SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
Exhibit 10.1
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This Separation Agreement and Release (“Agreement”) is made by and between Xxxxxx Xxxxxx (“Executive”) and Vitality Biopharma, Inc. (the “Company”) (collectively referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Executive was employed by the Company;
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2012, Company and Executive signed an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement) and Executive signed a Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Proprietary Information Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminated effective May 8, 2019 (the “Termination Date”) including resignation from any and all positions he held as a director, officer and employee of all subsidiaries and affiliates, both domestic and foreign, of the Company (such resignation including a resignation from any and all committees, benefit plans, or other fiduciary positions within or related to any of the foregoing entities); and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that the Executive may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s employment with or separation from the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
COVENANTS
1. Consideration.
a. Payment. The Company agrees to pay Executive a total of One-Hundred and Twelve Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($112,500), at the rate of Eighteen Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($18,750) per month, less applicable withholding, for six (6) months from the first regular payroll date following the Effective Date, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.
b. COBRA. The Company shall reimburse Executive for the payments Executive makes for COBRA coverage for a period of twelve (12) months, or until Executive has secured other employment that offers healthcare insurance, whichever occurs first, provided Executive timely elects and pays for continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. COBRA reimbursements shall be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy, provided that Executive submits documentation to the Company substantiating his payments for COBRA coverage.
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c. Resignation. The Company shall process the termination of Executive’s employment as a resignation, and shall represent that Executive resigned from his employment to any potential future employer who contacts the Company’s human resources department and requests confirmation of this information.
2. Stock and Options. Executive acknowledges that as of the Termination Date, Executive will have vested in 610,585 shares of restricted common stock granted on July 2016 and December 2017, and 480,000 options granted on July 2016 and December 2017. There are currently 25,000 options granted on December 2017 that are unvested. The exercise of Executive’s vested options shall continue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the Company’s option plan, and any other applicable agreement. The Executive’s unvested options will expire as of the Termination Date.
3. Benefits. Executive’s health insurance benefits shall cease on the last day of May 2019, subject to Executive’s right to continue his health insurance under COBRA. Executive’s participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to, vesting in stock options, and the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceased as of the Termination Date.
4. Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits. Executive acknowledges and represents that, other than the consideration set forth in this Agreement, the Company has paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Executive.
5. Indemnity. The Company agrees to indemnify, in accordance with its Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation and applicable Nevada law, Executive if he is or becomes a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including, without limitation, an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company (and the Company may indemnify Executive by reason of the fact that he was an agent of the Company, or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, trustee, member, manager, officer, or agent of another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise), against any liabilities, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and any other costs and expenses incurred in connection with defending such action, suit or proceeding), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and Executive acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Within any directors and officers insurance policies, including any tail coverage policies, Company agrees to include coverage for all former officers and directors of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no expenses for which indemnity shall be sought under this Agreement, other than those in respect of judgments and verdicts actually rendered, shall be incurred without the prior consent of the Company, and the Company must approve the selection of independent counsel of Executive and such counsel’s xxxxxxxx and expenses. Executive will promptly notify the Company of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding against Executive which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a right by Executive to be indemnified under this Agreement. The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Executive under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action, suit or proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against Executive: (a) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, (b) which a final adjudication establishes that Indemnitee’s acts or omissions involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law and was material to the cause of action, including, without limitation, a final judgment or other final adjudication that Indemnitee defrauded or stole from the Company or converted to his own personal use and benefit business or properties of the Company or was otherwise knowingly dishonest or (c) in connection with any proceeding (or any part of any proceeding) initiated by Executive, including any proceeding (or any part of any proceeding) initiated by Executive against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Company authorized the proceeding (or any part of any proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.
6. Release of Claims. Executive agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company and its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, insurers, trustees, divisions, and subsidiaries, and predecessor and successor corporations and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”). Executive, on his own behalf and on behalf of his respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to xxx concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement, including, without limitation:
a. any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;
b. any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;
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c. any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; harassment; retaliation; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; fraud; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; conversion; and disability benefits;
d. any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Equal Pay Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002; the Immigration Control and Reform Act; the California Family Rights Act; the California Labor Code; the California Workers’ Compensation Act; and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act;
e. any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;
f. any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;
g. any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the nonwithholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive as a result of this Agreement; and
h. any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.
Executive agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released.
