UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K/A
Amendment No. 1
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 24, 2013
NANOFLEX POWER CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Florida
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333-187308
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46-1904002
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(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
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(Commission File Number)
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(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
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17207 N Perimeter Dr., Suite 210
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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Universal Technology Systems Corp.
20 Trading Post Way
Medford Lakes, NJ 08055
(former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 609-654-8839
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:
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Forward Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K/A and other reports filed by registrant from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (collectively, the “
Filings
”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements and information that is based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, registrant’s management, as well as estimates and assumptions made by registrant’s management. When used in the Filings, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to registrant or registrant’s management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of registrant with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors relating to the Company’s industry, operations and results of operations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, each of which applies only as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K/A to conform our statements to actual results or changed expectations, or the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.
Except as otherwise indicated by the context, references in this Report to:
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The “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” are references to the combined business of (i) NanoFlex Power Corporation (formerly, Universal Technology Systems Corp., a Florida corporation (“UTCH”)) and (ii) Global Photonic Energy Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“GPEC”);
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“Common Stock” refers to the common stock, par value $.0001, of the Company;
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“U.S. dollar,” “$” and “US$” refer to the legal currency of the United States;
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“Securities Act” refers to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and
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“Exchange Act” refers to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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Item 1.01
Entry Into A Material Definitive Agreement
Share Exchange Agreement
On September 24, 2013, the Company, Global Photonic Energy Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“GPEC”) and GPEC Holdings, Inc., which owns 100% of the total outstanding equity interests of GPEC (the “GPEC Stockholder”) entered into and consummated transactions pursuant to a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement,” such transaction referred to as the “Share Exchange Transaction”), whereby the Company issued to the GPEC Stockholder an aggregate of 15,438,866 shares of its common stock, par value $.0001 (“Common Stock”), in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of GPEC held by the GPEC Stockholder.
In addition, the Company agreed under the Share Exchange Agreement to issue the following securities as a result of the Share Exchange Transaction:
(i) a total of 5,780,500 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase a total of 5,780,500 shares of Common Stock to holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of GPEC (the “GPEC Series A Preferred”) as a result of the automatic conversion of the GPEC Series A Preferred;
(ii) a total of 11,357,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase a total of 11,357,000 shares of Common Stock to holders of the Convertible Promissory Notes of GPEC (the “GPEC Bridge Notes”) issued in July 2013 by GPEC in a bridge financing (the “Bridge Financing”) as a result of the automatic conversion of the GPEC Bridge Notes;
(iii) warrants to purchase 1,875,783 shares of Common Stock to holders of all of the issued and outstanding warrants of GPEC (“GPEC Warrants”) in consideration of the cancellation of such GPEC Warrants pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof; and
(iv) options to purchase 105,000 shares of Common Stock to holders of all of the issued and outstanding options of GPEC (“GPEC Options”) in consideration of the cancellation of such GPEC Options pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof.
As a result of the Share Exchange Transaction, GPEC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Share Exchange Agreement contains representations and warranties by us, GPEC and the GPEC Stockholder which are customary for transactions of this type such as, with respect to the Company: organization, good standing and qualification to do business; capitalization; subsidiaries; authorization and validity of the transaction and transaction documents; consents being obtained or not required to consummate the transaction; no conflict or violation of Articles of Incorporations and By-laws, with respect to GPEC: authorization; capitalization; and title to GPEC’s common stock being exchanged and other equity interests being cancelled, and with respect to GPEC Stockholder: authorization; no conflict or violation of law; investment purpose; accredited investor status; reliance on exemption on the Company’s Common Stock to be exchanged; and transfer or resale pursuant to the Securities Act.
Our acquisition of GPEC pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement was accounted for as a reverse merger and recapitalization effected by a share exchange. GPEC is considered the acquirer for accounting and financial reporting purposes. The assets and liabilities of the acquired entity have been brought forward at their book value and no goodwill has been recognized.
Private Placement of Common Stock
On September 22, 2013 the Company accepted subscriptions to purchase from, and issued an aggregate of 5,049,113 shares of its Common Stock (or 6,058,936 shares of Common Stock after given effect to the Forward Split, as defined below) to seven accredited investors. The shares were issued pursuant to separate Subscription Agreements between the Company and each purchaser. The Company made certain representations to the subscribers in the Subscription Agreements regarding the capitalization of the Company and the authorization and enforceability of the agreement and the subscribers made certain representations to the Company regarding the suitability of the sale of the Common Stock to the subscribers.
Forward Split and Name Change
On October 30, 2013, the board of directors of the Company as well as shareholders of the Company holding a majority of votes approved and ratified: (i) a 1.2-for-1 forward split of the Company’s Common Stock effective as of September 23, 2013 (the “Forward Split”), and (ii) change of the Company’s corporate name to “NanoFlex Power Corporation” (the “Name Change”). Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) approved the Forward Split and the Name Change to be effective as of November 25, 2013. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to numbers of shares of Common Stock in this Current Report have given effect to the Forward Split.
Item 2.01
Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets
OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE
UTCH is a Florida corporation incorporated on January 28, 2013. Following the acquisition of GPEC, GPEC became our direct wholly-owned subsidiary effective on September 24, 2013.
The following diagram sets forth the structure of the Company as of the date of this Report:
Organizational History of GPEC
GPEC was incorporated on February 7, 1994 in the State of Pennsylvania to fund, develop and commercialize photonic energy conversion and storage technologies utilizing organic semiconductors for the production of electricity (i.e., converting incident light energy into electric current) based on the research of Dr. Mark E. Thompson, then a professor at Princeton University.
On September 10, 2013, GPEC incorporated in Pennsylvania a wholly-owned subsidiary, GPEC Holdings, Inc., which later formed GPEC Sub, Inc. (“GPEC Sub”). In September 2013, GPEC consummated a short-form merger, in which GPEC Sub was merged into GPEC, GPEC Sub ceased to exist and GPEC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of GPEC Holdings, Inc. The purpose of this restructuring was to prepare GPEC to be acquired by the Company.
On September 24, 2013, as a result of the Share Exchange Transaction discussed in Item 1.01, GPEC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
OUR BUSINESS
General
GPEC was founded and incorporated in February 1994 and is engaged in the development, commercialization, and licensing of advanced thin film solar technologies and intellectual property. Since then, GPEC’s sponsored research programs at Princeton University, University of Southern California (“USC”) and the University of Michigan (“Michigan”) have resulted in more than 600 issued or pending patents worldwide covering materials, architectures, and fabrication processes for organic and inorganic flexible, thin-film photovoltaic technologies. The technology is targeted at, but not limited to, certain broad applications, including (a) mobile electronic device power, (b) electric vehicle charging or “power paint,” (c) semi-transparent solar power generating windows or glazing and (d) traditional off-grid and grid-connected solar power generation. Laboratory feasibility prototypes have been developed that successfully demonstrate key building block principles for these technology application areas.
Research and License Agreements
On October 22, 1993, American Biomimetics Corporation (“ABC”) entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement and License Agreement with Princeton University for work being done in the laboratory of Dr. Mark E. Thompson. In August 1995, this original sponsored research agreement with Princeton University was assigned to USC when Dr. Thompson accepted a position at USC. In August of 1996, ABC assigned to GPEC its rights to various research inventions under the foregoing agreements. On May 1, 1998, GPEC, Princeton University and USC entered into a new Sponsored Research Agreement (“1998 Sponsored Research Agreement”), which continued without interruption the research of Dr. Thompson (at USC) and added to it the research being done by Dr. Stephen R. Forrest (at Princeton University). At the same time, the parties entered into a License Agreement (the “1998 License Agreement”) which they considered an amendment of the earlier license agreement. This 1998 Sponsored Research Agreement formed the basis for future renewals of this agreement in 2004, 2006 and 2009 (together with such amendments, extensions and renewals referred to as the “Research Agreement”). From May 1, 2009 through June 30, 2013 GPEC paid and expensed $3,233,341 under the Research Agreement.
In 2006, the Company’s remaining principal researcher at Princeton University, Dr. Stephen R. Forrest, accepted a tenured position at the University of Michigan and became its Vice President of Research. The University of Southern California Research Agreement, dated January 1, 2006 (the “2006 Research Agreement”) is the renewal of the 1998 Sponsored Research Agreement and it retained the Company’s relationship with Dr. Thompson and his team, and established USC as the lead researcher and Michigan as the subcontractor. In addition, the 1998 License Agreement was also amended in 2006 (the “License Agreement 2006 Amendment”) to include University of Michigan, where Dr. Forrest has been conducting research for GPEC.
Currently, research and development of GPEC’s flexible, thin-film organic photovoltaic (“OPV”) and inorganic Gallium Arsenide (“GaAs”) technologies is being conducted at USC and the University of Michigan under the five year Sponsored Research Agreement dated May 1, 2009. Under the Sponsored Research Agreement, GPEC has agreed to pay USC up to $6,338,341 for work to be performed. From May 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012 GPEC paid and expensed $2,689,570 under this agreement. During the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012, GPEC incurred research and development costs of $463,211, $887,097 and $998,127, respectively, and patent application expenses and prosecution fees of $1,352,072, $1,587,642 and $1,345,743, respectively.
Under the currently effective License Agreement, as amended, with USC, Princeton and the University of Michigan, wherein GPEC has obtained the exclusive worldwide license and right to sublicense any and all intellectual property resulting from GPEC’s sponsored research agreements, GPEC has agreed to pay for all reasonable and necessary out of pocket expenses incurred in the preparation, filing, maintenance, renewal and continuation of patent applications designated by GPEC. In addition, GPEC is required to pay to USC 5% of net sales of licensed products or licensed processes used, leased or sold by GPEC, 3% of revenues received by GPEC from the sublicensing of patent rights and 23% of revenues (net of costs and expenses, including legal fees) received by GPEC from final judgments in infringement actions respecting the patent rights licensed under the agreement.
GPEC has an exclusive worldwide license and rights to sublicense any and all intellectual property conceived or developed under its sponsorship at USC, Princeton University and the University of Michigan. There is currently no ongoing research activity at Princeton University related to GPEC, although the Company maintains licensing rights to technology previously developed there.
The foregoing description of the 1998 Sponsored Research Agreement, the 1998 License Agreement, the 2006 Research Agreement and the License Agreement 2006 Amendment is qualified in entirety by the respective agreements that are annexed hereto.
Founding Researchers
Dr. Stephen R. Forrest (University of Michigan)
Professor Stephen R. Forrest has been working with GPEC since 1998 under the Company's Sponsored Research Program with Princeton University, USC, and Michigan. Professor Forrest is one of the Company's Founding Research Scientists; his focus is on organic and GaAs photovoltaics. In 2006, he rejoined the University of Michigan as Vice President for Research, and as the William Gould Dow Collegiate Professor in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Physics. A Fellow of the APS, IEEE and OSA and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, he received the IEEE/LEOS Distinguished Lecturer Award in 1996-97, and in 1998 he was co-recipient of the IPO National Distinguished Inventor Award as well as the Thomas Alva Edison Award for innovations in organic LEDs. In 1999, Professor Forrest received the MRS Medal for work on organic thin films. In 2001, he was awarded the IEEE/LEOS William Streifer Scientific Achievement Award for advances made on photodetectors for optical communications systems. In 2006 he received the Jan Rajchman Prize from the Society for Information Display for invention of phosphorescent OLEDs, and is the recipient of the 2007 IEEE Daniel Nobel Award for innovations in OLEDs. Professor Forrest has been honored by Princeton University establishing the Stephen R. Forrest Faculty Chair in Electrical Engineering in 2012. Professor Forrest has authored 525 papers in refereed journals, and has 247 patents. He is co-founder or founding participant in several companies and is on the Board of Directors of Applied Materials and PD-LD, Inc. He has also served from 2009-2012 as Chairman of the Board of Ann Arbor SPARK, the regional economic development organization, and serves on the Board of Governors of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, as well as the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering Board of Visitors. From 1979 to 1985, Professor Forrest worked at Bell Labs investigating photodetectors for optical communications. In 1992, Professor Forrest became the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Electrical Engineering at Princeton University. He served as director of the National Center for Integrated Photonic Technology, and as Director of Princeton's Center for Photonics and Optoelectronic Materials (POEM). From 1997-2001, he served as the Chair of the Princeton’s Electrical Engineering Department. He was appointed the CSM Visiting Professor of Electrical Engineering at the National University of Singapore from 2004-2009. In 2011, Professor Forrest was named number 13 of the top 100 most influential material scientists in the world by Thomson-Reuters, based largely on his work with organic electronics. Professor Forrest is a graduate of the University of Michigan (MSc Physics, 1974 and PhD Physics, 1979) and the University of California at Berkeley (B.A. Physics, 1972).
Dr. Mark E. Thompson (University of Southern California)
Professor Mark E. Thompson has been working with GPEC since 1994 under the Company's Sponsored Research Program with Princeton University, USC and Michigan. Professor Thompson is a professor of Chemistry at USC. Professor Thompson, in conjunction with Professor Stephen R. Forrest, was instrumental in the discovery of phosphorescent materials central to the highly efficient OLED technology marketed by Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: PANL). In 2013, Professor Thompson was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2012, Professor Thompson received the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Research Award. In 2011, Professor Thompson was named number 12 of the top 100 most influential chemists in the world by Thomson-Reuters, based largely on his work with organic electronics. In 2007, Professor Thompson was awarded USC’s Associate’s Award for Excellence in Research (given to one faculty member per year). In 2006, he was awarded the MRS Medal by the Materials Research Society, and in the same year, Professors Forrest and Thompson were the co-recipients of the Jan Rajchman Prize from the Society for Information Display. Both the MRS medal and the Rajchman Prize were based on the invention of phosphorescent OLEDs. In 1998, Professor Thompson was co-recipient of The Intellectual Property Owners Association National Distinguished Inventor Award as well as the Thomas Alva Edison Award for innovations in organic LEDs. Professor Thompson joined The University of Southern California in 1995, and from 2005 through 2008, he served as the Department of Chemistry Chairman at USC. From 1987 to 1995, Professor Thompson worked at Princeton University. From 1985 to 1987, Professor Thompson worked at Oxford University and was an S.E.R.C. Research Fellow. From 1983 to 1985, Professor Thompson worked at E.I. duPont de Nemours & Company as a Visiting Scientist. Professor Thompson has authored over 200 papers in refereed journals, and has 75 patents. Professor Thompson is a graduate of the California Institute of Technology (Ph.D. Inorganic Chemistry, 1985) and the University of California Berkley (B.S. Chemistry with honors, 1980).
Summary Business Description
GPEC is engaged in the development, commercialization, and licensing of advanced photovoltaic technologies and intellectual property. GPEC’s sponsored research programs have resulted in intellectual property portfolio consisting of more than 600 issued or pending patents worldwide covering materials, architectures, and fabrication processes for organic and inorganic flexible, thin-film photovoltaic technologies. We believe GPEC is a leader in advanced solar cell technologies that have the potential to redefine the solar industry. We also believe its proprietary technologies can fundamentally change the traditional paradigm of solar energy conversion – from applications defined by the conventional constraints of fixed, heavy, rigid and expensive to applications that are highly mobile, lightweight, flexible and inexpensive. Since its inception, GPEC has invested more than $52 million in capital for operations and development activities. GPEC’s sponsored research activities have generated a patent portfolio of more than 600 issued or pending patents worldwide to which the Company has exclusive commercial rights. The patents cover architecture, processes and materials for flexible, thin-film OPV technologies and inorganic GaAs technologies.
As of October 1, 2013, the Company’s sponsored research has resulted in 57 issued patents, 46 pending non-provisional applications and 15 pending provisional applications in the U.S. In addition, the Company’s sponsored research has resulted in 151 issued patents, 388 pending patent applications and 19 pending PCT applications in countries and regions outside the U.S. All the issued U.S. and foreign patents have lifetime of 20 years from their respective effective filing dates. Currently, the Company is preparing to enter the applied research and pre-commercialization stage for both of these technology platforms with the near-term goal of establishing a technology development center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that will enable:
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The development and commercialization of advanced organic and inorganic thin film solar cell technologies, including proprietary materials, architectures, and fabrication processes, that have the potential to transform the industry.
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GPEC to enter partnerships with manufacturers.
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GPEC to generate early revenue from government grants in an accelerated two-year program.
