EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This
Employment Agreement
(the
“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of December 2, 2008 (the
“Effective Date”), by and between Asianada, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its
affiliates and/or subsidiaries (the “Company”), and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx (the
“Executive”). The Company and the Executive are hereinafter collectively
referred to as the “Parties,” and individually referred to as a
“Party.”
Recitals
A. The
Company desires assurance of the association and services of the Executive
in
order to retain the Executive’s experience, skills, abilities, background and
knowledge, and is willing to engage the Executive’s services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
B. The
Executive desires to be in the employ of the Company, and is willing to accept
such employment on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
Agreement
In
consideration of the foregoing Recitals and the mutual promises and covenants
herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the Parties,
intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1.
|
EMPLOYMENT.
|
1.1 Term.
The
Company hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts
employment by the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date
and
shall continue until December 2, 2011 (the “Term”), unless terminated earlier in
accordance with Section 4 herein. On the last day of the Term, the Executive
shall immediately resign from all positions with the Company.
1.2 Title.
The
Executive shall have the title of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Executive shall serve in such other capacity or
capacities as the Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time
prescribe. The Executive shall report directly to the Company’s Board of
Directors.
1.3 Duties.
(i)
During the Term, the Executive shall devote the Executive’s full working time
and attention and use the Executive’s best efforts and skill to further the
interests of the Company. The Executive shall do and perform all services,
acts
or things necessary or advisable to manage and conduct the business of the
Company and which are normally associated with the positions of Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, consistent with the bylaws
of
the Company and as required by the Company’s Board of Directors.
i
(ii) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company acknowledges that Executive may: (A) engage in the
activities set forth on Schedule 1.3 attached hereto; (B) pursue
business opportunities that are not competitive with the Company’s business,
provided,
however,
that
prior to pursuing any such opportunity (1) the Executive discloses to the
Company the terms and conditions of such business opportunity that Executive
wishes to pursue, and (2) the Company waives its right to pursue such business
opportunity; and (C) serve on other boards of directors or civic, professional
or charitable boards or committees, provided,
however,
that (1)
any such service is not in conflict with Executive’s primary responsibilities
and obligations to the Company and (2) the Board of Directors of the Company
provides its prior consent to any such service on other boards of directors
or
civic, professional or charitable boards or committees.
1.4 Policies
and Practices.
The
employment relationship between the Parties shall be governed by the written
policies and practices established by the Company and its Board of Directors
and
in effect from time to time. In the event that the terms of this Agreement
differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s policies or practices or the
Company’s employee handbook or general employment policy memorandum to its
employees, if any, then this Agreement shall control.
1.5 Location.
Unless
the Parties otherwise agree in writing, during the term of this Agreement,
the
Executive shall perform the services Executive is required to perform pursuant
to this Agreement at the Company’s offices, located in Los Angeles, California,
or at any other place at which the Company maintains an office; provided,
however, that the Company may from time to time require the Executive to travel
temporarily to other locations in connection with the Company’s
business.
2.
|
LOYAL
AND CONSCIENTIOUS PERFORMANCE;
NONCOMPETITION.
|
2.1 Covenant
Not to Compete.
Except
with the prior written and signed consent of the Company’s President or other
executive officer (other than Executive) the Executive will not, during the
Term
of this Agreement, and any period during which the Executive is receiving
compensation or any other consideration from the Company, including severance
pay pursuant to Section 4.4.3 herein, engage in competition with the Company
or
any of its affiliates, either directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity,
as adviser, principal, agent, affiliate, promoter, partner, officer, director,
employee, stockholder, owner, co-owner, consultant, or member of any association
or otherwise, in any phase of the business of developing and marketing the
products or services which are in the same field of use, or which otherwise
compete with the products or services or proposed products or services of the
Company.
2.2 Agreement
Not to Participate in Company’s Competitors.
During
the Term of this Agreement, the Executive agrees not to acquire, assume or
participate in, directly or indirectly, any position, investment or interest
known by Executive to be adverse or antagonistic to the Company, its business
or
prospects, financial or otherwise or in any company, person or entity that
is,
directly or indirectly, in competition with the business of the Company or
any
of its affiliates. Ownership by the Executive, as a passive investment, of
less
than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of capital stock of any
corporation with one or more classes of its capital stock listed on a national
securities exchange or publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market or in the
over-the-counter market shall not constitute a breach of this
paragraph.
