PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
4(a)(ii)
THIS
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is
made
and
entered into by and between MK ENTERPRISES LLC, a Nevada corporation having
a
place of business at 0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000 (hereinafter
referred to as “MK”), and VALCENT PRODUCTS, INC., an Alberta Canada corporation,
having a place of business at Xxxxx 000, 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx (hereinafter referred to as “VPI”):
A. MK
is now
and has been engaged in the development of New Products.
B. VPI
wishes to evaluate the New Products developed by MK to determine the commercial
potential of such New Products.
C. VPI
wishes to have the option to elect certain ones of the New Products for
licensing from MK (“Licensed New Product”) whereby VPI will develop and
commercialize the Licensed New Product.
D. MK
is
willing to perform the product development
desired by VPI on the terms set forth
herein,
and VPI is willing to engage
MK to
perform
the
development services on such terms.
NOW,
THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy
of which
are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Definitions. As
used
herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 “New
Products” shall mean and include any goods and services developed by MK in the
past or future, with the exception of the products listed on Exhibit “A”,
attached hereto and made a part hereof, and with the exception of the products
listed on Exhibit “B”, attached hereto and made a part hereof, which are the
subject of the Master License Agreement executed concurrently
herewith.
1.2 “Development
Program” shall mean the individual tasks to be performed by MK for the
development of a New Product. The Development Program shall include the schedule
for completion of the individual tasks to be performed pursuant to the
Development Program, including an estimated budget therefore, such Development
Program to be agreed upon by the parties hereto.
1.3 “MK
Intellectual Property” shall mean and include MK Patent Rights and MK Technology
owned
by
MK or licensed by MK from Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx as of the
Effective Date hereof and MK Patent Rights and MK Technology developed or
licensed in the future during the term of this Product Development Agreement,
all relating to the New Products; provided, however, MK Intellectual Property
shall not include any product covered by the patents and applications listed
on
Exhibit “A”.
1.4 “MK
Technology” shall mean the Technology owned by MK or
licensed by MK from Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx and
any
future Technology developed solely by MK or jointly with VPI.
1.5 “VPI
Technology” shall mean the Technology developed independently of MK and Xxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxx and owned by VPI.
1.6 “Technology”
shall mean all trade secrets,
know-how, copyrights, and, to the extent not included therein, all general
and
specific knowledge, experience and information and rights with respect thereto,
including, without
limitation, all concepts,
ideas, developments, plans, technical
data, processes, procedures, methods, formulae, designs,
inventions, discoveries, machines, compositions of matter, specifications,
characteristics, raw materials, material data, statistical theory and data,
hardware design data, processing techniques, software, algorithms, computer
programs, design features, experimental tests, schematics, manufacturing
procedures, test procedures, all physical manifestations or embodiments of
such
knowledge, experience and information, including without limitation all pilot
and prototype models and all original works of authorship, interim work product,
modifications and derivative works, documents and writings and all copies
thereof developed or made by MK including, without limitation,
all
chemical
and manufacturing information, schematics, lay-out drawings, assembly drawings,
specifications, parts lists, inspection
procedures and test procedures, and other technical information
or rights, whether patentable or unpatentable, discovered,
developed, or acquired during the term of this Product Development
Agreement
by MK or
VPI and related to New Products.
1.7 “MK
Patent Rights” shall mean and include any patents and patent applications on
inventions included in the MK Technology invented or licensed by MK or jointly
invented with VPI relating to
MK
Technology
and/or
any divisions, continuations-in-part, applications or reissues
thereof, and all United States and foreign patents issued upon any
such
applications.
1.8 “Licensed
New Product” shall mean a New Product elected by VPI pursuant to Paragraph 11
which embodies, employs, includes or incorporates any of the MK Patent Rights
and/or MK Technology.
1.9 “Ancillary
Products” shall have the meaning set forth in the attached Product License
Agreement.
1.10 “Net
Sales”shall
have the meaning set forth in the attached Product License Agreement.
1.11 “Territory”
shall have the meaning set forth in the attached Product License Agreement.
1.12 “Confidential
Information” shall mean all MK Technology,
except any information
which:
(1) is
or shall
have been in the possession of VPI prior to disclosure thereof to VPI by
MK;
(2) is,
or
through no fault of VPI becomes published or otherwise available to others
or
the public under circumstances such that such others or the public may utilize
the information without any direct or indirect obligation to MK;
(3) is,
or at any
time may be, acquired by VPI from any third party rightfully possessed of the
information and having no direct or indirect obligation to MK with respect
to
same; or
(4) is
independently invented by an employee or consultant of VPI who has not had
access to the information by virtue of this Agreement.
Further
and without limitation on any particular obligation of confidence recited
herein, VPI shall not be permitted to justify disregarding the obligations
of
confidence herein by using the information to guide a search by VPI for
publications or other publicly available information, selecting individual
pieces of public information, and fitting them together by use of integrated
disclosure to contend the information is in the public domain.
1.13 “Effective
Date” shall mean the date of execution of this License Agreement, which is the
day on which this Product Development Agreement shall begin effect.
2. Engagement
of MK.
VPI
hereby engages MK
to
develop New Products and agrees to supply MK with the personnel,
materials, equipment and facilities required for
the
performance thereof, and
MK
hereby accepts such engagement.
3. Scope
of Engagement.
Pursuant
to its engagement hereunder,
MK shall use its best efforts to develop New Products and to develop New
Products in accordance with Development Programs agreed upon by the parties
hereto.
4. MK
Consultant.
MK
agrees to employ Xxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxx as a consultant for the development of New Products and for
performing the Development Programs.
5. Facilities,
Personnel, Equipment and Materials.
VPI
agrees to provide the facilities, personnel, and all
equipment, materials,
and
other tangible property required to perform the Development
Programs.
All
equipment, materials,
and
other
tangible
property
acquired
and used
for
the
development of New Products by MK under this Product Development Agreement
shall
be the property of VPI unless otherwise agreed in writing by the
parties. Should
MK
purchase any such
equipment, materials,
or
other
tangible property, MK shall be reimbursed for such property and all such
property shall become the property of VPI unless otherwise agreed in writing
by
the parties. When
MK
is reimbursed for such property, it shall immediately deliver to the VPI a
xxxx
of sale, financing statement and any other documents reasonably requested by
VPI
and at VPI’s cost to evidence its ownership therein.
6. Development
Costs.
VPI
shall pay all development costs on a cost basis for the development of New
Products pursuant to Paragraph 5 of this Agreement, such costs including rent,
utilities, maintenance and repair and non-personal related miscellaneous
overhead costs, and shall further
pay
MK for
the
following expenditures of MK:
6.1 The
actual costs of all expenditures made for telephone, travel and contract
services rendered by MK for
the
development of New Products.
6..2 A
pro
rata share of all wages of MK personnel, other than Xx. Xxxxx, utilized in
the
Development Program, determined monthly on an employee-by-employee basis based
on the percentage of time such employee spent on the Development Program (net
of
all payroll taxes and other benefits payable to such employee) plus
20%. The
rate
of payment payable as wages to personnel utilized in the Development Program
shall not exceed the rate of payment payable by or through MK
to
such personnel during the term of this Agreement for their
work on any other project.
7. Timing
of Payments.
VPI
shall
pay all amounts owing to MK pursuant to Paragraphs 5, and 6 within twenty (20)
days after the receipt of a Statement, as described in Paragraph 8, from MK
itemizing the amounts due.
8. Accounting,
Inspections and Reports.
8.1 Within
twenty (20) days after the last day of each month of the term hereof commencing
on the month of the Effective Date, MK shall deliver to VPI a detailed, itemized
Statement (“Statement”) specifying the number of hours expended by each staff
member on the Development Program on a category-by-category and task-by-task
basis, the amount billed for such time, a description of all purchases made
by
MK in connection with the Development Program within such period and the cost
of
each item purchased by MK, and a detailed list of all other expenditures or
items for which payment is requested pursuant to Paragraphs 6, and 7. MK shall
retain for the benefit of VPI for three years following the termination of
this
Agreement, all invoices, purchase orders, receipts, time cards and other
documentary evidence supporting such charges, and shall supply
VPI with
copies of any or all such items on request.
