LICENSE AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.2
This
LICENSE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”)
is
entered into as of April 24, 2007 (the “Effective
Date”)
by and
between ALTAIRNANO, INC., a Nevada corporation, having its principal place
of
business at 000 Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxxx, Xxxxxx (“Altairnano”)
and
AlSher Titania LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, having its principal
place of business at 000 Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxxx, Xxxxxx (“ALSHER”).
Altairnano and ALSHER may each be referred to herein individually as a
“Party”
and
collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
A. Altairnano
owns proprietary processes for the extraction of Ti values from ilmenite ore
to
produce pigment grade TiO2
and
other titanium-containing materials;
B. Altairnano
and The Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Company (“Sherwin”)
have
formed ALSHER to evaluate, design, construct, commission, and operate a venture
intended to develop the commercial application of recovering and processing
concentrates into white titanium dioxide pigment and certain other titanium
containing materials, using the proprietary processes and patents of Altairnano
and the general process and engineering expertise of Sherwin; and
C. In
connection with the formation and operation of ALSHER, ALSHER desires, and
Altairnano is willing to grant exclusive licenses in specified fields for its
proprietary process for extracting titanium values from ore to produce
TiO2
and
converting ore into titanium containing materials, and associated patents,
on
the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
In
consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set
forth
below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of
which are hereby acknowledged, Altairnano
and ALSHER hereby agree as follows:
SECTION
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 All
terms
in this Agreement that are set forth with the first letter capitalized have
the
meanings given in Exhibit
A
attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
1.2 As
used
in this Agreement, (i) neutral pronouns and any derivations thereof shall be
deemed to include the feminine and masculine and all terms used in the singular
shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa, as the context may
require; (ii) the words “hereof”
and
“hereunder”
and
other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole, including
all
exhibits, as the same may be amended from time to time, and not to any
subdivision of this Agreement; (iii) the word “including”
is
not
intended to be exclusive and means “including without limitation”; (iv) the word
“days”
means
“calendar days,” unless otherwise stated; and (iv) descriptive headings are
inserted for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of
and
shall not be utilized in interpreting this Agreement.
SECTION
2. LICENSE
GRANTS
2.1 Grant
to ALSHER.
Subject
to the terms of this Agreement, Altairnano hereby grants ALSHER an exclusive
(even as to Altairnano and its Affiliates) license to practice the Licensed
Intellectual Property during the Term only in the ALSHER Fields; provided,
however, that if ALSHER does not or cannot fulfill its obligations to supply
products under the Supply Agreement, either directly or through a sublicense
in
accordance with Section 2.4 below, after thirty days prior written notice from
Altairnano and opportunity to cure, Altairnano or its Affiliates shall identify
and provide ALSHER with sublicensing opportunities, upon which time ALSHER
shall
pursue such sublicensing opportunities and undertake best efforts to enter
into
sublicenses under commercially reasonable terms in order to comply with the
terms of the Supply Agreement.
2.2 Retained
Rights of Altairnano.
Without
limiting the foregoing, no license or sublicense is conferred to ALSHER under
the Licensed Intellectual Property to (i) develop, use, market, distribute,
make, have made, sell, offer for sale, have sold, export or import or otherwise
deal in or with any product or technology outside the ALSHER Fields; or (ii)
market, distribute, sell, offer for sale, have sold, export or import any
product or technology in the ALSHER Titanium Materials Field, except exclusively
to Altairnano pursuant to the terms of the Supply Agreement. For the avoidance
of doubt, Altairnano shall retain and reserves all rights that are not
explicitly granted to ALSHER herein, including the sole and exclusive right
to
use and exploit Licensed Intellectual Property, including the right to grant
licenses and sublicenses, exclusively or non-exclusively, to any Third Party
(including any Affiliate of Altairnano) (a) for any use, purpose or application,
including research, development, manufacture or commercialization of any
product, process, item, device, machine or other apparatus, outside the ALSHER
Fields; and (b) within the ALSHER Titanium Materials Field, other than the
right
to manufacture or have manufactured on its behalf in accordance with this
Agreement, and sell exclusively to Altairnano pursuant to the terms of the
Supply Agreement, for any use, purpose or application, including research,
development or commercialization of any product, process, item, device, machine
or other apparatus.
2.3 No
Other Rights; No Implied Licenses.
Except
as expressly provided in this Agreement, under no circumstances shall a Party
hereto, as a result of this Agreement, obtain any ownership interest, license
or
other right in any Know-How, patent rights, trademarks, copyrights or other
proprietary information or intellectual property rights of the other Party
and
no rights or licenses with respect to any such intellectual property are granted
or shall be deemed granted hereunder or in connection herewith except as
expressly granted and provided in this Agreement.
2.4 Sublicensing.
ALSHER
shall have no right to sublicense its rights under the licenses granted in
Section 2.1 except in accordance with this Section 2.4. ALSHER may sublicense
its right to practice the Licensed Intellectual Property in the ALSHER Titanium
Materials Field. Any such sublicense entered into by ALSHER shall be subject
to
(i) all
applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement, and (ii) the execution of
a
sublicense with each Third Party that includes provisions substantially similar
to those herein that are sufficient to enable ALSHER to comply with its
obligations hereunder and are at least as protective of Altairnano’s rights as
provided herein.
The
execution of a subcontract by ALSHER hereunder shall not relieve ALSHER from,
or
diminish, any obligation of ALSHER under this Agreement. ALSHER shall promptly
furnish Altairnano with a fully signed photocopy of any sublicense hereunder.
All such sublicenses shall be assignable to Altairnano, and upon expiration
or
termination of this Agreement for any reason, all such sublicenses shall be
assigned to Altairnano.
2
SECTION
3. INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY
3.1 Ownership;
Modification of Licensed Patents.
All
Licensed Intellectual Property, whether or not patentable, shall be the property
of Altairnano and Altairnano shall be the sole owner of the Licensed
Intellectual Property. At any time during the Term, ALSHER may elect, upon
giving written notice to Altairnano, to remove any patent or patent application
from Exhibit
B.
Such
written notice shall automatically amend Exhibit
B
to
delete the identified patent or patent application and such identified patent
or
patent application shall no longer be considered Licensed Patents for any
purposes of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, upon removal of any
patent or patent application from Exhibit
B
as
provided in the preceding sentence, ALSHER shall have no further rights, license
or obligations under or with respect to such removed patent or patent
application, including under Section 2 or Section 4.2. Altairnano shall
forthwith make available to ALSHER the Licensed Technology which Altairnano
is
at liberty to disclose. Such Licensed Technology furnished by Altairnano shall
be subject to Section 5 (Confidentiality) and shall be used by ALSHER only
in
the ALSHER Fields.
During
the Term of this Agreement, Altairnano shall make available to ALSHER the
services of a fully qualified and experienced member of its staff to advise
ALSHER as to the methods and use of the Licensed Technology.
3.2 Licensed
Improvements.