3.
|
COMPENSATION
OF THE EXECUTIVE.
|
3.1 Base
Salary; Discretionary Bonus.
(i) The
Company shall pay the Executive a base salary of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($250,000) per year (the “Base Salary”), less payroll deductions and all
required withholdings payable in regular periodic payments in accordance with
Company policy. Any Base Salary shall be prorated for any partial year of
employment on the basis of a 365-day fiscal year.
ii
(ii) In
addition to the Base Salary, the Company may pay you a bonus on terms and
conditions, and pursuant to the sole discretion, established by the Board of
Directors of the Company (any such bonus, the “Bonus”). Any such Bonus will be
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company and then, if applicable,
paid by the Company prior to February 15 of each calendar year during which
the
Executive remains employed by the Company.
3.2 Employment
Taxes.
All of
the Executive’s compensation shall be subject to customary withholding taxes and
any other employment taxes as are commonly required to be collected or withheld
by the Company.
3.3 Benefits.
The
Executive shall, in accordance with Company policy and the terms of the
applicable plan documents, be eligible to participate in benefits under any
executive benefit plan or arrangement which may be in effect from time to time
and made available to the Company’s executive or key management employees.
Additionally, Company will reimburse Executive for any COBRA premiums and costs
for health insurance coverage, that he maintains and that is in effect after
the
Effective Date, until the first day the Executive is covered under Company’s
health benefit plan. Company will not reimburse Executive for any COBRA premiums
and costs for health insurance that is or was in effect prior to the Effective
Date. The maximum amount Company will reimburse Executive for COBRA premiums
and
costs for each calendar year is $12,000.
4.
|
TERMINATION.
|
4.1 Termination
By the Company.
The
Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated under the following
conditions:
4.1.1 Death
or Disability.
The
Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective upon the date
of the Executive’s death or “Complete Disability” (as defined in Section
4.5.1).
4.1.2 For
Cause.
The
Company may terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for
“Cause” (as defined in Section 4.5.3) by delivery of written notice to the
Executive specifying the Cause or Causes relied upon for such termination.
Any
notice of termination given pursuant to this Section 4.1.2 shall effect
termination as of the date specified in such notice or, in the event no such
date is specified, on the last day of the month in which such notice is
delivered or deemed delivered as provided in Section 8 below.
4.1.3 Without
Cause.
The
Company may terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any
time and for any reason by delivery of written notice of such termination to
the
Executive. Any notice of termination given pursuant to this Section 4.1.3 shall
effect termination as of the date specified in such notice or, in the event
no
such date is specified, on the last day of the month in which such notice is
delivered or deemed delivered as provided in Section 8 below.
4.2 Termination
By The Executive.
The
Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company under the
following conditions:
iii
4.2.1 Good
Reason.
The
Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for
“Good Reason” (as defined below in Section 4.5.2) by delivery of written notice
to the Company specifying the “Good Reason” relied upon by the Executive for
such termination, provided that such notice is delivered within one (1) month
following the occurrence of any event or events constituting Good Reason and
that Executive has provided the Company a minimum of thirty (30) days written
notice and an opportunity to cure the event which constitutes “Good
Reason.”
4.2.2 Without
Good Reason.
The
Executive may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for other than “Good
Reason” upon fourteen (14) days written notice to the Company.
4.3 Termination
by Mutual Agreement of the Parties.
The
Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated at any time
upon a mutual agreement in writing of the Parties. Any such termination of
employment shall have the consequences specified in such agreement.
4.4 Compensation
Upon Termination.
4.4.1 Death
or Complete Disability.
If the
Executive’s employment shall be terminated by death or Complete Disability as
provided in Section 4.5.1, the Company shall pay the Executive’s accrued Base
Salary and accrued and unused vacation benefits earned through the date of
termination at the rate in effect at the time of termination to Executive and/or
Executive’s heirs, and the Company shall thereafter have no further obligations
to the Executive and/or Executive’s heirs under this Agreement.