8.2 VPI
shall
have the right during normal business hours to inspect the facilities of MK
and
the records, papers and other data related to the activities of
MK
hereunder.
8.3 Within
fifteen (15) days after the earlier of (a) the completion of each task and
subtask identified in the Development Plan, or (b) the end of each sixty day
period beginning on the Effective Date of this Agreement, MK shall deliver
to
the VPI a Status Report (“Status Report”) containing the following.
8.3.1 On
a
subtask-by-subtask basis, a summary of the progress made in the Development
Program as of the end of the reporting period including a discussion of the
significant results of the research and development and an accounting of the
manhours and supplies expended for the period.
8.3.2 An
assessment of whether the progress on the Development Program is on budget
pursuant to the estimated costs set forth in the Development Program and on
Schedule as set forth in the Development Program and, if not, an estimate of
the
extent to which the Development Program is ahead of or behind budget and
Schedule on a task-by-task basis.
9. Completion
of Development Program.
The
agreed completion of a Development Program shall occur upon the earliest of
one
of the following events (“Completion Date”):
9.1 The
delivery of both (i) a working prototype pursuant to the Development
Program sufficient
to permit the use or sale of one
or
more Products; and
(ii)
a Status Report from MK stating that all tasks set forth in the Development
Program have been completed.
9.2 A
Status
Report from MK stating that the tasks set forth in the Development Program
have
been pursued in a diligent manner and that MK has determined in good faith
that
the continuation of the Development Program is unlikely
to
produce a
working
prototype or a commercially marketable Product.
9.3 Twenty-four
(24) months after the date of the initiation of the Development Program.
10. Right
to License. In
consideration of the consideration paid pursuant to Paragraphs 4, 5, and
6,
VPI
shall have the right to
license
any New
Product developed pursuant to a Development
Program
or developed by Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx. Such license shall be pursuant to the terms
and conditions set forth in the attached Product License Agreement, Exhibit
“D”,
unless amended pursuant to mutual agreement of the parties. Should there be
any
disagreement concerning the license, such matter shall be submitted to mediation
and arbitration as set forth in Paragraph 19. The parties agree that any Product
License Agreement for the Plant Stimulator, described in Exhibit “C” hereto,
shall not require the payment of a License Fee, such set forth in Paragraph
3.1
of the Product License Agreement, Exhibit “D”.
11. Disclosure
and Patents.
11.1 Disclosure. MK
shall
disclose in writing in
the
Status Reports pursuant to Paragraph 8.3, all MK Technology
that is conceived or developed or reduced to practice, alone or jointly
with others, pursuant to a Development Program from the date of initiation
of
the Development Program
through
its Completion Date.
11.2 VPI
shall
have the right to apply for either patent or copyright protection on the
MK
Technology developed
pursuant to the Development Program. VPI
shall
bear the
expense of
obtaining patent or copyright protection and each party hereto shall have the
right to monitor the preparation and prosecution of any patent or copyright
applications.
MK shall have the right to request patent
protection in
certain foreign countries. Should
VPI decline to seek patent protection in such a foreign country,
then
MK shall
have the right, at its expense, to apply for protection in such a foreign
country
and
become the owner of any
resulting
Patent Rights; provided, however, that nothing
contained herein shall preclude one party from granting a license to use such
MK
Technology to the other party on such terms as then seem
appropriate.
11.3 VPI
agrees to cause such United States
and
foreign
patent applications filed by VPI and relating to the
MK
Technology to
be
owned exclusively
by Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx who has licensed all of his Patent Rights in past and
future MK Technology to MK.
VPI
further
agrees to perform all acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver all
instruments or writings reasonably requested and necessary for Xx. Xxxxx to
perfect his title to the MK Patent Rights and to secure and to obtain the record
title to such Patents Rights whenever possible. VPI shall bear all costs
incurred in the preparation and prosecution of all domestic and foreign patent
applications.
12. Confidentiality.
MK and
VPI shall comply with the restrictions on disclosure of Confidential Information
as set forth below:
12.1 VPI
agrees that all Confidential Information
relating
to MK Technology
shall for
all
purposes be regarded by MK as strictly confidential
and held
by
VPI in confidence and solely for the MK’s
benefit
and use.
Such
Confidential Information shall not be used by VPI or directly or indirectly
disclosed by
VPI to
any person
other than MK except with MK’s
written permission except as provided in Paragraph 10. The
obligation
of VPI
under this Paragraph shall survive any termination or expiration of this
Agreement
except a
termination caused by an uncured material breach by VPI in
its
performance under
this Agreement
which results in MK engaging another entity to conclude the
Development
Program.
12.2 MK
agrees
that all Confidential Information relating to VPI Technology shall for all
purposes be regarded by MK as strictly confidential and held by MK in confidence
and solely for
VPI’s
benefit and use. Such knowledge and information shall
not
be used by MK or directly or indirectly disclosed
by MK to any person other than VPI except
with VPI’s written permission. The obligation of MK under this
Paragraph shall
survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement
except a
termination caused by an uncured material breach by MK in
its
performance under this Agreement
which results in VPI engaging another entity to conclude the
Development
Program.
12.3 MK
agrees
that it shall cause all of its employees,
independent contractors and other agents to keep
all
Confidential Information confidential and agrees that before disclosing
such Confidential
Information to
any such
person, it shall cause such person to execute a written
nondisclosure agreement agreeing to keep such Confidential Information
confidential.
13. Term
and Termination.
13.1 Term.
The
term
of this Agreement shall be for a period of five years beginning on the Effective
Date hereof, subject to Paragraphs 13.2-13.6 below. Upon the expiration of
the
initial five-year term, this Agreement may be extended upon the mutual agreement
of the parties.
13.2 This
Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of the Master License Agreement
between the parties dated _______, 2005.
13.3 This
Agreement may be terminated by VPI at any time upon written notice of at least
thirty (30) days.
During
the
period between
the date of the termination notice and the termination date (the “Termination
Period”),
MK shall
not hire additional personnel or add personnel
to work on the Development Program, nor shall MK
purchase
additional equipment or make any other substantial expenditures toward the
Development Program inasmuch as the parties acknowledge that the Termination
Period is intended to be a time for an orderly wind-down of this Product
Development Agreement. MK shall be entitled to payment for all work performed
through the end of the Termination Period and shall not be entitled to other
damages or
payments as a result of the termination.
13.4 MK
shall
not be entitled to terminate this
Agreement except upon the breach or default of VPI
of the
terms
and conditions of this Agreement after its failure to
cure
pursuant to Section 13.6 hereof.
13.5 In
the
event that Xx. Xxxxx no longer consults with MK, VPI shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement.
13.6 In
the
event that either party hereto shall commit any breach of or default in any
of
the terms or conditions of this Agreement, and also shall fail to remedy such
default or breach within sixty (60) days after receipt of written notice thereof
from the other party hereto, the party giving notice may, at its option in
addition to any other remedies which it may have at law or in equity, terminate
this Agreement by sending notice of termination in writing to the other party
to
such effect, and such termination shall be effective as of the date of the
receipt of such notice.
13.7 Within
thirty (30) days after
the
Completion Date of the Development Program or within
thirty (30) days of termination of this Agreement for any reason, MK shall
reduce to tangible form all MK Technology relating to the Development Program
to
the extent possible and shall deliver to VPI all property described in Paragraph
5 held by or under the control of MK relating to Development
Programs.
14. Exclusive
Rights.