Executive further agrees, except to enforce the terms of the Agreement and subject to the rights enumerated in Paragraph 7, to waive any right to recover front pay, back pay, liquidated damages, punitive damages, compensatory damages, and attorneys’ fees in any suit, complaint, charge, or other proceeding filed by Executive or anyone else on Executive’s behalf with respect to the above-released claims.
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7. Protected Rights. Notwithstanding the above, by signing this agreement, Executive does not release and discharge: (a) any vested right that the Executive may have under the terms of any profit-sharing, retirement, or similar employee welfare benefit plan administrated by the Company; (b) any claims that are not permitted to be waived or released under applicable law, including but not limited to, the right to file a charge with or participate in an investigation by the EEOC, claims for workers’ compensation, and claims for unemployment compensation; (c) any claim for breach of this Agreement or to challenge its validity under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”); and (d) any claims arising after the date on which Executive signs this Agreement. Nor is this Agreement intended in any way to limit Executive’s right or ability to: (a) bring a lawsuit against the Company to enforce the Company’s obligations under this Agreement; (b) make any disclosure of information required by law; (c) report a possible violation of any federal law or regulation to any government agency or entity including but not limited to the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any law; (d) initiate, provide information to, testify at, participate, or otherwise assist, in any investigation or proceeding brought by any federal regulatory or law enforcement agency or legislative body, such as the EEOC and SEC, any self-regulatory organization, or the Company’s legal, compliance, or human resources officers relating to an alleged violation of any federal, state, or municipal law; or (E) respond to any inquiry from such authority, including an inquiry about the existence of this agreement or its underlying facts. This agreement does not require you to notify the Company of any such communications or inquiry described in this Section of the agreement.
8. No Pending Claims or Assignments. Executive represents and warrants that there are no claims, charges, lawsuits, or any similar matters of any kind filed by his or on his behalf or for his benefit currently pending against the Company or the Releasees, or any of them, in any forum whatsoever, including, without limitation, in any state or federal court, or before any federal, state, or local administrative agency, board or governing body. Executive also represents and warrants that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any claim he may have against the Company or any Releasee, and Executive agrees to indemnify and hold them and each of them, harmless from any liability, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred by them or any of them, as a result of any person asserting any such assignment or transfer. This indemnity shall not require payment as a condition precedent to recover by the Company or any Releasee against Executive under this indemnity.
9. California Civil Code Section 1542. Executive acknowledges that he has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.
Executive, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights he may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.
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10. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Executive represents that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Executive also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.
11. Application for Employment. Executive understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, and Executive hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company. Executive further agrees not to apply for employment with the Company and not otherwise pursue an independent contractor or vendor relationship with the Company.
12. Confidentiality. Executive agrees to maintain in complete confidence the existence of this Agreement, the contents and terms of this Agreement, and the consideration for this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Separation Information”). Except as required by law, Executive may disclose Separation Information only to his immediate family members, the Court in any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Agreement, Executive’s attorney(s), and Executive’s accountant and any professional tax advisor to the extent that they need to know the Separation Information in order to provide advice on tax treatment or to prepare tax returns, and must prevent disclosure of any Separation Information to all other third parties. Executive agrees that he will not publicize, directly or indirectly, any Separation Information.
13. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property. Executive reaffirms and agrees to observe and abide by the terms of the Proprietary Information Agreement, specifically including the provisions therein regarding nondisclosure of the Company’s trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information, and nonsolicitation of Company employees. Executive’s signature below constitutes his certification under penalty of perjury that he will return within six (6) calendar days all documents and other items provided to Executive by the Company, developed or obtained by Executive in connection with his employment with the Company, or otherwise belonging to the Company.
Executive agrees at all times hereafter to hold in the strictest confidence, and not to use or disclose to any person or entity, any Confidential Information of the Company. Executive understands that “Confidential Information” means any Company proprietary information, technical data, trade secrets or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, product plans, products, services, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on whom Executive has called or with whom he became acquainted during the term of his employment), markets, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances, or other business information disclosed to Executive by the Company either directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or by drawings or observation of parts or equipment. Executive further understands that Confidential Information does not include any of the foregoing items that have become publicly known and made generally available through no wrongful act of Executive’s or of others who were under confidentiality obligations as to the item or items involved or improvements or new versions thereof. Executive hereby grants consent to notification by the Company to any new employer about Executive’s obligations under this paragraph. Executive represents that he has not to date misused or disclosed Confidential Information to any unauthorized party.
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14. No Cooperation. Executive agrees that he will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so. Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order. If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Executive shall state no more than that he/she cannot provide counsel or assistance.