Altairnano shall exclusively own all Licensed Improvements. ALSHER shall
promptly disclose to Altairnano in writing the development, making, conception
or reduction to practice of any Licensed Improvements, and ALSHER shall, and
does hereby, assign, and shall cause its Affiliates and its and their employees
and agents, as applicable, to so assign, to Altairnano, all right, title and
interest in and to any such Licensed Improvements. Assignment and transfer
of
all such Licensed Improvements shall occur instantly and automatically upon
the
development, making, conception or reduction to practice of such Licensed
Improvements, as the case may be, and shall not require any further deeds or
documents to be exchanged between the Parties. All Licensed Improvements shall
automatically be included within the scope of this Agreement. Any Licensed
Improvements that are not covered or claimed by a patent or patent application
and that are not generally known and are necessary for ALSHER to practice the
Licensed Patents in the ALSHER Fields shall be considered Licensed Technology
for all purposes of this Agreement. Any patents or patent applications to the
extent covering Licensed Improvements shall be considered Licensed Patents
for
all purposes of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, all Know-How that
constitute(s) adaptations, advances, alterations, updates, modifications,
enhancements, variations
or
improvements to any of the technology disclosed in any of the Licensed Patents
shall be owned exclusively by Altairnano whether discovered, conceived, reduced
to practice or otherwise developed by Altairnano or ALSHER.
3
3.3 Technology
Improvements.
Altairnano shall exclusively own all Technology Improvements. All Know-How
that
constitute(s) adaptations, advances, alterations, updates, modifications,
enhancements, variations
or
improvements to any of the technology that is not expressly disclosed in any
of
the Licensed Patents shall be owned exclusively by Altairnano. Assignment and
transfer of all such Technology Improvements shall occur instantly and
automatically upon the development, making, conception or reduction to practice
of such Technology Improvements, as the case may be, and shall not require
any
further deeds or documents to be exchanged between the Parties. All Technology
Improvements shall automatically be included within the scope of this Agreement
and shall be subject to the license set forth herein.
3.4 Compensation
Related to Assignment of Licensed Improvements.
In
consideration for ALSHER's assignment of all right, title and interest in and
to
any Licensed Improvements and Technology Improvements to Altairnano, Altairnano
shall pay ALSHER royalties in the amount of the greater of 5% of Altairnano’s
net sales price of the Altairnano product derived from the use of either
Licensed Improvements or Technology Improvements or 10% of the gross margin
of
such a product for any use of either Licensed Improvements or Technology
Improvements (i) outside the ALSHER Fields, and (ii) during the Term. For
purposes of this section, “net sales price” means the invoiced sales price
received by Altairnano based on actual sales less freight, trade discounts,
distribution allowances shown on invoices, returns, taxes, duties or other
governmental charges levied on or measured by the billing amount.
3.5 Filing,
Prosecution and Maintenance.
Altairnano shall have the sole and exclusive right to prepare, file, and
prosecute all Licensed Patents throughout the world and shall be responsible
for
activities related to conducting any interferences, reexaminations, reissues,
oppositions, or requests for patent term extension relating to such Licensed
Patents. All costs related to the aforementioned activities shall be shared
by
Altairnano and ALSHER, wherein seventy-five percent (75%) of such costs shall
be
borne by ALSHER and twenty-five percent (25%) of such costs shall be borne
by
Altairnano.
3.5.1 ALSHER
shall, at
the
reasonable request of Altairnano, sign or have signed any and all documents
necessary in connection with Altairnano’s filing, prosecution, maintenance,
extension and enforcement of the Licensed Patents and to take such other actions
as Altairnano may reasonably request from ALSHER in connection with the Licensed
Patents, the expense for which shall be allocated in accordance with Section
3.5.
3.5.2 Altairnano
shall
immediately upon the execution of this Agreement
and the grant of any of the Licensed Patents grant and enter
with ALSHER into a license agreement in the form
or
substantially the form set out in Exhibit C which license
shall be registered by ALSHER with such Patent Offices
in the Territory as it considers appropriate. Until the grant of any such
license so far as may be legally possible
Altairnano and ALSHER shall have the same rights
in
respect of the Patents and be under the same obligations
to each other in all respects as if the said license had been
granted.
4
3.5.3 Altairnano
shall keep ALSHER apprised of any material and non-ministerial activities
related to the Licensed Patents by providing ALSHER with copies of official
actions, amendments, draft responses and responses with respect to Altairnano’s
preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of the Licensed Patents, and
Altairnano shall take into account ALSHER’s reasonable comments with respect to
such activities. Other than considering ALSHER’s reasonable comments, Altairnano
shall have sole discretion with respect to the preparation, filing, prosecution
and maintenance of the Licensed Patents.
3.5.4 If
Altairnano elects not to file, prosecute, maintain or extend any of the
patents
that are
included within the Licensed Patents, then Altairnano
shall promptly (and in any event not less than sixty (60) calendar days prior
to
the deadline for taking appropriate action with respect to such patent)
notify ALSHER of the
same
and
ALSHER shall then have the right, but not the obligation, to assume the
responsibility for preparing, filing, prosecuting and maintaining such
patents
at ALSHER’s sole expense and using counsel of its choosing. If ALSHER
elects
to
file and/or continue prosecution and/or maintenance of any such patent that
Altairnano elects to discontinue, Altairnano shall execute such documents and
perform such acts as may be reasonably necessary to permit ALSHER to file,
prosecute and/or maintain such patent. Altairnano will provide ALSHER reasonable
cooperation and will make available to ALSHER, at reasonable times and under
appropriate conditions, access to relevant personnel, records, papers and the
like in its possession necessary for ALSHER to file or prosecute such patent
application and/or maintain such patent.
If
ALSHER elects
to
file and/or continue prosecution and/or maintenance of any such patent that
Altairnano elects to discontinue, such patent shall remain a Licensed Patent
for
purposes of this Agreement.
3.5.5 If
an
Event of Bankruptcy occurs relating to Altairnano, and Altairnano has failed,
within thirty (30) days following the Event of Bankruptcy, to give ALSHER
reasonably adequate assurances that it (or a third party on its behalf) is
preparing, filing, prosecuting and maintaining the Licensed Patents, ALSHER
shall have the right, upon notice in writing to Altairnano, to
assume
the responsibility for preparing, filing, prosecuting and maintaining the
Licensed Patents at ALSHER’s sole expense and using counsel of its choosing.
If
an
Event of Bankruptcy occurs relating to Altairnano, and Altairnano has failed,
within thirty (30) days following the Event of Bankruptcy, to give ALSHER
reasonably adequate assurances that it (or a third party on its behalf) is
adequately preserving and protecting the viability of the Licensed Intellectual
Property, ALSHER
shall have the right upon
notice in writing to Altairnano to take all steps as it considers necessary
in
the circumstances to preserve and protect the viability of the Licensed
Intellectual Property including without limitation to create and maintain
current copies or, if not amenable to copying, descriptions or other appropriate
embodiments, to the extent feasible, of all documents and records evidencing
conception or reduction to practice of any invention claimed or disclosed in
any
Licensed Intellectual Property.
3.6 Infringement.
If
either Party becomes aware of any activity that such Party believes represents
an infringement by a Third Party,
anywhere in the world, of any
Licensed
Patents, the Party obtaining such knowledge shall promptly advise the other
in
writing of all relevant facts and circumstances pertaining to the potential
infringement. Altairnano and ALSHER shall thereafter consult and cooperate
fully
to determine a course of action, including but not limited to, the commencement
of legal action to terminate any infringement of the Licensed
Patents.
