UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 5, 2015

 

AUDIOEYE, INC.

 

DELAWARE

 

333-17746

 

20-2939845

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

5210 E. Williams Circle, Suite 500

Tucson, Arizona 85711

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(866) 331-5324

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (See General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o             Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o             Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o             Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o             Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(e) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

Item 1.01                         Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

On March 5, 2015, AudioEye, Inc. (the “Company”) and Paul Arena entered into a Separation and Release Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Arena resigned as Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board and a member of the Board of Directors.  Under the Separation Agreement, the Company and Mr. Arena agreed that, pursuant to his Stock Option Agreement with the Company, options to purchase 500,000 common shares have been vested, options to purchase an additional 500,000 shares (the “Second Tranche”) are vested and options to purchase 500,000 shares will be forfeited.  Fifty percent of the options under the Second Tranche are subject to certain clawback provisions as set forth in the Separation Agreement.  Additionally, Mr. Arena is being granted 500,000 shares of the Company’s restricted Common Stock (the “Restricted Shares”) with 250,000 shares being deposited in escrow to cover the clawback rights of the Company.  The Restricted Shares are being issued to Mr. Arena in lieu of any issuances which may be due him under his Performance Share Unit Agreement.  The Restricted Shares and shares issuable pursuant to options described above are subject to a Lock-up/Leakage Agreement under which Mr. Arena is limited to a cap of $50,000 in gross proceeds from the sale of such shares in any month.

 

Also on March 5, 2015, the Company and AIM Group, Inc. (“AIM”), a corporation wholly owned by Mr. Arena, entered into a Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) pursuant to which AIM, through Mr. Arena, is to provide certain consulting services to the Company for a period of one year.  Under the Consulting Agreement, AIM is to receive a one-time net payment of $267,000.

 

Item 2.01                         Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement

 

Reference is made to Item 1.01 above.  Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, the Executive Employment Agreement dated as of January 27, 2014 between Mr. Arena and the Company has been terminated effective March 5, 2015, and, in connection therewith, Mr. Arena is taking on a new role with the Company as a consultant through his wholly owned company, AIM Group, Inc.

 

Item 5.02                         Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Officers; Appointment of Certain Officers, Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

 

Effective March 5, 2015, Paul Arena resigned as a director and the Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board of the Company, and Dr. Carr Bettis was appointed Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board of the Company.  Dr. Bettis, age 51, has served as a director of the Company since December 2012, and previously served as a director of the Company from July 2007 to April 2010.  Dr. Bettis founded and has been the Chief Architect of numerous financial technology innovations and businesses over the last 15 years that have been acquired by Merrill Lynch, Thomson Financial, Primark/Disclosure and Advanced Equities/GreenBrook Financial.  He has served as Chairman and Co-Founder of Verus Analytics, a quantitative financial engineering firm since 1996.  He also serves on the board of directors of iMemories, an Arizona-founded technology company. Since 2007, he has managed his family’s private equity portfolio via his firm, Fathom Lab.  Dr. Bettis is a former tenured professor and maintains a clinical-affiliation with Arizona State University as Research Professor of Finance at the W.P. Carey School of Business.  His research has been published in academic and professional journals such as the Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, and the Financial Analyst Journal.  Dr. Bettis holds undergraduate degrees in finance and accounting, and received his Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1992.  A compensation arrangement is currently under consideration by the Compensation Committee.

 

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Mr. Arena’s resignation as Executive Chairman of the Company and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors was not predicated on any disagreements or objections as to anything relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

 

Item 8.01                         Other Events

 

On March 6, 2015, the Company issued a press release relating to the resignation of Paul Arena as Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company and the election of Dr. Carr Bettis as Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board.

 

Item 9.01                         Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)                         Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.1

 

Separation and Release Agreement dated as of March 5, 2015 between the Company and Paul Arena.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Consulting Agreement dated as of March 5, 2015 between the Company and AIM Group, Inc.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release.

 

There is filed as part of this report the exhibits listed on the accompanying Index to Exhibits, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Date: March 6, 2015

AUDIOEYE, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ NATHANIEL T. BRADLEY

 

 

Nathaniel T. Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.1

 

Separation and Release Agreement dated as of March 5, 2015 between the Company and Paul Arena.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Consulting Agreement dated as of March 5, 2015 between the Company and AIM Group, Inc.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release.

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

 

This Separation and Release Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into by and between Paul R. Arena (“ Employee ” or “ You ”), on the one hand, and AudioEye, Inc., a Delaware corporation, on the other (the “ Company ” or “ Employer ”).  Employee and the Company are sometimes each referred to herein as a “ Party ” and collectively, as the “ Parties .”  Terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Employment Agreement (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS:

 

1.                                       Employee and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, effective January 27, 2014 (the “ Employment Agreement ”).

 

2.                                       The parties have agreed to terminate the Employment Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained, the Parties agree as follows.

 

1.                                       Effective as of March 5, 2014 (the “ Separation Date ”), you hereby resign from your employment with the Company, including your position as Executive Chairman, member of the Board of Directors, and any and all other offices you held with the Company or any of its subsidiaries and such resignation is hereby accepted.  Except for Sections 12, 13, and 14 of the Employment Agreement, as of the Separation Date, the Employment Agreement is terminated and has no further force or effect.  The Parties understand and agree that neither the making of this Agreement nor the fulfillment of any condition or obligation of this Agreement constitutes an admission of any liability or wrongdoing by the Company, any of the Employee Releasees (as defined below) or any of the Company Releasees (as defined below).