4.4.2 Cause
or Without Good Reason.
If the
Executive’s employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause (based upon
the affirmative vote of a majority of directors of the Board of Directors of
the
Company), or if the Executive terminates employment hereunder without Good
Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive’s accrued Base Salary and accrued
and unused vacation benefits earned through the date of termination at the
rate
in effect at the time of the notice of termination to Executive, and the Company
shall thereafter have no further obligations to the Executive under this
Agreement.
4.4.3 Without
Cause or Good Reason.
If the
Executive shall terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for Good
Reason or the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause,
then upon the Executive’s furnishing to the Company an executed release and
waiver of claims, the Executive shall be entitled to the following:
(i) the
Executive’s Base Salary and accrued and unused vacation earned through the date
of termination, subject to standard deductions and withholdings;
and
(ii) continuation
of the Executive’s annual Base Salary in effect at the time of termination for a
period of the lesser of (A) the number of months then left on the Term and
(B)
12 months, payable in monthly installments after the Termination Date, subject
to standard deductions and withholdings. The foregoing notwithstanding, any
income earned by Executive from any source during the period following the
termination of Executive’s employment shall offset the salary continuation
obligation contained in this Section 4.4.3.
iv
4.4.4 Covenant
Not to Compete. Notwithstanding
any provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, including any provisions
contained in this Section 4.4, the Company’s obligations, and the Executive’s
rights, pursuant to Section 4.4.3 shall cease and be rendered a nullity
immediately should the Executive violate the provision of Section 2.2 herein,
or
should the Executive violate the terms and conditions of the Executive’s
Proprietary Information Agreement.
4.4.5 Termination
of Obligations.
In the
event of the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder and pursuant to
this Section 4, the Company shall have no obligation to pay Executive any Base
Salary or other compensation or benefits, except as provided in this Section
4
or for benefits due to the Executive (and/or, if applicable, the Executive’s
dependents under the terms of the Company’s benefit plans). Executive
acknowledges and agrees that upon termination (for any reason) the Company
may
offset amounts Executive owes it or its affiliates or subsidiaries against
any
amount it owes Executive pursuant to this Section 4.4.
4.5 Definitions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
4.5.1 Complete
Disability.
“Complete Disability” shall mean the inability of the Executive to perform the
Executive’s duties under this Agreement because the Executive has become
permanently disabled within the meaning of any policy of disability income
insurance covering employees of the Company then in force. In the event the
Company has no policy of disability income insurance covering employees of
the
Company in force when the Executive becomes disabled, the term “Complete
Disability” shall mean the inability of the Executive to perform the Executive’s
duties under this Agreement by reason of any incapacity, physical or mental,
which the Board of Directors of the Company, based upon medical advice or an
opinion provided by a licensed physician acceptable to the Board of Directors
of
the Company, determines to have incapacitated the Executive from satisfactorily
performing all of the Executive’s usual services for the Company for a period of
at least seventy-five (75) days during any twelve (12) month period (whether
or
not consecutive). Based upon such medical advice or opinion, the determination
of the Board of Directors of the Company shall be final and binding and the
date
such determination is made shall be the date of such Complete Disability for
purposes of this Agreement.
4.5.2 Good
Reason.
“Good
Reason” for the Executive to terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder
shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without the Executive’s
consent:
(i) the
Company’s material breach of its obligations under this Agreement;
(ii) a
failure
by the Company to obtain from any successor, before the succession takes place,
an agreement to assume and perform all of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement; or
(iii) if
there
occurs a ‘Change in Control’ (as defined below) and there is any change in the
material duties or responsibilities which are substantially inconsistent with
the Executive’s title, position or responsibilities, or any material diminution
in the scope of the Executive’s responsibilities or authority.
v
4.5.3 For
Cause.