5
3.6.1 In
the
ALSHER TiO2
Pigment
Field, ALSHER shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to institute
and control an action, in its name and at its sole expense, against such Third
Party for infringement of any Licensed Patents, and Altairnano shall cooperate
with ALSHER in such action at the expense of ALSHER. If
ALSHER
finds it necessary or desirable to join Altairnano as a party to such action,
Altairnano will execute all papers and perform any other acts as may be
reasonably required by ALSHER, at the expense of ALSHER. ALSHER
shall have the right to control, with such cooperation by Altairnano as is
reasonably required by ALSHER at ALSHER’S expense, any claim by a Third Party
asserting invalidity of any Licensed Patents. If ALSHER elects not to institute
and control such action against a Third Party for infringement of any of the
Licensed Patents, Altairnano shall have the right, but not the obligation,
to
institute and control such action at its own expense. Neither Party shall incur
any liability to the other Party as a consequence of such litigation or any
unfavorable decision resulting therefrom, including any decision holding any
of
the Licensed Patents invalid or unenforceable.
3.6.2 Outside
of the ALSHER TiO2
Pigment
Field, Altairnano shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to
institute and control an action, in its name and at its sole expense, against
such Third Party for infringement of any Licensed Patents, and ALSHER shall
cooperate with Altairnano in such action at the expense of Altairnano.
If
Altairnano finds it necessary or desirable to join ALSHER as a party to such
action, ALSHER will execute all papers and perform any other acts as may be
reasonably required by Altairnano, at the expense of Altairnano. Altairnano
shall have the right to control, with such cooperation by ALSHER as is
reasonably required by Altairnano at Altairnano's expense, any claim by a Third
Party asserting invalidity of any Licensed Patents. If Altairnano elects not
to
institute and control such action against a Third Party for infringement of
any
of the Licensed Patents, ALSHER shall have the right, but not the obligation,
to
institute and control such action at its own expense. Neither Party shall incur
any liability to the other Party as a consequence of such litigation or any
unfavorable decision resulting therefrom, including any decision holding any
of
the Licensed Patents invalid or unenforceable.
3.6.3 The
Party
initiating and controlling a litigation action against a Third Party infringer
under Section 3.6.1 or 3.6.2 shall (a) control all aspects of such action,
including the right to enter into any settlement, consent judgment or other
voluntary final disposition respecting such action; provided that no settlement
shall be entered into by such Party without the written consent of the other
Party if such settlement would materially detrimentally affect the other Party’s
interests hereunder, (b) bear all costs and attorneys’ fees respecting such
action, and (c) be entitled to all litigation or settlement recoveries received
(including without limitation all amounts received under any applicable license
or sublicense agreement(s) entered into between the Third Party and the Party
initiating and controlling such action).
6
3.6.4 Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Altairnano and ALSHER may agree to institute an infringement
action against a Third Party jointly, in which case the suit shall be brought
in
both of their names, the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs thereof
shall be borne equally (50% each) by the Parties and any recovery or settlement
shall be allocated first to reimburse the Parties for their out-of-pocket costs
and the remainder shall be shared fifty percent (50%) to Altairnano and fifty
percent (50%) to ALSHER. Altairnano and ALSHER shall work together to manage
such joint litigation, with Altairnano having the primary responsibility for
controlling such suit. ALSHER may, if it so desires, also be represented by
separate counsel of its own selection, and the fees for such counsel shall
be
paid by ALSHER.
3.7 Defense
and Settlement of Third Party Claims.
If a
Third Party asserts that the use or application of the Licensed Intellectual
Property in the ALSHER Fields infringes or induces or contributes to
infringement of a patent or other intellectual property right owned by such
Third Party (“Third
Party Infringement Action”),
the
Party first having notice of a Third Party Infringement Action shall promptly
notify the other Party in writing. Such written notice shall set forth the
facts
of the Third Party Infringement Action in reasonable detail. ALSHER shall have
the first right, but not the obligation, to control the defense of the Third
Party Infringement Action in the ALSHER TiO2
Pigment
Field at its own expense and, subject to the remainder of this Section 3.7,
shall have the right to enter into any settlement, consent judgment or other
voluntary final disposition respecting such Third Party Infringement Action,
including the right to obtain a license from such Third Party. If ALSHER elects
not to assume control of the defense of such action, Altairnano shall have
the
right, but not the obligation, to control such defense at its own expense and,
subject to the remainder of this Section 3.7, shall have the right to enter
into
any settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition respecting
such Third Party Infringement Action, including the right to obtain a license
from such Third Party. Altairnano shall have the first right, but not the
obligation, to control the defense of the Third Party Infringement Action
outside of the ALSHER TiO2
Pigment
Field at its own expense and, subject to the remainder of this Section 3.7,
shall have the right to enter into any settlement, consent judgment or other
voluntary final disposition respecting such Third Party Infringement Action,
including the right to obtain a license from such Third Party. If Altairnano
elects not to assume control of the defense of such action, ALSHER shall have
the right, but not the obligation, to control such defense at its own expense
and, subject to the remainder of this Section 3.7, shall have the right to
enter
into any settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition
respecting such Third Party Infringement Action, including the right to obtain
a
license from such Third Party. The
Party
not controlling such defense will have the right to be represented in any such
Third Party Infringement Action at its own expense. The Party controlling such
defense shall keep the other Party advised of the status of such Third Party
Infringement Action and shall consider recommendations made by the other Party
in respect thereto. The Party not controlling such defense will assist and
cooperate in any such Third Party Infringement Action at the defending Party’s
reasonable request and expense. If the Party controlling such defense is not
the
Party against whom such Third Party Infringement Action was originally brought,
then the Party controlling such defense shall not agree to the settlement of
such action without the prior written consent of the other Party.
7
SECTION
4. CONFIDENTIALITY
4.1 Obligations
Regarding Confidential Information.
The
Receiving Party shall not use any Confidential Information provided by the
Disclosing Party except as necessary for the Receiving Party to exercise its
rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Receiving Party
shall not disclose Confidential Information provided by the Disclosing Party
to
others (except to its employees, consultants, agents and Affiliates who
reasonably require disclosure of such Confidential Information to enable the
Receiving Party to exercise its rights or perform its obligations hereunder
and
who are bound to the Receiving Party by like obligations as to confidentiality
no less stringent than those set forth herein) without the prior written
permission of the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party shall treat all
Confidential Information with the same degree of care as the Receiving Party
accords its own information or materials of a similar nature, but in no case
less than reasonable care. The Receiving Party shall not copy any Confidential
Information except as necessary to enable the Receiving Party to use
Confidential Information as permitted hereunder, and shall ensure that each
such
copy shall contain and state the same confidential or proprietary notices or
legends which appear on the original. The Receiving Party shall immediately
give
notice to the Disclosing Party of, and shall assist the Disclosing Party in
remedying, any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information.
Neither Party shall communicate any information or materials to the other in
violation of the proprietary rights of any Third Party.
4.2 Authorized
Disclosure.
Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 4.1, the Receiving Party may disclose
Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party to the extent such disclosure
is reasonably necessary to comply with applicable governmental laws and
regulations, court orders or other legal requirements; provided that the
Receiving Party shall give reasonable advance notice to the Disclosing Party
of
such disclosure and shall seek confidential treatment of such Confidential
Information to the fullest extent possible and/or shall use reasonable efforts
to cooperate with the Disclosing Party in its efforts to secure confidential
or
protective treatment of such Confidential Information.
4.3 Terms
of this Agreement.
Neither
Party may disclose to any Third Party the terms and conditions of this Agreement
without the other Party's prior written consent, except:
(i) as
required by any court or other governmental body or as otherwise required by
law; (ii) in connection with the requirements of a public offering or
securities filing, provided the disclosing
Party
shall endeavor to obtain confidential treatment of financial and trade secret
information contained herein;
(iii) under appropriate conditions of confidentiality, to subcontractors,
accountants, legal counsel, banks, existing or potential investors or other
financing sources and their advisors; or (iv) under appropriate conditions
of confidentiality, in connection with a merger or acquisition or proposed
merger or acquisition, or the like. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
disclosing Party shall notify the other Party prior to making any disclosure
under subsections (iii) or (iv) of (a) any detailed terms of this Agreement
(other than information about the existence or general scope of this Agreement)
or (b) any copies of this Agreement without redacting, at a minimum, all
economic terms.
4.4 Public
Announcements.
All
press releases or other public announcements by either Party relating to this
Agreement or the subject matter hereof shall be approved in writing in advance
by each Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned
or
delayed; provided that this shall not restrict a Party’s obligation to comply
with applicable legal disclosure obligations (subject to and in accordance
with
Section 4.2).
8
4.5 Publications.
Altairnano acknowledges ALSHER’s interest in publishing information concerning
Licensed Improvements to obtain recognition within the scientific community
and
to advance the state of scientific knowledge. ALSHER recognizes the interest
of
Altairnano in obtaining valid patent protection for the Licensed Improvements.
Not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the first submission for
publication (in the case of written publications) or to the submission of an
abstract to the organizers of a forum (in the case of an oral presentation
to be
made at the forum) which contains any information concerning Licensed
Improvements, ALSHER shall submit to Altairnano for review an advance draft
(for
written publications) and an abstract (for oral presentation). If, within
fifteen (15) days of receipt of the advance copy of ALSHER’S proposed written
publication or abstract of a proposed oral presentation, Altairnano informs
ALSHER that its proposed publication or presentation reasonably could be
expected to have a material adverse effect on Altairnano’s ability to file new
patents based on information concerning Licensed Improvements disclosed therein,
then ALSHER shall either remove from such publication or abstract, and not
otherwise present, the information reasonably expected to have a material
adverse effect on patentability or delay such proposed publication or
presentation for a period of up to sixty (60) days (or such longer period of
time as may be agreed upon by the Parties in writing) to allow for preparation
and filing of patent application(s) based on such information concerning
Licensed Improvements.
4.6 Return
of Confidential Information.
Confidential Information shall remain the property of the Disclosing Party.
Upon
expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, the Receiving Party shall
immediately cease to use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information and, at
the Disclosing Party’s option, either return to the Disclosing Party or destroy
all data,
drawings, memoranda, notes and other written materials (including
summaries, records, descriptions, modifications, drawings and adaptations that
have been made from any such materials), together
with any magnetic media and computer stored information, including any copies
thereof,
embodying or containing any of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information
in the possession or control of the Receiving Party or its Affiliates,
consultants or agents; provided, however, that one (1) copy of such Confidential
Information may be retained on a confidential basis for archival purposes only.
Any destruction pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be promptly confirmed
in writing. The return or destruction of Confidential Information as provided
herein shall not relieve the Receiving Party of its obligations under this
Agreement.
4.7 Remedies.
Each
Party shall be entitled, in addition to any other right or remedy it may have
at
law or in equity, to seek an injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction,
without the need to post a bond, enjoining or restraining the other Party from
any violation or threatened violation of this Section 4.
9
SECTION
5. REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
5.1 Representations
and Warranties.
Each of
the Parties hereby represents and warrants to the other Party as follows, all
such representations and warranties being as of the Effective Date of this
Agreement:
5.1.1 it
is
duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
organization, and has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and
perform its obligations under this Agreement;
5.1.2 it
has
taken all action necessary for the lawful execution, delivery and performance
of
this Agreement, the person executing this Agreement on its behalf has been
duly
authorized to do so by all requisite corporate action, and this Agreement is
legally binding upon it and enforceable in accordance with its
terms;
5.1.3 the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it do not violate,
conflict with or constitute a default under any agreement or instrument
(including its corporate charter or other organizational documents) to which
it
is a party or by which it may be bound, or, to its Knowledge, any applicable
law, regulation or order of any court or other tribunal; and
5.1.4 it
shall
and shall cause its permitted subcontractors to, comply with all laws, rules
and
regulations applicable to the performance of its obligations hereunder.
5.2 Additional
Representation and Warranty of Altairnano.
Altairnano represents and warrants to ALSHER and to Sherwin, as a third party
beneficiary, that, as of the Effective Date:
5.2.1 it
has
the legal and/or beneficial right and interest to grant to ALSHER the licenses
granted in this Agreement.
5.2.2 the
details listed in Exhibit B are true, complete and accurate;
5.2.3 to
Altairnano’s Knowledge, all products and processes which are necessary to
perform the Licensed Intellectual Property are disclosed in the patents and
patent applications listed in Exhibit B;
5.2.4 all
fees
due up to the Effective Date for the prosecution and maintenance of the Licensed
Patents (including any application fees) in the United States, and to
Altairnano’s Knowledge, in all applicable foreign jurisdictions, have been paid
in full;
5.2.5 neither
Altairnano nor any of its Affiliates have Knowledge of any reason why the
applications forming part of the Licensed Patents should not proceed to
grant;
5.2.6 none
of
the Licensed Patents is the subject of any current or, to Altairnano’s
Knowledge, threatened, claim, opposition, proceedings or attack in relation
to
its validity or revocability or enforceability or as to Altairnano's rights
of
ownership thereto or rights to use such (whether such claims are by employees,
ex-employees or other third parties) or applications for licenses of right
and
to Altairnano’s Knowledge, there are no facts or matters which might give rise
to any such claim, opposition, proceedings or attack;
10
5.2.7 neither
Altairnano nor any of its Affiliates have made or raised, or is involved in,
any
oppositions, claims or proceedings challenging the rights of any third party
to
obtain registration of any intellectual property rights or the entitlement
of
any third party to any registered intellectual property rights or the validity
or enforceability of any intellectual property rights registered in the name
of
a third party relating to the Licensed Intellectual Property in the ALSHER
Fields;
5.2.8 Except
as
described in Section 2.1, neither Altairnano nor any of its Affiliates have
granted any licenses or permissions allowing any third party to exploit or
use
the Licensed Intellectual Property in the ALSHER Fields and no third party
has
any option or other right to require that Altairnano or any of its Affiliates
grant it such license or permission in the ALSHER Fields;
5.2.9 there
are
no agreements or arrangements (i) which prevent, restrict or otherwise inhibit
Altairnano's freedom to use, exploit, license, sub-license, transfer or assign
the Licensed Intellectual Property for use in the ALSHER Fields or (ii) under
which Altairnano or any of its Affiliates have granted any third party rights
in
(including any rights to obtain an assignment, license or other rights in the
future or on the happening of any event), or options over, any of the Licensed
Intellectual Property for use in the ALSHER Fields;
5.2.10 to
Altairnano’s Knowledge, use of the Licensed Intellectual Property in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement will not infringe any patent or other
intellectual property rights of any third party;
5.2.11 the
Licensed Intellectual Property is free from any charges and encumbrances in
favor of third parties; and
5.2.12 to
Altairnano’s Knowledge, no third party is infringing the Licensed Intellectual
Property.