 

2.                                       Upon execution of this Agreement, Employee will deliver to the Company an executed a resignation letter in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .  The contents of the resignation letter shall form the substance of the Company’s 8-K filing with respect to the Employee’s departure from the Board of Directors of AudioEye, Inc.

 

3.                                       Subject to Paragraph 1 above, this Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, written or oral, which may exist between the Company and Employee concerning Employee’s separation from the Company, including without limitation any representations made to Employee by any executive officer or director of the Company.

 

4.                                       Employee Acknowledgments .

 

(a)                                  You have been advised by the Company to consult with the attorney of your choice before signing this Agreement and have had the opportunity to do so.

 

(b)                                  You have been given the opportunity to consider this for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days, though You are not required to take such period of time.

 

(c)                                   You would not be entitled to receive the consideration offered to You herein but for your signing this Agreement and other agreements needed to effectuate this Agreement.

 

(d)                                  You may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days after the date You sign it by providing written notice of the revocation to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company no later than the

 



 

seventh day after You sign it.  It is understood and agreed that any notice of revocation received by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company after the expiration of this seven (7) day period shall be null and void.

 

5.                                       It is further expressly agreed by the Parties that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable and the consideration referred to in Section 7 below and elsewhere herein will not be paid until the seven (7) day revocation period described in Section 4(d) above has expired.  Therefore, it is expressly agreed by the Parties that the “ Effective Date ” of this Agreement is the first day after the date the seven (7) day revocation period has expired.

 

6.                                       Employee represents that he has consulted or has had sufficient opportunity to discuss with any person, including the attorney of his choice, all provisions of this Agreement, that he has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, that he is competent to execute this Agreement, and that he is voluntarily entering into this Agreement of his own free will and accord, without reliance upon any statement or representation of the Company or its representatives.

 

7.                                       Provided that Employee does not revoke this Agreement as provided in Paragraphs 4 and 5 above, and complies with his obligations hereunder, the Company agrees as follows:

 

(a)                                  Employee has submitted to the Company a list of expenses for which he is seeking reimbursement, together with receipts for all claimed expenses.  Having reviewed Your documentation of expenses, within five (5) days of the Effective Date, the Company will pay Employee $27,891.98 in full and final payment of all expense claims of Employee.  Within five (5) days of the Effective Date, the Company will pay Employee $21,766.46, less statutory deductions, tax withholdings, and all other withholdings required by law, representing any amounts owed Employee for accrued but unpaid payroll and accrued and unused paid time off.

 

(b)                                  Subject to Paragraph 19 below, following the Separation Date, You will be entitled to retain the Samsung cellular phones along with the Apple monitor, keyboard, mouse and Apple Mac Computer from your office currently owned by the Company (the “ Retained Equipment ”).  As of the Effective Date, the Company shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses associated with the Retained Equipment, including but not limited to any monthly subscription plans.

 

(c)                                   As set forth in greater detail in Paragraph 19 below, upon execution of this Agreement by the Parties, You will deliver to the Company a flashdrive containing a copy of all information pertaining to the Company and its subsidiaries on the harddrive of any computer within your possession, custody or control.

 

(d)                                  The Company will pay on Employee’s behalf payments for medical and dental benefits under the Company’s medical and dental benefit plans, according to those benefits chosen by Employee for continuation under The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“ COBRA ”), for the period of 18 months from the Effective Date; provided, however, that nothing set forth within this Agreement shall be construed as obligating the Company to maintain and/or continue in force any benefit plan.

 

(e)                                   Commencing March 1, 2015, the Employee agrees to assume all obligations under the existing apartment lease in New York City, (the “ Lease ”) for the remainder of the term pursuant to the Lease Amendment attached as Exhibit B .  In furtherance of this obligation, Employee shall obtain the landlord’s signature to the Lease Amendment and otherwise use best efforts to arrange for the Lease Agreement to be fully executed.  Upon completion of the Lease on June 30, 2016, You shall deliver to the Company the $48,000 security deposit paid by the Company to the Landlord at the commencement of the Lease without offset, together with $6,250 representing one-half of the final month’s rent of $12,500.  Additionally, Employee shall be allowed to keep the apartment furnishings, which were purchased by the Company.  It is expressly understood and agreed by the Employee that he is obtaining a benefit from this

 

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provision and the Company will provide a Form 1099 to Employee in the amount of not more than $20,000 representing the fair market value of furniture in the apartment.