“Cause”
for the Company to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder shall mean the
occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) the
Executive’s failure to satisfactorily perform the Executive’s job duties under
this Agreement;
(ii) failure
by the Executive to comply with all material applicable laws in performing
the
Executive’s job duties or in directing the conduct of the Company’s
business;
(iii) failure
by the Executive to follow the Company’s policies and procedures;
(iv) commission
by the Executive of any felony or intentionally fraudulent or other act against
the Company, or its affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, agents, representatives
or clients which demonstrates the Executive’s untrustworthiness or lack of
integrity;
(v) the
Executive’s failure to maintain any license required to perform the duties
contemplated under this Agreement;
(vi) the
Executive’s engaging or in any manner participating in any activity which is
competitive with or intentionally injurious to the Company or any of its
affiliates or which violates any material provisions of Section 5 hereof;
or
(vii) the
Executive’s commission of any fraud against the Company or any of its affiliates
or use or intentional appropriation for his personal use or benefit of any
funds
or properties of the Company not authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors
or President to be so used or appropriated.
4.5.4 A
“Change
in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(i) any
person, entity or group (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), other than the
Company or an employee benefit plan of the Company, acquires, directly or
indirectly, the beneficial ownership (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Act)
of
any voting security of the Company, and immediately after such acquisition
such
person, entity or group is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of
voting securities representing Fifty One Percent (51%) or more of the total
voting power of all of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
(ii) upon
the
first purchase of common stock of the Company pursuant to a tender or exchange
offer (other than a tender or exchange offer made by the Company);
vi
(iii) the
stockholders of the Company shall approve a merger, consolidation,
recapitalization or reorganization of the Company, or a reverse stock split
of
outstanding voting securities, or consummation of any such transaction if
stockholder approval is not obtained, other than any such transaction which
would result in more than fifty one percent (51%) of the total voting power
represented by the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding
immediately after such transaction being beneficially owned by the holders
of
all of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to
the
transactions with the voting power of each such continuing holder relative
to
other such continuing holders not substantially altered in the transaction;
or
(iv) the
stockholders of the Company shall approve a plan of complete liquidation or
dissolution of the Company, or an agreement for the sale or disposition by
the
Company of all or substantially all of its assets and/or the Company’s business
or material components thereof.
4.6 Survival
of Certain Sections.
Sections
2.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 5, 9 and 17 of this Agreement will survive the termination
of
this Agreement.
5.
|
CONFIDENTIAL
AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION;
NONSOLICITATION.
|
5.1 The
Executive agrees to execute and abide by the Proprietary Information Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
5.2 The
Executive recognizes that Executive’s employment with the Company will involve
contact with information of substantial value to the Company, which is not
old
and generally known in the trade, and which gives the Company an advantage
over
its competitors who do not know or use it, including but not limited to,
techniques, processes, know how, strategies, marketing, and/or advertising
plans
or arrangements, developments, computer programs, sales, supplier, customer
lists and information, service provider, vendor, employee lists and information,
distributor, customer biographical information, and business and financial
information relating to the business, products, services, practices and
techniques of the Company, (hereinafter referred to as “Confidential and
Proprietary Information”). Executive acknowledges that the Company has expended
substantial time and money to create, acquire, gather and maintain the
confidentiality of its Confidential and Proprietary Information. The Executive
will at all times regard and preserve as confidential such Confidential and
Proprietary Information obtained by the Executive from whatever source and
will
not, either during Executive’s employment with the Company or thereafter,
publish or disclose any part of such Confidential and Proprietary Information
in
any manner at any time, or use the same except on behalf of the Company, without
the prior written consent of the Company’s Board of Directors.
5.3 While
employed by the Company and for one (1) year thereafter, the Executive agrees
that in order to protect the Company’s Confidential and Proprietary Information
from unauthorized disclosure or use, that the Executive will not, either
directly or through others, solicit or attempt to solicit any Company employee,
consultant, independent contractor, agent, broker, client or customer to
terminate his or her relationship with the Company. Executive expressly
acknowledges that any attempt by Executive to disrupt the Company’s business
relationships with its clients, customers or agents, that were the Company’s
clients, customers or agents during the year immediately preceding Executive’s
termination, would necessarily require the Executive to use or disclose the
Company’s Confidential and Proprietary Information. Executive acknowledges that
obtaining proof of such use or disclosure, however, would be extremely difficult
for the Company to obtain. Executive further acknowledges that the harm done
to
the Company by the use or disclosure of its Confidential and Proprietary
Information while significant, may be difficult to assess, thereby necessitating
the restrictions provided herein and that given the harm that could be caused
to
the Company by such disclosure or use, the restrictions provided herein are
reasonable and necessary; and would not prevent, harm or impede the Executive
from engaging in Executive’s chosen profession.