5.3 Limitations.
Neither
Party warrants or represents, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed
as a warranty or representation by either Party:
5.3.1 as
to the
validity, scope or enforceability of any patent within the Licensed Patents;
5.3.2 that
anything developed, made, used, sold, offered for sale, imported or otherwise
created, conceived or disposed of under any license granted hereunder is or
shall be free from infringement or violation of any patent or other intellectual
property rights of Third Parties; or
5.3.3 that
either Party will bring or agrees to bring or prosecute actions or suits against
Third Parties for infringement of any patent within the Licensed
Patents.
11
5.4 No
Other Representations.
EXCEPT
AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN SECTION 5.1 and 5.2, NEITHER ALTAIRNANO NOR ALSHER
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR EXTENDS ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS,
IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, AND EACH PARTY HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR
TITLE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING AND SUBJECT TO THE EXPRESS PROVISIONS
OF
THIS AGREEMENT, ALL LICENSES GRANTED BY ALTAIRNANO ARE GRANTED “AS IS,” AND EACH
PARTY HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE THAT THE
PROCESSING, PRODUCTION OR MANUFACTURE OF WHITE TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
HEREUNDER WILL BE SUCCESSFUL, IN WHOLE OR IN PART.
SECTION
6. LIMITATION
OF LIABILITY
6.1 No
Indirect Damages.
NEITHER
PARTY SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION SUCH DAMAGES OR LIABILITIES FOR LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF
BUSINESS, FRUSTRATION OF ECONOMIC OR BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS, LOSS OF PROFITS,
OR
COST OF CAPITAL, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT
OR
OTHERWISE, EVEN IF A PARTY HERETO HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
SECTION
7. TERM
AND TERMINATION
7.1 Term.
The
term of this Agreement (“Term”)
shall
commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect (a) with respect
to
the Licensed Patents, until the earlier of (i) on a country by country basis,
the last to expire Valid Claim of the Licensed Patents or (ii) the dissolution
of ALSHER in accordance with the terms of the Limited Liability Company
Agreement, and (b) with respect to the Licensed Technology, until dissolution
of ALSHER in accordance with the terms of the Limited Liability Company
Agreement.
7.2 Termination
for Breach. If
either
Party (the “Breaching
Party”)
materially breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or
obligations under this Agreement, the other Party (the “Non-Breaching
Party”)
shall
have the right, at its sole election, to terminate this Agreement upon providing
ninety (90) days’ (or forty-five (45) days’ in the case of breach for
non-payment) written notice to the Breaching Party, such notice specifying
the
alleged breach in reasonable detail; provided, however, that if the Breaching
Party shall cure the breach within the ninety (90) or forty-five (45) day
period, as applicable, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Breaching Party disputes in
good
faith the existence of a breach under this Agreement, the Non-Breaching Party
shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement unless and until the
dispute is resolved in the Non-Breaching Party’s favor (i.e. a final
determination that the Breaching Party has materially breached this Agreement
and has failed to cure such breach) through the dispute resolution provisions
of
Section 8. All amounts not in dispute shall continue to be timely
paid.
12
7.3 Termination
for Bankruptcy.
If
at any
time during the Term, an Event of Bankruptcy relating to ALSHER
occurs,
Altairnano
shall
have, in addition to all other legal and equitable rights and remedies available
hereunder, the option to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days’ written
notice to ALSHER. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Parties agree that the licenses granted by Altairnano to
ALSHER under Section 2.1 of this Agreement are, and shall otherwise be deemed
to
be, for purposes of 11
U.S.C.
§365(n) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Code”),
licenses
of rights to “intellectual property” as defined under the Code, and that ALSHER,
as licensee of such intellectual property from Altairnano, shall retain and
may
fully exercise all of its rights and elections under the Code. Altairnano shall
use reasonable efforts during the term of this Agreement to create and maintain
current copies or, if not amenable to copying, descriptions or other appropriate
embodiments, to the extent feasible, of all documents and records evidencing
conception or reduction to practice of any invention claimed or disclosed in
any
Licensed Intellectual Property.
7.4 Mutual
Agreement.
The
Parties may terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part, at any time upon
mutual written agreement pursuant to the Limited Liability Company
Agreement.
7.5 Effect
of Termination.
The
Parties rights upon termination of this Agreement shall be set forth in Section
12.04 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement.
7.6 Accrued
Obligations, Survival.
Expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not relieve the Parties of
any
obligation accruing before such expiration or termination, including, without
limitation, the obligation to make payments in connection with activities
commenced or performed before such expiration or termination. The provisions
of
Sections 4.1, 4.2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 and Exhibit
A
to the
extent definitions are embodied in the preceding listed Sections, shall survive
the expiration or termination of this Agreement. Any expiration or termination
of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to the rights of either Party
against the other Party accrued or accruing under this Agreement before
expiration or termination.
SECTION
8. DISPUTE
RESOLUTION
8.1 Negotiation.
The
Parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any and all disputes that arise
between them promptly, voluntarily and amicably.
SECTION
9. GENERAL
PROVISIONS
9.1 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the
State of Delaware, without reference to conflict of laws rules and provisions.
Subject to Section 8, each Party hereby irrevocably consents to the exclusive
jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Delaware in connection with any action
or proceeding brought by either Party against the other Party arising out of
or
relating to this Agreement.
9.2 Notices.
All
notices, requests, consent and other communications given or made by a
Party under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given
(i) three (3) days after mailing when mailed (by registered or certified
mail, postage paid, only), (ii) on the date sent when made by facsimile
transmission with confirmation of receipt, or (iii) on the date received
when delivered in person or by overnight commercial courier.
All
notices shall be provided to the address set forth below or such other
place as such Party may from time to time designate in writing. Each Party
may alter its address set forth below by notice in writing to the other
Party.
13
Altairnano:
|
Altairnano,
Inc.
000
Xxxxxx Xxx
Xxxx,
XX 00000
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
Attn:
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
|
ALSHER:
|
AlSher
Titania, LLC
000
Xxxxxx XxxXxxx, XX 00000
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
Attn:
President
|
9.3 Export
Controls.
This
Agreement is made subject to any restrictions concerning the export of materials
and intellectual property from the United States which may be imposed upon
or
related to either Party from time to time by the Government of the United
States. Without limiting the foregoing, neither Party or
its
Affiliates
will
export, directly or indirectly, any intellectual property of the other Party
or
any product utilizing such intellectual property to any countries for which
the
United States Government or any agency thereof at the time of export requires
an
export license or other governmental approval, without first obtaining the
written consent to do so from the Department of Commerce or other agency of
the
United States Government when required by applicable statute or
regulation.