 

8.                                       Reference is hereby made to that certain Stock Option Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2014, by and between the Company and Employee (the “ Option Agreement ”).  In connection with the Option Agreement, the Company and Employee agree that 500,000 options have already vested, an additional 500,000 options shall be vested (the “Second Tranche”) and 500,000 options shall be forfeited. As to the Second Tranche, 50%, or 250,000, of such options shall be vested immediately and  50%, or 250,000, options are deemed to be vested but may not be exercised  until such time as the Company’s 2015 audited financials are final, and are subject to clawback as follows: (i) if (a) the Company 2014 revenues are restated, or (b) with respect to the Company’s 2014 fourth quarter financials, revenues are reclassified, or (c) an impairment is recognized in the Company’s 2015 audited financials as a result of licenses entered into while Employee was employed by the Company, individually or in combination, in an aggregate amount of $5+ million, then 50%, or 125,000, options are retired back to Company and 50%, or 125,000, options are released to Employee; (ii) if (a) the Company 2014 revenues are restated, or (b) with respect to the Company’s 2014 fourth quarter financials, revenues are reclassified, or (c) an impairment is recognized in the Company’s 2015 audited financials as a result of licenses entered into while Employee was employed by the Company, individually or in combination, in an aggregate amount of $10+ million, then 100%, or 250,000, options are retired back to Company; and (iii) if (a) 2014 revenues are restated, or (b) with respect to the Company’s 2014 fourth quarter financials, revenues are reclassified, or (c) recognized as impaired in the Company’s 2015 audited financials as a result of licenses entered into while Employee was employed by the Company, individually or in combination, in an aggregate amount of less than $5 million, then 100%, or 250,000, of the options shall be then available for exercise by Employee.

 

9.                                       Except as set forth in Section 8, as to the already vested options, the terms of the options shall be as set forth in the January 27, 2014 Option Agreement deemed to have been issued under the Company’s 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ 2014 Option Plan ”), it being understood that the total amount of options You are entitled to is as set forth in Paragraph 8; provided, however, that You and the Company hereby amend the Option Agreement so that notwithstanding Section 6(a)(i) of the Option Agreement, any unexercised options shall remain exercisable until January 27, 2019.

 

10.                                On the Effective Date the Company will issue to You 500,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock subject to Rule 144 (the “Restricted Shares”); it being understood that the Restricted Shares are being issued to You in lieu of any issuances to you under that certain Performance Share Unit Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2014, by and between the Company and Employee (the “ PSU Agreement ”) and that you shall not be entitled to, and hereby forfeit, any Performance Share Unit (as such term is defined in the PSU Agreement) issuances to you under the PSU Agreement.  50%, or 250,000, Restricted Shares shall be released immediately to Employee and 50%, or 250,000, Restricted Shares shall be held in escrow until April 1, 2016, or until such time as the Company’s 2015 audited financials are final, and subject to clawback as follows: (i) if (a) the Company 2014 revenues are restated, or (b) with respect to the Company’s 2014 fourth quarter financials, revenues are reclassified, or (c) an impairment is recognized in the Company’s 2015 audited financials as a result of licenses entered into while Employee was employed by the Company, individually or in combination, in an aggregate amount of $5+ million, then 50%, or 125,000, escrow shares shall be retired back to Company and 50%, or 125,000, shares are released to Employee; (ii) if (a) the Company 2014 revenues are restated, or (b) with respect to the Company’s 2014 fourth quarter financials, revenues are reclassified, or (c) an impairment is recognized in the Company’s 2015 audited financials as a result of licenses entered into while Employee was employed by the Company, individually or in combination, in an aggregate amount of $10+ million, then 100%, or 250,000, escrow shares are retired back to Company; and (iii) if (a) the Company 2014 revenues are restated, or (b) with respect to the Company’s 2014 fourth quarter financials, revenues are reclassified, or (c) recognized as impaired in the Company’s 2015 audited financials as a result of licenses entered into while Employee was employed by the Company, individually or in combination, in an aggregate amount of less than $5 million, then 100%, or 250,000, of the escrow shares are released to Employee and held in escrow pursuant to a Share Escrow Agreement attached as Exhibit C .

 

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11.                                The Company and Employee that Employee shall be subject to the Lock-up/Leak-out Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit D .

 

12.                                Except as provided in Section 7(d) above, Employee’s health insurance and all other Company benefits will terminate according to the terms of the plans.  This provision is not, however, intended to waive Employee’s rights under COBRA.  Employee acknowledges that the Company will provide the COBRA notice, in accordance with federal guidelines, under which Employee may elect continuation of coverage.

 

13.                                Effective as of the Separation Date, You will be deemed to have resigned as Executive Chairman and board member of AudioEye, Inc., it being agreed and understood that this Agreement shall serve as irrevocable written notice of such resignation; and furthermore, upon execution of this Agreement, you will deliver to the Company an executed Resignation Letter, dated as of the Separation Date, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

 

14.                                Employee represents and acknowledges that in executing this Agreement, he does not rely and has not relied upon any representation or statement made by the Company or any of its agents, representatives or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement or otherwise other than the representations contained in this Agreement.