vii
6.
|
EXPENSES
|
6.1 Reimbursement.
The
Company shall promptly reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses,
incurred by Executive in promoting the business of the Company, including
expenditures for entertainment and travel. Each business expense shall be
reimbursable only if Executive furnishes to the Company adequate records and
other documentary evidence required by federal and state statutes and
regulations issued by the appropriate taxing authorities for the substantiation
of that expenditure as an income tax deduction.
7.
|
ASSIGNMENT
AND BINDING EFFECT.
|
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Executive and
the Executive’s heirs, executors, personal representatives, assigns,
administrators and legal representatives. Because of the unique and personal
nature of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, neither this Agreement
nor any rights or obligations under this Agreement shall be assignable by the
Executive. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the
Company and its successors, assigns and legal representatives.
8.
|
NOTICES.
|
All
notices or demands of any kind required or permitted to be given by the Company
or the Executive under this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be
personally delivered (and receipted for) faxed during normal business hours
or
mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed
as follows:
If to the Company: |
Asianada,
Inc.
|
2121
Avenue of the Stars
Xxxxx
0000
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
If to the Executive: |
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
00000
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Any
such
written notice shall be deemed received when personally delivered or three
(3)
days after its deposit in the United States mail as specified above. Either
Party may change its address for notices by giving notice to the other Party
in
the manner specified in this section.
viii
9.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
OF TERMS.
|
Executive
acknowledges that Executive has been informed by the Company that the Company
would suffer irreparable harm if any of the terms of this Agreement were
disclosed to any Company employee or any third party. Executive agrees not
to
disclose the terms of this Agreement to any other person or entity without
the
express prior written consent of the Company’s Board of Directors. This Section
9 is a material term of this Agreement. If Executive breaches this Section
9:
(a) the Company may reduce or terminate the amount of Base Salary owing or
payable under this Agreement; and/or (b) the Company may exercise any rights
it
has under this Agreement including, without limitation, terminating this
Agreement pursuant to Section 4.1.2.
10.
|
POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES.
|
Executive
agrees to strictly comply with all of the Company’s policies and procedures that
may be in effect from time to time, including, without limitation, the Company’s
Expense Reimbursement Policies and Procedures, the Company’s Conflict of
Interest Policies and Procedures, the Company’s Harassment in the Workplace
Policy, and the Company’s Equal Opportunity Policies and Procedures, if any, and
to fulfill all such duties and requirements set forth therein.
11.
|
CHOICE
OF LAW.
|
This
Agreement is made in Los Angeles, California. This Agreement shall be construed
and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
California.
12.
|
INTEGRATION.
|
This
Agreement contains the complete, final and exclusive agreement of the Parties
relating to the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment, and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous oral and written employment agreements
or arrangements between the Parties.
13.
|
AMENDMENT.
|
This
Agreement cannot be amended or modified except by a written agreement signed
by
the Executive and an executive officer of the Company (other than
Executive).
14.
|
WAIVER.
|
No
term,
covenant or condition of this Agreement or any breach thereof shall be deemed
waived, except with the written consent of the Party against whom the wavier
is
claimed, and any waiver or any such term, covenant, condition or breach shall
not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same
or any other term, covenant, condition or breach.
15.
|
SEVERABILITY.
|
The
finding by a court of competent jurisdiction of the unenforceability, invalidity
or illegality of any term, word, phrase or provision of this Agreement shall
not
render any other term, word, phrase or provision of this Agreement
unenforceable, invalid or illegal. Such court shall have the authority to modify
or replace the invalid or unenforceable term, word, phrase or provision with
a
valid and enforceable term, word, phrase or provision which most accurately
represents the Parties’ intention with respect to the invalid or unenforceable
term, word, phrase or provision.
ix
16.
|
INTERPRETATION;
CONSTRUCTION.
|
The
headings set forth in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only
and
shall not be used in interpreting this Agreement. This Agreement has been
drafted by legal counsel representing the Company, but the Executive has been
encouraged, and has had the opportunity to consult with, Executive’s own
independent counsel and tax advisors with respect to the terms of this
Agreement. The Parties acknowledge that each Party and its counsel has reviewed
and revised, or had an opportunity to review and revise, this Agreement, and
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 Agreement.