9.4 Force
Majeure.
Neither
Party shall be held liable or responsible to the other Party nor be deemed
to
have defaulted under or breached this Agreement for failure or delay in
fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement, other than an obligation
to
make a payment, when such failure or delay is caused by or results from fire,
floods, embargoes, government regulations, prohibitions or interventions, war,
acts of war (whether war be declared or not), insurrections, riots, civil
commotions, strikes, lockouts, acts of God, or any other cause beyond the
reasonable control of the affected Party
and
without such Party’s fault or negligence; provided that the affected Party
notifies the unaffected Party as soon as reasonably possible, and resumes
performance hereunder as soon as reasonably possible following cessation of
such
force majeure event.
9.5 Relationship
between the Parties.
The
relationship between the Parties is solely that of independent contractors.
Neither Party nor its employees, agents or representatives shall be considered
agents, partners, franchisees, employees, owners, or representatives of the
other Party, or parties to a joint venture. Neither Party has the authority,
and
neither Party shall act or represent itself, directly or by implication, as
having the authority to bind or create any obligation or liability on behalf
of
the other Party.
14
9.6 Partial
Invalidation of Licensed Patents.
The
validity of this Agreement shall not be affected by the fact that one or more
of
the Licensed Patents or any claim therein should finally be declared
invalid.
9.7 Expenses.
Except
as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of the Parties shall pay its own
fees and expenses, including any legal and accountants’ fees, incurred by it in
connection with the preparation or performance of this Agreement.
9.8 Assignment.
Neither
Party shall assign or transfer this Agreement, or any rights or obligations
under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party,
and
any attempt to do so without such consent will be void. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement, however, either Party may, with written notice
to the other Party but without the other Party’s consent, assign or transfer
this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder to a successor of all
or
substantially all of such Party’s assets, stock or business to which this
Agreement relates (whether by sale, acquisition, merger, operation of law or
otherwise), so long as such successor shall assume (expressly in writing or
by operation of law) the performance of all of the terms of this Agreement.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties
and
their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns.
9.9 Severability.
If one
or more provisions in this Agreement are ruled entirely or partly invalid or
unenforceable by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction,
then: (i) all provisions not ruled to be invalid or unenforceable shall remain
unaffected; (ii) the effect of such ruling shall be limited to the
body making the ruling; and (iii) the provision(s) held wholly or
partly invalid or unenforceable shall be deemed amended, and the Parties shall
reform the provision(s) to the minimum extent necessary to render them valid
and
enforceable in conformity with the Parties’ intent as manifested
herein.
9.10 Amendment;
Waiver.
This
Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a writing that
is signed by duly authorized representatives of both Parties and that
specifically identifies the provision or provisions of this Agreement being
amended, modified or supplemented. No term or provision hereof will be
considered waived by either Party, and no breach excused by either Party,
unless such waiver or consent is in writing signed on behalf of the Party
against whom the waiver is asserted. Without limiting the foregoing, no
consent by either Party to, or waiver of, a breach by either Party, whether
express or implied, will constitute a consent to, waiver of, or excuse of
any other, different, or subsequent breach by either Party.
9.11 Representation
by Legal Counsel.
Each
Party represents that it has been represented by legal counsel in connection
with the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and acknowledges that it
has
participated in the drafting hereof. In interpreting and applying the terms
and
provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree that no presumption
shall exist or be implied against the Party that drafted such terms and
provisions.
15
9.12 Counterparts;
Facsimile Signatures.
This
Agreement may be executed by original or facsimile signature in
two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but both of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. If this
Agreement is executed in counterparts, no signatory hereto shall be bound
until both Parties have duly executed or caused to be duly executed (by original
or facsimile signature) a counterpart of this Agreement. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Parties shall deliver original execution copies of this
Agreement to one another as soon as practicable following execution
thereof.
9.13 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement, including all exhibits to this Agreement which are hereby
incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties
relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or
simultaneous representations,
discussions, proposals, negotiations, letters of intent, and
agreements,
whether
oral, written or based on a course of dealing or performance, with respect
to
the subject matter hereof.
9.14 Further
Actions.
Each
Party agrees to execute, acknowledge, and deliver such further instruments
and
to do all such other acts, as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out
the
purposes and intent of this Agreement.
[Signatures
on Next Page]
16
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
duly
authorized representatives of the Parties have duly executed and delivered
this
License Agreement on the dates set forth below to be effective as of the
Effective Date.
ALTAIRNANO,
INC.
|
ALSHER
TITANIA, LLC
|
By:
/s/___________________________________
|
By:
/s/_______________________________
|
Name:
Title:
Date:
April
24,
2007
|
Name:
Title:
Date:
April
24,
2007
|
17
EXHIBIT
A
DEFINITIONS
As
used
in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following
meanings:
1.1 “Affiliate”
shall
mean a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity that directly, or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or
is
under common control with a Party to this Agreement. For such purposes,
“control” or “controlled by” and “under common control with” shall mean the
possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and
policies of an entity, whether through the ownership of voting stock or
partnership interest, by contract or otherwise. In the case of a corporation,
the direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of its
outstanding voting shares shall in any event be deemed to confer control, it
being understood that the direct or indirect ownership of a lesser percentage
shall not necessarily preclude the existence of control.
1.2 “ALSHER
Fields”
means
collectively the ALSHER TiO2
Pigment
Field and the ALSHER Titanium Materials Field.
1.3 “ALSHER
TiO2
Pigment Field”
shall
mean all uses and applications of the Licensed Intellectual Property in the
processing, production, manufacture of, and sale of white titanium dioxide
pigment.
1.4 “ALSHER
Titanium Materials Field”
shall
mean (i) all uses and applications of the Licensed Intellectual Property in
the
processing, production, manufacture of, and manufacture of on its behalf, any
titanium -containing material outside of the ALSHER TiO2
Pigment
Field, other than any battery or nano electrode materials (including, without
limitation, lithium titanates); and (ii) all uses and applications of the
Licensed Intellectual Property in the sale of any titanium-containing material
outside of the ALSHER TiO2
Pigment
Field, other than any battery or nano electrode materials (including, without
limitation, lithium titanates), exclusively to Altairnano pursuant to the terms
of the Supply Agreement.
1.5 “AHPP”
or
“Altairnano
Hydrochloric Pigment Process”
means
the proprietary process that extracts titanium values from ore to produce
pigment grade and other high quality TiO2
and
other titanium containing materials. Various portions of the AHPP are disclosed
in the Licensed Patents. The AHPP does not include any product or process
disclosed in any Altairnano patent or patent application not referenced on
Exhibit B or any proprietary process related thereto.
1.6 “Agreement”
means
this License Agreement, together with all exhibits annexed hereto, as the same
may be modified (in accordance with the terms hereof) and in effect from time
to
time.