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GPEC is currently at development stage and has not licensed any of its technologies. GPEC has incurred losses and has no revenue to date. GPEC’s auditors’ opinion stated that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Philosophy and Approach
Today, the solar industry is at an inflection point. The cost of solar energy generation is now within reach of those costs incurred through use of fossil fuels. Yet, while the solar industry is showing significant year-on-year growth, the value proposition for solar has yet to achieve wide-spread adoption in the absence of significant government incentives.
We believe the value proposition for solar will become much more attractive as new technologies remove the traditional constraints of silicon-based solar solutions.
GPEC is focusing on two parallel technology efforts: (a) its inorganic GaAs manufacturing technologies aim to provide solar cell manufacturers with the capability of producing GaAs solar cells with ultra-high efficiencies at a cost per watt well below grid parity of $1 per watt; and (b) through its portfolio of OPV thin film solar technologies, it is committed to further developing and delivering highly efficient, low-cost solar energy solutions via a host of new applications to worldwide markets. These include extending and/or replacing batteries for mobile devices, solar paint for electric cars to extend battery life, building integrated photovoltaic (“BIPV”) products that include glass, roofing materials and siding, off-grid applications, and solar textiles that generate power. GPEC further believes that its technologies could eventually be able to provide utility-scale power, augmenting and/or replacing fossil fuels.
GPEC is not, and does not plan to be, a direct manufacturer of its technologies. Rather, it plans to license or sublicense its intellectual property to industry partners and customers. This business model is oriented around licensing and sublicensing processes and technologies to large, well-positioned commercial partners who can provide manufacturing and marketing capabilities to enable rapid commercial growth. This model is also intended to quickly establish GPEC as an important player in the solar industry with rapid, high-margin revenue growth. Potential partners include current manufacturers of solar technology and manufacturers of semiconductors or electronics that recognize GPEC’s solar technologies as a significant emerging opportunity.
In addition, GPEC believes that there are several avenues for early revenue generation that become possible with the establishment of its technology development center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, utilizing cost-effective leased facilities near the University of Michigan. First among these avenues is government funding. The National Aeronautic and Space Administration (“NASA”), the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy all have interests in businesses that can deliver ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency technologies for space, mobile warfighter, and grid-deployment applications. GPEC believes that its technology development center can make GPEC highly competitive for both GaAs and organic solar cell grants.
GPEC also anticipates that advancements at the technology development center can attract other industry players to acquire early licenses to use GPEC intellectual property. Finally, new licenses and agreements will be made possible by ongoing technology development, especially that related to perfecting and broadening of GPEC’s intellectual property in high-efficiency, lightweight organic solar cells. The principal function of the facility will be to demonstrate GPEC’s ability to prototype its inorganic and organic solar cells utilizing its proprietary technologies.
Technologies
Although GPEC has two complementary technology platforms, their development is synergistic and we believe that progress within each platform leads to success in the other.
The first technology is our inorganic platform that is based on the inorganic GaAs semiconductor, which is currently in an advanced development stage. GaAs is the mainstay of many ultra-high performance electronic technologies used in cellular telephones and military applications. While the very highest single and multi-junction solar cell efficiencies (approximately 29% and 44%, respectively) are based on GaAs, they remain prohibitively expensive for mass markets and hence are only considered for specialty applications where performance and weight requirements outweigh cost considerations, such as space-borne applications. Broader market acceptance of GaAs-based solar technologies requires enormous cost reductions before widespread applications are realized. GPEC’s patented technology has the potential to enable these cost reductions.
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The primary cost in fabricating GaAs solar cells is the very high cost of the substrates on which the thin active region (called the epitaxial layers) is grown. These substrates, or “wafers,” cost approximately $20,000 per square meter. During the fabrication process that is currently in use, these expensive wafers are destroyed. For decades people have sought methods to eliminate the destruction or use of the wafer, using only the ultrathin solar cell active region. GPEC has developed a process for removing the active solar cell layer (approximately 2 micrometers thick, or around 1% of the thickness of a human hair) from the parent wafer on which it is grown in a completely non-destructive manner, thereby allowing for the re-use of the wafer an indefinite number of times without loss of performance on each growth and removal cycle. This process, called non-destructive epitaxial lift-off (“ND-ELO
TM
”), revolutionizes the cost structure of GaAs solar cell technology, converting the prohibitively expensive wafer cost from a recurring materials cost into a capital expenditure that is depreciated along with other equipment in the manufacturing facility. Furthermore, as part of the process, the ultrathin semiconductor is bonded to a flexible and thin secondary substrate such as plastic or metal foil using our adhesive-free, lightweight, ultra-strong and flexile process called cold-weld bonding. (See the solar cell production cycle shown in the figure on the left).
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The processes of ND-ELO™ and cold-weld bonding result in ultra-high efficiency solar cells—GPEC has achieved 23% in its researcher’s laboratories, and we believe that 29% is achievable. Moreover, the processes can be applied to multijunction cells with efficiencies of 42% or even higher if integrated with other electronic and optical device technologies. GPEC believes that its relatively simple processes can lead to dramatic improvements in the cost structure of solar energy conversion. The market for manufacturers which utilize GaAs technology is currently limited, but GPEC believes that it will expand as its Epitaxial Protection Layers (“EPL”), ND-ELO™, and Cold Weld processes allow cost reductions for manufacturers in their cost per watt that will permit these manufacturers to expand into areas and uses that were traditionally cost prohibitive. With the combination of GaAs’s high conversion efficiencies and the production cost reductions associated with utilizing our proprietary EPL, ND-ELO™, and Cold Weld processes, the costs of GaAs solar cells can approach cost-per-watt metrics associated with silicon-based solar cells. Moreover, GaAs cells provide functional and aesthetic advantages since they can be placed on flexible plastic, paper and other items that the current manufacturers using their technology are unable to incorporate today, as they are limited to rigid materials.
GPEC’s second, synergistic technology platform is based on flexible, thin-film OPV technologies that GPEC has researched and developed over the last two decades. Like GPEC’s GaAs technology, OPVs are extremely lightweight and, when deposited on flexible substrates, can be bent around small-radius cylinders for deployment in any number of applications, including in the generation of commodity power. These thin film technologies will allow power to be generated at the device level. A particular advantage of OPV technologies is the low cost of the materials used for the solar energy generating layers. Furthermore, the growth of the thin film layers can be accomplished directly onto the plastic or metal foils and therefore is no need for energy-intensive and expensive epitaxial growth required by inorganic semiconductors such as silicon or GaAs. Rather, there is the opportunity to “print” organic solar cells onto continuous rolls of plastic in an ultra-high-speed manufacturing process. The potential for printed electronics - making solar cells “by the kilometer” rather than on one substrate at a time - makes OPV a potentially revolutionary step in the widespread acceptance and deployment of solar energy. Since the organic films are lightweight and extremely thin (in this case the entire structure is only 0.1% the thickness of a human hair), they can be made semitransparent and adjusted to any desirable color. As a result, there are significant opportunities to achieve heretofore unrealizable applications such as car paint that allows vehicle coating to act as a source of power for an electric car; windows that can be coated with a clear semi-transparent film that captures photons from the sun to provide power for inside of the building, and fabric that can be made coated in order to make clothes, tents, flags, or lightweight roll-out power mats. One added advantage of OPVs over traditional semiconductor technologies is the very low energy intensity of their production. All of the fabrication temperatures are low and environmentally “green”, greatly reducing the ancillary costs required in conventional solar cell production.
GPEC’s approach has been to advance all dimensions of OPV technology, including the development of new materials (some of which are now being sold in small quantities by materials suppliers), new high efficiency device architectures, and ultra-high-speed, low-energy-cost production processes such as organic vapor phase deposition developed in GPEC’s researcher’s laboratories, and solar cell modulization. An example of an organic solar cell module is shown in the below photograph of an array of 24 OPVs on glass substrate.
In summary, GPEC is pursuing two solar cell technologies that break completely from traditional approaches in both cost and profile, allowing it to address established application spaces of commodity and spot energy generation, while opening up new opportunities that allow for migration of solar power generation into entirely new applications where flexible, lightweight form factors and low costs are demanded. GPEC holds extensive foundational intellectual property in both technologies with more than 600 issued or pending patents worldwide.
Intellectual Property
As a result of its sponsored research programs, GPEC currently holds the exclusive commercialization rights to more than 600 issued or pending patents worldwide which cover architecture, processes and materials for OPV and GaAs technologies. As of October 1, 2013, the Company’s sponsored research has resulted in 57 issued patents, 46 pending non-provisional applications and 15 pending provisional applications in the U.S. In addition, the Company’s sponsored research has resulted in 151 issued patents, 388 pending patent applications and 19 pending PCT applications in countries and regions outside the U.S. All the issued U.S. and foreign patents have lifetime of 20 years from their respective effective filing dates. In addition, it has several hundred additional patent applications in process. Some of GPEC’s technology holdings include foundational concepts in the following areas (many of which are being validated in other labs as indicated by the asterisks).
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Tandem organic solar cell*. Individual conventional solar cells have limited spectral coverage, voltage output, and tradeoff between absorption length and charge collection length. By stacking multiple solar cells with complementary absorption profiles, voltages of the cells can be added (at a constant current). This can make a more efficient cell; the record organic solar cell efficiency to date (approximately 12% conversion efficiency by Heliatek) is reported to be a tandem architecture.
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Fullerene acceptors*. Fullerenes include molecules such as C
60
, C
70
, C
84
and derivatives that are designed to dissolve in solvents (such as PCBM made with either C
60
or C
70
) are the most prevalent acceptor in organic photovoltaics. Fullerenes offer better efficiency than any other acceptor molecule to date.
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Blocking layers*. In most solar cell designs, excitons must be blocked and reflected away from the metallic (or transparent) contact so that they can be dissociated at the donor-acceptor junction. Additionally, it is desired that these layers block the wrong carrier from contacting the electrode.
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New materials for visible and infrared sensitivity*. Current OPV materials absorb light in the visible and deep red part of the solar spectrum, but do not collect light in the near infrared (NIR). Extending efficient light collection into the NIR has the potential to increase photocurrent generation by 40%, markedly improving OPV performance.
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Scalable growth technologies*. A number of growth technologies have been developed for organic materials. These include vacuum thermal evaporation and organic vapor phase deposition for materials that can be sublimed or evaporated directly and gravure or ink-jet printing of dissolved materials. All of these processes are compatible with rigid planar substrates, but more importantly can be applied to flexible plastic or metal foil substrates, for roll-to-roll fabrication of OPVs.
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Inverted solar cells*. One of the most air sensitive parts of the OPV is the region between the anode and electron acceptor. This region is degraded by oxygen and water in the dark and even more so under illumination. This interfacial region in a “conventional” OPV is exposed to the atmosphere directly, requiring that the OPV be kept in a hermetic package. If the OPV is prepared as an inverted cell, the air sensitive anode/organic interfacial region is placed below the donor, buffer layer and cathode. Thus, the device itself provides a level of “packaging,” markedly slowing environmental degradation of the device, minimizing packaging requirements for long term deployment in the field.
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Materials for enhanced light collection via multi-exciton generation. The Shockley-Queisser limit for solar cell efficiency is 29% for silicon based cells and 31% for cells made with GaAs. In order to prepare solar cells with efficiencies higher than the Shockley-Queisser, researchers have turned to multi-junction cells, however, these cells are very expensive. An alternate approach is to collect the high energy part of the spectrum,
i.e.
UV-to-green, and double the energy collected from this part of the solar spectrum using singlet fission (“SF”). SF materials absorb high energy light and generate two excitons for every photon absorbed, thus doubling the light collection efficiency. The SF approach has the potential to give a single solar cell a 45% efficiency, well over the Shockley-Queisser limit, without increasing the cost to produce the cell.
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Mixed layer and nano-crystalline cells. In planar (e.g., bilayer) cells the thickness of a layer is limited by the distance an exciton is expected to travel before it recombines. If the layer is too thick, photons absorbed may never result in collected charge. If the layers are too thin, there is insufficient material available for absorption of the light. By mixing the donor and acceptor throughout a thicker layer, an additional donor-acceptor interface is created throughout the layer, improving photocurrent generation capability. Nano-crystalline cells have a higher degree of phase separation between the donor and acceptor with nano-crystalline domains, with high purity and domain sizes in the nanometer scale.
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Solar paints. GPEC plans to paint solar cells onto any substrate (needs to be smooth, but not flat). The idea is to create solar paints that can be applied quickly and easily to any surface, including, for example, mobile communications devices, electric cars, roofing materials, building siding and glass).
|
|
●
|
Transparent/semi-transparent cells. In certain applications it may be desirable to have a partially transparent solar cell. These applications include tinted windows. Instead of just absorbing or reflecting the light, the light would be absorbed and converted into energy. The unique nature of organics allows GPEC to tune the wavelengths absorbed to those that it does not want transmitted or that are not useful for vision, such as in the infrared region of the spectrum.
|
|
●
|
Ultralow cost, ultrahigh efficiency, flexible thin film inorganic cells.
|
|
●
|
Accelerated and recyclable liftoff process.
|
|
●
|
Cold-weld bonding of inorganic solar cells to plastic substrates and metal foils.
|
Development Goals
During the next two years GPEC plans to demonstrate ND-ELO™ technology on 4” diameter GaAs wafers (currently it is using 2” wafers), with 20 non-destructive growth, removal, cold-weld bonding cycles onto flexible substrates without a decrease in performance between cycles, and an approximately 1% efficiency variation over all 20 cycles. The performance objectives are power conversion efficiencies of 23%. GPEC also plans to extend the technology to multi-junction solar cells with efficiencies greater than 32% efficiency under un-concentrated illumination. Further, GPEC plans to integrate “mini-concentrators” with the ND-ELO+cold weld bonded cells to effect cost reductions compared to the non-concentrated cells, expected to achieve cost targets of less than $0.50/Watt (peak).
With respect to its OPV technology, within the next three years GPEC plans to achieve greater than 15% power conversion efficiencies on organic solar cells with operational lifetimes of 20 years on barrier-coated plastic or metal foil substrates, and to demonstrate roll-to-roll “printing” of solar cells on plastic or metal foil substrates.
In order to accomplish these tasks and to give confidence to our manufacturing partners, GPEC plans to build a technology development center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We plan to obtain cost-effective leased facilities and will equip the facility with required equipment and obtain required engineering personnel. This infrastructure will support our objective of producing 6 inch square GaAs and OPV module prototypes to demonstrate the efficacy of our technology platforms and to substantially reduce the risk to large-scale market entry by our licensed partners. We believe that the costs of establishing the facility will be approximately $5,500,000 and expect that it can be in place by the first quarter of 2014. The Plan of Operation that is in place is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its research and development operations. Since its inception, GPEC has raised over $60,000,000 from various investors, which has been invested primarily in research and development activities and maintaining GPEC’s patent portfolio. GPEC anticipates that it will need to raise approximately $18,000,000 over the next 24 months until it earns sufficient revenue to support its operations, including its continuing research and development goals and patent prosecutions and to maintain its intellectual property portfolio. The following is a breakdown of the $18,000,000 budget:
R&D Payroll (technology development center)
|
|
$
|
2,275,000
|
|
R&D Sponsored Research
|
|
$
|
2,856,000
|
|
R&D Operating Expenses (technology development center)
|
|
$
|
948,000
|
|
R&D Equipment Purchases (technology development center)
|
|
$
|
1,950,000
|
|
Patent Prosecution and App Fees
|
|
$
|
3,045,000
|
|
General and Administrative
|
|
$
|
6,926,000
|
|
GPEC has made contact with major solar cell and electronics manufacturers world-wide. It is finding commercial interest in both its GaAs and OPV technologies. GPEC plans to work closely with those companies interested in its technology solutions, both in its own technology development center, as well as within partner facilities, to develop proof-of-concept prototypes and processes to mitigate commercialization risks and gain early market entry and acceptance. Currently, GPEC is aware of several laboratories and commercial suppliers that are exploring and positively validating technologies that it has developed.
A key to reducing the risk to market entry by our partners is for GPEC to qualify its technologies at the manufacturing scale. This task will be conducted in GPEC’s technology development center, which will include a pilot manufacturing line. Furthermore, we believe it is essential for GPEC to maintain its technology leadership through a continuing relationship with its world-class research partners at USC and Michigan. GPEC will also seek other opportunities with the best researchers worldwide as opportunities present themselves.
