days after notice, Franchisor or its authorized agents,
may,
at any time, enter upon Franchisor’s premises, or elsewhere, and remove any
objectionable signs or advertising media and may keep or destroy such signs
or
other media without paying therefore, and without being guilty of trespass
or
other tort.
(e) SONIC
may offer from time to time to provide, upon terms subject to the discretion
of
SONIC, approved local advertising and promotional plans and materials,
including, without limitation, newspaper display space, distributed promotional
materials.
(f) SONIC
or its designee shall maintain and administer a fund for the System as
follows:
(i) As
provided in Subsection 5.03 hereof, Licensee shall pay a brand contribution
fee
to the Sonic Brand Fund (formerly known as Sonic Advertising Fund), which shall
be administered by SONIC, and shall be deposited in a separate bank account
denoted as the Sonic Brand Fund (the “Fund”).
(ii) SONIC
shall direct all brand programs with sole discretion over the creative concepts,
materials, and media used in such programs. The Fund is intended to
enhance the Sonic System and maximize general public recognition and acceptance
of the Proprietary Marks for the benefit of the System and the Licensee
acknowledges that SONIC and its designees undertake no obligation in
administering the Fund to make expenditures for Licensee which are equivalent
or
proportionate to Licensee’s contribution, and nothing in this Subsection shall
contravene the intent in Subparagraph (iv) of Paragraph (f) of this Subsection
11.01.
(iii) The
Fund and all earnings thereof shall be used exclusively to meet any and all
costs of maintaining, administering, directing and preparing advertising
(including, without limitation, the cost of preparing and conducting television,
radio, magazine and newspaper advertising campaigns and other public relations
activities; employing advertising agencies to assist therein; and providing
promotional brochures and other marketing materials to licensees in the Sonic
System) as well as any other purpose that promotes, enhances or protects the
Sonic System. All sums paid by licensees to the Fund shall be maintained
in a separate account from the other funds of SONIC. The Fund shall
pay SONIC monthly an amount equal to 15% of the Fund’s receipts during the
preceding month, but not to exceed SONIC’s actual administrative costs and
overhead, if any, as SONIC may incur in activities reasonably related to the
administration or direction of the Fund for the licensees and the Sonic System,
including without limitation, conducting market research, preparing marketing
and advertising materials, and collecting and accounting for assessments for
the
Fund. The Fund and its earnings shall not inure to the benefit of
SONIC.
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(iv) All
materials produced by the Fund shall be made available to all licensees without
cost on a regular basis, excluding distribution costs. This Subparagraph
(iv) of Paragraph (f) of Subsection 11.01 shall not preclude SONIC from offering
other materials not produced by the Fund upon terms subject to the discretion
of
SONIC. (See Paragraph (e) of this Subsection 11.01.)
(v) The
Fund is not an asset of SONIC, and an independent certified public accountant
designated by SONIC shall review the operation of the Fund annually, and the
report shall be made available to Licensee upon
request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the body approved and
designated by SONIC as the body to consult with regarding SONIC’s maintenance
and administration of the Fund (such as the current Franchise Advisory Council
or its successor) may designate the independent public accountant to conduct
the
required review of the operation of the Fund, if requested in writing at least
30 but not more than 60 days prior to the end of each fiscal year.
(vi) It
is anticipated that most contributions to the Fund shall be expended during
the
year within which the contributions are made. If, however, excess amounts
remain in the Fund at the end of such year, all expenditures in the following
year(s) shall be made first out of accumulated earnings, next out of current
earnings, and finally from contributions.
(vii) Although
SONIC intends the Fund to be of perpetual duration, SONIC maintains the right
to
terminate the Fund. Such Fund shall not be terminated, however, until all
monies in the Fund have been expended for ad purposes as aforesaid.
(g) On
at least a quarterly basis, SONIC shall consult with the body approved and
designated by Sonic (such as the current Franchise Advisory Council or its
successor) regarding SONIC’s maintenance and administration of the Fund and
shall report to that body on the Fund’s operation.
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11.02. Publicity.
SONIC
shall have the right to
photograph the Sonic Restaurant’s exterior and/or interior, and the various
foods served, and to use any such photographs in any of its publicity or
advertising, and Licensee shall cooperate in securing such photographs and
consent of Persons pictured.
12.
INSURANCE.
12.01. Insurance
Amounts.
Prior
to opening or taking possession
of the Sonic Restaurant, the Licensee shall acquire and thereafter maintain
insurance from insurance companies acceptable to SONIC. The Licensee
shall determine the appropriate limits of liability insurance but SONIC shall
require the following minimum amounts and policy forms of
insurance:
(a) The
Licensee shall maintain statutory worker’s compensation insurance and employer’s
liability insurance having a minimum limit of liability of the greater of
$500,000 or the minimum amount otherwise required by applicable state
law. SONIC shall accept participation in the Texas Sonic Employee
Accident Program (“TSEAP”) or in the non-subscriber program for Sonic drive-in
restaurants located in Texas as long as Texas law does not require statutory
worker’s compensation insurance.
(b) The
Licensee shall maintain commercial general liability insurance, including bodily
injury, property damage, products, personal and advertising injury coverage
on
an occurrence policy form having a minimum per occurrence and general aggregate
limits of at least $1,000,000 per location.
(c) The
Licensee shall maintain non-owned automobile liability insurance having a
minimum limit of $1,000,000. The automobile policy also shall provide
coverage for owned automobiles if owned or leased in the name of the
Licensee.
(d) SONIC
shall have the right to require the Licensee to increase the insurance specified
above by giving the Licensee 60 days’ written notice in accordance with the
notice provisions of this Agreement, and the Licensee shall comply no later
than
the first policy renewal date after that 60-day period.
12.02.
SONIC as Additional Insured.
The
Licensee shall name SONIC and
SONIC’s subsidiaries and Affiliates as additional insureds under the insurance
policies specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of Section 12.01,
above. The Licensee’s policies shall constitute primary policies of
insurance with regard to other insurance, shall contain a waiver of subrogation
provision in favor of SONIC as it relates to the operation of the Sonic
Restaurant, and shall provide for at least 30 days’ written notice to SONIC
prior to their cancellation or amendment.
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12.03. General
Conditions.
Prior
to opening or taking possession
of the Sonic Restaurant, the Licensee shall furnish SONIC with certificates
of
insurance evidencing that the Licensee has obtained the required insurance
in
the form and amounts as specified above. In addition, the Licensee
shall deliver evidence of the continuation of the required insurance policies
at
least 30 days prior to the expiration dates of each existing insurance
policy. If the Licensee at any time fails to acquire and maintain the
required insurance coverage, SONIC shall have the right, at the Licensee’s
expense, to acquire and administer the required minimum insurance coverage
on
behalf of the Licensee. However, SONIC shall not have any obligation
to assume the premium expense and nothing in this Agreement shall constitute
a
guaranty by SONIC against any losses sustained by the Licensee. SONIC
may relieve itself of all duties with respect to the administration of any
required insurance policies by giving 10 days’ written notice to the
Licensee.
13.
TRANSFER OF INTEREST.
13.01. Assignment.
The
rights and duties created by this
Agreement are personal to Licensee and SONIC has granted the License in reliance
on the collective character, skill, aptitude and business and financial capacity
of Licensee and Licensee’s principals. Accordingly, except as may be
otherwise permitted by this Section 13, neither Licensee nor any Person or
entity with an interest in Licensee shall directly or indirectly, through one
or
more intermediaries, without SONIC’s prior written consent, sell, assign,
transfer, convey, give away, pledge, mortgage or otherwise encumber any direct
or indirect interest in the License; any interest in Licensee, if Licensee
is a
partnership, joint venture or closely held corporation; or any interest which,
together with other related previous simultaneous or proposed transfers,
constitutes a transfer of Control of Licensee where Licensee is registered
under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any such purported assignment
occurring by operation of law or without SONIC’s prior written consent and
pursuant to the terms of this Section 13, shall constitute a default of this
Agreement by Licensee and such purported assignment shall be null and
void.