During
the term of this Agreement, neither MK nor VPI shall enter into any agreement
or
arrangement with any other person, firm, corporation or entity to conduct any
research of any kind within the scope and definition of
the
Development Program or which otherwise relates to New Products under
consideration for a Development Program.
15. Representations
and Warranties of MK. MK
hereby
makes the following representations and warranties:
15.1 MK
hereby
represents and warrants that to the best of its knowledge, the performance
of
the Development Programs or the New Products resulting therefrom will not
infringe upon any known patents.
15.2 MK
hereby
represents and warrants that it reasonably believes that it will be able to
develop the New Products through the performance of the Development Programs
and
that it will use its best efforts to do so.
15.3 Nothing
in this Agreement shall be construed as a warranty or representation by MK
that
the research and development in connection with the Development Programs will
lead to the successful completion of a commercial or otherwise marketable
Product.
15.4 MK
represents and warrants that Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx will personally participate
extensively in all phases of the Development Programs during the period of
his
consulting relationship with VPI.
15.5 MK
represents and warrants that it has no prior commitments, arrangements or
agreements with other parties which might interfere with or preclude the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
16. Representations
and Warranties of VPI.
16.1 VPI
represents and warrants that, as of the Effective Date, it is a company, duly
organized under the laws of Canada, and is in good standing and qualified to
do
business in any state where the nature of its business and properties so
require.
16.2 VPI
represents and warrants that the execution of this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate or VPI action, and VPI has the full power
and authority to enter into and carry out its obligations under this
Agreement.
16.3 VPI
covenants that it will not make any representations or warranties on behalf
of
MK with respect to the subjects of this Agreement in the offering for sale
of
any interests in VPI or in the raising of funds for VPI.
16.4 VPI
agrees to indemnify and hold MK harmless from any liabilities, costs and
expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses), obligations and causes of
action arising out of or related to any breach of the representations and
warranties made by VPI herein.
17. Independent
Contractor.
The
parties agree that the activities
of MK hereunder are in the capacity of an independent contractor and that MK
has
the authority to contract
and direct the performance of the Development Programs. The
number of employees used by MK in conducting operations
hereunder, their selection, and the hours of labor and compensation for services
performed shall be determined by MK. MK may subcontract with other persons
in
order to fulfill its obligations hereunder with the prior advance approval
in
writing by VPI; however, the employment of any subcontractor shall not release
MK from its obligations under the terms of this Agreement.
18. Right
of First Offer.
18.1 In
the
event MK desires to assign all or any part of its rights, privileges and
interests under this Agreement, MK shall first offer (“Right of First Offer”)
such assignment to VPI by notifying VPI in writing of the terms and conditions
upon which MK would be willing to make such an assignment; and VPI shall have
the right to acquire said rights, privileges and interests of MK by accepting
the offer in accordance with said terms and conditions or equivalent cash.
If
within fifteen (15) days after receipt of MK’s notice, VPI advises MK of its
acceptance of the offer as stated in the notice, MK agrees to promptly make
the
assignment to VPI on the stated terms and conditions and shall have an
additional thirty (30) business days, if the assignment price is less than
$1
Million Dollars and sixty (60) days if the assignment price is over $1 Million
Dollars, to pay for the same with delivery against payment.
18.2 If
within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of MK’s notice, VPI does not indicate its
acceptance of the offer as stated in the notice, MK shall thereafter have the
right, subject to the prior written consent of VPI, to make the assignment
to
another person, firm or corporation on the same terms and conditions as stated
in the notice. Should VPI not exercise its Right of First Offer and should
the
contemplated assignment not be completed within ninety (90) days from the date
of MK’s notice, or should the terms and conditions thereof be altered in any
way, this Right of First Offer shall be reinstated in any subsequent proposed
assignment, or the altered terms and conditions for the current transaction,
must again be offered by MK in accordance with the terms of Paragraph 18.1.
18.3 Immediately
prior to MK going into bankruptcy, VPI shall have a Right of First Offer on
any
of MK’s assets at fair market value.
18.4 It
is
hereby agreed that prior to sale to a third party contemplated pursuant to
Paragraphs 18.1 and 18.2 above, the purchaser shall agree to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement and to assume all of MK’s obligations to VPI
thereunder.
18.5 VPI
shall
have the right to transfer and/or assign this Agreement by providing written
notice to MK, provided that VPI is in good standing under this Agreement and
the
transferee or assignee assumes all obligations of VPI to MK under this
Agreement.
19. Mediation
and Arbitration.
If a
dispute arises between the parties regarding this Agreement, the parties agree
to resolve the dispute in the following manner:
(a) Negotiation.
(1) The
parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or
relating to this Agreement promptly by negotiation between executives of the
parties who have authority to settle the controversy. Any party may give the
other party written notice of any dispute not resolved in the normal course
of
business. Within 15 days after delivery of the notice, the receiving party
will
submit to the other a written response. The notice and the response will include
(i) a statement of each party’s position and a summary of arguments supporting
that position, and (ii) the name and title of the executive who will represent
that party and of any other person who will accompany the executive. Within
30
days after delivery of the disputing party’s notice, the executives of both
parties will meet at a mutually acceptable time and place, and thereafter as
often as they reasonably deem necessary, to attempt to resolve the dispute.
All
reasonable requests for information made by one party to the other will be
honored.
(2) All
negotiations pursuant to this clause are confidential and will be treated as
compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of applicable rules of
evidence.
(b) Non-binding
Mediation.
If the
dispute has not been resolved by negotiation within 60 days of the disputing
party’s notice, or if the parties failed to meet within 45 days, the parties
will endeavor to settle the dispute by mediation under the presently effective
Center for Public Resources (“CPR”) Model Procedure for Mediation of Business
Disputes. The neutral third party will be selected from the CPR Panels of
Distinguished Neutrals with the assistance of CPR.
(c) Arbitration.
Any
controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the
enforcement, breach, termination or validity thereof, that has not been resolved
by mediation pursuant to the preceding paragraph within 90 days from the
appointment of a neutral third party will be settled by arbitration in
accordance with the CPR Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration of Business
Disputes in effect on the date of this Agreement, by a sole arbitrator. If
the
parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator for a panel recommended by CPR, then
CPR
will select the arbitrator. Any other choice of law clause to the contrary
in
this Agreement notwithstanding, the arbitration will be governed by the United
States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1-16, and judgment upon the award rendered by
the Arbitrator may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The
place of the arbitration will be Houston, Texas. Insofar as the proceeding
relates to patents, it will also be governed by 35 U.S.C. § 294, to the extent
applicable. The arbitrator is not empowered to award trebled, punitive or any
other damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party irrevocably
waives any claim to recover any such damages. The arbitrator will make a
reasoned award. If the result achieved in arbitration by the party instituting
the arbitration is not more favorable to that party than the last offer made
by
the other party during the mediation, the former party will reimburse the legal
fees, expert fees and other expenses reasonably incurred by the latter in the
arbitration.
20. Applicable
Law. The
validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement shall be controlled
by and construed under the laws of the State of Texas.
21. Addresses
of the Parties for Notices and Payments.
Notices
and payments shall be delivered, postage and charges prepaid,
personally, by Federal Express or by the U.S. Postal
Service,
return receipt requested to the address set forth below for each party or such
other address or depository as may be designated from time to time.
22. Waiver.
The
failure of either party at any time to require
performance by the other party of any provision hereof
shall
not affect in any way the full right to require such performance at any time
thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party of any breach of any provision
hereof be taken or held to
be
a waiver
of the provision itself.
23. Attorneys’
Fees.
Should
an action be instituted to enforce any of the provisions of this
Agreement, or by reason of breach
or
default in any of the covenants, representations, warranties,
terms
or
conditions of this
Agreement, the
prevailing party
shall be entitled to recover costs and attorneys’fees
in
such amount as the court in such action shall adjudge reasonable.
24. Complete
Agreement.
All
documents and exhibits attached hereto
or
referred to herein
constitute
a part
of this Agreement.