 

15.                                Employee further agrees as follows:

 

(a)                                  As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement and subject to the terms of this Paragraph 15, except for the obligations of this Agreement, including its Exhibits, Employee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally releases, acquits and forever discharges the Company and each of its parent, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, attorneys, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of them, (collectively “Company Releasees”), from any and all charges, complaints, claims, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, controversies, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, rights, demands, costs, losses, debts and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs actually incurred), of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown (“ Claim ” or “ Claims ”) which Employee now has, owns, holds, or which Employee at any time heretofore had, owned, or held, or claims to have had, against each of the Company Releasees, including, but not limited to: (a) all Claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; (b) all Claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; (c) all Claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; (d) all Claims arising under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; (e) all Claims arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended; (f) all Claims related to Employee’s employment with the Company; (g) all Claims of unlawful discrimination based on age, sex, race, religion, national origin, handicap, disability, equal pay, sexual orientation or otherwise; (h) all Claims of wrongful discharge, breach of an implied or express employment contract, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, libel, defamation, breach of privacy, fraud, breach of any implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and any other federal, state, or local common law or statutory claims, whether in tort or in contract; (i) all Claims related to unpaid wages, salary, overtime compensation, bonuses, vacation pay, expenses or other compensation or benefits arising out of Employee’s employment with the Company; (j) all claims arising under any federal, state or local regulation, law, code or statute; (k) all claims of discrimination arising under any state or local law or ordinance; (l) all claims relating to any agreement, arrangement or understanding that Employee has, or may have, with the Company, including, without limitation, the Employment Agreement; (m) all Claims arising from Your employment or other affiliations with the Company, termination thereof, and all discussions and negotiations leading up to this Agreement; and (n) any claim by Employee of entitlement to any severance payment under the Employment Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Employee covenants and promises not to sue, commence arbitration, or otherwise pursue legal action against the Company Releasees, other than for breach of this Agreement and Exhibits. 

 

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Employee further represents that he has filed no lawsuits, arbitrations or other actions against the Company Releasees.  Employee further represents that he has not assigned or purported to assign any Claims released in this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Employee further promises and agrees that he will not at any time disparage the Company Releasees, or any of the Company Releasees’s products, operations, policies, decisions, advertising or marketing programs, if the effect of such disparagement reasonably could be anticipated to cause material harm to the Company’s reputation, business interests or to the morale among the Company’s work force, or the reputation of any Company Releasees.  Additionally, Employee will, unless required by law not to, refer all inquiries that he receives (whether written or oral) regarding the business or operations of the Company to the CEO (or his designee).

 

(d)                                  Employee expressly represents and warrants that he is not entitled to any wages, vacation, or other form of compensation other than as specifically identified in Paragraph 7, 8, and 10 of this Agreement.

 

16.                                The Company further agrees as follows:

 

(a)                                  As a material inducement to Employee to enter into this Agreement and subject to the terms of this Paragraph 16, the Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each of its parent, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, attorneys, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of them, except for the obligations in this Agreement and its Exhibits, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally releases, acquits and forever discharges Employee, AIM Group, and their heirs, representatives, successors and assigns and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of them (collectively, the “Employee Releasees”) from any and all charges, complaints, claims, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, controversies, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, rights, demands, cost, losses, debts and expenses (including attorney’s fees and cost actually incurred) of any nature whatsoever, which Company now has, owns, holds, or which Company at any time heretofore had, owned, or held or claims to have had against Employee, AIM Group or Employee Releasees, including without limitation any claims arising out of, in connection with, or related to Employee’s involvement as an officer or director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries

 

(b)                                  The Company covenants and promises not to sue, commence arbitration, or otherwise pursue legal action against Employee Releasees, other than for breach of this Agreement, including its Exhibits, as a result of any conduct before the Separation Date.  The Company further represents that it has filed no lawsuits, arbitrations or other actions against Employee Releasees.  The Company has not assigned or purported to assign any Claims released by this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   The Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each of its parent, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, attorneys, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of them, further promises and agrees that neither it nor its parent, predecessors, successors, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, attorneys, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with any of them, will not at any time disparage Employee Releasees, if the effect of such disparagement reasonably could be anticipated to cause material harm to Employee Releasees’s reputation. Nothing in this Agreement changes Employee’s status as an insured under past and present Directors and Officers’ Insurance Policies.  The Company’s obligations to indemnify the Employee are set forth in the by-laws and in the Indemnification Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit E .  Additionally, Company will, unless required by law not to, refer to Employee all inquiries that it receives (whether written or oral) that could reasonably be construed as affecting Employee.

 

17.                                Employee will not, for a period of two years for any reason, directly or indirectly: (a) solicit the business of any customer of the Company, for the purpose of, or with the intention of, selling or providing

 

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to such customer any product or service in competition with any product or service sold or provided; (b) solicit or cause or attempt to cause any employee of Employer to cease working for Employer.  Nothing in this provision is intended to supersede Paragraph 13 of the Employment Agreement and this provision shall be read in conjunction with Paragraph 13 of the Employment Agreement.

 

18.                                Employee will not, for a period of two years directly or indirectly, enter into the employment of, render services to, or acquire any interest whatsoever, whether as a sole proprietor, partner, associate, shareholder, officer, director, employee, consultant, trustee, lessor, creditor, or otherwise, in any business, trade or occupation in competition with the business of the Company.  Employee agrees that damages for breach of this covenant will be difficult to determine and therefore consents that this provision may be enforced by temporary or permanent injunction, without the necessity of a bond.  Such injunctive relief shall be in addition to, and not in place of, any remedies at law.  Employee agrees that the provisions of this paragraph are reasonable.  However, should any court ever find that any provision within this paragraph is unreasonable, either in period of time, geographical area, or otherwise, then and in that event Employee agrees that this paragraph shall be interpreted and enforced to the maximum extent which the court deems reasonable.  Nothing in this provision is intended to supersede Paragraph 13 of the Employment Agreement and this provision shall be read in conjunction with Paragraph 13 of the Employment Agreement.