13.02. Death
or Permanent Incapacity of Licensee.
Upon
the death or permanent incapacity
of Licensee, the interest of Licensee in the License may be assigned either
pursuant to the terms of Subsection 13.04 herein or to one or more of the
following Persons: Licensee’s spouse, heirs or nearest relatives by blood
or marriage, subject to the following conditions: (1) If, in the sole
discretion of SONIC, such persons shall be capable of conducting the Sonic
Restaurant business in accordance with the terms and conditions of the License,
and (2) if such persons shall also execute an agreement by which they personally
assume full and unconditional liability for and agree to perform all the terms
and conditions of the License to the same extent as the original Licensee.
In the event that Licensee’s heirs do not obtain the consent of SONIC as
assignees of the License, the personal representative of Licensee shall have
the
greater of 120 days or the completion of the probate of the Licensee’s estate to
dispose of Licensee’s interest hereunder, which disposition shall be subject to
all the terms and conditions for assignments under Subsection
13.04.
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13.03. Assignment
to Licensee’s Corporation.
SONIC
may, upon Licensee’s compliance
with the following requirements, consent to an assignment of the License to
a
corporation whose shares are owned and Controlled by Licensee. Such
written materials shall be supplied to SONIC within 15 days after the request
by
SONIC.
(a) Licensee’s
corporation shall be newly organized, and its charter shall provide that its
activities are confined exclusively to operating the Sonic
Restaurant.
(b) Licensee
and Licensee’s corporation shall maintain stop transfer instructions against the
transfer on Licensee’s corporation’s records of any securities with any voting
rights subject to the restrictions of Section 13 hereof, and shall issue no
securities upon the face of which the following printed legend does not legibly
and conspicuously appear.
The
transfer of this stock is subject to terms and conditions of one or more license
agreements with Sonic Industries LLC. Reference is made to said license
agreement(s) and the restrictive provisions of the Articles and By-Laws of
this
corporation. By agreeing to receive these securities, the transferee
hereby agrees to be bound by the terms of such agreements, articles and
by-laws.
(c) At
any time upon SONIC’s request, Licensee and Licensee’s corporation shall furnish
company with a list of all shareholders having an interest in Licensee’s
corporation, the percentage interest of such shareholder and a list of all
officers and directors in such form as SONIC may require.
(d) The
corporate name of Licensee’s corporation shall not include any of the
Proprietary Marks granted by the License. Licensee and Licensee’s
corporation shall not use any xxxx nor any name deceptively similar thereto
in a
public or private offering of its securities, except to reflect Licensee’s
corporation’s franchise relationship with SONIC. Any prospectus or
registration Licensee or Licensee’s corporation would propose to use in such a
public or private offering shall be submitted to SONIC within a reasonable
time
prior to the effective date thereof for the purpose of permitting SONIC to
verify compliance with this requirement by Licensee and Licensee’s
corporation.
(e) Articles
of Incorporation, By-Laws and all other documents governing Licensee’s
corporation shall be forwarded to SONIC for approval. The Articles of
Incorporation, By-Laws and other organization and governing documents shall
recite that the issuance and transfer of any interest in Licensee’s corporation
are restricted by the terms of Section 13 of this Agreement.
32
(f) Each
shareholder of the Licensee’s corporation shall personally guarantee performance
under this Agreement and shall be personally bound by the terms
thereof.
(g) Any
breach of this Agreement by Licensee’s corporation shall be deemed a breach of
this Agreement by each shareholder of Licensee’s corporation and each
shareholder shall be personally and fully liable and obligated by any and all
such breaches.
(h) Licensee
and Licensee’s corporation shall submit to SONIC, prior to any assignment
hereunder, a shareholders agreement executed by the Board of Directors and
ratified by all shareholders, which states that, except as may be permitted
by
Section 13 of this Agreement, no shares of stock or other interest in Licensee’s
corporation shall be issued, transferred, or assigned to any Person or entity
without SONIC’s prior written consent.
(i) Each
and every shareholder of Licensee’s corporation or any party owning a security
issued by, or owning any legal or equitable interest in Licensee’s corporation
or in any security convertible to a legal or equitable interest in Licensee’s
corporation shall meet those same standards of approval as an individual
licensee shall be required to meet prior to being included as a licensee on
a
standard license agreement with SONIC.
13.04. Other
Assignment.
(a) In
addition to any assignments or contingent assignments contemplated by the terms
of Subsections 13.02 and 13.03 of this Section 13, Licensee shall not sell,
transfer or assign the License to any Person or Persons without SONIC’s prior
written consent. Such consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
(b) In
determining whether to grant or to withhold such consent, the following
requirements must be met by Licensee:
(i) All
of Licensee’s accrued monetary obligations shall have been satisfied whether due
under this Agreement or otherwise.
(ii) SONIC
and the Licensee execute a general release of each other, in a form satisfactory
to SONIC, of any and all claims the Licensee may have against SONIC and its
Affiliates, including (without limitation) all claims arising under any federal,
state or local law, rule or ordinance, but excluding (as to SONIC) any claims
against the Licensee for (a) unpaid moneys due SONIC or its Affiliates, (b)
a
material breach of the provisions of this Agreement regarding the Proprietary
Marks, or (c) the violation of SONIC’s legal rights regarding the Proprietary
Marks. SONIC may waive the requirements of this subparagraph (ii) at
SONIC’s election.
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(iii) Licensee
shall not be in material breach of this Agreement or any other agreement between
SONIC and Licensee.
(iv) Assignee
(or the assignee’s management, as the case may be) shall at SONIC’s sole
discretion, enroll in and successfully complete such training programs as SONIC
shall at that time designate according to Section 6.04 hereof.
(v) SONIC
shall consider of each prospective transferee, by way of illustration, the
following: (a) work experience and aptitude, (b) financial background, (c)
character, (d) ability to personally devote full time and best efforts to
managing the Sonic Restaurant, (e) residence in the locality of the Sonic
Restaurant, (f) equity interest in the Sonic Restaurant, (g) conflicting
interests and (h) such other criteria and conditions as SONIC shall apply in
the
case of an application for a new license to operate a Sonic drive-in
restaurant. SONIC’s consent shall also be conditioned each upon such
transferee’s execution of an agreement by which transferee personally assumes
full and unconditional liability for and agrees to perform from the date of
such
transfer all obligations, covenants and agreements contained in the License
to
the same extent as if transferee had been an original party to the
License.
13.05. SONIC’s
Right of First Refusal.
(a) If
Licensee or any Person or entity with an interest in Licensee has received
and
desires to accept any bona fide offer to purchase all or any part of Licensee’s
interest in this Agreement or in Licensee and the transfer of such interest
would: (1) result in a change of Control of Licensee of this Agreement or (2)
constitute a transfer of interest held by a Controlling Person of Licensee
or of
the License, Licensee or such Person shall notify SONIC in writing of each
such
offer, with such notice including the name and address of the proposed
purchaser, the amount and terms of the proposed purchase price, a copy of the
proposed purchase contract (signed by the parties, but expressly subject to
SONIC’s right of first refusal), and all other terms and conditions of such
offer. SONIC shall have the right and option, exercisable within 20
days after SONIC’s receipt of such written notification, to send written notice
to Licensee or such Person or entity that SONIC or its designee intends to
purchase the interest which is proposed to be transferred on the same terms
and
conditions offered by the third party. Any material change in the terms of
an offer prior to closing shall cause it to be deemed a new offer, subject
to
the same right of first refusal by SONIC or its designee as in the initial
offer. SONIC’s failure to exercise such option shall not constitute a
waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, including any of the
requirements of this Section with respect to the proposed transfer.
Silence on the part of SONIC shall constitute rejection. If the proposed
sale includes assets of Licensee not related to the operation of a licensed
Sonic drive-in restaurant, SONIC may purchase not only the assets related to
the
operation of a licensed Sonic drive-in restaurant, but may also purchase the
other assets. An equitable purchase price shall be allocated to each
asset included in the proposed sale.