17.
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES.
|
The
Executive represents and warrants that Executive is not restricted or
prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing each
of the terms and covenants contained in this Agreement, and that Executive’s
execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate or breach any
other
agreements between the Executive and any person or entity.
18.
|
COUNTERPARTS.
|
This
Agreement may be executed via facsimile or PDF and in two counterparts, each
of
which shall be deemed an original, all of which together shall contribute one
and the same instrument.
19.
|
TRADE
SECRETS OF OTHERS.
|
It
is the
understanding of both the Company and the Executive that the Executive shall
not
divulge to the Company and/or its subsidiaries any confidential information
or
trade secrets belonging to others, including the Executive’s former employers,
nor shall the Company and/or its affiliates seek to elicit from the Executive
any such information. Consistent with the foregoing, the Executive shall not
provide to the Company and/or its affiliates, and the Company and/or its
affiliates shall not request, any documents or copies of documents containing
such information.
20.
|
ADVERTISING
WAIVER.
|
The
Executive agrees to permit the Company and/or its affiliates, and persons or
other organizations authorized by the Company and/or its affiliates, to use,
publish and distribute advertising or sales promotional literature concerning
the products and/or services of the Company and/or its affiliates, or the
machinery and equipment used in the provision thereof, in which the Executive’s
name and/or pictures of the Executive taken in the course of the Executive’s
provision of services to the Company and/or its affiliates, appear. The
Executive hereby waives and releases any claim or right the Executive may
otherwise have arising out of such use, publication or distribution.
x
21.
|
ARBITRATION.
ARBITRATION.
|
21.1 Arbitrable
Claims.
All
disputes between Executive (and Executive’s attorneys, successors, and assigns)
and the Company (and its affiliates, shareholders, directors, officers,
employees, agents, successors, attorneys, and assigns) relating in any manner
whatsoever to Executive’s employment or the termination of Executive’s
employment, including, without limitation, all disputes arising under this
Agreement (“Arbitrable Claims”), shall be resolved by final and binding
arbitration to the fullest extent permitted by law. All persons and entities
specified in the preceding sentence (other than Company and Executive) shall
be
considered third-party beneficiaries of the rights and obligations created
by
this Section 21. Arbitrable Claims shall include, but are not limited to,
contract (express or implied) and tort claims of all kinds, as well as all
claims based on any federal, state, or local law, statute, or regulation,
excepting only claims under applicable workers’ compensation law and
unemployment insurance claims. By way of example and not in limitation of the
foregoing, Arbitrable Claims shall include any claims arising under Title VII
of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing
Act, the Family Medical Leave Act as well as all claims under any applicable
state or federal statute including but not limited to the California Labor
Code,
and any claims asserting wrongful termination, breach of contract, breach of
the
covenant of good faith and fair dealing, negligent or intentional infliction
of
emotional distress, harassment, discrimination, negligent or intentional
misrepresentation, negligent or intentional interference with contract or
prospective economic advantage, fraud, defamation, invasion of privacy, all
claims related to disability and all wage or benefit claims, including but
not
limited to claims for salary, bonuses, profit participation, commissions, stock,
stock options, vacation pay, fringe benefits or any form of compensation.
Arbitration shall be final and binding upon the Parties and shall be the
exclusive remedy for all Arbitrable Claims, except that the Parties may seek
interim injunctive relief and other provisional remedies in court as set forth
in this Agreement. The
Parties hereby waive any rights they may have to trial by jury or any other
form
of administrative hearing or procedure in regard to the Arbitrable
Claims.