15. Mutual Nondisparagement. Executive agrees to refrain from any disparaging statements about the Company or any of the other Releasees including, without limitation, the business, products, intellectual property, financial standing, future, or employment/compensation/benefit practices of the Company. The Company agrees to refrain from any disparaging statements about Executive. Executive understands that the Company’s obligations under this paragraph extend only to the Company’s current executive officers and members of its Board of Directors and only for so long as each officer or member is an employee or Director of the Company.
16. Breach. In addition to the rights provided in the “Attorneys’ Fees” section below, Executive acknowledges and agrees that any material breach of this Agreement or of any provision of the Proprietary Information Agreement shall entitle the Company immediately to recover and/or cease providing the consideration provided to Executive under this Agreement and to obtain damages, except as provided by law. The Company agrees that failure to make any scheduled payment or reimbursement within thirty (30) days of the date it was scheduled or filed for reimbursement shall be deemed a material breach of the Agreement.
17. No Admission of Liability. Executive understands and acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Executive. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Executive or to any third party.
18. Nonsolicitation. Executive agrees that for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the Effective Date of this Agreement, Executive shall not directly solicit any of the Company’s employees to leave their employment at the Company. For avoidance of doubt, Executive shall be permitted to work with and solicit any part-time Company employee to work with him, however Executive shall not directly solicit any of the Company’s part-time or full-time employees to leave their employment at the Company.
19. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys’ fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement.
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20. ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, AND ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION IN ORANGE COUNTY, BEFORE JUDICIAL ARBITRATION & MEDIATION SERVICES (“JAMS”), PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (“JAMS RULES”). THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL APPLY SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL CALIFORNIA LAW TO ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY CONFLICT-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF ANY JURISDICTION. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE JAMS RULES CONFLICT WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, CALIFORNIA LAW SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD. THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL EACH PAY AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION, AND EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE COUNSEL FEES AND EXPENSES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS PARAGRAPH CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN.
21. Section 409A. It is intended that this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and the final regulations and official guidance thereunder (“Section 409A”) and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply and/or be exempt from Section 409A. Each payment and benefit to be paid or provided under this Agreement is intended to constitute a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. The Company and Executive will work together in good faith to consider either (i) amendments to this Agreement; or (ii) revisions to this Agreement with respect to the payment of any awards, which are necessary or appropriate to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to the actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.
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22. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that he has the capacity to act on his own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through him to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.
23. No Representations. Executive represents that he has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Executive has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.
24. Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.
25. Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action.
26. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s relationship with the Company, with the exception of the Proprietary Information Agreement and stock and option agreements referenced in Paragraph 2, except as modified herein.
27. No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Executive and the Company.
28. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard for choice-of-law provisions. Executive consents to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of California.
29. Effective Date. Executive understands that this Agreement shall be null and void if not executed by him within seven (7) days. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the date it has been signed by both Parties (the “Effective Date”).
30. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile, and each counterpart and facsimile shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.
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31. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Executive understands and agrees that he executed this Agreement voluntarily, without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of his claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Executive acknowledges that:
| (a) | he has read this Agreement; | |
| (b) | he has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of his own choice or has elected not to retain legal counsel; | |
| (c) | he understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains; and | |
| (d) | he is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.
| Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, an individual | ||
| Dated: May 8, 2019 | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
| Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
| Vitality Biopharma, Inc. | ||
| Dated: May 8, 2019 | By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
| Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||
| Interim Chief Executive Officer | ||
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Exhibit A
Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement
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STEVIA FIRST CORPORATION
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT
In consideration of my employment or continued employment by Stevia First Corporation (the “Company”), and the compensation now and hereafter paid to me, I hereby agree as follows:
1. RECOGNITION OF COMPANY’S RIGHTS; NONDISCLOSURE. At all times during the term of my employment and thereafter, I will hold in strictest confidence and will not disclose, use, lecture upon or publish any of the Company’s Proprietary Information (defined below), except as such disclosure, use or publication may be required in connection with my work for the Company, or unless an officer of the Company expressly authorizes such in writing. I hereby assign to the Company any rights I may have or acquire in such Proprietary Information and recognize that all Proprietary Information shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns and the Company and its assigns shall be the sole owner of all trade secret rights, patent rights, copyrights, mask work rights and all other rights throughout the world (collectively, “Proprietary Rights”) in connection therewith.