34
(b) The
election by SONIC not to exercise its right of first refusal as to any offer
shall not affect its right of first refusal as to any subsequent
offer.
(c) Any
sale or attempted sale effected without first giving SONIC the right of first
refusal described above shall be void and of no force and
effect.
(d) If
SONIC does not accept the offer to purchase the Sonic Restaurant, Licensee
may
conclude the sale to the purchaser who made the offer so long as the terms
and
conditions of such sale are identical to those originally offered to SONIC;
provided, however, that SONIC’s approval of the assignee be first obtained,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld upon compliance with the
conditions on assignment imposed by this Agreement.
(e) The
provisions of this Section 13.05 shall not apply to any proposed transfers
to
members of the Licensee’s immediate family. For the purposes of this
Section 13.05, a member of the Licensee’s immediate family shall mean the
Licensee’s spouse and children (by birth or adoption). In addition,
the provisions of this Section 13.05 shall not apply to any proposed transfers
to Person who already own an interest (directly or indirectly) in this Agreement
or the License as long as the transfer will not result in a change in Control
of
the Licensee or the License.
13.06. Consent
to Assignments.
With
regard to any transfer, assignment
or pledge of any interest in this Agreement or in the Licensee pursuant to
the
foregoing provisions of this Section 13, SONIC shall not withhold its consent
unreasonably as long as the proposed transfer, assignment or pledge otherwise
complies with the other requirements set forth in this Section 13.
14.
DEFAULT AND TERMINATION.
14.01. Automatic
Termination.
Licensee
shall be deemed to be in
breach of this Agreement and all rights granted herein shall automatically
terminate with notice from SONIC if any of the following events
occur:
(a) Licensee
shall become insolvent.
(b) Licensee,
either personally, through an equity owner, or through Licensee’s attorney,
shall give oral or written notice to SONIC of Licensee’s intent to file a
voluntary petition under any bankruptcy law.
(c) A
final judgment aggregating in excess of $5,000 against the Sonic Restaurant
or
property connected with the Sonic Restaurant which remains unpaid for 30
days.
(d) Suit
to foreclose any lien against any assets of the Sonic Restaurant is instituted
against Licensee and (i) is not dismissed within 30 days, (ii) such lien is
not
contested and challenged through the applicable administrative agencies or
courts, or (iii) a bond is not posted (if such remedy is available) to delay
any
such foreclosure and guarantee performance.
35
(e) The
assets of the Sonic Restaurant are sold after being levied thereupon by sheriff,
marshal or a constable.
(f) Transfer
of this Agreement, in whole or in part, is effected in any manner inconsistent
with Section 13 hereof.
14.02. Optional
Termination.
Licensee
shall be deemed to be in
breach of this Agreement and SONIC may, at its option, terminate this Agreement
and all rights granted herein at any time during the term hereof without
affording Licensee any opportunity to cure the breach, effective immediately
upon Licensee’s receipt of a notice of termination, upon the occurrence of any
of the following events:
(a) If
Licensee ceases to operate the Sonic Restaurant or otherwise abandons the Sonic
Restaurant (other than closure permitted pursuant to Section 6.05(c)(vi) herein)
or forfeits the legal right to do or transact business at the location licensed
herein.
(b) If
Licensee is convicted of a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or
any other crime or offense that is reasonably likely, in the sole
opinion of SONIC, to adversely affect the Sonic System, the Proprietary
Marks, the goodwill associated therewith or SONIC’s rights therein.
(c) If
Licensee misuses or makes any unauthorized use of any of the Proprietary Marks
or any other identifying characteristic of the Sonic System or otherwise
materially impairs the goodwill associated therewith or SONIC’s rights therein
and the Licensee cannot cure the default within 30 days.
(d) If
Licensee improperly discloses trade secrets or confidential information and
the
Licensee cannot cure the default within 30 days.
(e) If
continued operation of the Sonic Restaurant might endanger public health or
safety.
(f) If
Licensee knowingly or through gross negligence maintains false books or records
or knowingly or through gross negligence submits any false report to
SONIC.
14.03. Period
to Cure.
Except
as provided in Subsections 14.01
and 14.02, Licensee shall have 30 days after receipt from SONIC of a written
notice of breach of this Agreement or such notice period as is required by
the
law of the state where the Sonic Restaurant is located, within which to remedy
any breach hereunder. However, this period to cure will not be available
to Licensee, and SONIC will not be required to delay termination of this
Agreement, where the breach involved is one which Licensee cannot cure within
the prescribed cure period or is one which is impossible to
cure. SONIC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and the
License upon written notice to the Licensee and without any opportunity to
cure
after three willful and material breaches of the same provision of this
Agreement within any 12-month period for which the Licensee has received written
notice and an opportunity to cure. If any such breach is not cured
within that time, SONIC may, at its option, terminate this Agreement and all
rights granted hereunder effective immediately on the date of receipt by
Licensee of written notice of termination. Licensee shall be in breach
hereunder for any failure to comply with any of the terms of this Agreement
or to carry out the terms of this Agreement in good faith. Such
breach shall include, but shall not be limited to, the occurrence of any of
the
following illustrative events:
36
(a) If
the Licensee fails to pay any past due amounts owed to SONIC after SONIC has
mailed the Licensee two or more statements at least 20 days apart.
(b) If
Licensee fails to promptly pay, or repeatedly delays the prompt payment of
undisputed invoices from his suppliers or in the remittance of rent and property
tax as required in Licensee’s lease.
(c) If
Licensee fails to maintain and operate the Sonic Restaurant in a good, clean,
and wholesome manner or otherwise is not in compliance with the standards
prescribed by the Sonic System.
(d) If
Licensee attempts to assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement in
violation of Section 13 herein.
(e) If
Licensee denies SONIC the right to inspect the Sonic Restaurant at reasonable
times, which includes the right to photograph the interior and exterior of
the
Sonic Restaurant in its entirety.
(f) If
Licensee fails, refuses, or neglects to obtain SONIC’s prior written approval or
consent as required by this Agreement.
(g) If
Licensee acquires any interest in another business in violation of Section
16.
(h) If
Licensee fails, refuses or neglects to provide SONIC with Licensee’s home
address and home telephone number.
(i) If
Licensee breaches any other requirement set forth in this
Agreement.
(j) If
Licensee, upon the destruction of the Sonic Restaurant, fails to rebuild the
franchise premises and resume operation within a reasonable time (cessation
of
the business from a franchise premises shall not constitute default of this
Agreement if caused by condemnation, expiration of a location lease pursuant
to
its terms at execution or when failure to rebuild following destruction of
the
franchised premises is prohibited by law or the location
lease).
37
14.04. Resolution
of Disputes.
The
following provisions shall apply to
any controversy between the Licensee and SONIC (including an Affiliate of SONIC)
and relating (a) to this Agreement (including any claim that any part of this
Agreement is invalid, illegal or otherwise void or voidable), (b) to the
parties’ business activities conducted as a result of this Agreement, or (c) the
parties’ relationship or business dealings with one another generally, including
all disputes and litigation pending or in existence as of the date of this
Agreement.
(a) Negotiation.
The
parties first shall use their best
efforts to discuss and negotiate a resolution of the controversy.
(b) Mediation.
If
the efforts to negotiate a
resolution do not succeed, the parties shall submit the controversy to mediation
by a mediation firm agreeable to the parties or by the American Arbitration
Association, if the parties cannot agree. The mediation shall take
place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
(c) Arbitration.
If
the efforts to negotiate and mediate
a resolution do not succeed, the parties shall resolve the controversy by final
and binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules for Commercial Arbitration
(the “Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time of
the execution of this Agreement and pursuant to the following additional
provisions:
(i) Applicable
Law. The Federal Arbitration Act (the “Federal Act”), as
supplemented by the Oklahoma Arbitration Act (to the extent not inconsistent
with the Federal Act), shall apply to the arbitration.