This
Agreement contains all representations, warranties and agreements
made by the parties hereto relating to the subject
matter
hereof and supersedes any prior understandings, restrictions, representations,
warranties and agreements between them with respect thereto other than those
provided herein.
It
is the
intention
of the
parties to incorporate into this Agreement
their
full and complete understanding, and no amendment, modification
or addition hereto shall have effect or be binding
unless
it is in writing and signed by the parties hereto.
25. Titles.
The
titles to the sections of this Agreement are for
convenience
only and are not a part of this Agreement and shall have no effect upon the
construction or interpretation of any part of this Agreement.
26. Counterpart
Execution.
This
Agreement may be executed in two
or
more counterparts, each of
which
shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one
and
the same instrument.
27. Authority
for Execution.
By his
signature below, each of
the
undersigned individuals represents and warrants that he or she
has
executed this Agreement with the power and express authority of the entity
on
whose behalf he or she has signed.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this
Agreement is executed on the dates set forth beside each signature
below.
MK ENTERPRISES LLC | ||
|
|
|
WITNESS:_______________________________________ | By: | /s/ |
|
||
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, President
Date:_______________
|
VALCENT PRODUCTS, INC. | ||
|
|
|
WITNESS:_______________________________________ | By: | /s/ |
|
||
Name:
Title:
Date:_______________
|
EXHIBIT
“A”
U.S.
Patent 6,122,861 Plant Growing Room
EXHIBIT
“B”
DUST
WOLF
The
duster is a simple device that fits on the end of most standard vacuum cleaners.
It uses the negative pressure of the incoming air to drive a rotating brush
that
is covered with soft bristles. The alignment of the brush is such that upon
each
rotation of the brush, the bristles move across the air import vent that runs
the length of the brush. Using the vacuum power, this cleans the brush on each
rotation and prevents the spread of dust to surrounding areas. The brush is
driven by an impeller mounted in the base of the Dust Wolf just above the
connection port that goes to the vacuum cleaner hose. The incoming rush of
air
drives the impeller and thus turns the brush. The length of the brush is
designed to allow the Dust Wolf to easily clean a large surface, specifically
several mini-blind blades at a time.
SONIQUE
Sonique
is a sonic skin care system with various attachments that facilitates personal
hygiene. It utilizes specific ultrasonic frequencies to vibrate a cleaning
head
at the end of the device. This ultrasonic vibration has many beneficial effects
on the skin’s surface that can be enhanced through the use of different
attachments, i.e. deep-seated soil can be brought to the surface, dead skin
can
be exfoliated and the skin can be rejuvenated. The system is operated on a
rechargeable battery that is built into the unit.
TOMORROW
GARDEN
The
Tomorrow Garden (TG) and associated Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) Process result
in
a kit designed to take advantage of PTC and offer, direct to the consumer,
an
easy to use kit featuring plants not readily available in the marketplace.
These
plants are of a guaranteed superior quality and have significantly improved
“Fresh Life” span. PTC or ‘micro-propagation’ is a laboratory process that
allows for the rapid production of mass quantities of genetically identical
plants. This process removes the randomness of genetics by using the plant’s own
cells that already exhibit the identified desirable traits. The Tomorrow Garden
Kits are multi-plant packages (typically 6 packs) arranged in pre-selected
themes i.e. Italian herbs, pet plants, African violets, etc. to suit the
client’s preferences.
EXHIBIT
“C”
ELECTRONIC
PLANT STIMULATOR
The
invention relates to the electronic stimulation of plant development. More
particularly, it relates to the stimulation of plant development through
electrifying the environment around a plant or part of a plant with an
electrical field, preferably a pulsed field. The invention also relates to
an
electronic method of stimulating the active membrane transport systems of
growing plants and harvested plant products in order to promote growth and
extend the shelf life of harvested material. The invention is of particular
interest as it relates to shipment and marketing of cut flowers, greens and
trees and more particularly to methods and apparatus for handling, shipping,
and
marketing of cut flowers.
EXHIBIT
“D”
PRODUCT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS
PRODUCT LICENSE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the “License Agreement”),
by and between MK Enterprises LLC, a Nevada corporation, having a place of
business at 0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000 (hereinafter referred
to
as the “Licensor”), and Valcent Product, Inc., an Alberta Canada corporation,
having a place of business at Xxxxx 000, 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx (hereinafter referred to as the “Licensee”).
W
I T
N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS,
Licensor is the exclusive licensee of certain Patent Rights and KnowHow,
hereinafter defined, owned by Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx and has developed a Licensed
Product, hereinafter defined; which utilize the Patent Rights and Know-How;
and
WHEREAS,
Licensee desires to license the Patent Rights and Know-How to commercialize
the
Licensed Product and to be the exclusive world-wide licensed manufacturer,
marketer, and seller of the Licensed Products, all as set forth in this License
Agreement; and
WHEREAS,
Licensor desires to grant to Licensee such rights and licenses, as set forth
in
this License Agreement;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations hereinafter
set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
Each
of
the following terms shall, wherever found in this License Agreement, be used
and
understood in accordance with the corresponding definition below:
1.1 “Territory”
shall mean the entire world and each and every country, jurisdiction and/or
sovereign nation therein.
1.2 “Licensed
Product” shall mean the product described on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and
made a part hereof, and any other goods that embody, employ, include or
incorporate the Patent Rights and Know-How. Licensed Product shall also include
Elected Improvements. The Licensed Product may also be referred to in the plural
and termed Licensed Products.
1.3 “Ancillary
Products” shall mean any goods or services relating to the Licensed Product
including goods and services sold as a part of the Licensed Product, goods
sold
as replacement parts for the Licensed Product, or goods and services sold to
repair the Licensed Product.
1.4 “Patent
Rights” shall mean and include the patents and applications set forth on Exhibit
“A”, attached hereto and made a part hereof, and/or any divisions, continuations
or reissues thereof, all foreign patent applications corresponding thereto,
and
all United States and foreign patents issued upon any such applications. The
term Patent Rights shall further include any United States and foreign patents
and patent applications covering the Elected Improvements but shall not include
continuation-in-part applications unless the new matter in the
continuation-in-part application is an Elected Improvement.
1.5 “Know-How”
shall mean all of the technical know-how, trade secrets, technical information,
and knowledge, directly or indirectly, relating to the manufacture and use
of
the Licensed Product, including, without limitation, configurations, formulas,
engineering, materials, scientific and practical information and the disclosure
in the Patent Rights, whether patentable or unpatentable, and all physical
manifestations or embodiments of the Licensed Product including without
limitation all data specifications, prototypes, drawings, schematics, notes,
records and other writings; all such Know-How to be used or practiced or capable
of being used or practiced in the manufacture and use of the Licensed
Product.
1.6 “Improvements”
shall mean and include any improvements and modifications to the Licensed
Product, including, without limitation, the materials and configuration of
the
Licensed Product; and any machinery or equipment for the manufacture or use
of
the Licensed Product, together with any improvements and modifications thereof,
developed by Licensor during the term of this License Agreement.
1.7 “Elected
Improvements” shall mean those Improvements elected by Licensee pursuant to
Paragraph 4.2 hereof.
1.8 “Net
Sales” of the Licensed Product or Ancillary Products for any given period shall
mean monies actually received by Licensee during the said period in
consideration for the Licensed Product and Ancillary Products, adjusted for
exchanges and returns of the Licensed Product and Ancillary Products sold or
delivered during a previous period. Net Sales shall not include any charges
for
freight, packing, or insurance if such charges are identified and billed
separately and in addition to the list price for the Licensed Product and
Ancillary Products; nor shall Net Sales include charges for tax or duty on
sales
or delivery of the Licensed Product and Ancillary Products.
1.9 “License
Year” shall mean each successive period of twelve months, commencing on March 31
in the year in which the License Agreement becomes effective.