 

19.                                Employee agrees that by three days after the Effective Date, he will, except for the Retained Equipment, return to the Company any and all property of the Company in his possession, custody or control, including without limitation marketing plans and related information, product development plans and related information, trade secret information, pricing information, vendor information, financial information, telephone lists, computer software and hardware, keys, credit cards, vehicle, telephone, camera and office equipment. Nothing in this provision is intended to supersede Paragraph 12 of the Employment Agreement and this provision shall be read in conjunction with Paragraph 12 of the Employment Agreement, including, but not limited to Paragraph 12(c).  Further, You specifically acknowledge and agree that You will continue to be bound by and subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 12 of the Employment Agreement.

 

20.                                No waiver of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both Parties.  No waiver or default of any term of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of the same or similar nature.  This Agreement may not be changed except by writing signed by both Parties. If Employee or the Company believes that the other Party has breached this Agreement, the non-breaching Party will notify the other Party of the breach in writing and that Party will be afforded (10) ten days to cure the breach.

 

21.                                This Agreement shall be binding upon Employee and upon Employee’s heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, trustees, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Company Releasees and each of them, and to their heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, trustees, successors, and assigns.

 

22.                                For the same aforesaid consideration, it is further expressly agreed and understood that the Parties will promptly execute any and all documents that are necessary and appropriate to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.

 

23.                                For the same aforesaid consideration, it is expressly agreed and understood that the contents of this Agreement, including its terms, any monetary consideration paid therein, and the parties thereto, shall not be disclosed, released or communicated to any person (except their attorneys, spouses, and tax consultants), including natural persons, corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, sole proprietorships or other business entities, except for the purpose of enforcing this Agreement or any provision therein or pursuant to a lawful subpoena or except as otherwise required by applicable law, including, without limitation, Federal securities laws.  Each Party agrees to give reasonable notice to the other in the event disclosure of this Agreement is sought by subpoena or otherwise.

 

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24.                                All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by personal delivery, mailed by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), sent by facsimile transmission, sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as is specified by like change of address):

 

If to the Company:

 

Nathan Bradley, CEO

AudioEye, Inc.

5210 E. Williams Circle, Suite 500

Tucson, AZ 85711

 

If to the Employee:

 

Paul R. Arena

P.O. Box 4407

Huntington, NY 11743

 

25.                                The Parties agree that the Agreement may be executed in multiple originals.  Further, facsimile or pdf email signatures shall be deemed as originals.

 

26.                                This Agreement is entered into and shall be interpreted, enforced and governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. In any proceeding to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

(The remainder of this page left intentionally blank)

 

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EXECUTED as of the Separation Date.

 

 

 

 

    Paul R. Arena

 

 

 

 

 

AUDIOEYE, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

Nathaniel T. Bradley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF RESIGNATION LETTER

 

[See attached documents]

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

LEASE AMENDMENT

 

[See attached document]

 

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EXHIBIT C

 

SHARE ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

[See attached document]

 

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EXHIBIT D

 

LEAK-OUT AGREEMENT

 

[See attached document]

 



 

EXHIBIT E

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

[See attached document]

 

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Exhibit 10.2

 

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

 

This Consulting Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made this        day of March, 2015 by and between AIM Group, Inc., a corporation located at 7510 Colony Drive, Cumming, GA 30041,  (the “ Consultant ”), and AudioEye, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “ Client ” or “ Company ”).

 

1.             Consulting Services .

 

1.1          Services .  Client hereby engages Consultant to perform the consulting services to be provided to Consultant in writing by the Company when and as needed, and as set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the “Work”).  Consultant designates Paul Arena as the responsible person. Consultant shall not engage in any services on behalf of the Company without being first instructed in writing to do so by the Company.  Consultant shall not hold himself out as an employee, officer, or board member of the Company.  If asked, he may say that he is a Consultant on retainer.

 

1.2          Non-Exclusivity .  Client acknowledges that the Work will be performed on a non-exclusive basis.  Subject to Section 1.1 above, nothing set forth herein shall be construed to prevent Consultant from providing consulting services to other parties or to prevent Client from using other referral sources or direct sales.

 

1.3          Contact Person .  Client shall designate in writing one individual and one back up individual to be responsible for communication with Consultant regarding the Work, and otherwise representing Client in business dealings with Consultant. The initial contact person shall be Nathan Bradley, which may be changed from time to time by Company in its sole discretion.

 

2.             Term & Termination .  The term of this Agreement shall commence upon the execution of this Agreement and shall remain in effect for the time period of one (1) year.  Notwithstanding the foregoing: (a) Consultant’s obligation to provide services described in a Work Order shall expire immediately upon completion of the tasks assigned to Consultant as set forth therein; and (b) Client may terminate this Agreement upon written notice, if Consultant is in breach of any of its material obligations or representations hereunder, and does not cure such breach within fifteen (15) days of a written demand for cure given by Client; and (c) Consultant may terminate this Agreement upon written notice, if Client is in breach of any of its material obligations or representations hereunder, and does not cure such breach within fifteen (15) days of a written demand for cure given by Consultant.