(ii) Selection
of Arbitrators. The parties shall select three arbitrators within
10 days after the filing of a demand and submission in accordance with the
Rules. If the parties fail to agree on three arbitrators within that
10-day period or fail to agree to an extension of that period, the arbitration
shall take place before three arbitrators selected in accordance the
Rules. At least one of the arbitrators shall constitute an individual
selected by Sonic (or its Affiliate) who has experience with franchise law
or
franchise relations. A decision or award by a majority of the
arbitrators shall constitute the decision or award of the
arbitrators.
38
(iii) Location
of Arbitration. The arbitration shall take place in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma, and the arbitrators shall issue any award at the place of
arbitration. The arbitrators may conduct hearings and meetings at any
other place agreeable to the parties or, upon the motion of a party, determined
by the arbitrators as necessary to obtain significant testimony or
evidence.
(iv) Discovery. The
arbitrators shall have the power to authorize all forms of discovery (including
depositions, interrogatories and document production) upon the showing of (a)
a
specific need for the discovery, (b) that the discovery likely will lead to
material evidence needed to resolve the controversy, and (c) that the scope,
timing and cost of the discovery is not excessive.
(v) Authority
of Arbitrators. The arbitrators shall not have the power (a) to
alter, modify, amend, add to, or subtract from any term or provision of this
Agreement; (b) to rule upon or grant any extension, renewal or continuance
of
this Agreement; (c) to award damages or other remedies expressly prohibited
by
this Agreement; or (d) to grant interim injunctive relief prior to the
award.
(vi) Scope
of Proceeding. The parties shall conduct any arbitration
proceeding and resolve any controversy on an individual basis only and not
on a
class-wide, multiple-party, or similar basis.
(vii) Enforcement
of Award. The prevailing party shall have the right to enter the
award of the arbitrators in any court having jurisdiction over one or more
of
the parties or their assets. The parties specifically waive any right
they may have to apply to any court for relief from the provisions of this
Agreement or from any decision of the arbitrators made prior to the
award. The award of the arbitrators shall not have any precedential
or collateral estoppel effect on any other controversy involving SONIC or its
Affiliates.
(d) Excluded
Controversies.
At
the election of SONIC or its
Affiliate, the provisions of this Section 14.04 shall not apply to any
controversies relating to any fee due SONIC or its Affiliate; any promissory
note payments due SONIC or its Affiliate; or any trade payables due SONIC or
its
Affiliate as a result of the purchase of equipment, goods or
supplies. The provisions of this Section 14.04 also shall not apply
to any controversies relating to the use and protection of the Proprietary
Marks
or the Sonic System, including (without limitation) SONIC’s right to apply to
any court of competent jurisdiction for appropriate injunctive relief for the
infringement of the Proprietary Marks or the Sonic System.
39
(e) Attorneys’
Fees and Costs.
The
prevailing party to the arbitration
shall have the right to an award of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs
incurred after the filing of the demand and submission, including a portion
of
the direct costs of any in-house legal staff reasonably allocable to the time
devoted to the arbitration.
15.
OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION.
15.01.
Effect of Termination, Cancellation or Expiration of this
Agreement.
Except
as otherwise authorized pursuant
to the terms of any other license agreement between SONIC and the Licensee,
the
Licensee shall comply with the following provisions after the expiration or
termination of this Agreement and the License:
(a) Licensee,
upon any termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement, shall
promptly pay to SONIC and SONIC’s subsidiaries any and all sums owed to
them. In the event of termination for any breach by Licensee, such sums
shall include all damages, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’
fees, incurred by SONIC as a result of the breach, which obligation shall give
rise to and remain, until paid in full, a lien in favor of SONIC against any
and
all of the assets of the Sonic Restaurant owned by Licensee at the time of
default.
(b) Upon
termination, cancellation or expiration hereof for any reason, all Licensee’s
rights hereunder shall terminate. Licensee shall not thereafter use or adopt
any
trade secrets disclosed to Licensee hereunder or any paper goods, emblems,
signs, displays, menu housings or other property on which SONIC’s name or
Proprietary Marks are imprinted or otherwise form a part thereof or any
confusing simulations thereof. Licensee shall not otherwise use or
duplicate the Sonic System or any portion thereof or assist others to do
so. Licensee shall remove from the premises all signs, emblems and displays
identifying it as associated with SONIC or the Sonic System. Licensee
shall cease to use and shall return to SONIC all copies of the Sonic
Operations Manual, instructions or materials delivered to Licensee
hereunder.
(c) Upon
termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement, unless otherwise
directed in writing by SONIC, Licensee shall change the exterior and interior
design and the decor of said premises, including, but not limited to, changing
the color scheme, and shall make or cause to be made such changes in signs,
buildings and structures (excluding major structural changes) as SONIC shall
reasonably direct so as to effectively distinguish the same from its former
appearance and from any other Sonic drive-in restaurant unit, and if Licensee
fails or refuses to comply herewith, then SONIC shall have the right to enter
upon the premises where said business is being conducted without being guilty
of
trespass or any other tort for the purpose of making or causing to be made
such
changes at the expense of Licensee which expense Licensee agrees to pay on
demand.
40
(d) Upon
termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement, in the event Licensee
is the owner of the Sign, SONIC shall have an irrevocable option to purchase
the
Sign for its fair market value. In any event, Licensee shall not
thereafter use any sign panels displaying SONIC’s name or Proprietary Marks or
which primarily display the colors used in any other such sign at any other
Sonic drive-in restaurant unit (See Subsection 15.04 for determining fair market
value). Any agent, servant or employee of SONIC may remove the Sign or any
objectionable signs or advertising from the Sonic Restaurant without being
guilty of trespass or other tort, and Licensee shall be liable for SONIC’s costs
plus attorneys’ fees for any interference therewith.
(e) Upon
termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement, Licensee shall cease
to hold Licensee out in any way as a licensee of SONIC or to do anything which
would indicate any relationship between Licensee and SONIC.
(f) The
covenants set forth in Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Subsection
15.01 shall survive the termination, cancellation or expiration of this
Agreement.
(g) All
rights, claims and indebtedness which may accrue to SONIC prior to termination,
cancellation or expiration of this Agreement shall survive termination,
cancellation or expiration and be enforceable by SONIC.
(h) Licensee
shall complete all such modifications within 30 days after this Agreement has
been terminated or canceled or has expired. Licensee and SONIC agree
that SONIC’s damages resulting from a breach of the provisions of this
Subsection are difficult to estimate or determine accurately. In the event
of a breach by Licensee of the provisions of this Subsection, Licensee, in
addition to any and all other remedies available to SONIC herein and elsewhere,
will pay SONIC double the royalty and brand fees prescribed in this Agreement
until Licensee satisfactorily de-identifies the restaurant premises in the
manner prescribed by this Section. This payment shall constitute
liquidated damages and shall not be construed as a penalty since such payment
has been agreed to by Licensee and SONIC as reasonably representative of the
actual damage sustained by SONIC in the event of such a breach. The
liquidated damages shall start on the 31st day after this Agreement has been
terminated or canceled or has expired. These liquidated damages shall
not constitute either a waiver of Licensee’s obligation to de-identify or a
license to use the Sonic System. These remedies will be in addition
to any other remedies SONIC may have hereunder or under federal or state
law.
15.02. SONIC’s
Option to Purchase.
(a) Upon
termination, cancellation or expiration hereof, SONIC shall have the right
and
option to purchase all or any patented, special or unique Sonic restaurant
equipment, menu housings, signs, menus and supplies of Licensee at their fair
market value (See Subsection 15.04 for determining fair market value).
Such right or option of SONIC shall be exercised as provided in Paragraph (b)
of
this Subsection 15.02. If SONIC elects to exercise any option to
purchase herein provided, it shall have the right to set off all amounts due
from Licensee to SONIC and one-half of the cost of any appraisals against any
payment therefor.
41
(b) In
the case of termination by expiration, SONIC shall exercise SONIC’s option
contained in this Subsection 15.02 by giving Licensee written notice at least
30
days prior to expiration. In the case of termination for any other reason,
SONIC shall exercise its option by giving Licensee written notice within 30
days
after termination.