Market Opportunity
Worldwide demand for electricity is expected to expand by more than 70% from 21.4 trillion kilowatt hours (kWh) in 2010 to 36.6 trillion kWh in 2035, representing annual growth of approximately 2.2%, according to the International Energy Agency (the “IEA”). The growth of the world energy market is spurred by continued worldwide industrialization, population growth, and economic expansion. The world’s energy needs are met by fossil fuels, nuclear energy and other technologies, including renewable energy sources such as geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar power. The IEA estimates that approximately two-thirds of worldwide electricity is currently produced from fossil fuels which are environmentally damaging and depleting resources.
However, there are several key trends that are reshaping the future of the global energy mix, including continued rapid growth in the use of solar and wind technologies, a retreat from nuclear power in some countries, and the emergence of unconventional natural gas production, according to the IEA. These trends are driving a pronounced shift away from oil, coal, and nuclear towards renewables and natural gas.
Worldwide electricity generation from renewable energy is projected to increase 170% from 4.2 trillion kWh in 2010 to 11.3 trillion kWh in 2030, representing 3.4% annual growth, according to the IEA. The renewable share of total electricity generation is projected to increase from 20% to 31% during this period. Renewable energy adoption continues to largely be driven by support from governments in the form of quotas (renewable portfolio standards), net metering systems, and feed-in-tariffs (FiTs) along with financial support such as tax incentives, grants, loans, rebates, and production incentives.
Electricity generated from solar power is projected to experience more rapid growth globally, increasing from 34 billion kWh in 2010 to 1,124 billion kWh in 2030, representing 12.4% annual growth. By 2030, solar power is expected to comprise approximately 3% of total global electricity generation, compared to only a fraction of 1% today. This growth projection is based on expected solar capacity additions of more than 600 GW during this period, according to the IEA. Within the United States, 2013 is expected to be a record year for solar power, projecting 4,400 MW of solar PV installations, according to Solar Energy Industries Association (“SEIA”) and GTM Research, a division of Greentech Media which provides market analysis in research reports, data services, and advisory services (“GTM Research”). Demand for solar power is expected to continue to be driven largely by renewable energy incentives. Meanwhile, cost reductions in solar technology (largely due to silicon oversupply) have narrowed the gap between solar power and fossil power. SEIA and GTM Research forecast continued growth within the U.S., projecting installations will exceed 9,000 MW in 2016.
OPV is an early stage industry segment and market forecasts are limited. As traditional solar technologies become increasingly commoditized, we expect increased demand with new applications, which require advanced technologies, such as those that GPEC is developing. IDTechEx, an independent market research firm focused on emerging technologies, estimates that the organic photovoltaic market will grow by over 1,300% by 2022, from a value of $4.6 million today up to over $630 million during that period, primarily representing new end-markets such as small mobile applications and BIPV. SNE Research, a market research and consulting company focused on the renewable energy sector, projects that OPVs will enter production during 2014, with shipments of 28 MW in 2014, 94 MW in 2015, and more than 1 GW in 2020.
Competition
GPEC is focused on commercializing and licensing advanced solar technologies that will enable entry of solar PV into new applications and also compete with established solar technologies in traditional solar markets. As an IP licensor, we believe our competitive exposure is insulated from industry dynamics, since we aim to partner with key industry participants and license our technology. Additionally, our licensing business model does not require us to establish high-volume manufacturing, which is a key competitive factor for product-based companies.
The solar photovoltaic sector is highly competitive, characterized by intense price competition among commercialized technologies and aggressive investment in emerging technologies as companies attempt to compete within the solar markets as well as within the overall electric power industry. The current solar market is dominated by crystalline silicon (“c-Si”) technology, with some penetration by Cadmium Telluride (“CdTe”) thin film technology. Advanced solar technology development efforts encompass various technology platforms as various stages of development, and consist of several large players and a number of small and medium companies. Advanced inorganic technologies, such as GaAs, have been limited to specialty, niche applications due to their high costs; although numerous research efforts are focused on reducing manufacturing costs. Other technologies, based on advanced inorganic chemistries have been slow to achieve market adoption due to their heretofore inability to achieve the required cost and performance thresholds to stimulate market adoption. OPV technologies remain in the development stage, with numerous activities ongoing among government laboratories, universities, and private enterprises. Currently, we are not aware of any commercialized OPV technologies, but there are a limited number of developers planning introduction within the next two years, using polymer-based materials.
For traditional solar applications such as rooftop projects, our technologies compete with established technologies as well as advanced technologies under development by other organizations primarily on a basis of cost and performance, which is typically measured as cost per watt, largely a function of production costs and cell conversion efficiency. Within emerging applications, our technologies compete primarily with advanced technologies on a basis of cost and performance, but also functionality and aesthetics as we attempt to open new markets to solar power. Additionally, we compete with other research and development organizations for funding from government agencies, laboratories, research institutions, and universities. Some of our existing or future competitors may be part of larger corporations that have greater financial resources than we do and, as a result, may be better positioned to adapt to changes in the industry or the economy as a whole.
Among GaAs-based solar developers, there are several companies, including Boeing’s subsidiary SpectroLab, Emcore Corporation, and Alta Devices, which produce commercial solar cells for highly specialized applications such as military and space-borne systems, which are inelastic to the high prices associated with the technology. Other companies such as Sol Voltaic are in the early stages of commercializing technology to couple GaAs components with traditional c-Si modules to improve conversion efficiency. Some of these companies are attempting to reduce manufacturing costs to enable entry of GaAs-based solar technologies into commercial markets. We believe GPEC’s patented GaAs ND-ELO™ and Cold Weld technologies present the opportunity to significantly reduce the production cost for GaAs solutions and believe that we could potentially license our technology to these companies.
OPV technologies have yet to be commercialized, but there are numerous development efforts on going. Ongoing research and development is being performed by Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, LG Chemical, and BELECTRIC OPV (Kolitzheim, Germany), along with Heliatek (Dresden, Germany), Plextronics (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), and Solarmer Energy (El Monte, California), among others. We believe GPEC’s patented technologies for small molecule OPVs present a formidable obstacle for competing development efforts and would seek to partner with other developers or attempt to protect our IP.
Employees
Currently, GPEC employees consist of five full-time personnel – our Executive Chairman; Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. GPEC plans to hire a Chief Technology Officer and in-house patent attorney prior to the end of 2013. GPEC anticipates that its technology development center in Ann Arbor, Michigan will initially employ seven technical personnel and expand to 20 at full deployment. This is in addition to approximately 15 post-doctoral fellows and PhD candidates that are employed in our sponsored university research programs at USC and University of Michigan.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND PLAN OF OPERATIONS
This Current Report on Form 8-K/A contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These include statements about our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies for the future, which we indicate by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “we believe,” “management believes” and similar language. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this Current Report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Any cautionary language in this Current Report, provides examples of risk uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events after the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Overview
GPEC is engaged in the development, commercialization, and licensing of advanced photovoltaic technologies and intellectual property. GPEC has agreements with Princeton University which were assigned to University of Southern California and the University of Michigan, pursuant to which it has developed certain technologies and prosecuted and paid for more than 600 issued or pending patents covering materials, architectures, and fabrication processes for organic and inorganic flexible, thin-film photovoltaic technologies. While each patent is issued in the names of the respective university that developed the subject technology, GPEC has exclusive commercial license rights to all of the patents and their attendant technologies and the patents are referred to herein as being GPEC’s patents.
Unlike conventional thin film solar, the materials platforms that we have developed and are developing for solar cells are capable of ultrahigh efficiency accessible only by single crystalline inorganic materials such as silicon and gallium arsenide. The technologies we are developing allow the solar energy generating surfaces to be sufficiently flexible to be wrapped around 1 centimeter diameter cylinders without damage or loss of performance. Their ultra-light weight impacts other traditional costs associated with solar such as eliminating the need for costly, complex and robust panel mounts. We believe that these solar energy generating “films” can be used on architectural surfaces, on windows as attractive semi-transparent energy-generating coatings and even paints. Their flexibility allows their application to surfaces such as tents, clothing and other oddly shaped or “mobile” surfaces, including space-borne applications. Finally, the ability to be rolled around cylinders permits compact and low cost transport for deployment at remote sites.
GPEC currently holds exclusive rights to more than 600 issued or pending patents worldwide which cover architecture, processes and materials for flexible, thin-film OPV and GaAs technologies. In addition, we have several hundred more patents in process. Some of our technology holdings include foundational concepts in the following areas (many of which are being validated in other labs as indicated by the asterisks).
●
Tandem organic solar cell*
●
Fullerene acceptors*
●
Blocking layers*
●
New materials for visible and infrared sensitivity*
●
Scalable growth technologies*
●
Inverted solar cells*
●
Materials for enhanced light collection via multi-exciton generation
●
Mixed layer and nano-crystalline cells
●
Solar paints
●
Transparent/semi-transparent cells
●
Ultralow cost, ultrahigh efficiency, flexible thin film inorganic cells
●
Accelerated and recyclable liftoff process
●
Cold-weld bonding of inorganic solar cells to plastic substrates and metal foils
Plan of Operation and Liquidity and Capital Resources
GPEC has made contact with major solar cell and electronics manufacturers world-wide. It is finding commercial interest in both its GaAs and OPV technologies. GPEC plans to work closely with those companies interested in its technology solutions, both in its own technology development center, as well as within partner facilities, to develop proof-of-concept prototypes and processes to mitigate commercialization risks and gain early market entry and acceptance.
Although we currently do not have any commitments from third parties to license our technologies or otherwise provide revenue to us, we are aware of several laboratories and commercial suppliers who are exploring and positively validating technologies that we have developed and which are protected by our intellectual property portfolio. These interested parties potentially represent some of GPEC’s first partners for joint technology development and acceptance into manufacturing production.
A key to reducing the risk to market entry by our partners is for GPEC to qualify its technologies at a manufacturing scale. We believe that the best manner to do this is to develop our own technology development center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The principal function of the facility will be to demonstrate our ability to prototype our inorganic and organic solar cells utilizing our proprietary technologies. In addition, we anticipate that advancements at the facility can attract other industry players to acquire early licenses to use GPEC intellectual property. Finally, we believe that having a technology development center will allow us to obtain government funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, each of which have interests in businesses that can deliver ultra lightweight, high-efficiency technologies for space, mobile warfighter, and grid-deployment applications.
The technology development center can also make GPEC highly competitive to receive government grants to support GaAs and OPV research and development. A second revenue source is in joint development projects with existing solar cell manufacturers. The largest near-term opportunity will be in partnerships exploiting GaAs solar technology with companies using the technology for use in government-sponsored programs. We anticipate that partnerships with one or more of these companies will be supported by facility, and will result in early revenue opportunities.
We believe that the costs of establishing the facility will be approximately $5,500,000 and that it can be in place by first quarter 2014.
GPEC’s Plan of Operation is dependent upon its ability to raise additional capital to support its research and development operations. Since its inception, GPEC has raised over $60,000,000 from various investors, which has been invested primarily in research and development activities and maintaining GPEC’s patent portfolio. GPEC anticipates that it will need to raise approximately $18,000,000 over the next 24 months until it earns sufficient revenue to support its operations, including its continuing research and development activities and patent prosecutions and to maintain its intellectual property portfolio. The following is a breakdown of the $18,000,000 budget:
R&D Payroll (technology development center)
|
|
$
|
2,275,000
|
|
R&D Sponsored Research
|
|
$
|
2,856,000
|
|
R&D Operating Expenses (technology development center)
|
|
$
|
948,000
|
|
R&D Equipment Purchases (technology development center)
|
|
$
|
1,950,000
|
|
Patent Prosecution and App Fees
|
|
$
|
3,045,000
|
|
General and Administrative
|
|
$
|
6,926,000
|
|
There can be no assurance that financing will be available to GPEC to fund its $18,000,000 budget, or, if available, that it will be on terms acceptable to GPEC.
Results of Operations
For the three months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 were $321,896, a 49.7% increase from $215,024 for the for the three months ended June 30, 2012. The increase is attributable to additional funding we provided to the Universities pursuant to our research agreement.
Patent Application and Prosecution Fees
Patent application and prosecution fees consist of the fees due for prosecuting and maintaining GPEC’s patents and were $246,944 for the three months ended June 30, 2013, a 29.8% increase from $190,308 for the three months ended June 30, 2012. The increase is attributable to an increase in the number of GPEC patents and number of applications being researched for GPEC technologies.
Salaries and Related Expenses
Salaries and related expenses consist of salaries and fringe benefits paid to GPEC were $412,037 for the three months ended June 30, 2013, a 21.5 % increase from $339,023 for the three months ended June 30, 2012. The increase is attributable to the payout of deferred salaries during the three months ended June 20, 2013 and the costs associated with those salaries.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of office supplies, workers compensation insurance, medical insurance, postage and shipping, traveling expenses and consulting fees and were $128,612 for the three months ended June 30, 2013, a 43.5% decrease from $227,572 for the three months ended June 30, 2012. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in traveling and consulting fees when compared to the prior period.
Net Loss
The net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was ($24,498,925), a 1,134.8% increase from ($1,984,081) for the three months ended June 30, 2012. The increased net loss is primarily attributable to an increase in stock based compensation from zero for the three months ended June 30, 2012 to $19,210,470 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 which resulted from stock awards granted to officers.
For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were $543,771, a 6.6% increase from $510,258 for the for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The increase is attributable to the fluctuations in amounts spent on research contracts with the Universities.
Patent Application and Prosecution Fees
Patent application and prosecution fees consist of the fees due for prosecuting and maintaining GPEC’s patents and were $572,421 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, a 43.2% increase from $399,828 for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The increase is attributable to the increase in patents and filings as compared to the prior period.
Salaries and Related Expenses
Salaries and related expenses consist of salaries and fringe benefits paid to GPEC were $537,296 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, a 21.0 % decrease from $679,885 for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The decrease is attributable to a decrease in personnel.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses which consist primarily of office supplies, workers compensation insurance, medical insurance, postage and shipping, and traveling expenses were $310,001 for the six months ended June 30, 2013, a 14.2% decrease from $361,224 for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The decrease is primarily attributable to a reduction in traveling.
Net Loss
The net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was ($27,628,017), a 180.8% increase from ($9,838,012) for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The increased net loss is primarily attributable to an increase in stock based compensation from $4,818,525 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 to $19,406,501 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 which resulted from stock awards granted to officers.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 were $998,127, a 12.5% increase from $887,097 for the prior year. The increase is due to additional funding to the Universities pursuant to the research agreement.
Patent Application and Prosecution Fees
Patent application and prosecution fees consist of the fees due for prosecuting and maintaining GPEC’s patents and were $1,345,743 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, a 15.8% decrease from $1,597,642 for the prior year. The decrease is attributable to the patent filings made a broad and their billing systems.
Salaries and Related Expenses
Salaries and related expenses consist of salaries and fringe benefits paid to GPEC and were $951,411 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, a 45.1 % decrease from $1,731,634 in the prior year. The decrease is attributable to the forgiveness of salaries as agreed upon in the separation agreement of two former employees.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of office supplies, workers compensation insurance, medical insurance, postage and shipping, traveling expenses and consulting fees and were $622,451 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, a 52.0% decrease from $1,297,954 in the prior year. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in legal expenses of approximately $400,000 and travel expenses of approximately $275,000 when compared to the prior year.
Net Loss
The net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 was ($20,862,200), a 113.0% increase from ($9,795,116) in the prior year. The increased net loss is primarily attributable to an increase in stock based compensation from $1,111,571 to $9,950,226 which resulted from stock awards granted to officers.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Critical Accounting Policies
The following critical accounting policies are important to the portrayal of the Company’s combined financial condition and results.
Basis of accounting
The Company’ policy is to maintain its books and prepare its combined financial statements on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Use of estimates
The preparation of combined financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the combined financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less.