 

3.             Warranty; Limitations of Liability .

 

3.1          Warranty .  Consultant warrants that the Work to be provided herein by Consultant will be performed in a good and workmanlike manner and consistent with generally accepted industry standards. Consultant warrants that in the performance of its work it shall not use or incorporate Confidential Information provided by a source other than Client, unless such Confidential Information is generally available to the public or unless Consultant is authorized by the source of the Confidential Information to use such Confidential Information.  Other than as stated herein and in Paragraph 4, i.e. , “Indemnities”, CONSULTANT MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OR GUARANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE WORK OR OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.  Consultant’s liability with respect to the Work and services provided hereunder is limited to the total value of the compensation for the Work provided pursuant to Section 5 and Exhibit A .

 

3.2          Limitation of Liability .  If Consultant fails to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, then Client’s sole and exclusive remedy is the right to terminate this Agreement.  In no event shall Consultant be liable for consequential, incidental, special, direct, or indirect damages, lost revenues or profits, or for acts of negligence that are not intentional or reckless in nature, regardless of whether or not Consultant has been advised of the possibility of such damages.  Consultant will not be liable to Client for any delay or

 



 

failure to perform due to causes beyond its control, including without limitation acts of God, acts or omissions of Client, acts of governmental bodies, strikes or other labor disturbances, or riots.

 

4.             Indemnities .

 

(a)           Client represents and warrants that its Products and Services (“ Products ”) do not infringe in any material respect any United States copyright or patent of any third party. Client shall defend, at its expense, any lawsuit brought against Consultant to the extent it is based on a claim that use of the Products developed and owned by Client infringes any third party United States copyright or patent and Client shall indemnify Consultant against any and all costs and damages finally awarded by a court of competent jurisdiction after all appeals against Consultant in such an action or any settlements made with respect to such infringement claim to which Client agrees.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Client shall have no liability under this section for any claim based on: (i) use of other than the most recent release of the Products, if infringement could have been avoided by use of the most current release, (ii) use or combination of the Products with products not provided by Client, if such infringement would have been avoided by the use of a current unaltered release of the Products, alone, or (iii) modification of the Products by Consultant or a third party.

 

(b)           If the Products become the subject of a claim of infringement covered by this Section, or if use thereof is enjoined due to a claim of such infringement, Client may, at its sole discretion: (i) replace or modify the Products at no cost to Consultant such that the Products is non-infringing, or (ii) procure for Consultant, at no cost to Consultant, the right to continue marketing and distributing the Products.

 

(c)           If the remedies in (a) and (b) above are not practical as determined by Client then the Products from the Customers may be returned to Client and Client will provide a depreciated amount as a refund.

 

(d)           Consultant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Client and its licensors from and against any and all liability, losses, claims, expenses, demands, or damages of any kind, resulting directly or indirectly from any one or more of the following: (i) the negligent and intentional acts or omissions of Consultant, its employees or agents, or (ii) any representation, warranty, promise or assurance made or granted by Consultant to Customers or prospective Customers, in the event that such representation, warranty, promise or assurance was not previously approved by Client.

 

(e)           The rights of a party under this Section to be indemnified as set forth herein shall be subject to all of the following: (i) the indemnified party (the “ Indemnitee ”) must notify the indemnifying party (the “ Indemnitor ”) in writing promptly upon learning that such claim has been or may be asserted, (ii) the Indemnitor shall have sole control over the defense of such claim and any negotiations for the settlement or compromise thereof, and (iii) the Indemnitee shall provide reasonable assistance and cooperation to the Indemnitor to facilitate the settlement or defense of any such claim.

 

(f)            THIS SECTION STATES THE ENTIRE LIABILITY OF CLIENT WITH RESPECT TO INFRINGEMENT OF ANY KIND REGARDING THE PRODUCTS.

 

5.             Compensation .

 

5.1          Consulting Fee .  Consultant may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days after the date Consultant signs it by providing written notice of the revocation to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company no later than the seventh day after Consultant signs it.  It is understood and agreed that any notice of revocation received by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company after the expiration of this seven (7) day period shall be null and void.  It is further expressly agreed by the Parties that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable and the consideration referred to in this subparagraph will not be paid until the seven (7) day revocation period has expired.  Therefore, it is expressly agreed by the Parties that the “ Effective Date ” of this Agreement is the first day after the date the seven (7) day revocation period has expired.  Within five

 

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(5) days of the Effective Date, and provided that Consultant has not revoked any other agreements being contemporaneously entered into with this Agreement, the Company shall pay to the Consultant a fee of $425,000, which shall be offset by $150,000 of prior payments to Consultant and its principal shareholder and other items, with a net payment of $267,000.  Consultant agrees to indemnify the Company for any taxes, including interest and penalties, required to be paid by the Company related to or arising from this Agreement.

 

5.2          Reimbursement of Expenses .  Before incurring any expenses in the course of performing the Work, Consultant shall provide the Contact Person of the Company with a budget.  Only after that budget has been approved by the Contact Person of the Company shall Consultant incur any such expenses.  Further, the Company will only reimburse those expenses that have been preapproved and for which the Consultant provided appropriate receipts. For the avoidance of doubt, no expenses will be paid by the Company unless they have been explicitly approved in writing by the Contact Person of the Company.