(c) SONIC’s
option hereunder is without prejudice to SONIC’s rights under any security
agreement held by SONIC or with respect to which SONIC may have a guarantor’s or
surety’s subrogation interest. If SONIC exercises this option, SONIC may
pay any debt which Licensee owes to SONIC and shall remit any balance of the
purchase price to Licensee. There shall be no allowance for
goodwill.
15.03. SONIC’s
Obligation to Purchase.
(a) Upon
termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement, if Licensee desires
to sell Licensee’s unbroken inventory packages of approved imprinted items and
supplies with Proprietary Marks to SONIC, excluding all food items,
SONIC shall have the obligation to repurchase such items at
Licensee’s cost.
(b) If
Licensee desires to sell such items to SONIC, Licensee shall, not later than
10
days after termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement, give
SONIC 10 days written notice of Licensee’s election and, at the expiration of
the 10-days notice period, deliver such items at Licensee’s expense with an
itemized inventory to the nearest Sonic drive-in restaurant owned by SONIC
or other unit designated by SONIC. SONIC agrees to pay Licensee or credit
Licensee’s account within seven days after said delivery.
15.04.
Fair Market Value Determination.
If
the parties cannot agree on the fair
market value of any item subject to an option to purchase in this Agreement
within a reasonable time, one appraiser shall be designated by SONIC, one by
Licensee and the two appraisers shall designate an independent appraiser, and
the valuation of such third appraiser alone shall be binding. SONIC and
the Licensee each shall pay one-half of the cost of any appraisals required
pursuant to this Section 15.04.
16.
COVENANTS.
16.01. Restrictions
on Licensee.
Licensee
agrees and covenants as
follows:
(a) During
the term of this License, Licensee shall not directly or indirectly through
one
or more intermediaries (i) engage in, (ii) acquire any financial or beneficial
interest (including interests in corporations, partnerships, trusts,
unincorporated associations or joint ventures) in, (iii) loan money to or (iv)
become landlord of any restaurant business which has a menu similar to that
of a
Sonic drive-in restaurant (such as hamburgers, hot dogs, onion rings, and
similar items customarily sold by Sonic drive-in restaurants) or which has
an
appearance similar to that of a Sonic drive-in restaurant (such as color
pattern, use of canopies, use of speakers and menu housings for ordering food,
or other items that are customarily used by a Sonic drive-in
restaurant).
42
(b) Licensee
shall not, for a period of 18 months after termination of this License for
any
reason, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries (i) engage
in,
(ii) acquire any financial or beneficial interest (including interests in
corporations, partnerships, trusts, unincorporated associations or joint
ventures) in, (iii) loan money to or (iv) become a landlord of any restaurant
business which has a menu similar to that of a Sonic drive-in restaurant (such
as hamburgers, hot dogs, onion rings, and similar items customarily sold by
Sonic drive-in restaurants) or which has an appearance similar to that of a
Sonic drive-in restaurants (such as color pattern, use of canopies, use of
speakers and menu housings for ordering food, or other items that are
customarily used by a Sonic drive-in restaurants), and which (i) is within
a
three- mile radius of the Sonic Restaurant formerly licensed by this Agreement,
(ii) is within a 20-mile radius of a Sonic drive-in restaurant in operation
or
under construction, or (iii) is located within the MSA of the Sonic
Restaurant.
(c) Licensee
shall not appropriate, use or duplicate the Sonic System, or any portion
thereof, for use at any other restaurant business.
(d) During
the term of this Agreement, Licensee shall (i) use Licensee’s best efforts to
promote the business of the Sonic Restaurant, (ii) devote Licensee’s full time,
energies and attention to the operation and management of the Sonic Restaurant,
and (iii) not engage in any other business or activity that might detract from,
interfere with or be detrimental to the Sonic System or Licensee’s full and
timely performance under this Agreement (except the ownership and operation
of
other Sonic drive-in restaurants under license agreements with
SONIC).
(e) During
the term of this Agreement, Licensee shall not perform or provide services
as a
director, officer, employee, agent, representative, consultant or in any other
capacity for any other restaurant business which has a menu or appearance
similar to that of a Sonic drive-in restaurant.
(f) During
the term of this Agreement, Licensee shall not directly or indirectly through
one or more intermediaries (i) engage in, (ii) acquire any financial or
beneficial interest in, (iii) loan money, or (iv) become landlord of any
operation which has granted or is granting franchises or licenses (except for
those granted by SONIC) to others to operate any other restaurant business
which
has a menu or appearance similar to that of a Sonic drive-in
restaurant.
(g) Paragraphs
(a), (b) and (f) of this Subsection 16.01 shall not apply to ownership by
Licensee of less than 2% beneficial interest in the outstanding equity
securities of any corporation which is registered under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934; however, this Subsection 16.01(g) shall apply to all shareholders
or partners of Licensee (in the event Licensee is a corporation or partnership)
and all members of Licensees’ and their immediate families, and all Persons or
entities guaranteeing this Agreement.
43
(h) The
parties agree that each of the foregoing covenants shall be construed as
independent of any covenant or provision of this Agreement. If all or any
portion of a covenant in this Section 16 is held unreasonable or unenforceable
by a court or agency having valid jurisdiction in an unappealed final decision
to which SONIC is a party, Licensee expressly agrees to be bound by any lesser
covenant subsumed with the terms of such covenant that imposes the maximum
duty
permitted by law, as if the resulting covenant were separately stated in and
made a part of this Section 16.
(i) Licensee
understands and acknowledges that SONIC shall have the right, in SONIC’s sole
discretion, to reduce the scope of any covenant set forth in Paragraphs (a),
(b)
and (f) of this Subsection 16.01, or any portion thereof, without Licensee’s
consent effective immediately upon receipt by Licensee of written notice
thereof, and Licensee agrees that it shall comply forthwith with any covenant
as
so modified, which shall be fully enforceable notwithstanding the provisions
of
Paragraph (k) of this Subsection 16.01.
(j) Licensee
expressly agrees that the existence of any claims Licensee may have against
SONIC, whether or not arising from this Agreement, shall not constitute a
defense to the enforcement by SONIC of the covenants in this Section
16.
(k) Licensee
acknowledges that Licensee’s violation of the terms of this Section 16 would
result in irreparable injury to SONIC for which no adequate remedy at law is
available, and Licensee accordingly consents to the ex parte issuance of
restraining orders, temporary and permanent injunctions and cease and desist
orders prohibiting any conduct by Licensee in violation of the terms of this
Section 16.
(l) Licensee
shall utilize at the Sonic Restaurant a cash register previously approved by
SONIC, which such cash register shall at all times during the term of this
Agreement have a non-alterable grand total function so that each item entered
in
such register and each day’s totals may not be altered once
entered.
16.02. Covenants
by Others.
At
the time of execution of this
Agreement, Licensee shall provide SONIC with covenants similar in substance
to
those set forth in this Section 16 (including covenants applicable upon the
termination of a Person’s relationship with Licensee) from the following
persons: (1) all persons employed by Licensee; and (2) all officers,
directors, and holders of a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest
Licensee. With respect to each Person who becomes associated with Licensee
in one of the capacities enumerated above subsequent to execution of this
Agreement, Licensee shall require and obtain such covenants and promptly provide
SONIC with executed copies of such covenants. In no event shall any Person
enumerated be granted access to any confidential aspect of the Sonic System
or
the Sonic Restaurant prior to execution of such a covenant. All covenants
required by this Section 16 shall be furnished by SONIC to Licensee and shall
include, without limitation, specific identification of SONIC as a third party
beneficiary of such covenants with the independent right to enforce them.
Failure by Licensee to obtain execution of a covenant required by this Section
16 shall constitute a breach of this Agreement.
44
17.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR & INDEMNIFICATION.
17.01. Licensee
not an Agent of SONIC.