1.10 “Effective
Date” shall mean ________, _____, which is the day on which this License
Agreement shall begin effect.
1.11 “Affiliate”
shall mean a company, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture or
corporation in which one of the parties hereto and/or their officers, directors
or shareholders, owns or controls, directly or indirectly, at least twenty
percent (20%) of the voting stock and/or equity, or a company, sole
proprietorship, person, partnership, joint venture, or corporation which owns
at
least twenty percent (20%) of the voting stock and/or equity of one of the
parties hereto.
ARTICLE
II
GRANT
OF LICENSES
2.1 Licensor
grants to Licensee the exclusive right and license throughout the Territory
to
use and employ the Patent Rights and Know-How to make, use and sell the Licensed
Product and Ancillary Products for the term hereof and subject to the provisions
of this License Agreement.
2.2 The
licenses granted pursuant to Paragraph 2.1 above shall specifically include
the
right of Licensee to grant sublicenses throughout the Territory. Any sublicense
granted by Licensee shall be consistent with the terms of this License Agreement
and shall grant to Licensor rights parallel to those contained herein including,
but not limited to, the right to receive royalty payments from sublicensees
in
accordance with the Running Royalty set forth in Paragraph 3.1 below, attached
hereto and made a part hereof. Any sublicense granted pursuant to this Paragraph
2.2 that varies the terms of this License Agreement or does not grant to
Licensor rights parallel to this License Agreement shall require the prior
written approval of Licensor. Licensee shall provide Licensor with copies of
all
documents or contracts regarding any sublicense hereunder.
2.3 Within
ten (10) days after execution of this License Agreement, Licensor shall supply
to Licensee, at a mutually agreeable location, without expense to Licensee,
all
Know-How, including materials and written information related to the Licensed
Product and Ancillary Products not previously delivered.
ARTICLE
III
CONSIDERATION
- PAYMENT - REPORTING - RECORDS
3.1 Licensee
agrees to pay a one-time, non-refundable license fee (“License Fee”) in the
amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) upon the execution of this License
Agreement. Licensee agrees to pay a royalty (hereafter “Running Royalty”) to
Licensor for the term of this License Agreement in the amount of Fiur and One
Half Percent (4.5%) of Net Sales of the Licensed Product and Three Percent
(3%)
of Net Sales of any Ancillary Products of the Licensed Product. The License
Fee
is an advance payment of Running Royalties and the initial Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($50,000)
of
Running Royalties shall be set off against the License Fee.
3.2 The
amount of the Running Royalties payable according to Paragraph 3.1 have been
negotiated to include payment of the license for the Know-How and the Patent
Rights without regard to the patentability of the Patent Rights.
3.3 Beginning
in the second License Year, in the event that the total Running Royalty paid
by
Licensee to Licensor according to Paragraph 3.1 in a License Year for the
Licensed Product and related Ancillary Products, does not exceed a Minimum
Royalty in the amount Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($50,000)
for such
License Year for the Licensed Product,
then
Licensee shall pay to Licensor an amount (hereafter “Adjustment Royalty”) equal
to the Minimum Royalty for such License Year for the Licensed Product, less
the
total Running Royalty actually paid for the Licensed Product during such License
Year.
3.4 Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this License Agreement and particularly
Article IX, Licensor shall have the right to transfer or assign a portion of
the
Running Royalty to selected individuals upon written notice to Licensee prior
to
the execution of this License Agreement. Such future payment of Running
Royalties shall be made directly to such selected individuals and rights to
such
shares and Running Royalties shall be governed by and be subject to this License
Agreement.
3.5 In
the
event that Licensee fails to pay the Adjustment Royalty pursuant to Paragraph
3.3, Licensor shall give Licensee written notice of such failure and request
confirmation of Licensee’s intent not to pay such Adjustment Royalty. If
Licensee responds that such failure was not intentional, then Licensee shall
have 30 days after receiving said notice to pay the Adjustment
Royalty.
3.6 In
the
event Licensee intentionally fails to pay the Adjustment Royalty for a License
Year, then Licensor shall have the right to terminate this License Agreement
pursuant to the terms and conditions as stated in Article VIII. In the event
of
a dispute between the parties as to the Adjustment Royalty, the parties agree
to
submit the matter to binding mediation and arbitration pursuant to Article
XII.
3.7 For
the
purposes of computing and paying the Running
Royalty and the Adjustment Royalty (“Royalties”)
pursuant
to this Article:
(a) The
Licensed Product and Ancillary Products shall be deemed sold and Licensor’s
Running Royalty thereon earned upon receipt by Licensee of amounts invoiced
for
the Licensed Product and Ancillary Products, and Licensor’s Running Royalty
shall be due as set out in Paragraphs (c) and (d) below. (b) Payment
of the Royalties shall be in U.S. Dollars by certified check or wire transfer
to
a bank account specified by Licensor and the selling price, for purposes of
computations of such Royalties, shall be converted to U.S. Dollars, when
necessary, as of the date when the Licensed Product are deemed sold. (c) Payment
of the Running Royalty shall be due and paid to Licensor within sixty (60)
days
of the close of each three (3) month period during each License Year
of
the
term of this License Agreement. (d) Payment
of the Adjustment Royalty shall be due and paid to Licensor within sixty (60)
days of the close of each License Year. (e) The
Royalties due hereunder shall be calculated using U.S. Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles.
3.8 Together
with each quarterly payment, Licensee shall render to Licensor a written report
stating, for the preceding three-month period covered by such payment, the
number of units of each of the Licensed Product sold by Licensee and
sublicensees in such quarter, the Unit Sales of Licensee and sublicensees for
the Licensed Product and Ancillary Products, the Net Sales of the Licensed
Product and Ancillary Products sold by Licensee and sublicensees in such
quarter, the royalties or other consideration received from sublicensees, the
Running Royalty and any Adjustment Royalty due to Licensor, and the Running
Royalty paid by Licensee and sublicensees for said three-month
period.
3.9 Licensee
agrees to keep records of the Licensed Product and Ancillary Products sold
in
sufficient detail to enable the Running Royalty payable by it to Licensor to
be
determined and further agrees to permit its books and records pertinent to
the
Licensed Product and Ancillary Products to be examined from time to time, but
not more often than twice a year, during normal business hours by providing
at
least five business days written notice, to the extent necessary to verify
the
amount of Royalties payable hereunder.
3.10 Pursuant
to Paragraph 3.9, Licensor shall have the right to appoint an independent
certified public accountant (“CPA”) at its own expense to determine that the
correct amount of Royalties have been paid. If the Licensor determines there
are
discrepancies requiring adjustment, the Licensee shall pay the amount of any
underpayment of Royalties within 30 days unless both parties cannot reach
agreement whereby the parties shall subject themselves to binding mediation
and
arbitration pursuant to Article XII forthwith. Any overpayment of Royalties
shall be deducted from future Royalty payments without recourse to
Licensor.
3.11 If
the
results of the examination pursuant to Paragraphs 3.9 and 3.10 determine that
the Royalties were underpaid by an amount greater than or equal to 5% of the
actual Royalties calculated over the last four quarters covering Licensee’s
fiscal year resulting from matters within Licensee’s control, then Licensee
agrees to pay the cost of the examination plus a penalty equal to 10% of the
amount of the underpayment in Royalties, the amount of the underpayment and
the
reimbursement of the costs of examination to be paid within thirty days of
written notice of the underpayment. Further Licensor shall have the right to
examine the calculation of Running Royalties over the succeeding two quarters
at
Licensee’s cost.
ARTICLE
IV
IMPROVEMENTS
4.1 Licensor
and Licensee agree that they shall keep each other mutually informed of any
Improvements of which they become aware during the term hereof, whether they
become aware of such Improvements through their own efforts or efforts of third
parties. Licensor and Licensee shall inform one another of the nature and
substance thereof within thirty (30) days following awareness of such
Improvements.