The term “Proprietary Information” shall mean trade secrets, confidential knowledge, data or any other proprietary information of the Company. By way of illustration but not limitation, “Proprietary Information” includes (a) trade secrets, inventions, mask works, ideas, processes, formulas, source and object codes, data, programs, other works of authorship, know-how, improvements, discoveries, developments, designs and techniques (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Inventions”); and (b) information regarding plans for research, development, new products, marketing and selling, business plans, budgets and unpublished financial statements, licenses, prices and costs, suppliers and customers; and information regarding the skills and compensation of other employees of the Company.
2. THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. I understand, in addition, that the Company has received and in the future will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the term of my employment and thereafter, I will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose (to anyone other than Company personnel who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company) or use, except in connection with my work for the Company, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by an officer of the Company in writing.
3. ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS.
(A) ASSIGNMENT. I hereby assign to the Company all my right, title and interest in and to any and all Inventions (and all Proprietary Rights with respect thereto) whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar statutes, made or conceived or reduced to practice or learned by me, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of my employment with the Company which are related to or useful in the business of the Company or result from tasks assigned to me by the Company or result from the use of premises leased, owned or contracted for by the Company. Inventions assigned to or as directed by the Company by this paragraph 3 are hereinafter referred to as “Company Inventions.”
(B) GOVERNMENT. I also assign to or as directed by the Company all my right, title and interest in and to any and all Inventions, full title to which is required to be in the United States by a contract between the Company and the United States or any of its agencies.
(C) WORKS FOR HIRE. I acknowledge that all original works of authorship which are made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of my employment and which are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101).
4. ENFORCEMENT OF PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. I will assist the Company in every proper way to obtain and from time to time enforce United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Inventions in any and all countries. To that end I will execute, verify and deliver such documents and perform such other acts (including appearances as a witness) as the Company may reasonably request for use in applying for, obtaining, perfecting, evidencing, sustaining and enforcing such Proprietary Rights and the assignment thereof. In addition, I will execute, verify and deliver assignments of such Proprietary Rights to the Company or its designee. My obligation to assist the Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Inventions in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of my employment, but the Company shall compensate me at a reasonable rate after my termination for the time actually spent by me at the Company’s request on such assistance.
In the event the Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure my signature on any document needed in connection with the actions specified in the preceding paragraph, I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and in my behalf to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of the preceding paragraph with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me. I hereby waive and quitclaim to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which I now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assigned hereunder to the Company.
5. OBLIGATION TO KEEP COMPANY INFORMED. During the period of my employment and for six (6) months after termination of my employment with the Company, I will promptly disclose to the Company fully and in writing all Inventions authored, conceived or reduced to practice by me, either alone or jointly with others. In addition, I will promptly disclose to the Company all patent applications filed by me or on my behalf within a year after termination of employment. At the time of each such disclosure, I will advise the Company in writing of any Inventions that I believe fully qualify for protection under Section 2870; and I will at that time provide to the Company in writing all evidence necessary to substantiate that belief. The Company will keep in confidence and will not disclose to third parties without my consent any proprietary information disclosed in writing to the Company pursuant to this Agreement relating to Inventions that qualify fully for protection under the provisions of Section 2870. I will preserve the confidentiality of any Invention that does not fully qualify for protection under Section 2870.
I agree to keep and maintain adequate and current records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings and in any other form that may be required by the Company) of all Proprietary Information developed by me and all Inventions made by me during the period of my employment at the Company, which records shall be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.
6. PRIOR INVENTIONS. Inventions, if any, patented or unpatented, which I made prior to the commencement of my employment with the Company are excluded from the scope of this Agreement. To preclude any possible uncertainty, I have set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto a complete list of all Inventions that I have, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to the commencement of my employment with the Company, that I consider to be my property or the property of third parties and that I wish to have excluded from the scope of this Agreement. If disclosure of any such Invention on Exhibit A would cause me to violate any prior confidentiality agreement, I understand that I am not to list such Inventions in Exhibit A but am to inform the Company that all such Inventions have not been listed for that reason.
7. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES. I agree that during the period of my employment by the Company I will not, without the Company’s express written consent, engage in any employment or business activity other than for the Company. I agree further that for the period of my employment by the Company and for one (1) year after the date of termination of my employment by the Company I will not (i) induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company or (ii) solicit the business of any client or customer of the Company (other than on behalf of the Company). Nothing in this Paragraph 7 shall restrict my post-employment business opportunities that would violate the provision of California Business & Professions Code Section 16600. The Company hereby acknowledges that Employee may serve as founder and executive of Intervene Immune, Inc. during Employee’s employment with the Company, provided these activities do not interfere or conflict with Employee’s ability to successfully perform his duties and responsibilities on behalf of the Company.