It
is understood and agreed that this
Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship between SONIC and Licensee,
and that nothing herein contained shall constitute Licensee as the agent, legal
representative, partner, joint venturer or employee of SONIC. Licensee is,
and
shall remain, an independent contractor responsible for all obligations and
liabilities of, and for all loss or damage to, the Sonic Restaurant and its
business, including any personal property, equipment, fixtures or real property
connected therewith and for all claims or demands based on damage or destruction
of property or based on injury, illness or death of any person or persons,
directly or indirectly, resulting from the operation of the Sonic
Restaurant.
17.02. Cost
of Enforcement.
If
SONIC or SONIC’s subsidiaries
becomes involved in any action at law or in equity or in any proceeding opposing
Licensee to secure, enforce, protect, or defend SONIC’s rights and remedies
under this License, in addition to any judgment entered in SONIC’s favor, SONIC
shall be entitled to demand of and (in the event SONIC prevails in such actions
or proceedings) recover from Licensee the reasonable costs, expenses and
attorneys’ fees incurred by SONIC. If, in such applicable final
judgment SONIC does not prevail, Licensee shall be entitled to recover from
SONIC in any such action or proceeding the reasonable costs, expenses and
attorneys’ fees incurred by Licensee.
17.03. Indemnification.
If
SONIC or SONIC’s subsidiaries shall
be subject to any claim, demand or penalty or become a party to any suit or
other judicial or administrative proceeding by reason of any claimed act or
omission by Licensee, Licensee’s employees or agents, or by reason of any act
occurring on the Sonic Restaurant premises, or by reason of any act or omission
with respect to the business or operation of the Sonic Restaurant, Licensee
shall indemnify and hold SONIC and SONIC’s subsidiaries harmless against all
judgments, settlements, penalties and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, court
costs and other expenses of litigation or administrative proceeding, incurred
by
or imposed on SONIC in connection with the investigation or defense relating
to
such claim or litigation or administrative proceeding and, at the election
of
SONIC, Licensee shall also defend SONIC and SONIC’s subsidiaries. The
Licensee shall not have any obligation to indemnify, defend or hold harmless
SONIC or any other Person pursuant to the provisions of this Section 17.03
to
extent the obligation arises predominantly as a proximate result of SONIC’s act
or failure to act when under a duty to act.
45
18.
EFFECT OF WAIVERS.
No
waiver by SONIC of any breach or
series of breaches of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent
breach or waiver of the terms of this Agreement.
19.
NOTICES.
19.01.
Address.
Any
notice required hereunder, if not
specified, shall be in writing and shall be delivered by (i) personal service,
(ii) by overnight, receipted delivery service, or (iii) by United States
certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, addressed to Licensee at
the
Sonic Restaurant or at such other address of Licensee then appearing on the
records of SONIC or to SONIC at 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx
00000, attention General Counsel, or at the subsequent address of SONIC’s
corporate headquarters. Either party, by a similar written notice,
may change the address to which notices shall be sent.
19.02. Failure
to Accept.
If
SONIC is unable to give actual
notice of any breach or termination of this Agreement because Licensee has
failed to provide SONIC with a current address, because Licensee fails to accept
or pick up this mailed notice, or due to any reason which is not the fault
of
SONIC, then such notice shall be deemed as given when SONIC sends such notice
by
overnight receipted delivery service or registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid.
19.03. Licensee’s
Principal.
Licensee
has designated on the first
page of this Agreement a Principal to serve as the party receiving primary
notice on behalf of the parties hereto. Each Licensee hereby agrees
that SONIC may send its notices and communications under this Agreement to
the
Principal provided for herein, that each SONIC may use the Principal as its
primary contact for purposes of communications and notices permitted or required
hereunder, and that all communications and notices given by SONIC to the
Principal will be just as effective on each Licensee as though the same had
been
given to each Licensee.
20.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
20.01. No
Oral Agreements.
This
Agreement and all addenda,
appendices and amendments hereto constitute the entire agreement between the
parties and supersede all prior and contemporaneous, oral or written agreements
or understandings of the parties.
46
20.02. Scope
and Modification of License.
No
interpretation, change, termination
or waiver of any of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon SONIC unless
in
writing signed by an officer of SONIC. No modification, waiver,
termination, rescission, discharge or cancellation of this Agreement shall
affect the right of any party hereto to enforce any claim or right hereunder,
whether or not liquidated, which occurred prior to the date of such
modification, waiver, termination, rescission, discharge or
cancellation.
21.
CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY.
21.01. Interpretation.
The
recitals shall be considered a part
of this Agreement. Section and Subsection captions are used only for
convenience and are in no way to be construed as part of this Agreement or
as a
limitation of the scope of the particular Sections, Subsections, Paragraphs
and
Subparagraphs to which they refer. Words of any gender used in this
Agreement shall include any other gender, and words in the singular shall
include the plural where the context requires.
21.02.
Scope of Protected Area.
Neither
party to this Agreement intends
to expand the scope of any covenants or commitments contained in Section 2
beyond the terms and provisions expressly stated in Section 2, and the parties
to this Agreement agree that no Person, court or arbitrator may interpret any
of
the foregoing covenants or commitments in Section 2 in that manner.
21.03.
Invalidity.
If
any part of this Agreement for any
reason shall be declared invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity
of
any remaining portion, which shall remain in full force and effect. In the
event any material provision of this Agreement shall be stricken or declared
invalid, SONIC reserves the right to terminate this Agreement.
21.04.
Binding Effect.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon
the parties, their heirs, executors, personal representatives, successors or
assigns.
21.05. Survival.
Any
provisions of this Agreement which
impose an obligation after termination or expiration of this Agreement shall
survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement and be binding on the
parties.
47
21.06.
Liability of Multiple Licensees.
If
Licensee consists of more than one
Person or entity, each such Person and entity, and each proprietor, partner
or
shareholder of each such entity shall be jointly and severally liable for any
and all of Licensee’s obligations and prohibitions under this
Agreement. Consequently, if and when a Person or entity as Licensee
is in breach of this Agreement and fails or is unable to cure such breach in
a
timely manner, SONIC may terminate the rights of the so-affected Person or
entity under this Agreement whereby this Agreement is terminated as to only
such
Person or entity while remaining fully effective as to all other Persons and
entities remaining as Licensee on this Agreement. This Person or
entity removed as Licensee shall remain jointly and severally obligated with
the
Persons and entities remaining as Licensee for any and all obligations and
liabilities of Licensee which occurred or accrued through the date of removal
of
said Person or entity.
22.
BUSINESS ENTITY LICENSEES
22.01. Corporate
Licensee.
If
the Licensee is a corporation, the
Licensee shall comply with the following provisions:
(a) Purpose. The
certificate of incorporation of the Licensee, if incorporated after August
31,
1994, shall provide that the purpose of the corporation shall consist only
in
the development, ownership, operation and maintenance of Sonic drive-in
restaurants.
(b) Transfer
Restrictions. The certificate of incorporation of the Licensee
shall provide that the Licensee shall not issue any additional capital stock
of
the Licensee and that no stockholder may transfer, assign or pledge any issued
capital stock of the Licensee without the prior, written consent of SONIC,
and
each stock certificate issued to evidence the capital stock of the Licensee
shall contain a legend disclosing the foregoing restriction. SONIC
shall not withhold its consent to the issuance of additional capital stock
or a
transfer, assignment or pledge without a reasonable basis. In giving
its consent, SONIC shall have the right (but not the obligation) to impose
one
or more reasonable conditions, including (without limitation) the requirement
that the recipient of the capital stock execute an agreement substantially
similar to the Guaranty and Restriction Agreement attached as Attachment I
to
this Agreement.
(c) Stockholder
Guaranty. Each stockholder of the Licensee shall execute the
Guaranty and Restriction Agreement attached as Attachment I to this
Agreement.
(d) Documents. Prior
to SONIC’s execution of this Agreement, the Licensee shall deliver to SONIC
photocopies of its certificate of incorporation and issued stock certificates
reflecting compliance with the provisions of this Section 22.01.
22.02.
Partnership Licensee.
If
the Licensee is a partnership, the
Licensee shall comply with the following provisions:
48
(a) Purpose. The
partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership (if applicable)
of
the Licensee, if formed after August 31, 1994, shall provide that the purpose
of
the partnership shall consist only in the development, ownership, operation
and
maintenance of Sonic drive-in restaurants.