21.2 Procedure.
Arbitration of Abitrable Claims shall be in accordance with the then existing
JAMS Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, as amended (“JAMS
Employment Rules”), as augmented in this Agreement. Arbitration shall be
initiated as provided by the JAMS Employment Rules, although the written notice
to the other Party initiating arbitration shall also include a statement of
the
claim(s) asserted and all the facts upon which the claim(s) are based. Either
Party may bring an action in court to compel arbitration under this Agreement
and to enforce an arbitration award. Otherwise, neither Party shall initiate
or
prosecute any lawsuit or administrative action in any way related to any
Arbitrable Claim. All arbitration hearings under this Agreement shall be
conducted at the JAMS office located nearest to Irvine, California. The Federal
Arbitration Act shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Section
21.
xi
21.3 Arbitrator
Selection and Authority.
All
disputes involving Arbitrable Claims shall be decided by a single arbitrator.
The arbitrator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the Parties within
thirty (30) days of the effective date of the notice initiating the arbitration.
If the Parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, then the complaining Party shall
notify JAMS and request selection of an arbitrator in accordance with the JAMS
Employment Rules. The arbitrator shall have only such authority to award
equitable relief, damages, costs, and fees as a court would have for the
particular claim(s) asserted and any action of the arbitrator in contravention
of this limitation may be the subject of court appeal by the aggrieved Party.
No
other aspect of any ruling by the arbitrator shall be appealable, and all other
aspects of the arbitrator’s ruling shall be final and non-appealable, except as
set forth herein. The arbitrator shall have the authority to compel adequate
discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would
otherwise be permitted by law. The arbitrator shall be required to issue a
written arbitration decision including the arbitrator’s essential findings,
conclusions and a statement of award. The Company shall pay all arbitration
fees
in excess of what the Executive would have to pay if the dispute were decided
in
a court of law. Except as set forth herein, the arbitrator shall have exclusive
authority to resolve all Arbitrable Claims, including, but not limited to,
whether any particular claim is arbitrable and whether all or any part of this
Agreement is void or unenforceable.
21.4 Confidentiality.
All
proceedings and all documents prepared in connection with any Arbitrable Claim
shall be confidential and, unless otherwise required by law, the subject matter
thereof shall not be disclosed to any person other than the Parties to the
proceedings, their counsel, witnesses and experts, the arbitrator, and, if
involved, the court and court staff All documents filed with the arbitrator
or
with a court shall to the extent allowed by law be filed under seal. The Parties
shall stipulate to all arbitration and court orders necessary to effectuate
fully the provisions of this subsection 21.4 concerning
confidentiality.
21.5 Continuing
Obligations.
The
rights and obligations of Executive and Company set forth in this Section 21
shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment and the expiration of
this Agreement.
21.6 Exception
for Injunctive Relief.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to provide for interim relief pending
the finalization of arbitration proceedings hereunder, nothing in this Section
21 shall prohibit the Parties from pursuing, a claim for interim injunctive
relief, for other applicable provisional remedies, and/or for related attorneys’
fees in a court of competent jurisdiction in order to prevent irreparable harm
pending the conclusion of the arbitration.
21.7 JAMS
Appeal.
The
Parties also hereby agree to the JAMS Optional Appeal Procedures in the event
either Party wishes to appeal any aspect of the original single arbitrator’s
award pursuant to Section 21.3 herein.
21.7.1 The
appeal panel will consist of three neutral members unless the Parties agree
that
there will be one neutral member. Upon the filing of an appeal in accordance
with Section 20.7.2 below, the JAMS case manager will recommend to the Parties
an appeal panel and will make any disclosures that are mandated by applicable
law regarding the candidates for the appeal panel. The case manager will seek
the agreement of the Parties as to the selection of the appeal panel members.
If
the Parties do not agree on the composition of the appeal panel within seven
(7)
calendar days of having received the case manager recommendations for the appeal
panel the JAMS case manager will appoint an appeal panel.
21.7.2 The
Procedure for filing and arguing an appeal shall be as follows:
(i) any
Party
may appeal an arbitration award that has been rendered pursuant to Section
21.3
herein and has become final. The appeal must be served, in writing, to the
JAMS
case manager and on the opposing Party within fourteen (14) calendar days after
the arbitration award has become final. The letter or other writing evidencing
the appeal must specify those elements of the arbitration award that are being
appealed and must contain a brief statement of the basis for the
appeal.
xii
(ii) Within
seven (7) calendar days of the service of the appeal, the opposing Party may
serve on the JAMS case manager and on the opposing Party a cross-appeal with
respect to any element of the arbitration award. The letter or other writing
evidencing the cross-appeal must specify those elements of the arbitration
award
that are being appealed and must contain a brief statement of the basis for
the
cross-appeal.