8. NO IMPROPER USE OF MATERIALS. During my employment by the Company I will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employer or any other person to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality, and I will not bring onto the premises of the Company any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in writing by that former employer or person. I will use in the performance of my duties only information which is generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to my own, which is common knowledge in the industry or otherwise legally in the public domain, or which is otherwise provided or developed by the Company.
9. NO CONFLICTING OBLIGATION. I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I have not entered into, and I agree I will not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict herewith.
10. RETURN OF COMPANY DOCUMENTS. When I leave the employ of the Company, I will deliver to the Company any and all drawings, notes, memoranda, specifications, devices, formulas, and documents, together with all copies thereof, and any other material containing or disclosing any Company Inventions, Third Party Information or Proprietary Information of the Company. I further agree that any property situated on the Company’s premises and owned by the Company, including disks and other storage media, filing cabinets or other work areas, is subject to inspection by Company personnel at any time with or without notice. Prior to leaving, I will cooperate with the Company in completing and signing the Company’s termination certification for technical and management personnel.
11. LEGAL AND EQUITABLE REMEDIES. Because my services are personal and unique and because I may have access to and become acquainted with the Proprietary Information of the Company, the Company shall have the right to enforce this Agreement and any of its provisions by injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief, without bond and without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that the Company may have for a breach of this Agreement.
12. NOTICES. Any notices required or permitted hereunder shall be given to the appropriate party at the address specified below or at such other address as the party shall specify in writing. Such notice shall be deemed given upon personal delivery to the appropriate address or if sent by certified or registered mail, three days after the date of mailing.
13. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(A) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California as those laws are applied to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely in California by California residents.
(B) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement is the final, complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and merges all prior discussions between us. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged. Any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the period of my employment includes any time during which I may be retained by the Company as a consultant.
14 SEVERABILITY. If one or more of the provisions in this Agreement are deemed unenforceable by law, then such provision will be deemed stricken from this Agreement and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
15. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns.
16. SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Agreement shall survive the termination of my employment and the assignment of this Agreement by the Company to any successor in interest or other assignee.
17. EMPLOYMENT. I agree and understand that nothing in this Agreement shall confer any right with respect to continuation of employment by the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with my right or the Company’s right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause.
18. WAIVER. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Agreement shall be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the Company of any right under this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any other right. The Company shall not be required to give notice to enforce strict adherence to all terms of this Agreement.
This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment with the Company, namely: January 31, 2012.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS AGREEMENT AFFECTS MY RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS I MAKE DURING MY EMPLOYMENT, AND RESTRICTS MY RIGHT TO DISCLOSE OR USE THE COMPANY’S CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION DURING OR SUBSEQUENT TO MY EMPLOYMENT.
I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I HAVE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT EXHIBIT A TO THIS AGREEMENT.
| Dated: May 8, 2019 | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx |
| Signature | |
| Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
| Name of Employee |
| ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO: | ||
| STEVIA FIRST CORPORATION | ||
| By: | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
| Name: | Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
| Title: | CEO | |
EXHIBIT A
STEVIA FIRST CORP.
0000 Xxxxxxx Xx.
Xxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The following is a complete list of all inventions or improvements relevant to the subject matter of my employment by Stevia First Corporation (the “Company”) that have been made or conceived or first reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior to my engagement by the Company:
| [___] | No inventions or improvements. | |
| [___] | See below: |
| ______________________________________________________ | ||
| ______________________________________________________ | ||
| ______________________________________________________ |
| [___] | Due to confidentiality agreements with prior employer, I cannot disclose certain inventions that would otherwise be included on the above-described list. | |
| [___] | Additional sheets attached. |
I propose to bring to my employment the following devices, materials and documents of a former employer or other person to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality that are not generally available to the public, which materials and documents may be used in my employment pursuant to the express written authorization of my former employer or such other person (a copy of which is attached hereto):
| [___] | No material. | |
| [___] | See below: |
| ______________________________________________________ | ||
| ______________________________________________________ | ||
| ______________________________________________________ | ||
| ______________________________________________________ |
| [___] | Additional sheets attached. |
| Date:______________, 20___ | ||
| Very truly yours, | ||
| Employee |