 

6.             No Publicity .  Consultant may not in any way use Client’s name or customers in any press releases or promotional materials.

 

7.             Inventions: Shop Rights .

 

All systems, inventions, discoveries, apparatus, techniques, methods, know-how, formulae or improvements made, developed or conceived by Consultant during Consultant’s engagement by Client having to do with Internet applications, voice content management systems and advertising delivery methodologies, whenever or wherever made, developed or conceived, and whether or not during business hours, which constitute an improvement, on those heretofore, now or at any during consultant’s engagement, developed, manufactured or used by Client in connection with the manufacture, process or marketing of any product heretofore or now or hereafter developed or distributed by Client, or any services to be performed by Client or of any product which shall or could reasonably be manufactured or developed or marketed in the reasonable expansion of Client’s business, shall be and continue to remain Client’s exclusive property, without any added compensation or any reimbursement for expenses to Consultant, and upon the conception of any and every such invention, process, discovery or improvement and without waiting to perfect or complete it, Consultant promises and agrees that Consultant will immediately disclose it to Client and to no one else and thenceforth will treat it as the property and secret of Client.

 

Consultant will also execute any instruments requested from time to time by Client to vest in it complete title and ownership to such invention, discovery or improvement and will, at the request of Client, do such acts and execute such instrument as Client may require, but at Client’s expense to obtain Letters of Patent, trademarks or copyrights in the United States and foreign countries, for such invention, discovery or improvement and for the purpose of vesting title thereto in Client, all without any reimbursement for expenses (except as provided above) and without any additional compensation of any kind to Consultant.

 

8.             Confidential Information and Trade Secrets .

 

(a)           All Confidential Information shall be the sole property of Client.  Consultant will not, during the period of his engagement and thereafter, disclose to any person or entity or use or otherwise exploit for Consultant’s own benefit or for the benefit of any other person or entity any Confidential Information which is disclosed to Consultant or which becomes known to Consultant in the course of his engagement with Client without the prior written consent of an officer of Client except as may be necessary and appropriate in the ordinary course of performing his duties to Client during the period of his engagement with Client.  “ Confidential Information ” shall mean any data or information belonging to Client, other than Trade Secrets, that is of value to Client and is not generally known to competitors of Client or to the public, and is maintained confidential by Client, including but not limited to non-public information about Client’s

 

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clients, executives, key contractors and other contractors and information with respect to its products, designs, services, strategies, pricing, processes, procedures, research, development, inventions, improvements, purchasing, accounting, engineering and marketing (including any discussions or negotiations with any third parties).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no information will be deemed to be Confidential Information unless such information is treated by Client as confidential and shall not include any data or information of Client that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by Client (except where such public disclosure has been made without the authorization of Client), or that has been independently developed and disclosed by others, or that otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

 

(b)           All Trade Secrets shall be the sole property of Client.  Consultant agrees that during his engagement with Client and after its termination, Consultant will keep in confidence and trust and will not use or disclose any Trade Secret or anything relating to any Trade Secret, or deliver any Trade Secret, to any person or entity outside Client without the prior written consent of an officer of Client.  For purposes of this Agreement, “ Trade Secrets ” shall mean any scientific, technical and non-technical data, information, formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, drawing, process, financial data, financial plan, product plan or list of actual or potential customers or vendors and suppliers of Client or any portion or part thereof, whether or not copyrightable or patentable, that is of value to Client and is not generally known to competitors of Client or to the public, and whose confidentiality is maintained, including unpatented and un-copyrighted information relating to Client’s products, information concerning proposed new products or services, market feasibility studies, proposed or existing marketing techniques or plans and customer consumption data, usage or load data, and any other information that constitutes a trade secret, in each case to the extent that Client, as the context requires, derives economic value, actual or potential, from such information not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons or entities who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.

 

9.             Non-Solicitation of Employees .

 

During the term of Consultant’s engagement and for one year thereafter, Consultant will not cause or attempt to cause any employee of Client to cease working for Client or to retain an engagement or employment with another employer that is a competitor of Client’s.

 

10.          Non-Solicitation of Customers and Prospective Customers .

 

Consultant will not, during the period of his engagement and for one year after the termination of his engagement for any reason, directly or indirectly, solicit the business of any customer for the purpose of, or with the intention of, selling or providing to such customer any product or service in competition with any product or service sold or provided by Client.

 

11.          Non-Competition .

 

Consultant agrees that during his engagement with Client, and for one year thereafter, Consultant will not engage in any engagement or employment, business, or activity that is in any way competitive with the business or proposed business of Client, and Consultant will not assist any other person or organization in competing with Client or in preparing to engage in competition with the business or proposed business of Client. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply both during normal working hours and at all other times including, without limitation, nights, weekends and vacation time, while Consultant is engaged with Client.

 

12.          Miscellaneous .

 

12.1        Assignment .  This Agreement shall not be assigned by either party in any way without the prior written consent of the other party.  Any purported assignment in violation of this Section shall be null and void.

 

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12.2        Amendments .  This Agreement may be amended by mutual written agreement signed by both parties at any time prior to termination.  Such amendments may be requested by either party and must be in writing.