1.7 “Confidential
Information”
shall
mean all Know-How and other non-public and proprietary materials, products,
processes or information, including, without limitation, information relating
to
Licensed Patents, research, development, product plans, experiments, results,
manufacturing processes, manufacturing and operating costs, products, services,
customers, markets, software, hardware, marketing, financial, regulatory,
personnel and other business information and plans, that is, was or are
disclosed or supplied by a Party (the “Disclosing Party”)
to the
other Party (the “Receiving
Party”)
in
connection with this Agreement, and any and all Licensed Improvements or
Technology Improvements, whether in oral, written, graphic or electronic form
and whether in existence as of the Effective Date or developed or acquired
in
the future. Confidential Information that is disclosed in a writing or other
tangible medium must be designated in writing, or marked, as confidential or
proprietary, and Confidential Information that is disclosed orally, visually,
or
in other intangible medium, must be confirmed in writing as confidential or
proprietary within thirty (30) days after the first disclosure to the Receiving
Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include
any part of the foregoing that:
1.7.1 was
already known to the Receiving Party as evidenced by the Receiving Party’s
competent, contemporaneous written records, other than any portion of such
information that was under an obligation of confidentiality at the time of
its
disclosure;
1.7.2 was
generally available to the public or was otherwise part of the public domain
at
the time of disclosure of such information to the Receiving Party;
1.7.3 became
generally available to the public or otherwise becomes part of the public domain
after disclosure of such information to the Receiving Party, other than by
breach of this Agreement by the Receiving Party or by anyone to whom the
Receiving Party disclosed such information;
1.7.4 was
subsequently lawfully disclosed to the Receiving Party by a Third Party other
than in breach of a confidentiality obligation of such Third Party to the
Disclosing Party; or
1.7.5 was
independently developed or discovered by employees of the Receiving Party who
had no access to the Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party and did
not make use of the Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party, as
demonstrated by competent, contemporaneous written records.
1.8 “Controlled”
shall
mean the legal authority or right of a Party to grant a license or sublicense
of
intellectual property rights to the other Party, without breaching the terms
of
any agreement with a Third Party, infringing upon the intellectual property
rights of a Third Party, or misappropriating the proprietary or trade secret
information of a Third Party.
1.9 “Event
of Bankruptcy”
shall
mean: (a) filing in any court or agency pursuant to any statute or regulation
of
any state or country, a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for
reorganization or for an arrangement or for the appointment of a receiver or
trustee of the Bankrupt Party or of its assets; (b) proposing a written
agreement of composition or extension of a Bankrupt Party’s debts, (c) being
served with an involuntary petition against the Bankrupt Party, filed in any
insolvency proceeding, and such petition shall not be dismissed within sixty
(60) days after the filing thereof; (d) proposing or being a party to any
dissolution or liquidation
when
insolvent;
or (e)
making an assignment for the benefit of creditors.
ii
1.10 “Know-How”
shall
mean inventions, ideas, discoveries, data, instructions, designs, concepts,
drawings, prototypes, reports, information, processes, methods, techniques,
materials, principles, computer software, technology, protocols, procedures,
results, formulae, trade secrets or other know-how, whether or not
patentable.
1.11 “Knowledge”
shall,
in relation to a Party, mean the actual knowledge of a Party’s executive level
employees, and, in the case of Altairnano, scientific and technical employees
who have been actively involved in the development of the Licensed Intellectual
Property.
1.12 “Licensed Improvements”
shall
mean all Know-How discovered, conceived, reduced to practice or otherwise
developed or acquired by ALSHER or its Affiliates or any employees or agents
of
ALSHER or its Affiliates that constitute(s) adaptations, advances, alterations,
updates, modifications, enhancements, variations
or
improvements to any of the technology disclosed in any of the Licensed
Intellectual Property that is dependent upon the underlying Licensed
Intellectual Property.
1.13 “Licensed
Intellectual Property”
shall
mean
collectively Licensed Patents and Licensed Technology.
1.14 “Licensed
Patents”
shall
mean all
(a)
patents and patent applications listed on Exhibit
B,
(b) any
patents issuing from any of the foregoing patent applications, (c) foreign
counterparts of any of the foregoing, and (d) any patents or patent applications
that claim or derive any right of priority from any of the patents and patent
applications listed on Exhibit
B
(including any reissues, re-examinations, confirmations, extensions, renewals,
substitutions, continuations, divisions, patent term extensions, and
continuation-in-part applications (only to the extent, however, that the
continuation-in-part applications do not include new matter)), but only to
the
extent that all of the claims of such patents and patent applications derive
such right of priority or are directed to substantially the same subject matter
as the claims of the patents and patent applications listed on Exhibit
B.
1.15 “Licensed
Technology”
shall
mean all Know-How, and other proprietary information, Controlled by Altairnano
that is (1) in existence as of the Effective Date, and is related to (a) any
and
all processes for the conversion of ore into titanium containing materials,
and
(b) AHPP and any methods of using the AHPP to produce titanium dioxide pigment
as disclosed in any of the Licensed Patents as of the Effective Date, (2)
Licensed Improvements, and (3) Technology Improvements. In addition, if
Altairnano in its discretion provides to ALSHER any such Know-How or other
proprietary information that is useful to practice the Licensed Patents in
the
ALSHER Fields (whether or not strictly necessary for such purposes and whether
or not in existence as of or after the Effective Date), then such provided
and
useful Know-How and other proprietary information shall be deemed Licensed
Technology.
1.16 “Limited
Liability Agreement”
shall
mean the Limited Liability Company Agreement entered into between ALSHER,
Altairnano, and Sherwin dated on or around the date hereof;
1.17 “Supply
Agreement”
shall
mean the Supply Agreement between Altairnano and ALSHER, dated on or around
the
date hereof.
iii
1.18 “Term”
shall
have
the
meaning set forth in Section 7.1
1.19 “Territory”
shall
mean all the countries in the world.
1.20 “Third
Party”
shall
mean any person or entity that is not Altairnano or ALSHER.
1.21 “Technology Improvements”
shall
mean all Know-How discovered, conceived, reduced to practice or otherwise
developed or acquired by ALSHER or its Affiliates (except for Altair
Nanotechnologies, Inc. and any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries) or any
employees or agents of ALSHER or its Affiliates (except for Altair
Nanotechnologies, Inc. and any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries) that
constitute(s) adaptations, advances, alterations, updates, modifications,
enhancements, variations
or
improvements to any of the technology not disclosed in any of the Licensed
Intellectual Property and that is not dependent upon the underlying Licensed
Intellectual Property.
1.22 “Valid
Claim”
shall
mean
a claim
of any issued, unexpired patent that has not been revoked or held unenforceable
or invalid by a decision of a court or governmental agency of competent
jurisdiction from which no appeal can be taken, or with respect to which an
appeal is not taken within the time allowed for appeal, and that has not been
disclaimed, denied or admitted to be invalid or unenforceable through reissue,
disclaimer or otherwise, and that has not been lost through an interference
proceeding or by abandonment.
1.23 Additional
Definitions:
Defined
Term
|
Section
in which Defined
|
Breaching
Party
|
7.2
|
Code
|
7.3
|
Effective
Date
|
Preamble
|
Altairnano
|
Preamble
|
ALSHER
|
Preamble
|
Non-Breaching
Party
|
7.2
|
Party,
Parties
|
Preamble
|
Third
Party Infringement Action
|
3.7
|
iv
EXHIBIT B
LIST
OF LICENSED PATENTS
U.S.