(b) Transfer
Restrictions. The partnership agreement and certificate of
limited partnership (if applicable) of the Licensee shall provide that the
Licensee shall not issue any additional partnership interests in the Licensee
and that no partner may transfer, assign or pledge a partnership interest in
the
Licensee without the prior, written consent of SONIC. SONIC shall not
withhold its consent to the issuance of additional partnership interests or
a
transfer, assignment or pledge without a reasonable basis. In giving
its consent, SONIC shall have the right (but not the obligation) to impose
one
or more reasonable conditions, including (without limitation) the requirement
that the recipient of the partnership interest execute an agreement
substantially similar to the Guaranty and Restriction Agreement attached as
Attachment I to this Agreement.
(c) Partner
Guaranty. Each partner of the Licensee shall execute the Guaranty
and Restriction Agreement appearing as Attachment I to this
Agreement.
(d) Documents. Prior
to SONIC’s execution of this Agreement, the Licensee shall deliver to SONIC
photocopies of its partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership
(if applicable) reflecting compliance with the provisions of this Section
22.02.
22.03. Limited
Liability Company Licensee.
If
the Licensee is a limited liability
company, the Licensee shall comply with the following provisions:
(a) Purpose. The
articles of organization and operating agreement of the Licensee, if organized
after August 31, 1994, shall provide that the purpose of the limited liability
company shall consist only in the development, ownership, operation and
maintenance of Sonic drive-in restaurants.
(b) Transfer
Restrictions. The articles of organization and operating
agreement of the Licensee shall provide that the Licensee shall not issue any
additional membership interests in the Licensee and that no member may transfer,
assign or pledge any membership interests in the Licensee without the prior,
written consent of SONIC. SONIC shall not withhold its consent to the
issuance of additional membership interests or a transfer, assignment or pledge
without a reasonable basis. In giving its consent, SONIC shall have
the right (but not the obligation) to impose one or more reasonable conditions,
including (without limitation) the requirement that the recipient of the
membership interest execute an agreement substantially similar to the Guaranty
and Restriction Agreement attached as Attachment I to this
Agreement.
49
(c) Member
Guaranty. Each member of the Licensee shall execute the Guaranty
and Restriction Agreement appearing as Attachment I to this
Agreement.
(d) Documents. Prior
to SONIC’s execution of this Agreement, the Licensee shall deliver to SONIC
photocopies of its articles of organization and operating agreement reflecting
compliance with the provisions of this Section 22.03.
22.04. Other
Entity Licensee.
If
the Licensee is any other form of
business entity, the Licensee shall deliver to SONIC photocopies of its
organizational documents containing provisions substantially similar to those
required by Sections 22.01 through 22.03.
22.05. Employee
Stock Purchase Plans.
The
Licensee shall have the right to
transfer up to 49% of its outstanding capital stock or other equity interests
to
an employee stock purchase plan as long as one individual who qualifies as
a
licensee of SONIC continues to own and Control, directly or indirectly, at
least
51% of the Licensee’s outstanding capital stock or other equity
interests.
23. APPLICABLE
LAWS.
The
terms and provisions of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws
of
the State of Oklahoma, provided that if the laws of the State of Oklahoma would
not permit full enforcement of Section 16 of this Agreement, then the laws
of
the state in which the Sonic Restaurant is located or Licensee is domiciled
shall apply to the extent that any or all of such laws more fully permit
enforcement of Section 16 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the franchise laws or regulations of the state in which the Sonic
Restaurant is located, in effect on the original date of this Agreement, shall
apply to this Agreement. Licensee agrees that jurisdiction over
Licensee and venue exist and are proper within the same federal judicial
district where the corporate headquarters of SONIC are located and within any
and all other courts, whether federal, state, or local, located within that
district. Licensee waives any and all defenses and objections, and
Licensee agrees not to assert any defense or objection to jurisdiction over
Licensee and to venue as described hereinabove regarding any action, proceeding
or litigation instituted by SONIC against Licensee. SONIC and
Licensee agree that any and all breaches of this Agreement, including breaches
occurring after termination, cancellation, or expiration of this Agreement,
shall be deemed to have occurred where the corporate headquarters of SONIC
are
located.
24.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Licensee
acknowledges
that:
50
24.01. Initial
Term.
The
term of this Agreement is for a
single 20-year term with no promise or representation as to the renewal of
this
Agreement or the grant of a new license except as provided herein.
24.02. Consultation
with Counsel.
Licensee
hereby represents that
Licensee has received a copy of this Agreement and has had an opportunity to
consult with Licensee’s attorney with respect thereto at least 10 days prior to
Licensee’s execution hereof. Licensee further represents that
Licensee has had this Agreement in hand for review at least five business days
prior to Licensee’s execution hereof.
24.03. Profitability.
No
representation has been made by
SONIC as to the future profitability of the Sonic Restaurant.
24.04. Licensee’s
Investigation.
Prior
to the execution of this
Agreement, Licensee has had ample opportunity to contact existing licensees
of
SONIC and to investigate all representations made by SONIC relating to the
Sonic
System. The Licensee has conducted an independent investigation of
the business contemplated by this Agreement and recognizes that it involves
substantial business risks making the success of the venture largely dependent
on the business abilities of the Licensee. SONIC disclaims and the
Licensee has not received from SONIC or its Affiliates any express or implied
warranty or guaranty from regarding the potential volume, profits or success
of
the business venture contemplated by this Agreement. The Licensee has
not relied on any express or implied warranty or guaranty from SONIC or its
Affiliates regarding the potential volume, profits or success of the business
venture contemplated by this Agreement.
24.05. Contrary
Representations.
The
Licensee knows of no
representations by SONIC or its Affiliates about the business contemplated
by
this Agreement which contradict the terms of this Agreement. The
Licensee has not relied on any representations from SONIC or its Affiliates
about the business contemplated by this Agreement which contradict the terms
of
this Agreement or the disclosures set forth in the Franchise Offering Circular
delivered to the Licensee in connection with the issuance of this
Agreement.
51
24.06. Variances
to Other Licensees.
The
Licensee understands that other
developers and licensees may operate under different forms of agreements and,
consequently, that SONIC’s rights and obligations with regard to its various
licensees may differ materially in certain circumstances.
24.07. Complete
Agreement.
This
agreement supersedes any and all
other agreements or representations respecting the Sonic Restaurant and contains
all the terms, conditions and obligations of the parties with respect to the
grant of this Agreement.
25. INPUT
AND ADVICE FROM LICENSEES.
In
connection with the implementation
of or significant changes in the programs or policies referred to in Sections
6.04, 6.05(c), 6.06, 8, and 11.01(f) of this Agreement, SONIC shall solicit
input and advice from a group of licensees gathered together for such purpose
(whether established ongoing for such purpose or gathered on an ad hoc basis
from time-to-time). SONIC further shall use its best efforts to
ensure that such groups are balanced in terms of geographic base, size of
operating group, and period of tenure within the Sonic
system. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 25 shall not have
any effect unless the license agreements in effect for at least one-third of
all
Sonic drive-in restaurants contain this provision or a substantially similar
provision.
26. INJUNCTIVE
RELIEF.
The
Licensee acknowledges that SONIC’s remedy at law for any breach of any of the
Licensee’s covenants under this Agreement (other than involving only the payment
of money) would not constitute an adequate remedy at law and, therefore, SONIC
shall have the right to obtain temporary and permanent injunctive relief in
any
proceeding brought to enforce any of those provisions, without the necessity
of
proof of actual damages. However, nothing in this Section 26 shall
prevent SONIC from pursuing separately or concurrently one or more of any other
remedies available at law, subject to the provisions of Section 14.04 of this
Agreement.
27. GENERAL
RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO XXX.