4.2 Licensee
shall have the right, for a period of ninety (90) days following a written
communication to Licensee by Licensor describing the Improvements that have
been
reduced to practice by Licensor, to elect to include such Improvements within
the terms of this License Agreement whereby such Improvements shall become
Elected Improvements. If Licensee fails or refuses to so elect, Licensee hereby
releases any rights to such Improvements to Licensor and Licensor shall be
free
to commercialize such Improvements without accounting to Licensee. Should
Licensor elect such Improvements and subsequently and commercialize such
Improvements, Licensee agrees to pay Royalties on such Improvements in
accordance with Paragraph 3.1.
4.3 Licensor
and Licensee agree to execute any documents or papers deemed necessary to
effectuate the intent of this Article IV and further to execute such documents
or papers as may be necessary for the prosecution of any patents or applications
for patents covering the Elected Improvements. All expenses with respect to
such
assignments or patent applications shall be borne by the party making such
request and prosecuting such applications.
ARTICLE
V
PATENT
APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS
5.1 The
parties hereto agree that Licensor’s consultant, Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, shall hold
the entire right, title, and interest in and to the Patent Rights and Know-How,
and Licensee agrees to perform all acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver
all instruments or writings reasonably requested and necessary for Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxx to perfect title to the Patent Rights and Know-How. Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx
shall xxxxx an exclusive license of the Patent Rights and Know-How to Licensor
who shall grant rights and licenses in the Patent Rights and Know-How to
Licensee.
5.2 The
parties hereto agree that they will procure Patent Rights on the Licensed
Products. Licensor shall have the sole right to prosecute, control, and pursue
such Patent Rights under the patent laws of the United States and foreign
countries. Licensor agrees to prosecute, with good faith and due diligence,
all
pending and future patent applications. All fees, costs and expenses shall
be
borne by Licensee. Licensee agrees to cooperate with Licensor to whatever extent
is necessary to procure such patent protection.
5.3 In
the
event Licensee decides to abandon any pending United States or foreign patent
application or to not pay any annuity or maintenance fee required by any
country, Licensee shall give Licensor thirty (30) days prior written notice
of
such decision and shall allow Licensee to become the owner of such United States
or foreign patent or application and to pay such fee. Licensee’s decision shall
have no effect on the Royalties.
5.4 Licensor
agrees to keep Licensee fully informed, at Licensee’s expense, of the
prosecution of all U.S. and foreign patent applications including submitting
to
the Licensee copies of all official actions and responses thereto.
5.5 Licensee
shall have the right to conduct an audit of the Patent Rights to ensure that
the
Patent Rights are in good standing and that Licensor has maintained them in
good
standing during the term of this License Agreement. In the event that Licensee
determines that the Patent Rights are not in good standing, then Licensee shall
have the right to place such Patent Rights in good standing and if necessary,
to
seek relief through binding mediation and arbitration pursuant to Article XII
if
the failure to maintain the Patent Rights in good standing may cause or has
caused the Licensee damages.
5.6 Licensee
agrees to comply with any marking requirements of Licensor to insure compliance
with 35 U.S.C. § 287, and agrees to insure compliance by its sublicensees, if
any.
ARTICLE
VI
CONFIDENTIALITY
6.1 Subject
to the rights of the parties pursuant to the licenses granted in Article II,
the
parties agree to receive and hold in confidence the Know-How, Patent Rights,
and
Improvements revealed pursuant to this License Agreement. The provisions of
this
paragraph shall not be applicable with respect to any portion of the Know-How,
Patent Rights and Improvements which:
(a) is,
or
shall have been in the possession of disclosee prior to the first disclosure
by
discloser thereof to disclosee;
(b) is,
or
through no fault of the disclosee, becomes published or otherwise available
to
others or the public under circumstances such that such others or the public
may
utilize the Know-How, Patent Rights and Improvements without any direct or
indirect obligation to Licensor or Licensee;
(c) is,
or at
any time may be, acquired by the disclosee from any third party rightfully
possessed of the Know-How, Patent Rights and Improvements and having no direct
or indirect obligation to the discloser with respect to such Know-How, Patent
Rights and Improvements; or
(d) is
necessarily disclosed through the sale of the Licensed Product pursuant to
this
License Agreement.
6.2 Licensee
agrees to protect and safeguard the Know-How, Patent Rights, and Improvements
(“Confidential Information”) against unauthorized publication or disclosure by
the same procedures utilized by Licensee in regard to its own Confidential
Information, and agrees not to use any of the Confidential Information except
for such purposes and licenses as are authorized and granted by this License
Agreement. Licensee further agrees that the Confidential Information will be
disclosed only to such of Licensee’s employees, sublicensees, agents, or
contractors as have need for such Confidential Information in furtherance of
the
purposes for which Licensee is authorized to use it. Licensee will cooperate
with Licensor in the enforcement of any secrecy agreement executed by such
persons and will insure that all sublicensees, employees, and others to whom
Licensee discloses Confidential Information executes such a secrecy
agreement.
ARTICLE
VII
INFRINGEMENT
BY OTHERS; PROTECTION OF PATENTS
7.1 Licensor
and Licensee shall each promptly inform the other of any suspected infringement
of any Patent Rights by a third party, and Licensor and Licensee each shall
have
the right to institute an action for infringement of the Patent Rights against
such third party in accordance with the following procedure:
(a) Licensee
shall have the right to institute suit in its name. Licensee shall bear the
entire cost thereof, including attorneys’ fees, and shall be entitled to retain
the entire amount of the recoveries, if any, whether by judgment, award, decree
or settlement, subject to Licensor’s right of approval of any provisions
relating to the validity and/or infringement of the Patent Rights and provided,
however, that Licensor shall be paid any back Royalties relating to such action.
Licensee shall exercise control over such actions; provided, however, that
Licensor may, if it so desires, be represented by counsel of its own selection,
the fees for which counsel shall be borne by Licensee.
(b) If
Licensee determines not to institute a suit and in the event that Licensor
and
Licensee agree to institute suit jointly, the suit shall be brought in both
their names, the cost thereof, including attorneys’ fees, shall be borne by
mutual agreement and in the event the parties cannot reach mutual agreement,
then the cost thereof shall be borne equally. The recoveries, if any, whether
by
judgment, award, decree or settlement, shall be shared in proportion to the
costs borne by each party. Licensor’s share of the costs of such suit shall be
deducted, at Licensor’s option, from Royalties payable to Licensor pursuant to
Article III. Licensor shall exercise control over such actions; provided,
however, that Licensee may, if it so desires, be represented by counsel of
its
own selection, the fees for which counsel shall be borne by Licensee.
(c) In
the
absence of agreement to institute a suit jointly and if Licensee determines
not
to institute a suit, Licensor may institute suit. Licensor shall bear the cost
of such litigation including attorneys’ fees and shall be entitled to all
recoveries, if any, whether by way of judgment, award, decree or
settlement.
7.2 Should
either party commence a suit under the provisions of Paragraph 7.1 and
thereafter elect to abandon the same, it shall give timely notice to the other
party who may, if it so desires, continue prosecution of such suit; provided,
however, that the sharing of expenses and recovery in such suit shall be agreed
upon between the parties.
ARTICLE
VIII
TERM
AND TERMINATION
8.1 This
License Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of Licensee’s payment of
Royalties pursuant to this License Agreement, unless sooner terminated as
provided in this License Agreement.
8.2 Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this License Agreement, Licensee shall
have the absolute right to terminate this License Agreement by notifying
Licensor in writing, discontinuing sales and paying any Royalties due.
8.3 In
the
event Licensee shall commit a substantial breach of any of the provisions of
this License Agreement, Licensor shall provide written notice of the substantial
breach to Licensee. If such breach is capable of being remedied or made good,
Licensee shall have thirty (30) days to remedy or make good such breach or
to
submit the matter to binding mediation and arbitration pursuant to Article
XII.