Stock-based compensation
We account for stock based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718 which requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. For stock-based awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. In prior years, we accounted for stock-based awards under APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” We account for non-employee share-based awards in accordance with FASB ASC 505-50.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company’s executive offices are currently located at 17207 N Perimeter Dr., Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 and it started leasing it offices from DTR10, LLC on November 15, 2013. The office space is approximately 3,077 square feet. Its monthly rental is $6,410 during the first year of the lease and will be subject to 3% increase in the following years. The Company’s headquarter was formerly at 20 Trading Post Way, Medford Lakes, New Jersey 08055 in a 500 square foot space which was provided to GPEC free of charge by a spouse of GPEC’s officer.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the name and position of each of our current executive officers and directors. All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of death, resignation or removal:
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
John D. Kuhns
|
|
63
|
|
Executive Chairman of the Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dean L. Ledger
|
|
65
|
|
Chief Executive Officer, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert J. Fasnacht
|
|
56
|
|
President, Director, Chief Operating Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amy B. Kornafel
|
|
42
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joey S. Stone
|
|
50
|
|
Senior Vice President of Corporate Development
|
John D. Kuhns
, age 63, is the Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company and of GPEC. Mr. Kuhns became an investor in GPEC in 1999, and has served as a Director of GPEC since April of 2000. He was appointed to serve as Director of the Company on September 24, 2013. In the last 30 years, Mr. Kuhns has founded and completed five initial public offerings for renewable energy companies. Most recently in 2006 he founded China Hydroelectric Corporation (NYSE: CHC), China’s largest foreign-owned hydroelectric power company. China Hydro listed its shares on the New York Stock Exchange in January of 2010. Mr. Kuhns served as Chairman of the Board of China Hydro from 2006 until 2012. In 1988, Mr. Kuhns founded The New World Power Corporation (NASDAQ: NWPC), where he served as Chairman of the Board of directors. This company was the first wind farm company to go public. In 1981, Mr. Kuhns was also the founder of Catalyst Energy Corporation (NYSE: CE), one of the country’s most successful hydroelectric developers and recognized by Inc. Magazine as the nation's fastest growing public company in the five years from 1982 to 1987. Mr. Kuhns is the Chairman and CEO of Kuhns Brothers, an investment banking boutique and one of the oldest continually operating investment firms in the United States, tracing its origins to 1842. Mr. Kuhns is a graduate of the Harvard Business School (M.B.A., 1977), the University of Chicago (M.F.A. in Fine Arts, 1975) and Georgetown University (A.B., in Sociology and in Fine Arts, 1972), where he was captain of the varsity football team and is a member of the University's Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Kuhns was selected to serve originally as a Director of GPEC and now as a Director of the Company due in part to his comprehensive knowledge gained over the last 30 years in all aspects of the Green Energy field. He also has accumulated vast experience and understanding of all business aspects and competitive worldwide environment for solar power.
Dean L. Ledger
, age 65, has served as a Director and senior executive of GPEC since its inception in 1994 and was instrumental in its founding. Mr. Ledger is GPEC’s Chief Executive Officer, and was elected as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company on September 24, 2013. Mr. Ledger has significant experience in capital formation and business building as he played instrumental roles in both Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: OLED) and InterDigital Corporation (NASDAQ: IDCC) from their inception. From 1994 to 2012, Mr. Ledger served as Executive Vice President-Corporate Development of Universal Display Corporation. From July 1994 to January 2001, Mr. Ledger served as a member of the Board of Directors of Universal Display Corporation. From December 2001 to July 2003, Mr. Ledger served as a member of the Board of Directors of North American Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATK). From May 1991 until October 1992, Mr. Ledger was a consultant to the IntelCom Group. Mr. Ledger served as a consultant to InterDigital Communications Corporation from October 1989 to April 1991. Prior to October 1989, Mr. Ledger spent 12 years as a financial consultant with E.F. Hutton, Shearson Lehman Brothers and Paine Webber. He is a graduate of Colorado College (B.A., Business Administration, 1972).
The Board concluded that Mr. Ledger should serve as a Director of the Company based on his extensive experience and knowledge of the history of our Company and of all of its related technologies. Furthermore, he has a proven track record in leveraging information technology to capture new commercial opportunities and to increase operational efficiencies in various industries.
Robert J. Fasnacht,
age 56, is a director, President and Chief Operating Officer of GPEC and he was elected as a director, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company on September 24, 2013. He first joined GPEC in 2011 as its Executive Vice President, General Counsel and corporate Secretary. Prior to that, he was engaged in a private legal practice emphasizing both corporate transactions and complex civil litigation. He also served for a number of years as a Board Member of various U.S. companies, including a U.S. based privately held restaurant Franchisor. He is admitted to practice in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, along with several state and federal courts, including the U.S. Tax Court. Mr. Fasnacht is a graduate of the University of Idaho (B.S., Chemistry, 1983 and J.D., 1985). Mr. Fasnacht was selected as a Director due to his extensive knowledge both from his scientific education and his legal training on all aspects of the Company’s Organic and Inorganic Photovoltaic Technologies and on its related intellectual property portfolio. He also demonstrated an extraordinary ability to understand the business and technological aspects of the Company as they relate to the Company’s strategic roll moving forward.
Amy B. Kornafel
, age 42, is the Chief Financial Officer of GPEC since March 2005 and also serves as the Company’s Secretary. She was elected as the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company on September 24, 2013. From 2003 through 2005, Ms. Kornafel served as GPEC’s Controller. Previously Ms. Kornafel worked as a Consultant and Senior Financial Statement Assurance Auditor for Arthur Andersen LLP. From 1995 to 1997, Ms. Kornafel served as a tax accountant for Alloy, Silverstein, Shapiro, Adams, Mulford and Company. Ms. Kornafel’s experience includes extensive financial, accounting and audit experience with software, hardware, manufacturing, venture capital, bio-tech, development stage and retail enterprises. Ms. Kornafel is a graduate of Rutgers University (B.S., Accounting 1995).
Joey S. Stone
, age 50, has served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development of GPEC since September 2010 and he was elected to the same positions with the Company on September 24, 2013. Mr. Stone is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector. From 2001 to 2010, Mr. Stone was a Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley, a global financial services firm. From 1991 to 2001, Mr. Stone was a financial consultant with J.C. Bradford & Co. and from 1988 to 1991, with PaineWebber. Mr. Stone is a graduate of Louisiana State University (B.S., Business, 1987).
We do not have a standing nominating, compensation or audit committee. Rather, our full board of directors performs the functions of these committees. Also, we do not have a “audit committee financial expert” on our board of directors as that term is defined by Item 401(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. We do not believe it is necessary for our board of directors to appoint such committees because the volume of matters that come before our board of directors for consideration permits the directors to give sufficient time and attention to such matters to be involved in all decision making. Additionally, because our Common Stock is not listed for trading or quotation on a national securities exchange, we are not required to have such committees.
Code of Ethics
On January 28, 2013, we adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which is applicable to our employees and which also includes a Code of Ethics for our CEO and principal financial officer and persons performing similar functions. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 15, 2013. A code of ethics is a written standard designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
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honest and ethical conduct,
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full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in regulatory filings and public statements,
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compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,
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the prompt reporting violation of the code, and
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accountability for adherence to the code.
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Our securities are not listed on a national securities exchange or in an inter-dealer quotation system which has requirements that directors be independent. We believe that two of our four directors, Robert J. Fasnacht and Dean L. Ledger, would not be considered to be independent, as that term is defined in the listing standards of NASDAQ.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
During its fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Board of Directors of GPEC had 4 board meetings in by conference telephone and took action by unanimous written consent 13 times.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board recognizes that the leadership structure and combination or separation of the President and Chairman roles is driven by the needs of the Company at any point in time. Currently, Mr. John D. Kuhns serves as the Executive Chairman of our Board, and Mr. Robert J. Fasnacht serves as the President of the Company. We have no policy requiring the combination or separation of leadership roles and our governing documents do not mandate a particular structure. This has allowed, and will continue to allow, our Board the flexibility to establish the most appropriate structure for our company at any given time.
Immediately following the consummation of the Share Exchange Agreement, the size of the Company’s management team was increased in order to manage our expanded operations, risks and resources.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
Our policy is that a contract or transaction either between the Company and a director, or between a director and another company in which he is financially interested is not necessarily void or voidable if the relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the Board of Directors and the stockholders are entitled to vote on the issue, or if it is fair and reasonable to our company.
On September 24, 2013, Mr. Christopher Conley, a shareholder, director and chief executive officer of GPEC, and GPEC consummated a Stock Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Conley sold to GPEC an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of GPEC’s common stock representing approximately 75% of the then issued and outstanding shares of GPEC common stock for an aggregate sales price of $249,000. GPEC agreed to cancel the shares purchased from Mr. Conley following the issuance of common stock in accordance with the Share Exchange Agreement.
Dean L. Ledger the Chief Executive Officer of GPEC, loaned GPEC $150,000 in 2010 and an additional $250,000 during 2011. The outstanding loans of $400,000 were repaid during the first six months of 2013. During the first six months of 2013 Mr. Ledger loaned GPEC an additional $240,000, which amount was repaid in July 2013.
During 2012 and 2011, GPEC borrowed $2,130,000 and $1,750,000, respectively
from Ronald B. Foster,
a majority shareholder of the Company . These loans are unsecured, bear interest at 5% per annum and originally matured December 22, 2012. In connection with the loans, on January 31, 2012, the note holder was guaranteed 4,000,000 Class A common shares of GPEC. On May 23, 2012, the Company entered into an amended debt agreement with the shareholder whereby all accrued interest was paid in cash and the interest rate of 5% was replaced with a fixed amount of interest of $10,000 for all existing debt and any future debt. In 2012, the Company made cash payments on these notes totaling $630,000 and the remaining $4,000,000 was converted to 4,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of GPEC. On September 24, 2013, such holder of 4,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of GPEC received a total of 4,400,000 shares of Common Stock and warrant to purchase 4,400,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 GPEC issued an aggregate of 14,942,500 shares of its common stock to directors, officers and key consultants of GPEC as compensation.
Except the above transactions, neither GPEC nor the Company was a party to any transaction (where the amount involved exceeded the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our assets for the last two fiscal years) in which a director, executive officer, holder of more than five percent of our common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any such person have or will have a direct or indirect material interest and no such transactions are currently proposed.
The Company’s Board conducts an appropriate review of and oversees all related party transactions on a continuing basis and reviews potential conflict of interest situations where appropriate. The Board has not adopted formal standards to apply when it reviews, approves or ratifies any related party transaction. However, the Board believes that the related party transactions are fair and reasonable to the Company and on terms comparable to those reasonably expected to be agreed to with independent third parties for the same goods and/or services at the time they are authorized by the Board.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning cash and non-cash compensation paid by GPEC to GPEC’s Chief Executive Officer and the two other highly compensated executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer who were serving as an executive officer of GPEC on December 31, 2012 for each of the two fiscal years of GPEC ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012.
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Position(s)
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Year
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Salary($)
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Stock Awards
($)
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All other
Compensation
($)
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Total
Compensation
($)
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Dean L. Ledger (1)
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2012
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$
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462,500
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$
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3,936,000
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$
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-
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$
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4,398,500
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Chief Executive Officer, President, COO and Director of GPEC
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2011
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$
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275,000
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-
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$
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-
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$
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275,000
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Robert J. Fasnacht (2)
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2012
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$
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260,416
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$
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1,537,500
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$
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-
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$
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1,797,916
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Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of GPEC
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2011
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$
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240,000
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-
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$
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-
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$
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240,000
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Amy B. Kornafel (3)
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2012
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$
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163,750
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$
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1,230,000
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$
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-
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$
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1,393,750
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CFO and Treasurer of GPEC
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2011
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$
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113,000
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-
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$
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-
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$
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113,000
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(1)
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Mr. Dean L. Ledger was appointed as our Director and Chief Executive Officer on September 24, 2013. Prior to that Mr. Ledger was the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President and Director of GPEC. The Company issued Dean Ledger 3,200,000 shares for services during 2012.
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(2)
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Mr. Robert J. Fasnacht was appointed as our Director, President and Chief Operating Officer on September 24, 2013. Mr. Fasnacht has been Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of GPEC since 2011. The Company issued Robert Fasnacht 1,250,000 shares for services during 2012.
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(3)
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Ms. Amy B. Kornafel was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary on September 24, 2013. Ms. Kornafel has been Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of GPEC since March 2005. The Company issued Amy Kornafel 1,000,000 shares for services during 2012.
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Employment Agreement of the Executive Officers and Directors
On September 24, 2013, the Company and John D. Kuhns entered into an Employment Agreement, as amended and restated on October 22, 2013, pursuant to which commencing October 1, 2013 Mr. Kuhns is being employed as Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company for a term of five years. The initial five year term of employment automatically shall be extended for additional one-year periods unless within 60 days prior to the end of the term a party gives written notice to the other of its decision not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr. Kuhns is entitled to the compensation consisting of $400,000 per year for base salary (plus annual cost of living increases of 3% per year), an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of the Directors and other benefits such as family health and dental insurance coverage and eligibility to participate in profit-sharing, 401K, stock option, bonus and performance award plans that are generally made available to executive officers of the Company.
On September 24, 2013, the Company and Dean L. Ledger entered into an Employment Agreement, as amended and restated on October 22, 2013, pursuant to which commencing October 1, 2013 Mr. Ledger is being employed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company for a term of five years. The initial five year term of employment automatically shall be extended for additional one-year periods unless within 60 days prior to the end of the term a party gives written notice to the other of its decision not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr. Ledger is entitled to the compensation consisting of $400,000 per year for base salary (plus annual cost of living increases of 3% per year), an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of the Directors and other benefits such as family health and dental insurance coverage and eligibility to participate in profit-sharing, 401K, stock option, bonus and performance award plans that are generally made available to executive officers of the Company.
On September 24, 2013, the Company and Robert J. Fasnacht entered into an Employment Agreement, as amended and restated on October 22, 2013, pursuant to which commencing October 1, 2013 Mr. Fasnacht is being employed as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company for a term of five years. The initial five year term of employment automatically shall be extended for additional one-year periods unless within 60 days prior to the end of the term a party gives written notice to the other of its decision not to renew the term. Under the agreement, Mr. Fasnacht is entitled to the compensation consisting of $360,000 per year for base salary (plus annual cost of living increases of 3% per year), an annual bonus at the discretion of the Board of the Directors and other benefits such as family health and dental insurance coverage and eligibility to participate in profit-sharing, 401K, stock option, bonus and performance award plans that are generally made available to executive officers of the Company.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table provides the names and addresses of each person known to us to own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of September 24, 2013, and by the officers and directors, individually and as a group immediately following the Share Exchange Transaction. Except as otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly and the shareholders listed possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.
Name
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Office
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Shares
Beneficially
Owned
(1)
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Percent of
Class
(2)
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Officers and Directors
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Dean L. Ledger
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CEO, Director
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1,051,023
(3)
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2.49
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%
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9290 East Thompson Peak Pkwy
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Unit 134
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Scottsdale, AZ 85255
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John D. Kuhns
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Executive Chairman
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1,035,023
(4)
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2.45
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%
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558 Lime Road
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Lakeville, CT 06039
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Robert J. Fasnacht
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Director, President, and COO
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1,017,023
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2.41
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%
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6062 N. Lafayette Lane
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Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
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Joey S. Stone
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Senior Vice President of Corporate Department
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486,911
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1.15
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%
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432 Plantation Crest Court
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Baton Rouge, LA 70810
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Amy B. Kornafel
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CFO, Secretary
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506,911
(5)
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1.20
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%
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204 Chippewa Trail
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Medford Lakes, NJ 08055
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All officers and directors as a
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4,096,891
(7)
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9.70
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%
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group (5 persons)
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5% Securities Holders
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Ronald B. Foster
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24,941,000
(8
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45.59
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%
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GPEC Holdings, Inc.
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15,438,866
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36.55
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%
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*
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Less than 1%
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(1)
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Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which a shareholder has sole or shared voting power or investment power, and also any shares which the shareholder has the right to acquire within 60 days, including upon exercise of common shares purchase options or warrants.
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(2)
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Based on 42,235,302 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding after giving effect to the Share Exchange Transaction and a 1.2-for-1 forward split of the Common Stock deemed as effective as of September 23, 2013.
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(3)
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Includes an aggregate of 34,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of immediately exercisable options.
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(4)
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Includes an aggregate of 18,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of immediately exercisable options.
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(5)
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Includes an aggregate of 20,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of immediately exercisable options.
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(6)
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Includes an aggregate of 85,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of immediately exercisable options.
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(7)
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Includes 12,470,500 shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon exercise of immediately exercisable warrants.
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Changes in Control
Except as described herein, there are currently no arrangements which may result in a change in control of the Company.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
General
The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 250,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share.
Common Stock
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends ratably, if any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of legally available funds, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any outstanding preferred stock (there are none currently). Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably our net assets available after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of shares of any series of preferred stock which we may designate and issue in the future without further shareholder approval.