(iii) The
record on appeal will consist of the stenographic or other record of the
arbitration hearing and all exhibits, deposition transcripts, and affidavits
that had been accepted into the record of the arbitration hearing by the
original arbitrator selected per Section 21.3. The Parties will cooperate with
the JAMS case manager in compiling the record on appeal, and the JAMS case
manager will provide the record to the appeal panel. No evidence not previously
accepted by the original arbitrator will be considered by the appeal panel,
unless the basis of the appeal is non-acceptance by the original arbitrator
of
certain evidence or unless the appeal panel determines that there is good cause
to re-open the record pursuant to the applicable JAMS Arbitration
Rules.
(iv) The
Parties may elect to rely on the memoranda or briefs previously submitted to
the
original arbitrator. In the absence of such election, the JAMS case manager
will
obtain the agreement of the Parties on a briefing schedule. If no agreement
is
reached, the JAMS case manager will set a reasonable briefing
schedule.
(v) The
appeal panel will conduct an oral argument if all Parties request such argument
or may conduct oral argument, in complex cases or unusual circumstances, on
its
own initiative. If there is to be oral argument, the JAMS case manager will
obtain the agreement of the Parties on both the date of such argument and the
duration, including the allocation of time. In the absence of agreement, the
appeal panel will set the date and duration of the oral argument, including
the
allocation of time.
21.7.3 Once
an
appeal has been timely filed, the arbitration award is no longer considered
final for purposes of seeking judicial enforcement, modification or vacating
pursuant to the applicable JAMS Arbitration Rules.
21.7.4 The
appeal panel will apply the same standard of review that the first-level
appellate court in the applicable California jurisdiction would apply to an
appeal from the trial court decision. The appeal panel will respect the
evidentiary standard set forth in Rule 22(d) of the JAMS Comprehensive
Arbitration Rules, as amended. The appeal panel may affirm, reverse or modify
an
award. The appeal panel may not remand to the original arbitrator, but may
re-open the record in order to review evidence that had been improperly excluded
by the original arbitrator or evidence that is now necessary in light of the
panel’s interpretation of the relevant substantive law. A three-member appeal
panel will make its decision by majority vote and, absent good cause for an
extension, will issue the decision within twenty-one (21) calendar days of
the
date of either oral argument, the receipt of the new evidence or receipt of
the
record and of all briefs, whichever is applicable or later. The appeal panel’s
decision will consist of a written statement, unless all Parties agree
otherwise.
xiii
21.7.5 If
a
Party refuses to participate in the appeal procedure set forth herein after
having agreed to do so, the appeal panel will maintain jurisdiction over the
appeal and will consider the appeal as if all Parties were participating,
including retaining the authority to modify any arbitration award or element
of
an arbitration award that had previously been entered in favor of the
non-participating Party, assuming it finds that the record, after application
of
the appropriate standard of appeal, justifies such action.
21.7.6 After
the
appeal panel has rendered a decision, JAMS will issue the decision by serving
copies on the Parties. Service will be deemed effective five (5) calendar days
after deposit in the U.S. Mail. Upon service of the appeal panel decision,
the
arbitration award will be final for purposes of judicial review.
21.8 Severability.
If for
any reason all or part of this arbitration provision is held to be invalid,
illegal, or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or regulation
in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall
not
affect any other part of this arbitration provision or any other jurisdiction,
but this provision shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such
jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable part or parts of
this
arbitration provision had never been contained herein, consistent with the
general intent of the Parties, as evidenced herein, insofar as
possible.
I
have read Section 21 herein and irrevocably agree to arbitrate any dispute
as
identified above. /s/
JS (Executive’s
Initials).
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first
above.
ASIANADA,
INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
|
||
Name:
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
||
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
|||
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
xiv