If such breach is remedied within such time period, this License Agreement
shall
continue in full force and effect. If such breach is not remedied or submitted
to mediation and arbitration within such time period, Licensor may terminate
this License Agreement upon ten (10) days written notice.
8.4 This
License Agreement shall automatically terminate if Licensee shall become
bankrupt, or if a receiver shall be appointed for any of the property or assets
of Licensee, or if Licensee shall make a general assignment or compromise of
its
obligations with its creditors, if Licensee files for bankruptcy protection,
or
if the Licensee becomes insolvent, or if the whole or any part of the business
or shareholdings of Licensee shall be subjected to compulsory acquisition,
nationalization, or forced sale.
8.5 Licensor
shall have the right to terminate this License Agreement upon the failure of
Licensee to pay the Adjustment Royalty pursuant to Paragraphs 3.3 and 3.5.
If
the matter is submitted to binding mediation and arbitration pursuant to Article
XII, then this License Agreement shall not be terminated while the arbitration
is pending and the arbitrator’s decision has not yet been rendered.
8.6 Licensor
shall not have the right to cancel this License Agreement for any reason other
than as provided for under this License Agreement.
8.7 Upon
termination of this License Agreement pursuant to the foregoing provisions
of
this Article VIII, the license granted hereunder shall terminate, and Licensee
shall have no duty to pay the Royalties pursuant to Article III. Any Royalties
accrued but not paid as of the date of such termination shall be paid to
Licensor within thirty (30) days after such termination.
8.8 Irrespective
of the existence of an issued and unexpired Patent Rights and upon termination
of this License Agreement, Licensee may complete and sell any Licensed Products
and Ancillary Products in the process of production or sale by Licensee at
the
time of termination or for which raw materials for the production have been
purchased, and may sell any inventory of Licensed Products or Ancillary Products
produced or sold by Licensee on hand at the time of termination; provided that
Licensee shall continue to account for and pay Running Royalties thereon as
if the
License Agreement had not been terminated. Notwithstanding the above, Licensee
shall have no right and license to sell Licensed Products or Ancillary Products
six months after the effective date of the termination of this License
Agreement.
8.9 Upon
termination of this License Agreement for any reason, Licensee shall assign
to
Licensor all sublicenses granted pursuant to Paragraph 2.2 such that all
Royalties or other consideration to be paid by sublicensees thereafter will
be
paid to Licensor.
8.10 The
duties and obligations of the parties pursuant to Paragraphs 3.1, 6.1, and
6.2
shall survive any termination of this License Agreement.
ARTICLE
IX
ASSIGNMENT
AND SALE
9.1 Licensor
agrees not to transfer or assign its interest in this License Agreement, except
to Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx and/or Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx , without the prior written consent
of the Licensee. If Licensor transfers this License Agreement to Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
and/or Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx and/or Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx shall
be
equally bound to Licensor’s obligations to the Licensee as defined in this
License Agreement.
9.2 In
the
event Licensor desires to assign all or any part of its rights, privileges
and
interests under this License Agreement, Licensor shall first offer (“Right of
First Offer”) such assignment to Licensee by notifying Licensee in writing of
the terms and conditions upon which Licensor would be willing to make such
an
assignment; and Licensee shall have the right to acquire said rights, privileges
and interests of Licensor by accepting the offer in accordance with said terms
and conditions or equivalent cash. If within fifteen (15) days after receipt
of
Licensor’s notice, Licensee advises Licensor of its acceptance of the offer as
stated in the notice, Licensor agrees to promptly make the assignment to
Licensee on the stated terms and conditions and shall have an additional thirty
(30) business days, if the assignment price is less than $1 Million Dollars
and
sixty (60) days if the assignment price is over $1 Million Dollars, to pay
for
the same with delivery against payment.
9.3 If
within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of Licensor’s notice, Licensee does not indicate
its acceptance of the offer as stated in the notice, Licensor shall thereafter
have the right, subject to the prior written consent of Licensee, to make the
assignment to another person, firm or corporation on the same terms and
conditions as stated in the notice. Should the Licensee not exercise its Right
of First Offer and should the contemplated assignment not be completed within
ninety (90) days from the date of Licensor’s notice, or should the terms and
conditions thereof be altered in any way, this Right of First Offer shall be
reinstated in any subsequent proposed assignment, or the altered terms and
conditions for the current transaction, must again be offered by Licensor in
accordance with the terms of Paragraph 9.2.
9.4 Immediately
prior to Licensor going into bankruptcy, Licensee shall have a Right of First
Offer on any of Licensor’s assets at fair market value.
9.5 It
is
hereby agreed that prior to sale to a third party contemplated pursuant to
Paragraphs 9.1 and 9.2 above, the purchaser shall agree to be bound by the
terms
of this License Agreement and to assume all of Licensor’s obligations to
Licensee thereunder.
9.6 Licensee
shall have the right to transfer and/or assign this License Agreement by
providing written notice to Licensor, provided that Licensee is in good standing
under this License Agreement and the transferee or assignee assumes all
obligations of Licensee to Licensor under this License Agreement.
ARTICLE
X
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
10.1 Licensor
hereby represents and warrants to Licensee that Licensor is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of
Nevada. Licensor further represents and warrants that it has not heretofore
made
any license, commitment or agreement, or will Licensor make any license,
commitment or agreement for the term of this License Agreement which is
inconsistent with this License Agreement and the rights granted herein, and
that
it has full and complete power and authority to enter into and carry out its
obligations under this License Agreement and under any agreements and documents
which may be executed in connection herewith. Licensor represents and warrants
that to the best of its knowledge, the Patent Rights do not infringe upon the
proprietary rights or patents of any third party. Licensor represents that
to
the best of its knowledge, Licensor is not aware of any regulations or laws
in
the Territory that might presently apply such that the sales potential of any
of
the Licensed Product is limited or reduced through legal violation or potential
violation. Licensor agrees to indemnify and hold Licensee harmless of any
liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses),
obligations and causes of action arising out of or relating to any breach of
the
representations and warranties made by Licensor herein.
10.2 Licensor
does not represent and warrant to Licensee that patents will issue or be granted
on any of the Patent Rights; or that any of the marks associated with the
Licensed Product are registrable as a trademark; or that any of the Know-How
is
copyrightable. Further Licensor does not represent and warrant to Licensee
that
any of the Patent Rights have commercial value.
10.3 Licensee
hereby represents and warrants to Licensor that Licensee is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Canada.
Licensee further represents and warrants that it has not heretofore made any
license, commitment or agreement, or will Licensee make any license, commitment
or agreement for the term of this License Agreement which is inconsistent with
this License Agreement and the rights granted herein, and that it has full
and
complete power and authority to enter into and carry out its obligations under
this License Agreement and under any agreements and documents which may be
executed in connection herewith. Licensee represents and warrants that it is
Licensee’s policy not to misappropriate or violate the proprietary trade secret
or confidential information of third parties. Licensee agrees to indemnify
and
hold Licensor harmless of any liabilities, costs and expenses (including
attorneys’ fees and expenses), obligations and causes of action arising out of
or relating to any breach of the representations and warranties made by Licensee
herein.
ARTICLE
XI
PRODUCT
QUALITY AND PRODUCT LIABILITY
11.1 Licensee
agrees that the Licensed Product and Ancillary Products will be produced in
compliance with all federal, state and local laws. Licensee further agrees
to
submit samples of all finished Licensed Product and Ancillary Products,
including packaging, shipping containers, and advertising, to Licensor for
approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event
Licensee concludes that Licensor is withholding its approval unreasonably,
Licensee may at its cost submit the matter to binding mediation and arbitration
pursuant to Article XII with the arbitrator determining if Licensor’s approval
has been unreasonably withheld. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and
binding upon all parties.