As of the date of this Current Report, there were 42,235,302 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
Vstock Transfer, LLC at 77 Spruce Street, Suite 201, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 is the registrar and transfer agent for our common stock. Their telephone number is (212) 828-8436.
Preferred Stock
We do not have any authorized Preferred Stock.
Warrants
Immediately after the Share Exchange Transaction, there were warrants to purchase a total of 19,013,283 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding. Each Warrant shall be exercisable at any time and from time to time as provided in the Warrant. The exercise prices of the outstanding warrant range from $5.00 to $17.50 per share.
Call Right.
The Company has the right to call the exercise of all or any remaining portion of each Warrant, if (i) the Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of the Common Stock is no less than $5.00 per share during any ten (10) consecutive trading days, (ii) the average trading volume of the Company’s Common Stock during any ten (10) consecutive trading days is at least $100,000 per day, and (iii) all shares of Common Stock for which such Warrant is exercisable are registered for resale by the holder of such Warrant (the “Call Conditions”).
Adjustment for Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, Recapitalizations, Etc
.
The exercise price of the Warrants and the number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the Warrants will be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock dividend, stock split, stock distribution, combination of shares, reverse split, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar event affecting the number of outstanding shares.
Adjustment for Reorganization, Consolidation, Merger, Etc.
If the Company merges or consolidates with or into any other person, or are a party to any other corporate reorganization, and the Company is not the continuing or surviving entity, then, in each case, the holder of the Warrant (on exercise at any time after the consummation of such transaction) will be entitled to receive the stock and other securities and property (including cash) which the holder would have been entitled to receive if the holder had exercised the Warrant immediately prior to the effectiveness of the transaction.
Piggy-back Registration Rights.
The Company granted piggy-back registration rights to holders of the Warrants, where the Company will be obligated to include in a registration statement the shares of Common Stock which are issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, where the Company prepares to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) relating to an offering for the Company’s own account or the account of others under the Securities Act, other than an underwritten offering or on Form S-4 or Form S-8.
Options
Immediately after the Share Exchange Transaction, there are options to purchase a total of 105,000 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding. The exercise prices of the outstanding option range from $10.00 to $15.00 per share.
MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON OUR COMMON
EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
While there is no established public trading market for our Common Stock, our Common Stock is quoted on the OTC Markets OTCQB, under the symbol “UTCH.” There have been no reported quotations for our common stock.
The market price of our Common Stock is subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our quarterly operating results, general trends in the market and other factors, over many of which we have little or no control. In addition, broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, business and political conditions, may adversely affect the market for our Common Stock, regardless of our actual or projected performance.
Holders
As of the date of this Current Report, there were 42,235,302 shares of our Common Stock, par value, $.0001 issued and outstanding and there were 84 shareholders of record of our Common Stock.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Vstock Transfer, LLC at 77 Spruce Street, Suite 201, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 is the registrar and transfer agent for our common stock. Their telephone number is (212) 828-8436.
Penny Stock Regulations
The Commission has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. Our Common Stock, when and if a trading market develops, may fall within the definition of penny stock and be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1,000,000, or annual incomes exceeding $200,000 individually, or $300,000, together with their spouse).
For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received the purchaser’s prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the “penny stock” rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our Common Stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their Common Stock in the secondary market.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any cash dividends to our shareholders. Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends on shares of our Common Stock will be made at the discretion of our board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. We are under no contractual obligations or restrictions to declare or pay dividends on our shares of Common Stock.
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans
On September 24, 2013 the directors of the Company unanimously approved the 2013 Universal Technology Systems Corp. Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) under which the Company has reserved a number of shares of its Common Stock equal to 10% of the Company’s fully diluted Common Stock for awards under the Plan of any stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock, performance share, or other stock-based award or performance-based cash awards under the Plan.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material proceedings to which any director or officer, or any associate of any such director or officer, is a party that is adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries. No director or executive officer has been a director or executive officer of any business which has filed a bankruptcy petition or had a bankruptcy petition filed against it during the past ten years. No director or executive officer has been convicted of a criminal offense or is the subject of a pending criminal proceeding during the past ten years. No director or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment or decree of any court permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities during the past ten years. No director or officer has been found by a court to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law during the past ten years.
In addition, there are no material proceedings to which any affiliate of our Company, or any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of any class of voting securities of our Company, is a party that is adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries. Currently there are no legal proceedings pending or threatened against us. We are not currently involved in any litigation that we believe could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of our Company or any of our subsidiaries, threatened against or affecting our Company, our common stock, any of our subsidiaries or of our Company’s or our Company’s subsidiaries’ officers or directors in their capacities as such, in which an adverse decision could have a material adverse effect.
However, from time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
Reference is made to Item 3.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K/A for a description of recent sales of unregistered securities, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Our by-laws provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers, employees, and agents, under certain circumstances, against attorney's fees and other expenses incurred by them in any litigation to which they become a party arising from their association with or activities on our behalf. We will also bear the expenses of such litigation for any of our directors, officers, employees, or agents, upon such persons promise to repay us therefore if it is ultimately determined that any such person shall not have been entitled to indemnification. This indemnification policy could result in substantial expenditures by us, which it may be unable to recoup.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore unenforceable.
At the present time, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director, officer, employee or other agent of ours in which indemnification would be required or permitted. We are not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding which may result in a claim for such indemnification.
Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.
Share Exchange Transaction
Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, on September 24, 2013, we issued 15,438,866 shares of our Common Stock to the GPEC Stockholder, in exchange for 100% of the outstanding shares of GPEC. Also pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, we issued the following securities in the Share Exchange Transaction:
(i) a total of 5,780,500 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase a total of 5,780,500 shares of Common Stock to holders of GPEC Series A Preferred as a result of the automatic conversion of the GPEC Series A Preferred;
(ii) a total of 11,357,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase a total of 11,357,000 shares of Common Stock to holders of the GPEC Bridge Notes as a result of the automatic conversion of the GPEC Bridge Notes;
(iii) warrants to purchase 1,875,783shares of Common Stock to holders of all of the issued and outstanding GPEC Warrants as in consideration for the cancellation of the GPEC Warrants pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof; and
(iv) options to purchase 105,000 shares of Common Stock to holders of all of the issued and outstanding GPEC Options in consideration for the cancellation of the GPEC Options pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof.
The above referenced securities were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. We relied on exemptions under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 to issue the Company’s securities in the Share Exchange Transaction.
September 22, 2013 Private Placement of Company Common Stock
On September 22, 2013 the Company accepted subscriptions to purchase from, and issued an aggregate of 5,049,113 shares of Common Stock (or 6,058,936 shares after given effect to the Forward Split) to, seven persons, including three of the Company’s four directors (including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer) as well as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. The shares were issued pursuant to separate Subscription Agreements between the Company and each purchaser.
The above referenced Common Stock was not registered under the Securities Act. We relied on exemptions under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act to issue the Common Stock.
July 2013 Private Placement of GPEC Bridge Notes
In July 2013 GPEC accepted subscriptions from, and issued to seven persons convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $11,357,000. The convertible notes were issued pursuant to separate Subscription Agreements with the purchasers. GPEC received an aggregate of $11,357,000 in gross proceeds for the issuance of the convertible notes.
The above referenced
convertible notes were not
registered under the Securities Act. GPEC relied on exemptions under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act to issue the convertible notes
In connection with the Share Exchange Transaction, on September 24, 2013 the convertible notes were automatically converted into a total of 11,357,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase a total of 11,357,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company.
Item 5.01
Changes in Control of Registrant.
On September 24, 2013, Christopher Conley (“Conley”), a majority shareholder of the Company, entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement,” such transaction, the “Purchase Transaction”) with GPEC, pursuant to which Conley sold to GPEC 9,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Control Shares”) for $249,000. GPEC used the proceeds of the Bridge Financing for the acquisition of the Control Shares. Immediately after the Purchase Transaction on September 24, 2013, the acquired Control Shares were cancelled.
Simultaneously with the consummation of the Purchase Transaction, the Company consummated the Share Exchange Transaction with GPEC and the GPEC Stockholder, whereby the GPEC Stockholder received an aggregate of 15,438,866 shares of the Company’s Common Stock in exchange for the assignment to the Company of 100% of the equity interests of GPEC.
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.
Effective immediately prior to the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement on September 24, 2013, Chris Conley, our former Chief Executive Officer, President and Director, resigned from each of her positions as a director and officers of the Company.
Also effective immediately prior to the closing of the Share Exchange Transaction on September 24, 2013, (i) John D. Kuhns was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, (ii) Dean L. Ledger was appointed as a Director, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (iii) Robert J. Fasnacht was appointed as a Director, President, Chief Operating Officer of the Company, (iv) David Wm. Boone was appointed as a Director of the Company, (v) Amy B. Kornafel was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company, and (vi) Joey S. Stone was appointed as Senior Vice President of Corporate Department of the Company.
Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change of Fiscal Year.
On September 24, 2013, the Company adopted the fiscal year end of GPEC, as the accounting acquirer, of December 31 as a result of the Share Exchange Transaction consummated on September 24, 2013. The Share Exchange Transaction is accounted for as a reverse merger and recapitalization with the acquired company, GPEC, becoming the acquirer in this transaction.
Item 5.06 Change in Shell Company Status.
As a result of the Share Exchange Transaction as described in Items 1.01 and 2.01, which description is incorporated by reference in this Item 5.06 of this Current Report, the Company ceased being a shell company as such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On September 24, 2013 the directors of the Company unanimously approved the 2013 Universal Technology Systems Corp. Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) under which the Company has reserved a number of shares of its Common Stock equal to 10% of the Company’s fully diluted Common Stock for awards under the Plan of any stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock, performance share, or other stock-based award or performance-based cash awards under the Plan.
Item 9.01 Financial Statement and Exhibits.
(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.
The audited financial statements of GPEC as of December 31, 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 and the unaudited financial statements of GPEC as of June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 and for the six months then ended are appended to this report beginning on page F-1.
(b)
Pro Forma Financials.
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet and statement of operations of the Company and GPEC and notes thereto are appended to this report beginning on page F-30.
(d)
The following exhibits are filed with this report:
Exhibit
Number
|
|
Description
|
2.1
|
|
Share Exchange Agreement dated as of September 24, 2013 by and among the Company, GPEC and the GPEC Stockholder.**
|
4.1
|
|
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of the Company issued pursuant to the Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock.*
|
4.2
|
|
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of the Company issued pursuant to the Conversion of the Bridge Note.*
|
4.3
|
|
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of the Company issued pursuant to the Exchange of Warrant held by holders of Global Photonic Energy Corporation.
|
4.4
|
|
Form of Option to Purchase Common Stock of the Company issued pursuant to the Share Exchange Transaction.*
|
10.1
|
|
Form of Subscription Agreement between the Company and certain purchasers and schedule of purchasers setting forth the number of shares of the Company’s common stock purchased by each purchaser on September 24, 2013.*
|
10.2
|
|
2013 Universal Technology Systems Corp. Equity Incentive Plan.*
|
10.3
|
|
Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and John D. Kuhns, as amended, dated October 1, 2013.**
|
10.4
|
|
Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and Dean L. Ledger, as amended, dated October 1, 2013.**
|
10.5
|
|
Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert J. Fasnacht, as amended, dated October 1, 2013.**
|
10.6
|
|
Form of Research Agreement, dated May 1, 1998, between GPEC and University of Southern California.**
|
10.7#
|
|
Form of The University of Southern California Research Agreement, dated January 1, 2006.**
|
10.8
|
|
Form of a Letter Agreement, dated April 16, 2009, between GPEC and USC.**
|
10.9
|
|
Form of The University of Southern California, Princeton University, Global Photonic Energy Corporation Amended License Agreement, dated May 1, 1998.**
|
10.10
|
|
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Amended License Agreement by and among Princeton University, The University of Southern California, the Regents of the University of Michigan and GPEC, dated May 15, 2006.**
|
# Portions of such exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
* Filed with the SEC on the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 30, 2013.