 

12.3        Entire Agreement; Governing Law .  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

 

12.4        Construction; Severability .  If any provision of this Agreement is determined by any court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable to any extent, that provision shall, if possible, be construed as though more narrowly drawn, if a narrower construction would avoid such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability or, if that is not possible, such provision shall, to the extent of such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability, be severed, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in effect.

 

12.5        Attorney Fees .  In the event that any dispute among the parties hereto should result in litigation or other proceeding (an “ Action ”), the prevailing party in such Action shall be entitled to recover from the other party all reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party in connection with such Action, including without limitation reasonable attorney fees and expenses, all of which shall be deemed to have accrued upon the commencement of such Action and shall be paid whether or not such Action is prosecuted to a final judgment or award.  Any judgment or award entered in such Action shall contain a specific provision providing for the recovery of fees, costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorney fees and expenses, incurred by the prevailing party.

 

12.6        No Employee Relationship .  Consultant’s relationship to Client is that of an independent contractor, and neither party is an agent, partner, or joint venturer of the other.  No debts or obligations shall be incurred by either party in the other party’s name or on its behalf, and neither party shall be responsible or liable for the debts and obligations of the other party.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Consultant shall have no right to bind the Company with respect to any matter.

 

12.7        Signatures .  This Agreement may be brought into effect in any number of counterparts, and facsimile or pdf email signature shall be deemed as originals.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

CONSULTANT

CLIENT

 

 

AIM GROUP, INC.

AUDIOEYE, INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Paul R. Arena

 

Name:

Nathaniel T. Bradley

 

Title:

CEO

 

Title:

CEO

 

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EXHIBIT A:  Work

 

At the request of the Contact Person, Consultant may be asked to provide transition services to the Company.  These services would be to assist the Company with introductions, assessment and expertise related to existing Company, customers, vendors, and employees, and also with staff. As part of these responsibilities, upon specific request by the Company Contact Person, Consultant shall make a best effort to assist Company IP cross-licensing partners facilitate the development of IP which in turn should increase cash sales revenue of the Company.

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

For Immediate Release

 

AUDIOEYE, INC. APPOINTS DR. CARR BETTIS AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, SUCCEEDING PAUL ARENA

 

TUCSON, Arizona — (March 6, 2015) - AudioEye, Inc. (OTCQB: AEYE) (“AudioEye”), today announced that Dr. Carr Bettis will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors and will also become Executive Chairman. Dr. Bettis succeeds Paul Arena who has served as the company’s Chairman of the Board/Executive Chairman since January 27, 2014. Dr. Bettis has been an active member of the Board since December 2012, and previously served as a company director from July 2007 to April 2010, as well as chaired the Compensation Committee.

 

“Paul has led AudioEye to its current market leading position in the field of accessibility and we thank him for his service and many contributions to the company.  We’re pleased that he will continue to assist the company as a consultant,” stated Nathaniel Bradley, Chief Executive Officer of AudioEye. “Dr. Carr Bettis is a gifted leader and trusted friend who has an elite entrepreneurial background and financial focus to guide us forward.  We’re honored to have him in his new roles at the company. We are at a very exciting point for our company.”

 

About Dr. Carr Bettis

 

Dr. Carr Bettis is a serially successful entrepreneur as the founder and chief architect of numerous market-leading financial science and technology innovations and businesses that have been acquired by Merrill Lynch, Thomson Financial (now Thomson Reuters), Primark/Disclosure (now Thomson Reuters), Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), and Advanced Equities/GreenBook Financial (now First Allied Capital Management). Carr is Co-founder and Chairman of Verus Analytics, an 18 year quantitative financial technology company. He manages his family’s private equity portfolio via Fathom Lab and sits on other selected boards, including iMemories, Inc.

 

He is a former tenured professor and government appointee and maintains a clinical-affiliation with Arizona State University as Research Professor of Finance. His financial economics research has been published in the most prestigious academic and professional journals. He received his Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1992.

 

About AudioEye, Inc.

 

Incorporated in 2005, AudioEye focuses on achieving web access equality and usability for all people through technological expertise and innovation.

 

The AudioEye Web A11y Management Platform™ provides publishers full control over the accessibility of their web assets and web environments, allowing the publisher to recognize, remediate, and report its real-time accessibility status.

 

AudioEye is the creator of the world’s most inclusive, cloud-based, cross-platform/cross-browser, audible reader solution for accessible web browsing. AudioEye’s flagship product improves the user-friendliness of the web for all users, regardless of their unique abilities.

 

Whether an individual seeking improved access and usability, or a publisher looking to ensure the highest level of accessibility compliance and reach across electronic information technologies, AudioEye is Your Web Accessibility Ally™.

 

AudioEye’s common stock trades on the OTCQB under the symbol “AEYE”. Please visit www.audioeye.com for more information.

 



 

The company maintains offices in Tucson, New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

 

Contact:

For further information, please contact:

 

Nathaniel Bradley

CEO

AudioEye, Inc.

(866) 331-5324

 

Or

 

RJ Falkner & Company, Inc.

Investor Relations Counsel

(830) 693-4400

info@rjfalkner.com

 

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