11.2 Licensee
shall carry Product liability insurance in an amount commensurate with the
risks
connected with the production and sale of the Licensed Product and Ancillary
Products. Such insurance shall name Licensor and the inventors of the Patent
Rights as co-insureds. As proof of insurance, Licensee shall submit to Licensor
a certificate of insurance naming Licensor and the inventors of the Patent
Rights as insured parties and shall require the Licensee’s insurer to notify
Licensor upon the failure to pay premiums due under the policy. This submission
shall be made prior to any Licensed Product or Ancillary Products being
distributed or sold.
11.3 Licensee
agrees to indemnify and hold Licensor harmless against any and all claims,
liabilities, losses, expenses, fees, including without limitation attorneys’
fees, damages, including without limitation amounts of judgment and/or amounts
paid in settlement or costs (all of the foregoing being collectively called
“Costs”) incurred by it and arising out of or attributable to the production and
sale of Licensed Product and Ancillary Products; provided, however, that such
indemnity shall be null and void as to any cause of action, which can be shown
by Licensee that Licensor knew or should have known and failed to timely inform
Licensee of such cause of action. Promptly after receipt of notice of the
commencement of any action or assertion of any claim against Licensor in respect
of which indemnification be sought, Licensor shall notify Licensee in writing
of
the commencement of such action or assertion of such claim. Upon receipt of
the
notice of commencement of suit or assertion of such claim, Licensee shall notify
Licensor within fifteen (15) days that Licensee shall appear and defend
(including the sole authority to compromise and settle such claims; provided,
however, that such settlement or compromise does not affect in any way the
activities or rights of Licensor) against any such suit or claim at Licensee’s
expense, with an attorney of its choice. In the event Licensee shall fail to
give notice of and undertake to appear and defend within such fifteen (15)
day
period, then it is hereby expressly agreed that the right to appear and defend
by Licensee has been waived, and Licensor shall proceed on its sole authority,
at Licensee’s expense.
ARTICLE
XII
MEDIATION
AND ARBITRATION
12.1 If
a
dispute arises between the parties regarding this License Agreement, the parties
agree to resolve the dispute in the following manner:
(a) Negotiation.
(1) The
parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or
relating to this License Agreement promptly by negotiation between executives
of
the parties who have authority to settle the controversy. Any party may give
the
other party written notice of any dispute not resolved in the normal course
of
business. Within 15 days after delivery of the notice, the receiving party
will
submit to the other a written response. The notice and the response will include
(i) a statement of each party’s position and a summary of arguments supporting
that position, and (ii) the name and title of the executive who will represent
that party and of any other person who will accompany the executive. Within
30
days after delivery of the disputing party’s notice, the executives of both
parties will meet at a mutually acceptable time and place, and thereafter as
often as they reasonably deem necessary, to attempt to resolve the dispute.
All
reasonable requests for information made by one party to the other will be
honored.
(2) All
negotiations pursuant to this clause are confidential and will be treated as
compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of applicable rules of
evidence.
(b) Non-binding
Mediation.
If the
dispute has not been resolved by negotiation within 60 days of the disputing
party’s notice, or if the parties failed to meet within 45 days, the parties
will endeavor to settle the dispute by mediation under the presently effective
Center for Public Resources (“CPR”) Model Procedure for Mediation of Business
Disputes. The neutral third party will be selected from the CPR Panels of
Distinguished Neutrals with the assistance of CPR.
(c) Arbitration.
Any
controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this License Agreement,
or
the enforcement, breach, termination or validity thereof, that has not been
resolved by mediation pursuant to the preceding paragraph within 90 days from
the appointment of a neutral third party will be settled by arbitration in
accordance with the CPR Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration of Business
Disputes in effect on the date of this License Agreement, by a sole arbitrator.
If the parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator for a panel recommended by CPR,
then CPR will select the arbitrator. Any other choice of law clause to the
contrary in this License Agreement notwithstanding, the arbitration will be
governed by the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1-16, and judgment
upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator may be entered by any court having
jurisdiction thereof. The place of the arbitration will be Houston, Texas.
Insofar as the proceeding relates to patents, it will also be governed by 35
U.S.C. § 294, to the extent applicable. The arbitrator is not empowered to award
trebled, punitive or any other damages in excess of compensatory damages, and
each party irrevocably waives any claim to recover any such damages. The
arbitrator will make a reasoned award. If the result achieved in arbitration
by
the party instituting the arbitration is not more favorable to that party than
the last offer made by the other party during the mediation, the former party
will reimburse the legal fees, expert fees and other expenses reasonably
incurred by the latter in the arbitration.
ARTICLE
XIII
GENERAL
13.1 Binding
Agreement.
This
License Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the
parties hereto. Nothing contained in this License Agreement shall be construed
to place the parties in the relationship of legal representatives, partners,
or
joint venturers.
13.2 Applicable
Law.
This
License Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and applied in accordance
with
the laws of the State of Texas.
13.3 Notices.
All
notices, demands or other writings in this License Agreement provided to be
given or made or sent, or which may be given or made or sent, by either party
hereto to the other, shall be deemed to have been fully given or made or sent
when made in writing and deposited in the United States mail, first class,
postage prepaid, sent certified or registered mail, and addressed to the
addresses first hereinabove given or at such other address as either party
hereto may specify by notice given in accordance with this
paragraph.
13.4 Waiver.
Each
party covenants and agrees that if the other party fails or neglects for any
reason to take advantage of any of the terms hereof providing for the
termination of this License Agreement, or if, having the right to declare this
License Agreement terminated, such other party shall fail to do, any such
failure or neglect shall not be or be deemed or be construed to be a waiver
of
any subsequently occurring cause for the termination of this License Agreement,
or as a waiver of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this License
Agreement or the performance thereof. None of the terms, covenants or conditions
of this License Agreement can be waived except by the written consent of the
waiving party. Except as otherwise stated herein, each of the parties hereby
waives any claims which it might have against the other prior to the date of
execution of this License Agreement.
13.5 Force
Majeure.
Neither
party hereto shall be liable to the other party for failure or delay in the
performance of any duties or obligations hereunder or in making shipments of
Licensed Product produced hereunder due to strikes, lockouts, acts of God,
acts
of war, fire, flood, explosions, embargo, litigation or labor disputes,
Government or any other laws and regulations, or any other cause beyond the
control or without the fault of such party.
13.6 Scope
of Agreement.
This
License Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
pertaining to the subject matter hereof.
13.7 Construction.
The
parties acknowledge that each party and its counsel have reviewed and revised
this License Agreement and that the normal rule of construction to the effect
that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not
be
employed in the interpretation of this License Agreement or any amendments
or
exhibits hereto.
13.8 Headings.
The
subject headings of the paragraphs of this License Agreement are included for
purposes of convenience only, and shall not effect the construction or
interpretation of any of its provisions.
13.9 Counterparts.
This
License Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and also executed
shall constitute one agreement, binding on both parties hereto, notwithstanding
that both parties are not signatory to the same counterpart.
13.10 Severability.
If any
part or parts of this License Agreement are found to be illegal or
unenforceable, the remainder shall be considered severable, shall remain in
full
force and effect, and shall be enforceable.
13.11 Further
Documents.
Each of
the parties shall take all necessary actions, including the execution and
delivery of all necessary documents or instruments, as may be reasonably
requested by the other party in order to effectuate the intent of this License
Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this License Agreement in
duplicate originals, individually, or by their duly authorized officers or
representatives, as of the date of the last party to execute this License
Agreement.
MK ENTERPRISES LLC | ||
|
|
|
WITNESS:_______________________________________ | By: | /s/ |
|
||
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, President
Date:_______________
|
VALCENT PRODUCTS, INC. | ||
|
|
|
WITNESS:_______________________________________ | By: | /s/ |
|
||
Name:
Title:
Date:_______________
|
EXHIBIT
“A”
LICENSED
PRODUCT
Licensed
Product:
|
_________
|
PATENT
RIGHTS
Licensed
Product _____________, US App No _________, filed _______.