** Filed herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
NanoFlex Power Corporation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Dean L. Ledger
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: Chief Executive Officer
|
|
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
F-3
|
|
|
|
STATEMENTS OF EXPENSES
|
|
F-4
|
|
|
|
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
F-5
|
|
|
|
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
F-7
|
|
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
F-8
|
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors of
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
(a development stage company)
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Global Photonic Energy Corporation (a development stage company) (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the related statements of expenses, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years then ended . These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years the ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has incurred losses from operation since inception. This factor raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to this mater are described in Note 3. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
Houston, Texas
August 20, 2013, except for Notes 7 and 11, as to which the date is September 24, 2013
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
2011
|
|
ASSETS
|
CURRENT ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
344,656
|
|
|
$
|
14,587
|
|
Prepaid insurance
|
|
|
26,429
|
|
|
|
13,697
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
371,085
|
|
|
|
28,284
|
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
|
|
|
4,644
|
|
|
|
3,938
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
375,729
|
|
|
$
|
32,222
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
1,003,352
|
|
|
$
|
1,701,867
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
413,828
|
|
|
|
406,708
|
|
Accrued payroll
|
|
|
854,130
|
|
|
|
923,230
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
530,502
|
|
|
|
179,764
|
|
Short-term debt, net of unamortized discounts of $633,397 and $0
|
|
|
4,342,079
|
|
|
|
1,999,103
|
|
Short-term debt - related party, net of unamortized discounts of $32,742 and $106,971
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
2,967,258
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
7,643,891
|
|
|
|
8,177,930
|
|
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of unamortized
discounts of $0 and $1,141,973
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
7,643,891
|
|
|
|
8,202,930
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, no par value; 20,000,000 authorized; 45,000 designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, no par value; 4,100 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
4,100,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Class A common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 57,409, 544 and 26,554,111
|
|
|
120,656,126
|
|
|
|
102,991,380
|
|
Class B common stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, 500,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Deficit accumulated during development stage
|
|
|
(133,024,288
|
)
|
|
|
(112,162,088
|
)
|
Total Stockholders' Deficit
|
|
|
(7,268,162
|
)
|
|
|
(8,170,708
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
|
|
$
|
375,729
|
|
|
$
|
32,222
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
STATEMENTS OF EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 7,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1994 (inception)
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
to December 31,
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
$
|
998,127
|
|
|
$
|
887,097
|
|
|
$
|
10,067,200
|
|
Research and development -stock based compensation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,623,294
|
|
Patent application and prosecution fees
|
|
|
1,345,743
|
|
|
|
1,597,642
|
|
|
|
10,658,895
|
|
Salaries and related expenses
|
|
|
951,411
|
|
|
|
1,731,634
|
|
|
|
14,780,964
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
9,950,226
|
|
|
|
1,111,571
|
|
|
|
30,881,082
|
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
|
|
|
622,451
|
|
|
|
1,297,954
|
|
|
|
6,134,360
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
5,886
|
|
Total Operating Expenses
|
|
|
13,869,370
|
|
|
|
6,626,604
|
|
|
|
76,151,681
|
|
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
13,869,370
|
|
|
|
6,626,604
|
|
|
|
76,151,681
|
|
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on lawsuit settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(268,187
|
)
|
|
|
(268,187
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,582,324
|
|
|
|
1,171,790
|
|
|
|
14,638,292
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(349,162
|
)
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
2,410,506
|
|
|
|
2,264,909
|
|
|
|
43,025,058
|
|
Total Other Expense
|
|
|
6,992,830
|
|
|
|
3,168,512
|
|
|
|
57,046,001
|
|
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT
|
|
|
(20,862,200
|
)
|
|
|
(9,795,116
|
)
|
|
|
(133,197,682
|
)
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
173,394
|
|
NET LOSS
|
|
$
|
(20,862,200
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,795,116
|
)
|
|
$
|
(133,024,288
|
)
|
NET LOSS per share (basic and diluted)
|
|
$
|
(0.52
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.43
|
)
|
|
|
n/a
|
|
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING, BASIC AND DILUTED
|
|
|
40,395,528
|
|
|
|
22,922,987
|
|
|
|
n/a
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
February 7, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2012 with February 7, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2009 as unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Series A Preferred Stock
|
|
|
Class A Common Stock
|
|
|
Class B Common Stock
|
|
|
Development
|
|
|
Stockholders'
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Stage
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of stock at inception- February 7, 1994
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
6,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
6,000
|
|
Sale of stock, net of offering expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
8,451,086
|
|
|
|
16,569,910
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
16,569,910
|
|
Issuance of stock and warrants for services
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
15,404,022
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
15,404,022
|
|
Issuance of stock for license agreements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,400,000
|
|
Class A warrants issued for loan modification
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,204,783
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,204,783
|
|
Common shares and warrants issued for debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
3,854,453
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,854,453
|
|
Exercise of Class A common stock warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,990,625
|
|
|
|
1,170,150
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,170,150
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(44,246,660
|
)
|
|
|
(44,246,660
|
)
|
Balances, December 31, 2008
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
18,741,711
|
|
|
|
39,609,318
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
(44,246,660
|
)
|
|
|
(3,637,342
|
)
|
Common shares and warrants issued for debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
Exercise of warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Stock and warrants issued as compensation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
1,353,740
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,353,740
|
|
Class A warrants issued with debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,912,792
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,912,792
|
|
Class A warrants issued for loan modification
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,901,557
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,901,557
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(19,625,916
|
)
|
|
|
(19,625,916
|
)
|
Balances, December 31, 2009
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
18,812,711
|
|
|
|
55,862,407
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
(63,872,576
|
)
|
|
|
(7,010,169
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common shares repurchased
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(20,000
|
)
|
|
|
(60,000
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(60,000
|
)
|
Sale of common shares and warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
Class A warrants issued for services
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,538,628
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,538,628
|
|
Class A warrants issued with debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,167,513
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,167,513
|
|
Class A warrants issued for loan modification
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,243,303
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,243,303
|
|
Common shares and warrants issued for debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,276,250
|
|
|
|
4,685,563
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,685,563
|
|
Beneficial conversion feature on converted debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
169,486
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
169,486
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(38,494,396
|
)
|
|
|
(38,494,396
|
)
|
Balances, December 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,118,961
|
|
|
|
94,706,900
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
(102,366,972
|
)
|
|
|
(6,660,072
|
)
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
February 7, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2012 with February 7, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2009 as unaudited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
Series A Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
Class A Common Stock
|
|
|
|
Class B Common Stock
|
|
|
|
Development
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
Stage
|
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common shares issued for cash
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,360,000
|
|
|
|
1,370,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,370,000
|
|
Sale of common shares and warrants in PPM
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,350,000
|
|
|
|
2,438,602
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,438,602
|
|
Class A warrants issued for services
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,111,571
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,111,571
|
|
Class A warrants issued with debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
337,693
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
337,693
|
|
Class A warrants issued for loan modification
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,110,865
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,110,865
|
|
Class A warrants issued for Kenyon settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
114,249
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
114,249
|
|
Common shares and warrants issued for debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
800,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
800,000
|
|
Class A shares issued for warrant exercise
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
Class A shares issued for warrant exchange with related parties
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,175,150
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(9,795,116
|
)
|
|
|
(9,795,116
|
)
|
Balances, December 31, 2011
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
26,554,111
|
|
|
$
|
102,991,380
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
(112,162,088
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,170,708
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of common shares and warrants in PPM
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
216,250
|
|
|
|
428,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
428,500
|
|
Class A warrants issued for services
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
14,942,500
|
|
|
|
9,402,381
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
9,402,381
|
|
Class A common shares issued for warrant exercise
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,414,700
|
|
|
|
1,515,529
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,515,529
|
|
Class A common shares issued for warrant exchange
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,316,983
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Class A common shares and warrants issued for debt conversions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
157,500
|
|
|
|
289,975
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
289,975
|
|
Class A common shares issued for loan extensions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,817,500
|
|
|
|
2,235,525
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,174,025
|
|
Class A common shares issued with debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
990,000
|
|
|
|
515,802
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
515,802
|
|
Class A shares issued with related-party debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
|
|
2,206,278
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,206,278
|
|
Series A convertible preferred stock issued for debt conversion
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
Series A convertible preferred stock issued for cash
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
Class A warrants issued for loan extensions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
155,006
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
155,006
|
|
Class A warrants issued with nonconvertible debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
310,732
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
310,732
|
|
Class A warrants issued for services
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
465,533
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
465,533
|
|
Class A warrants issued for warrant exchange
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
57,173
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
57,173
|
|
Class A options issued for services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,312
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,312
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(20,862,200
|
)
|
|
|
(20,862,200
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances, December 31, 2012
|
|
|
4,100
|
|
|
$
|
4,100,000
|
|
|
|
57,409,544
|
|
|
$
|
120,656,126
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
(133,024,288
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,268,162
|
)
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 7,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1994 (inception)
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
to December 31,
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(20,862,200
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,795,116
|
)
|
|
$
|
(133,024,288
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A and B common shares issued for license agreements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,400,000
|
|
Class A warrants issued for legal settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(268,187
|
)
|
|
|
(268,187
|
)
|
Depreciation expense
|
|
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
24,764
|
|
Amortization of debt discounts
|
|
|
3,653,530
|
|
|
|
766,454
|
|
|
|
12,130,284
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
9,950,226
|
|
|
|
1,111,571
|
|
|
|
34,358,187
|
|
Class A warrants issued for warrant exchange
|
|
|
57,173
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
57,173
|
|
Interest expense from convertible debt converted to warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
133,063
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
2,410,506
|
|
|
|
2,264,909
|
|
|
|
43,025,058
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(12,732
|
)
|
|
|
(414
|
)
|
|
|
(26,429
|
)
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
(409,757
|
)
|
|
|
1,143,016
|
|
|
|
3,184,248
|
|
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
|
|
|
(5,211,842
|
)
|
|
|
(4,777,061
|
)
|
|
|
(39,006,127
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of fixed assets
|
|
|
(2,118
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(29,408
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of Class A common shares and warrants
|
|
|
1,515,529
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
|
2,712,179
|
|
Proceeds from sale of Class A common shares and warrants
|
|
|
428,500
|
|
|
|
3,808,602
|
|
|
|
20,913,012
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
Advances from related party
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
Advances paid to related party
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(500,000
|
)
|
|
|
(500,000
|
)
|
Borrowings on convertible debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
792,500
|
|
Borrowings on debt
|
|
|
2,300,000
|
|
|
|
1,025,000
|
|
|
|
17,037,500
|
|
Borrowings on debt – related party
|
|
|
2,130,000
|
|
|
|
1,750,000
|
|
|
|
4,205,000
|
|
Principal payments on debt
|
|
|
(300,000
|
)
|
|
|
(1,870,000
|
)
|
|
|
(5,750,000
|
)
|
Principal payments on debt – related party
|
|
|
(630,000
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(630,000
|
)
|
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
|
|
|
5,544,029
|
|
|
|
4,715,102
|
|
|
|
39,380,191
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
|
|
|
330,069
|
|
|
|
(61,959
|
)
|
|
|
344,656
|
|
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
|
|
14,587
|
|
|
|
76,546
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
CASH AT END OF YEAR
|
|
$
|
344,656
|
|
|
$
|
14,587
|
|
|
$
|
344,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
709,685
|
|
|
$
|
423,938
|
|
|
$
|
1,887,589
|
|
Cash paid for income tax
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,248
|
|
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common shares repurchased
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
Preferred shared issued for debt conversion
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
Class A warrants issued for legal settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
114,249
|
|
|
|
114,249
|
|
Class A warrants issued with debt
|
|
|
826,534
|
|
|
|
337,693
|
|
|
|
7,244,532
|
|
Class A warrants issued with related party debt
|
|
|
2,206,278
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,206,278
|
|
Class A common shares and warrants issued for debt
|
|
|
270,000
|
|
|
|
800,000
|
|
|
|
9,536,953
|
|
Beneficial conversion feature on converted debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
169,486
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
|
BACKGROUND, RESEARCH AND LICENSE AGREEMENTS
|
Background -
Global Photonic Energy Corporation was incorporated in Pennsylvania on February 7, 1994. The Company is a development stage company organized to fund, develop and commercialize photonic energy conversion technologies utilizing organic semiconductor-based solar cells. The Company intends to enter into licensing arrangements and other strategic alliances for the development, manufacture and marketing of products utilizing this technology.
The technology is targeted at certain broad applications including 1) mobile electronic device power, 2) electric vehicle (EV) charging or “power paint”, 3) semi-transparent solar power generating windows or glazing and 4) traditional off-grid and grid-connected solar power generation. Laboratory feasibility prototypes have been developed that successfully demonstrate key building block principles for these technology application areas.
Sponsored Research Agreement -
Research and development of the Technology is being conducted at the University of Southern California (“USC”) and, on a subcontractor basis, at the University of Michigan, beginning 2006 and currently under a 5-year Sponsored Research Agreement dated May 1, 2009. During this period, the Company has agreed to pay USC up to $6,338,341 for work to be performed. From May 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012, the Company paid and expensed $2,689,570.
License Agreement -
The Company possesses an exclusive worldwide license and the right to sublicense any and all inventions and intellectual property resulting from the Company’s research agreements. Royalties due under the agreement are 3% of revenues from sublicensing technology and 23% of revenues from any patent rights lawsuit proceeds.
Minimum royalties are as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2013
|
|
$
|
50,000
|
|
2014
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
2015
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
2016
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
2017
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
|
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives range from three to eight years.
Impairment of long-lived assets -
The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the historical-cost carrying value of an asset may no longer be appropriate. The Company assesses recoverability of the asset by comparing the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the asset to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flows of the asset, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-lived asset. Fair value is estimated based upon either discounted cash flow analysis or estimated salvage value
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718 which requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. For stock-based awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. In prior years, we accounted for stock-based awards under APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” We account for non-employee share-based awards in accordance with FASB ASC 505-50.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect certain reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The significant estimates relate useful lives of software licenses, valuation of beneficial conversion feature on convertible debts, valuation of warrants and stock options, and valuation allowance for deferred income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Credit Risk
Cash is maintained in bank accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)
|
Development Stage Company
The Company is a development stage company as defined by ASC 915, Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Entities. The Company is devoting substantially all of its present efforts to establishing a new business. All losses accumulated since inception have been considered as part of the Company’s development stage activities.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed in the period they are incurred in accordance with ASC 730, Research and Development unless they meet specific criteria related to technical, market and financial feasibility, as determined by management, including but not limited to the establishment of a clearly defined future market for the product, and the availability of adequate resources to complete the project. If all criteria are met, the costs are deferred and amortized over the expected useful life, or written off if a product is abandoned. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had no deferred development costs.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of short-term financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity for these instruments. The long-term borrowings approximate fair value since the related rates of interest approximates current market rates.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. These assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
We have net operating loss carry-forwards available to reduce future taxable income. Future tax benefits for these net operating loss carry-forwards are recognized to the extent that realization of these benefits is considered more likely than not. To the extent that we will not realize a future tax benefit, a valuation allowance is established.
New Accounting Pronouncements
No recent accounting pronouncements are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has no revenues and an accumulated deficit of $132,941,976. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on raising capital to fund ongoing operations and carry out its business plan and ultimately to attain profitable operations. Accordingly, these factors raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts of and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event the Company cannot continue in existence. To date the Company has funded its initial operations primarily by way of convertible note financing, short term financing from private parties, and advances from related parties.
4.
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
During 2012 and 2011, the Company borrowed $2,130,000 and 1,750,000, respectively from a majority shareholder. These loans are unsecured, bear interest at 5% per annum and originally matured December 22, 2012. In connection with the loans, on January 31, 2012, the note holder was guaranteed 4,000,000 Class A common shares. The relative fair value of these shares was determined to be $2,206,278 and it was recorded as a debt discount. The full discount was amortized to interest expense during 2012. On May 23, 2012, the Company entered into an amended debt agreement with the shareholder whereby all accrued interest was paid in cash and the interest rate of 5% was replaced with a fixed amount of interest of $10,000 for all existing debt and any future debt. The Company evaluated the amendment under FASB ASC 470-50 and determined that the modification was not substantial. In 2012, the Company made cash payments on these notes totaling $630,000 and the remaining $4,000,000 was converted to 4,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred stock (see Note 8). As of December 31, 2012, the Company has a balance of $500,000 net discount due to related parties.
Additionally in 2012, the Company recorded amortization of debt discount on related party debt totaling $2,239,020.
Convertible notes -
In 2012 and 2011, the Company did not borrow any funds with convertible notes.
Non-Convertible notes -
During 2012, the Company borrowed $2,300,000 at interest rates ranging from 5% - 45% per annum. In connection with these borrowings, the Company issued 327,500 warrants and 990,000 common shares. The warrants are exercisable at prices ranging from $0.01 - $2.40, vested immediately and have a term of 5 years. The relative value calculated on the warrants issued was $310,732 and has been recorded as a note discount. The warrants were fully amortized during the year. In addition, the Company issued 990,000 common shares with a relative value of $515,802. The relative value was recorded as a discount on the notes and amortized over the life of the
notes. The amortization of debt discount related to the common shares for 2012 is $470,433, leaving an unamortized discount of $45,369.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5.
|
NOTES PAYABLE, (continued)
|
During 2011, the Company borrowed $25,000 at an interest rate of 5% per annum and $1,000,000 at an interest rate of 12% per annum. In connection with these borrowings, 412,500 warrants were issued as additional consideration. The warrants are exercisable at $0.01, vest immediately and have a term of 5 years. The relative value calculated on the warrants issued with debt was $337,693 and has been recorded as a discount on the notes. The discount is amortized over the term of the note. The amortization of the debt discount related to these warrants for 2011 is $9,634, leaving an unamortized discount of $328,059. The amortization of debt discount related to these warrants for 2012 is $328,007, leaving an unamortized discount of $52.
During 2010, the Company borrowed $3,962,500 with interest rates ranging from 5% - 13% per annum. 3,603,750 warrants were issued as additional consideration. The warrants are exercisable at $0.01 to $3.00, vest immediately, and have a term of 5-10 years. The relative fair value calculated on the warrants issued with debt was $2,529,104 and has been recorded as a discount on the notes. The discount is amortized over the term of the note. The amortization of the debt discount related to these warrants in 2012 is $305,338, leaving an unamortized discount of $0.
During 2012, a total of $270,000 in notes were converted into a total of 157,500 common shares and 125,000 warrants. The Company recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $19,975 in conjunction with these conversions.
During 2011, a total of $800,000 in notes were converted into a total of 400,000 common shares and 400,000 warrants. The relative fair value of the warrants issued is $319,703.
Debt Extensions -
At December 31, 2012, the maturity date on an aggregate of $3,325,000 of outstanding debt was extended an additional 3 to 6 months. In connection with the extensions, the Company issued 1,817,500 Class A common shares and 500,000 Class A warrants. The warrants are exercisable at $2.40, vest immediately and have a term of 5 years. The Company evaluated the modifications under FASB ASC 470-50 determined that the modifications were substantial and the revised terms constituted debt extinguishments. The fair value of the common shares was determined to be $2,235,525 and the fair value of the warrants was determined to be $155,006 resulting in a total loss on the extinguishment of debt due to debt extensions of $2,390,531.
During 2011, the Company issued 805,000 stock warrants to extend repayment terms of their short term borrowings dating from 2009 and 2010. The loans were modified to extend the maturity date an additional 6 months from the original maturity date. The Company evaluated the modifications under FASB ASC 470-50 and determined that the modifications were substantial and the revised terms constituted debt extinguishments. The fair value of the warrants issued was $1,347,339 and was written off as loss on extinguishment of debt.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5.
|
NOTES PAYABLE, (continued)
|
The fair values of the warrants were calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
Assumption
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Expected Volatility
|
|
|
98%-111
|
%
|
|
|
97.0%-99.0
|
%
|
Expected term (years)
|
|
|
2-14
|
|
|
|
5-14
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
0.74%-2.01
|
%
|
|
|
2.13%-3.81
|
%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
6.
|
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
|
2000 Stock Option Plan –
On April 28, 2000, the Board of Directors adopted the 2000 Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options to employees and non-qualified stock options to employees, non-employee directors and/or consultants. The Plan provides for the granting of a maximum of 2,000,000 options to purchase Class A common stock. The ISO exercise price per share may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date the option is granted. The maximum term of the options may not exceed ten years. A summary of activity in regards to options at December 31, 2012 is as follows:
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Weighted Average Exercise Price
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
2.37
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(1,045,000
|
)
|
|
|
2.60
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
|
|
|
955,000
|
|
|
$
|
2.13
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(25,000
|
)
|
|
|
2.50
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
|
|
|
930,000
|
|
|
$
|
2.12
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(320,000
|
)
|
|
|
2.01
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
|
|
|
685,000
|
|
|
|
1.94
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
685,000
|
|
|
|
1.94
|
|
The weighted average remaining contractual lives for options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately 3-10 years.