The
Licensee hereby releases Sonic Corp., its subsidiaries, and the officers,
directors, employees and agents of Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries from any
and
all claims and causes of action, known or unknown, which may exist in favor
of
the Licensee as of the date of this Agreement. In addition, the
Licensee covenants that the Licensee shall not file or pursue any legal action
or complaint against any of the foregoing entities or Persons with regard to
any
of the foregoing claims or causes of action released pursuant to this Section
27. SONIC hereby releases the Licensee and its officers, directors,
employees and agents from any and all claims and causes of action, known or
unknown, which may exist in favor of SONIC as of the date of this Agreement,
except for any claims for (a) unpaid moneys due SONIC or its Affiliates, (b)
a
material breach of the provisions of this Agreement regarding the Proprietary
Marks, or (c) the violation of SONIC’s legal rights regarding the Proprietary
Marks. In addition, SONIC covenants that SONIC shall not file or
pursue any legal action or complaint against any of the foregoing entities
or
Persons with regard to any of the claims or causes of action released by SONIC
pursuant to this Section 27.
52
Executed
on the dates set forth below,
to have effect as of ______________, 200___.
Licensee
is converting the following
license agreement, which originally expired on _____________________, ________
(select one):
Number
4.0 ___ (converts to Number 4.4 License Agreement)
Number
4.1 ___ (converts to Number 4.4
License Agreement)
Number
4.2 Table I* ___ (converts to
Number 4.4 License Agreement)
Number
4.2 Table II ___ (converts to
Number 4.4 License Agreement)
Number
5.0 ___ (converts to Number 5.4
License Agreement)
Number
5.1 ___ (converts to Number 5.4
License Agreement)
*For
conversions from Number 4.2
license agreements operating under the Table I royalty rate, as elected in
the
Number 4.2 license agreement, the original expiration date of the license
agreement converted to the Number 4.2 license agreement, or the date elected
to
convert to the Table II royalty rate as allowed by Section 5.02(a)(3) of the
Number 4.2 license agreement, whichever is earlier, was
___________________, _____.
SONIC:
Sonic Industries LLC
By:
_________________________________
(Vice)
President
Date:
_______________________,
200__
Licensee:
____________________________________
Date:_______________________,
200__
____________________________________
Date:_______________________, 200__
53
Schedule
I
Guaranty
and Restriction Agreement
GUARANTY
AND RESTRICTION AGREEMENT
The
undersigned (jointly and severally
or individually, the “Guarantor”), Sonic Industries LLC (“SONIC”), and (the “Licensee”) enter into this Guaranty and Restriction
Agreement (this “Guaranty”) as of , 200__.
WITNESSETH:
Whereas,
SONIC is entering into a
license agreement (the “License Agreement”) dated the same date as this
Agreement with the Licensee for the Sonic drive-in located at , ,
(the
“Drive-in”);
and
Whereas,
as a condition to entering
into the License Agreement, SONIC has asked the Guarantor to provide a personal
guaranty of all obligations of the Licensee Agreement; and
Whereas,
SONIC has also asked the
Guarantor and the Licensee to agree to a restriction on the transfer of
interests in the Licensee; and
Whereas
SONIC, the Guarantor, and the
Licensee are willing to enter into those agreements based upon the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
Now,
therefore, in consideration of the
mutual covenants set forth below and other good and valuable consideration,
the
receipt and sufficiency of which the parties hereby acknowledge, the parties
agree as follows:
1. Personal
Guaranty of Payments. The Guarantor hereby guarantees the prompt
and full payment of all obligations under the License Agreement
including:
(a) all
royalties due SONIC pursuant to the License Agreement,
(b) all
brand contribution fees to the Sonic Brand Fund pursuant to the License
Agreement,
(c) all
contributions to approved advertising cooperatives pursuant to the License
Agreement, and
(d) any
other obligations owing to SONIC or its Affiliates (as defined in the License
Agreement) relating to the Drive-in, including any sign lease
agreement.
2. Nature
of Guaranty. This guaranty shall constitute an absolute,
unconditional, irrevocable, and continuing guaranty. SONIC shall not
have any obligation to take any action against any other person or entity for
collection of any payments prior to making any demand for payment or bringing
any action against the Guarantor.
3. Permitted
Actions. From time to time, SONIC shall have the right to take,
permit, or suffer to occur any “Permitted Action,” as defined below, without
modifying, reducing, waiving, releasing, impairing or otherwise affecting the
obligations of the Guarantor under this Agreement, without giving notice to
the
Guarantor or obtaining the Guarantor’s consent, without the necessity of any
reservations of rights against the Guarantor, and without liability on the
part
of SONIC. As used in this Section 3, the phrase “Permitted Action”
shall mean (a) an agreed extension of time for payment of any sum due under
the
License Agreement, (b) an agreed change in the manner or place of payment of
any
sums due under the License Agreement, (c) any waiver by SONIC of any defaults
under the provisions of the License Agreement, (d) any delay or failure by
SONIC
to exercise any right or remedy SONIC may have under the License Agreement,
(e)
the granting by SONIC of any leniencies, waivers, extensions, and indulgences
under the License Agreement, and (f) any agreed amendments to the License
Agreement.
4. Waiver
of Notice of Acceptance. The Guarantor acknowledges and waives
notice of SONIC’s acceptance of the Guarantor’s guaranty pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement.
5. Restrictions
on Transfer. The Licensee shall not issue any additional shares
of capital stock without the prior, written consent of SONIC. The
Guarantor shall not transfer, assign, or pledge any of its shares of capital
stock in the Licensee to any person without the prior, written consent of
SONIC.
6. Disputes. Any
dispute between the parties concerning this Agreement will be resolved in
accordance with the mediation and arbitration provisions contained in the
License Agreement.
7. Attorneys’
Fees, Costs and Expenses. In any action brought by SONIC to
enforce the obligations of the Guarantor, SONIC shall also have the right to
collect its reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, and expenses incurred in
the action.
8. Headings. The
headings used in this Agreement appear strictly for the parties’ convenience in
identifying the provisions of this Agreement and shall not affect the
construction or interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement.
9. Binding
Effect. This Agreement binds and inures to the benefit of the
parties and their respective successors, legal representatives, heirs, and
permitted assigns.
10. Waiver. The
failure of a party to insist in any one or more instances on the performance
of
any term or condition of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any
future performance of that term or condition.
11. Governing
Law. Notwithstanding the place where the parties execute this
Agreement, the internal laws of Oklahoma shall govern the construction of the
terms and the application of the provisions of this Agreement.
12. Amendments. No
amendments to this Agreement shall become effective or binding on the parties,
unless agreed to in writing by all of the parties to be bound by the
amendment.
13. Time. Time
constitutes an essential part of each and every part of this
Agreement.
14. Notice. Except
as otherwise provided in this Agreement, when this Agreement makes provision
for
notice or concurrence of any kind, the sending party shall deliver or address
the notice to the other party by certified mail, telecopy, or
nationally-recognized overnight delivery service to the addresses shown on
exhibit “A” to this Agreement.
All
notices pursuant to the provisions
of this Agreement shall run from the date that the other party receives the
notice or three business days after the party places the notice in the United
States mail. Each party may change the party’s address by giving
written notice to the other parties.
15. Release
and Covenant Not To Xxx. The Guarantor and the Licensee, and each
of them, hereby release all claims and causes of action which the Guarantor
or
the Licensee, or both of them, may have against Sonic Corp., its subsidiaries,
and the stockholders, directors, officers, employees, and agents of Sonic Corp.
and its subsidiaries. The Guarantor and the Licensee, and each of
them, further covenant not to xxx any of the foregoing persons or entities
on
account of any of the foregoing claims or causes of action.
Executed
and delivered as of the day and year first set forth above.
SONIC:
Sonic Industries LLC
By:
_________________________________
(Vice) President
Guarantor:
____________________________________
____________________________________
By:
________________________________
This
Guaranty and Restriction Agreement signature page is for the
following:
Sonic
Drive-In # _______
EXHIBIT
“A”
Notice
addresses are as follows:
SONIC:
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention: General
Counsel
(000)
000-0000 Fax
(___)
___-____ Fax
(___)
___-____ Fax
Licensee:
(___)
___-____Fax