Patents
Lead
Attorney
|
Docket
Number
|
Client
Ref No
|
Case
Type
|
SubStatus
|
Application
Number
|
Application
Date
|
Patent
Number
|
Issue
Date
|
Title
|
Published
application number
|
Application
publishing date
|
Expiration
date
|
PN
|
10225-11
|
A1
|
Regular
|
Issued
|
09/500,207
|
2/7/2000
|
6,375,923
|
4/23/2002
|
2/7/2020
|
|||
PN
|
10225-9
|
A2
|
Regular
|
Issued
|
09/503,365
|
2/14/2000
|
6,440,383
|
8/27/2002
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM CHLORIDE SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM
DIOXIDE
|
2/7/2020
|
||
PN
|
10225-10
|
A3
|
Regular
|
Issued
|
09/503,636
|
2/14/2000
|
6,548,039
|
4/15/2003
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
2/7/2020
|
||
PN
|
10225-57
|
A28
|
Regular
|
Pending
|
10/712,768
|
11/13/2003
|
PROCESS
TO MAKE RUTILE PIGMENT FROM AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS
|
|||||
PN
|
10225-96
|
A34
|
Regular
|
Pending
|
12/10/2004
|
REFRACTORY
TITANIFERROUS ORES
|
||||||
Pending
|
10/732,864
|
12/10/2003
|
METHOD
FOR PRODUCING STRUCTURES
|
US2005/0129923
|
||||||||
10/806,698
|
03/23/2004
|
PROCESS
FOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS OF TiO2
PARTICLES AND OTHER CERAMIC MATERIALS
|
US2005/0214466
|
i
Foreign
Patents
Lead
Attorney
|
Docket
Number
|
Altairnano
Ref
|
Country
|
Filing
Type
|
SubStatus
|
Application
Number
|
Application
Date
|
Patent
Number
|
Issue
Date
|
Title
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-33
|
A1
|
European
Patent Convention
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939873.6
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
5/12/2004
|
PROCESSING
TITANIFEROUS ORE TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-58
|
A1
|
Finland
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939873.6
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
5/12/2004
|
PROCESSING
TITANIFEROUS ORE TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-61
|
A1
|
Great
Britain
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939873.6
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
5/12/2004
|
PROCESSING
TITANIFEROUS ORE TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-59
|
A1
|
France
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939873.6
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
5/12/2004
|
PROCESSING
TITANIFEROUS ORE TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-60
|
A1
|
Germany
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939873.6
|
6/14/2000
|
6E+07
|
5/12/2004
|
PROCESSING
TITANIFEROUS ORE TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-32
|
A1
|
Canada
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Pending
|
2377261
|
6/14/2000
|
|
|
PROCESSING
TITANIFEROUS ORE TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-31
|
A1
|
Australia
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Issued
|
54887/00
|
6/14/2000
|
770209
|
6/3/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-12
|
A1
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Completed
|
US00/16363
|
6/14/2000
|
|
|
PROCESSING
TITANIFEROUS ORE TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-28
|
A2
|
Australia
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Issued
|
19128/01
|
6/14/2000
|
769225
|
5/6/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-30
|
A2
|
European
Patent Convention
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
982051.5
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
11/10/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-85
|
A2
|
Germany
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
982051.5
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
11/10/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
ii
Lead
Attorney
|
Docket
Number
|
Altairnano
Ref
|
Country
|
Filing
Type
|
SubStatus
|
Application
Number
|
Application
Date
|
Patent
Number
|
Issue
Date
|
Title
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-86
|
A2
|
Finland
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
982051.5
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
11/10/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-88
|
A2
|
Great
Britain
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
982051.5
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
11/10/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-87
|
A2
|
France
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
982051.5
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
11/10/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-29
|
A2
|
Canada
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Pending
|
2375623
|
6/14/2000
|
|
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-13
|
A2
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Completed
|
US00/16355
|
6/14/2000
|
|
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM CHLORIDE SOLUTIONS TO ULTRAFINE TITANIUM
DIOXIDE
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-27
|
A3
|
European
Patent Convention
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939870.2
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
8/18/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-92
|
A3
|
Finland
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939870.2
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
8/18/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-93
|
A3
|
France
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939870.2
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
8/18/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-94
|
A3
|
Germany
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939870.2
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
8/18/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-25
|
A3
|
Australia
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Issued
|
54886/00
|
6/14/2000
|
776394
|
12/23/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-95
|
A3
|
Great
Britain
|
PCT/EPC
Application
|
Issued
|
939870.2
|
6/14/2000
|
1E+06
|
8/18/2004
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-26
|
A3
|
Canada
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Pending
|
2377241
|
6/14/2000
|
|
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-14
|
A3
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Completed
|
US00/16360
|
6/14/2000
|
|
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENT
|
|||||||||||
PN
|
10225-34
|
A3
|
Japan
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Published
|
2001-516860
|
6/14/2000
|
|
|
PROCESSING
AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS TO TITANIUM DIOXIDE
PIGMENT
|
iii
Lead
Attorney
|
Docket
Number
|
Altairnano
Ref
|
Country
|
Filing
Type
|
SubStatus
|
Application
Number
|
Application
Date
|
Patent
Number
|
Issue
Date
|
Title
|
||||||||||
PN
|
10225-97
|
A28
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Patent
Cooperation Treaty
|
Pending
|
PCT/US2004/037421
|
11/10/2004
|
|
|
PROCESS
TO MAKE RUTILE PIGMENT FROM AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS
|
||||||||||
PN
|
10225-101
|
A28
|
Taiwan
|
National
|
Pending
|
93134709
|
11/12/2004
|
|
|
PROCESS
TO MAKE RUTILE PIGMENT FROM AQUEOUS TITANIUM SOLUTIONS
|
||||||||||
Japan
|
2003-507300
|
iv
EXHIBIT
C
CONFIRMATORY
PATENT LICENSE
Date:
Parties:
(1) “The
Licensor”: ___________________________ having its registered office at
____________________.
(2) “The
Licensee”:___________________________ having its registered office
at
____________________
Recitals:
By
an
Agreement (“the Main Agreement”) dated __________ 2007 and made between the
Licensor and the Licensee, the Licensor agreed for the consideration therein
contained inter alia to grant to the Licensee a license under the Licensed
Patents (as that term is defined in the Main Agreement) being this
License.
Operative
provisions:
1. |
IN
pursuance of the Main Agreement and for the consideration referred
to in
the Main Agreement the Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee the
exclusive license from the __ day of ____________200_ to use the
Licensed
Intellectual Property (as defined in the Main Agreement) subject
to the
provisions of the Main
Agreement.
|
2. |
SUBJECT
as provided in the Main Agreement this License shall determine
without
notice in the event of the determination for any reason of the
Main
Agreement.
|
WITNESS
of which this Agreement has been executed as a deed and delivered the day and
year first above written.
EXECUTED
as a Deed by acting
by:
[name
of
director] and:
[name
of
director/secretary]
EXECUTED
as a Deed by acting
by:
[name
of
director] and:
[name
of
director/secretary]