The exercise price of these options range from $2.00 to $3.00. The intrinsic value of the options as of December 31, 2012 is $0.00.
A total of 75,000 options were issued for services in 2012. The exercise price of the options is $2.00. The term of the options is 10 years. These options are fully vested and non-forfeitable upon issuance, accordingly the total fair value of $82,312 was expensed in 2012.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.
|
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS, (continued)
|
A summary of activity in regards to warrants at December 31, 2012 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
|
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
31,688,108
|
|
|
$
|
3.25
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
17,994,916
|
|
|
|
2.62
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(244,600
|
)
|
|
|
3.08
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
|
|
|
49,438,424
|
|
|
|
3.08
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
4,692,250
|
|
|
|
1.53
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(150,000
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(18,813,716
|
)
|
|
|
3.40
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
|
|
|
35,166,958
|
|
|
$
|
2.72
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
3,325,750
|
|
|
|
1.91
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(6,414,700
|
)
|
|
|
0.90
|
|
Cancelled
|
|
|
(19,825,092
|
)
|
|
|
3.10
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(2,425,000
|
)
|
|
|
3.04
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
|
|
|
9,827,916
|
|
|
|
2.78
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
9,827,916
|
|
|
|
2.78
|
|
The following table summarizes stock warrants outstanding at December 31, 2012 by the exercise price:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
2012
|
|
$0.01
|
|
|
18,750
|
|
$1.00
|
|
|
392,000
|
|
$2.00 – 3.50
|
|
|
9,417,166
|
|
|
|
|
9,827,916
|
|
The weighted average remaining contractual life for warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 is two to fourteen years.
The exercise price of these warrants range from $0.01 to $3.50. The intrinsic value of the warrants as of December 31, 2012 is $113,035.
A total of 417,000 warrants were issued for services in 2012. The exercise price of the warrants ranges from $1.00 to $2.40. The terms of the warrants ranges from 5-10 years. These warrants are fully vested and non-forfeitable upon issuance, accordingly the total fair value of $465,533 was expensed in 2012.
During 2012, 117,000 warrants were granted in exchange for 105,300 previously granted warrants. The warrants are exercisable at $2.40, vest immediately and have a term of 5 years. The Company determined the fair value of the warrants on the grant date and the fair value of the cancelled warrants and recorded an expense for the incremental increase in the fair value of the equity award. The incremental increase in the fair value that was expensed totaled $57,173.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.
|
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS, (continued)
|
A total of 835,000 warrants were granted for services in 2011. The exercise prices of the warrants range from $0.01 to $3.50. The terms of the warrants range from 5-10 years. These warrants are fully vested and non-forfeitable upon issuance, accordingly, the total fair value of $723,275 was expensed in 2011.
A total of 2,610,000 warrants were granted for services in 2010. The exercise prices of the warrants range from $0.01 to $3.50. The terms of the warrants range from 3-10 years. 2,110,000 of these warrants were fully vested and non-forfeitable upon issuance, accordingly, the total fair value of $5,988,359 was expensed in 2010. The remaining 500,000 warrants vested 25% immediately and 25% each year for three years. Each tranche was valued separately and is being straight lined over the vesting period. As a result, $550,269 was expensed in 2010 and $388,296 expensed in 2011.
During 2012, the Company canceled a total of 15,269,792 warrants in exchange for 2,316,983 common shares. This transaction qualified as a modification of a previous award. The change in fair value due to the modification was a decrease; thus, there was no additional expense recorded.
During 2012, Global sold 212,250 units at $2.00 per unit for $424,500. Each unit consisted of one common share and one warrant. The warrants are exercisable at $2.40, vest immediately and have a term of 5 years. The relative fair value of the warrants was determined to be $146,231.
During 2012, Global sold 4,000 Class A common shares at $1.00 for $4,000.
During 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 14,942,500 to officers as compensation of which 10,550,000 have the following vesting terms, 1/4 immediately upon issuance, 1/4 will be released upon one year from the effective date, and 1/4 will be released upon two years, the last 1/4 will be released after three years completion from the effective date. The other 4,392,500 shares vest immediately. The fair value of the shares was determined to be $9,402,381 and was recognized as stock-based compensation 2012.
During 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,316,983 common shares and 372,000 warrants in exchange for 15,269,792 previously granted warrants (see Note 6).
During 2012, 6,414,700 common shares were issued for the exercise of warrants for cash proceeds of $1,515,529.
During 2012, 157,500 common shares were issued for the conversion of debt (see Note 5), 1,817,500 common shares were issued for loan extensions (see Note 5), 990,000 common shares were issued with debt (see Note 5) and 4,000,000 common shares were issued with related party debt (see Note 4).
During 2011, Global sold 1,350,000 units at $2.00 per unit for $2,700,000 net of $261,398 in finders’ fees for total net proceeds of $2,438,602.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7.
|
COMMON STOCK, (continued)
|
In addition, the Company sold 1,350,000 common shares at $1.00 per share, and 10,000 common shares at $2.00 per share for total net proceeds of $1,370,000.
During 2010, Global sold 50,000 units at $2.00 unit for $100,000. Each unit consisted of one common share and one warrant. Each warrant is exercisable for a period of five years from the date of issuance, at $2.40 per share.
During 2012, the Company authorized 20,000,000 preferred shares and 45,000 were designated as Series A Convertible Preferred shares. The Series A shares contain voting rights, accrue dividends at 8% per annum and the Company has the right to force the conversion of all preferred shares into Class A common stock upon an initial public offering (“IPO”). In the event that an IPO has not occurred prior to December 31, 2018, holders of a majority of preferred shares shall have the right to elect a majority of the Board of Directors.
During 2012, a shareholder converted $4,000,000 of his debt into 4,000 shares (see Note 4). On October 16, 2012, an investor purchased 100 shares for $100,000.
9.
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
|
On April 26, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with Sherwin Seligsohn, a former Officer and Director and Scott Seligsohn. Sherwin Seligsohn is the holder of the 500,000 outstanding shares of Class B common stock. Under the terms of the agreement, the 500,000 outstanding shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into 500,000 shares of Class A common stock if the Company raises $5,000,000 in equity financing within one year from the date of this agreement. In addition, the Company agreed not to issue any additional shares of Class B common stock.
The Company leases office space in Idaho under month-to–month leases. Total rent expense during 2012 and 2011 was $15,608 and $13,388, respectively.
Litigation –
The Company was involved in a dispute with its former patent attorney law firm, Kenyon & Kenyon. During 2011, the Company settled for $625,000 in cash and 100,000 warrants. The Company recognized $114,249 as the fair value of on the warrants and recorded a gain on settlement of debt for a total of $268,187.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has incurred losses since inception. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $38,500,000 that begin to expire in 2016. The components of the deferred tax assets consist of the following:
|
|
December 31
,
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Net operating losses
|
|
$
|
14,700,000
|
|
|
$
|
13,100,000
|
|
Less: valuation allowance
|
|
|
(14,700,000
|
)
|
|
|
(13,100,000
|
)
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
A valuation allowance was established for all the net deferred tax assets because realization is not assured.
During 2013, a majority shareholder purchased 1,155 Series A Convertible Preferred shares for $1,050,000 in cash and conversion of interest payable of $105,000.
During 2013, the President of the Company advanced $240,000 to the Company. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand
During 2013, the Company converted $230,000 of short term debt. The private investors received 224,900 shares of the Company's Class A common stock for retirement of the debt.
During 2013, the Company issued 1,430,000 shares of Class A common stock to extend $1,400,000 in short term debt.
During 2013, the Company issued 300,350 shares of Class A common stock in connection with warrant exercises. The warrants were exercised between $.01 and $1.00 per share. The Company received $176,819 in proceeds for the 325,250 warrant exercises.
During 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 14,383,893 Class A commons shares to officers as compensation. The shares vest immediately.
During 2013, the Company issued 75,000 Class A commons shares for consulting services. The shares vest immediately.
During 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 867,760 Class A common shares to note holders as additional interest.
During 2013, the Company issued 1,800,000 Class A common shares to a third party note holder. These shares were issued in accordance to the default terms of the 2010 and 2011 notes.
During 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 596,500 Class A common shares to certain warrant holders as additional interest.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11.
|
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS, (continued)
|
During 2013, the Company modified $2,432,500 of its outstanding short term debt whereby the notes become convertible. The notes are convertible upon completion of a merger with a Public Company and will be automatically converted into units of the securities of the Public Company. Each unit consists of (i) one share of the Public Company Common Stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of the Public Company Common Stock. The conversion price is $1 per unit. The warrant may be exercised at a purchase price of $2.50 per share. The holder has a period to exercise of 5 years from the date of issuance. As of the report date the merger has not occurred.
During 2013, the Company received $6,800,000 from a majority shareholder and $2,124,500 from private investors in the form of convertible short term note agreements. The notes are convertible upon completion of a merger with a Public Company and will be automatically converted into units of the securities of the Public Company. Each unit consists of (i) one share of the Public Company Common Stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of the Public Company Common Stock. The conversion price is $1 per unit. The warrant may be exercised at a purchase price of $2.50 per share. The holder has a period to exercise of 5 years from the date of issuance. As of the report date the merger has not occurred.
During September 2013, the Company identified an error of 398,717 shares issued. The Company evaluated this error and, based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors, determined that the error was immaterial to the prior reporting period affected. The Company cancelled these shares upon the closing of the reverse merger with Universal Technology Systems Corp on September 24, 2013.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2013 AND JUNE 30, 2012
CONTENTS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-20
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-21
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-22
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-23
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-24
|
|
(a development stage company)
|
BALANCE SHEETS
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
68,772
|
|
|
$
|
344,656
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
26,429
|
|
|
|
26,429
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
95,201
|
|
|
|
371,085
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
|
|
|
3,938
|
|
|
|
4,644
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
99,139
|
|
|
$
|
375,729
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
868,360
|
|
|
$
|
1,003,352
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
804,310
|
|
|
|
413,828
|
|
Accrued payroll
|
|
|
508,463
|
|
|
|
854,130
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
38,610
|
|
|
|
530,502
|
|
Convertible short-term debt, net
|
|
|
195,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Convertible short-term debt- related party, net
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Short-term debt, net of unamortized discounts of $-0- and $633,397, respectively
|
|
|
3,287,500
|
|
|
|
4,342,079
|
|
Short-term debt, related parties, net unamortized discount of $-0- and $32,742, respectively
|
|
|
340,000
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
8,142,243
|
|
|
|
7,643,891
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
8,142,243
|
|
|
|
7,643,891
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, no par value; 20,000,000 authorized; 45,000 designated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, no par value; 45,000 shares authorized; 5,255 and 4,100 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
|
|
|
5,312,915
|
|
|
|
4,100,000
|
|
Class A Common Stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 77,593,047 and 57,409,544 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
|
|
|
147,296,286
|
|
|
|
120,656,126
|
|
Class B Common Stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; -0- and 500,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
Deficit accumulated during development stage
|
|
|
(160,652,305
|
)
|
|
|
(133,024,288
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders' deficit
|
|
|
(8,043,104
|
)
|
|
|
(7,268,162
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT
|
|
$
|
99,139
|
|
|
$
|
375,729
|
|
See accompanying notes unaudited financial statements
|
(a development stage company)
|
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
|
Six
Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
February 7, 1994
(Inception)
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
June 30, 2013
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
$
|
321,896
|
|
|
$
|
215,024
|
|
|
$
|
543,771
|
|
|
$
|
510,258
|
|
|
$
|
10,610,971
|
|
Research and development - stock-based compensation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,623,294
|
|
Patent application and prosecution fees
|
|
|
246,944
|
|
|
|
190,308
|
|
|
|
572,421
|
|
|
|
399,828
|
|
|
|
11,231,316
|
|
Salaries and related expenses
|
|
|
412,037
|
|
|
|
339,023
|
|
|
|
537,296
|
|
|
|
679,885
|
|
|
|
15,318,260
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
19,210,470
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
19,406,501
|
|
|
|
4,818,525
|
|
|
|
50,287,583
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
128,612
|
|
|
|
227,572
|
|
|
|
310,001
|
|
|
|
361,224
|
|
|
|
6,444,361
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
6,592
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
20,320,312
|
|
|
|
972,280
|
|
|
|
21,370,696
|
|
|
|
6,770,426
|
|
|
|
97,522,377
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
20,320,312
|
|
|
|
972,280
|
|
|
|
21,370,696
|
|
|
|
6,770,426
|
|
|
|
97,522,377
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on settlement of lawsuit
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(268,187
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,178,613
|
|
|
|
865,120
|
|
|
|
4,445,521
|
|
|
|
2,920,905
|
|
|
|
19,083,813
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(349,162
|
)
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
146,681
|
|
|
|
1,811,800
|
|
|
|
146,681
|
|
|
|
44,836,858
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
4,178,613
|
|
|
|
1,011,801
|
|
|
|
6,257,321
|
|
|
|
3,067,586
|
|
|
|
63,303,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT
|
|
|
24,498,925
|
|
|
|
1,984,081
|
|
|
|
27,628,017
|
|
|
|
9,838,012
|
|
|
|
160,825,699
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
173,394
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET LOSS
|
|
$
|
(24,498,925
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,984,081
|
)
|
|
$
|
(27,628,017
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,838,012
|
)
|
|
$
|
(160,652,305
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET LOSS per share (basic and diluted)
|
|
$
|
(0.35
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.44
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.30
|
)
|
|
|
n/a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WWEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES, OUTSTANDING, BASIC and DILUTED
|
|
|
67,658,604
|
|
|
|
36,005,160
|
|
|
|
63,149,151
|
|
|
|
32,713,400
|
|
|
|
n/a
|
|
See accompanying notes unaudited financial statements
|
(a development stage company)
|
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
|
(Unaudited)
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
|
|
|
Series A
|
|
|
Class A
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Shareholder
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
(Deficit)
|
|
Balances, December 31, 2012
|
|
|
4,100
|
|
|
$
|
4,100,000
|
|
|
|
57,409,544
|
|
|
$
|
120,656,126
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
(133,024,288
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,268,162
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued for warrant exercise
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
300,350
|
|
|
|
176,819
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
176,819
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued for services
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
14,383,893
|
|
|
|
19,314,251
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
19,314,251
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued for loan extensions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,430,000
|
|
|
|
1,758,900
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,758,900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued to debt holders for additional interest
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
867,760
|
|
|
|
1,067,345
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,067,345
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued for default penalty interest
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
|
|
2,214,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,214,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued to warrant holders for additional interest
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
596,500
|
|
|
|
733,695
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
733,695
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued for consulting services
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
|
92,250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
92,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A shares issued for debt conversions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
230,000
|
|
|
|
282,900
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
282,900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A convertible preferred stock issued- purchased
|
|
|
1,050
|
|
|
|
1,050,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,050,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A convertible preferred stock issued for interest payable conversion
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
|
162,915
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
162,915
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series B shares converted into Series A shares
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
(500,000
|
)
|
|
|
(1,000,000
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(27,628,017
|
)
|
|
|
(27,628,017
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances, June 30, 2013
|
|
|
5,255
|
|
|
$
|
5,312,915
|
|
|
|
77,593,047
|
|
|
$
|
147,296,286
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(160,652,305
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,043,104
|
)
|
See accompanying notes unaudited financial statements
|
(a development stage company)
|
STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
February 7, 1994
(Inception)
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
June 30, 2013
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(27,628,017
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,838,012
|
)
|
|
$
|
(160,652,305
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A and B common shares issued for license agreements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,400,000
|
|
Class A warrants issued for legal settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(268,187
|
)
|
Depreciation expense
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
25,470
|
|
Amortization of debt discounts
|
|
|
45,421
|
|
|
|
2,624,212
|
|
|
|
12,175,705
|
|
New warrants issued to substitute old warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
57,173
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
19,406,501
|
|
|
|
4,818,525
|
|
|
|
53,764,688
|
|
Interest expense from convertible debt converted to warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
133,063
|
|
Interest expense from convertible debt converted to preferred shares
|
|
|
57,915
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
57,915
|
|
Interest expense from additional common shares issued
|
|
|
4,015,040
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,015,040
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
1,811,800
|
|
|
|
146,681
|
|
|
|
44,836,858
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(15,856
|
)
|
|
|
(26,429
|
)
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
(477,069
|
)
|
|
|
87,349
|
|
|
|
2,707,179
|
|
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
|
|
|
(2,767,703
|
)
|
|
|
(2,176,395
|
)
|
|
|
(41,773,830
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of fixed assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,118
|
)
|
|
|
(29,408
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
|
|
|
176,819
|
|
|
|
13,675
|
|
|
|
2,888,998
|
|
Proceeds from sale of Class A common shares and warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
424,500
|
|
|
|
20,913,012
|
|
Proceeds from sale of Series A convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
1,050,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,150,000
|
|
Borrowings on debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,780,000
|
|
|
|
17,037,500
|
|
Borrowings on related party debt
|
|
|
240,000
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
4,445,000
|
|
Borrowings on convertible debt- related party
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,892,500
|
|
Principal repayments on debt
|
|
|
(675,000
|
)
|
|
|
(170,000
|
)
|
|
|
(6,425,000
|
)
|
Principal repayments on related party debt
|
|
|
(400,000
|
)
|
|
|
(150,000
|
)
|
|
|
(1,030,000
|
)
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
|
|
2,491,819
|
|
|
|
2,298,175
|
|
|
|
41,872,010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCREASE IN CASH
|
|
|
(275,884
|
)
|
|
|
119,662
|
|
|
|
68,772
|
|
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
|
|
344,656
|
|
|
|
14,587
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
CASH AT END OF YEAR
|
|
$
|
68,772
|
|
|
$
|
134,249
|
|
|
$
|
68,772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
|
714,036
|
|
|
|
535,261
|
|
|
|
2,601,625
|
|
Cash paid for tax
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A warrants and common shares issued with debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
591,478
|
|
|
|
7,244,532
|
|
Class A common shares issued with related party debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,737,444
|
|
|
|
2,206,278
|
|
Class A warrants and common shares issued for debt
|
|
|
230,000
|
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
|
9,766,953
|
|
Series A convertible preferred shares issued for debt
|
|
|
105,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,105,000
|
|
Class A common shares repurchased with debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,150,000
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
Class A warrants issued for legal settlement
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
114,249
|
|
Short term debt converted into convertible short term debt
|
|
|
195,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
195,000
|
|
Beneficial conversion feature on converted debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
169,486
|
|
Series B common shares converted into Series A common shares
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
See accompanying notes unaudited financial statements
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
|
BACKGROUND, BASIS OF PRESENTATION, AND GOING CONCERN:
|
Background
Global Photonic Energy Corporation (“we”, “our” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Pennsylvania on February 7, 1994. The Company is a development stage company organized to fund, develop and commercialize photonic energy conversion technologies utilizing organic semiconductor-based solar cells. The Company intends to enter into licensing arrangements and other strategic alliances for the development, manufacture and marketing of products utilizing this technology. The Company is a development stage company as defined by ASC 915, Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Entities. The Company is devoting substantially all of its present efforts to establishing a new business. All losses accumulated since inception have been considered as part of the Company’s development stage activities
Basis or Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto contained within this Form 8-K filing. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and the results of operations for the interim period presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Notes to the financial statements which would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal period, as reported in this Form 8K.
Going Concern
The Company has not generated revenues to date and had a working capital deficit of $8,047,042 and an accumulated deficit of $160,652,305 as of June 30, 2013. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on raising capital to fund ongoing operations and carry out its business plan and ultimately to attain profitable operations. Accordingly, these factors raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts of and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event the Company cannot continue in existence. To date the Company has funded its initial operations primarily by way of convertible note financing, short term financing from private parties, and advances from related parties.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2.
|
RELATED PARTY CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
|
From January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013, the Company borrowed $2,100,000 from a majority shareholder.
These loans are convertible short term note agreements. The notes are unsecured, bear interest at 5% per annum and mature on December 31, 2013. The notes are convertible upon completion of a merger with a Public Company and will be automatically converted into units of the securities of the Public Company. Each unit consists of (i) one share of the Public Company Common Stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of the Public Company Common Stock. The conversion price is $1 per unit. The warrant may be exercised at a purchase price of $2.50 per share. The holder has a period to exercise of 5 years from the date of issuance. The Company analyzed the conversion options in the Convertible Promissory notes for derivative accounting consideration under ASC 815, Derivative and Hedging, and determines that the loans did not qualify for derivative treatment. Further, the Company determined that there is no discount to be recognized under accounting for beneficial conversion feature as these notes are convertible into the Public Company stock upon completion of a merger.
3.
|
RELATED PARTY NOTES PAYABLE
|
The Company converted outstanding accrued interest of $105,000 due to a majority shareholder, into 105 Series A Convertible Preferred shares. (See note 8) The relative fair value of these shares was determined to be $57,915 and it was recorded as a debt discount. The full discount was amortized to interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2013.
In addition, the Company borrowed $240,000 in the form of short term related party notes and repaid $400,000. As of June 30, 2013, the balance due is $340,000. These notes are unsecured, due on demand and non-interest bearing.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the company repaid an aggregate of $675,000 to the third party creditors. In addition, an aggregate of $230,000 of debt was converted into 230,000 common shares. As the debt was not originally convertible, the issuance of the shares to settle the debt was determined to be debt extinguishment. The fair value of the Class A common shares was determined to be $282,900 and therefore a loss on debt extinguishment was recognized of $52,900.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the maturity date on an aggregate of $1,400,000 of outstanding debt was extended an additional 3 or 4 months. In connection with the extensions, the Company issued 1,430,000 Class A common shares. The Company evaluated the modifications under ASC 470-50 determined that the modifications were substantial and the revised terms constituted debt extinguishments. The fair value of the common shares was determined to be $1,758,900, and accounted for as a loss on the extinguishment of debt.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the aggregate amortization of other debt discounts totaled $45,421. These discounts were originally recorded during 2012, 2011 and 2010. As of June 30, 2013, there is no unamortized debt discount remaining.
5.
|
CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
|
During six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company modified $195,000 of its outstanding short term debt whereby the notes become convertible. The notes are unsecured, bear interest at 5% per annum and mature on December 31, 2013. The notes are convertible upon completion of a merger with a Public Company and will be automatically converted into units of the securities of the Public Company. Each unit consists of (i) one share of the Public Company Common Stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of the Public Company Common Stock. The conversion price is $1 per unit. The warrant may be exercised at a purchase price of $2.50 per share. The holder has a period to exercise of 5 years from the date of issuance. The Company analyzed the conversion options in the Convertible Promissory notes for derivative accounting consideration under ASC 815, Derivative and Hedging, and determines that the transactions do not qualify for derivative treatment. Further, the Company determined that there is no discount to be recognized under accounting for beneficial conversion feature as these notes are convertible into the Public Company stock upon completion of a merger. As of the report date the merger has not occurred.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.
|
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
|
2000 Stock Option Plan
On April 28, 2000, the Board of Directors adopted the 2000 Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options to employees and non-qualified stock options to employees, non-employee directors and/or consultants. The Plan provides for the granting of a maximum of 2,000,000 options to purchase Class A common stock. The ISO exercise price per share may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date the option is granted. The maximum term of the options may not exceed ten years.
A summary of stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2013 is as follows:
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Weighted Average Exercise Price
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
|
|
|
685,000
|
|
|
$
|
1.94
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cancelled
|
|
|
(160,000
|
)
|
|
|
2.01
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Outstanding at June 30, 2013
|
|
|
525,000
|
|
|
$
|
2.21
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
525,000
|
|
|
$
|
2.21
|
|
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as of June 30, 2013 was approximately 3.11 years.
The exercise price of these options range from $2.00 to $3.00 and the intrinsic value of the options as of June 30, 2013 is $0.00.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.
|
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (continued)
|
A summary of warrant activity during the six months ended June 30, 2013 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average
|
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
|
|
|
9,827,916
|
|
|
|
2.78
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(325,250
|
)
|
|
|
2.47
|
|
Cancelled
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Outstanding at June 30, 2013
|
|
|
9,502,666
|
|
|
$
|
2.78
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
9,502,666
|
|
|
$
|
2.78
|
|
The weighted average remaining contractual life for warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2013 was approximately 5.07 years.
The exercise price of these warrants ranges from $2.00 to $3.50 and the intrinsic value of the warrants as of June 30, 2013, is $90,160.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, an aggregate of 325,250 warrants were exercised for cash proceeds of $176,819.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 14,383,893 Class A commons shares to officers as compensation. The shares vest immediately. The fair value of the shares was determined to be $17,692,188 and was recognized as stock-based compensation during the six months ended June 30, 2013.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recognized $1,622,063 in stock based compensation in connection to the 10,550,000 Class A shares that were issued in the prior year that are were not fully vested. As of June 30, 2013, there is unamortized expense of 7,354,830 remaining in connection to these awards. These awards have the following vesting terms , 1/4 immediately upon issuance, 1/4 will be released upon one year from the effective date, and 1/4 will be released upon two years, the last 1/4 will be released after three years completion from the effective date. These shares were issued during 2012 and were recognized as issued and outstanding. The Company recognizes the stock based compensation for these awards in accordance with the vesting terms.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company issued 75,000 Class A commons shares for consulting services. The shares vest immediately. The fair value of the shares was determined to be $92,250 and was recognized as stock-based compensation during the six months ended June 30, 2013
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 867,760 Class A common shares to note holders as additional interest. The fair value of the shares was determined to be $1,067,345 and was recognized as interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2013.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7.
|
COMMON STOCK, (continued)
|
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company issued 1,800,000 Class A common shares to a third party note holder. These shares were issued in accordance to the default terms of the 2010 and 2011 notes. The fair value of the shares was determined to be $2,214,000 and was recognized as interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2013.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 596,500 Class A common shares to certain warrant holders as additional interest. The fair value of the shares was determined to be $733,695 and was recognized as interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2013
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, 230,000 common shares were issued for the conversion of debt (see Note 4) and 1,430,000 common shares were issued for loan extensions (see Note 5).
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, an aggregate of 300,250 Class A common shares were issued for the exercise of warrants for cash proceeds of $176,819. (see Note 6)
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company converted 500,000 Class B common shares into 500,000 Class A common shares. The Class B common shares were fair valued and expensed when granted; therefore, there is no expense to be recognized upon the conversion into Class A common shares.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, a majority shareholder purchased 1,050 Series A Convertible preferred for $1,050,000.
The Series A Convertible preferred shares contain voting rights, accrue dividends at 8% per annum and the Company has the right to force the conversion of all preferred shares into Class A common stock upon an initial public offering (“IPO”). In the event that IPO has not occurred prior to December 31, 2018, holders of a majority of preferred shares shall have the right to elect a majority of the Board of Directors.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, a majority shareholder converted $105,000 of the interest due to him into 105 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred stock (see Note 3).
From July 1, 2013 through September 16, 2013, the President of the Company advanced $240,000 to the Company. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand.
From July 1, 2013 through September 16, 2013, the Company repaid $50,000 of its short-term debt.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10.
|
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS, (continued)
|
From July 1, 2013 through September 16, 2013, the Company modified $2,237,500 of its outstanding short term debt whereby the notes become convertible. In addition, the Company borrowed $4,700,000 from a majority shareholder and $2,124,500 from private investors in the form of convertible short term note agreements. The notes are unsecured, bear interest at 5% per annum and mature on December 31, 2013. The notes are convertible upon completion of a merger with a Public Company and will be automatically converted into units of the securities of the Public Company. Each unit consists of (i) one share of the Public Company Common Stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of the Public Company Common Stock. The conversion price is $1 per unit. The warrant may be exercised at a purchase price of $2.50 per share. The holder has a period to exercise of 5 years from the date of issuance.
During September 2013, the Company identified an error of 398,717 shares issued. The Company evaluated this error and, based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors, determined that the error was immaterial to the prior reporting period affected. The Company cancelled these shares upon the closing of the reverse merger with Universal Technology Systems Corp on September 24, 2013.
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
Unaudited Pro Forma Balance Sheet
|
|
Universal
|
|
|
Global
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
Photonic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Systems
|
|
|
Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
|
|
|
|
Corp
|
|
|
Corporation
|
|
|
Combined
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2013
|
|
|
June 30, 2013
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
30,537
|
|
|
$
|
68,772
|
|
|
$
|
99,309
|
|
|
$
|
6,829,549
|
|
|
$
|
6,928,858
|
|
Prepaid expense and other assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
26,429
|
|
|
|
26,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
30,537
|
|
|
|
95,201
|
|
|
|
125,738
|
|
|
|
6,829,549
|
|
|
|
6,955,287
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,938
|
|
|
|
3,938
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,938
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
30,537
|
|
|
$
|
99,139
|
|
|
$
|
129,676
|
|
|
$
|
6,829,549
|
|
|
$
|
6,959,225
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
600
|
|
|
$
|
868,360
|
|
|
$
|
868,960
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
868,960
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
804,310
|
|
|
|
804,310
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
804,310
|
|
Accrued payroll
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
508,463
|
|
|
|
508,463
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
508,463
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,610
|
|
|
|
38,610
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
38,610
|
|
Convertible short-term debt, net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
195,000
|
|
|
|
195,000
|
|
|
|
(195,000
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Convertible short-term debt- related party, net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
|
(2,100,000
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Short-term debt, net of unamortized discounts of $-0-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,287,500
|
|
|
|
3,287,500
|
|
|
|
(2,237,500
|
)
|
|
|
1,050,000
|
|
Short-term debt, related parties, net unamortized discount of $-0-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
340,000
|
|
|
|
340,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
340,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
600
|
|
|
|
8,142,243
|
|
|
|
8,142,843
|
|
|
|
(4,532,500
|
)
|
|
|
3,610,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
600
|
|
|
|
8,142,243
|
|
|
|
8,142,843
|
|
|
|
(4,532,500
|
)
|
|
|
3,610,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, no par value; 20,000,000 authorized; 45,000 designated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, no par value; 45,000 shares authorized;5,255 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,312,915
|
|
|
|
5,312,915
|
|
|
|
(5,312,915
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Class A Common Stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;77,593,047 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
147,296,286
|
|
|
|
147,296,286
|
|
|
|
(147,296,286
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Class B Common Stock, no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; -0- shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Common stock: 250,000,000 authorized; $0.0001 par value; 14,400,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
1,440
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,440
|
|
|
|
2,784
|
|
|
|
4,224
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
40,560
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
40,560
|
|
|
|
163,956,403
|
|
|
|
163,996,963
|
|
Deficit accumulated during development stage
|
|
|
(12,063
|
)
|
|
|
(160,652,305
|
)
|
|
|
(160,664,368
|
)
|
|
|
12,063
|
|
|
|
(160,652,305
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
|
|
|
29,937
|
|
|
|
(8,043,104
|
)
|
|
|
(8,013,167
|
)
|
|
|
11,362,049
|
|
|
|
3,348,882
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
|
$
|
30,537
|
|
|
$
|
99,139
|
|
|
$
|
129,676
|
|
|
$
|
6,829,549
|
|
|
$
|
6,959,225
|
|
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
Unaudited Proforma Consolidated Statements of Expense
Universal Technologies Systems Corp. Inception January 28, 2013 through July 31, 2013
Global Photonic Energy Corporation For the Year Ended June 30, 2013
|
|
Universal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Systems Corp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inception
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 28, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
through
July 31, 2013
|
|
|
Corporation
June 30, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REF
|
|
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,031,640
|
|
|
$
|
1,031,640
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,031,640
|
|
Patent application and prosecution fees
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,518,336
|
|
|
|
1,518,336
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
1,518,336
|
|
Salaries and related expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
808,822
|
|
|
|
808,822
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
808,822
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,538,202
|
|
|
|
24,538,202
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
24,538,202
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
7,813
|
|
|
|
571,228
|
|
|
|
579,041
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
579,041
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
12,063
|
|
|
|
28,469,640
|
|
|
|
28,481,703
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
28,481,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
12,063
|
|
|
|
28,469,640
|
|
|
|
28,481,703
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
28,481,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,106,940
|
|
|
|
6,106,940
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
6,106,940
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,075,625
|
|
|
|
4,075,625
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
4,075,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,182,565
|
|
|
|
10,182,565
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
10,182,565
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET LOSS
|
|
$
|
(12,063
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,652,205
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,664,268
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
(38,664,268
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.71
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(1.03
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
|
|
|
12,000,000
|
|
|
|
54,768,111
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,670,315
|
|
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
Unaudited Proforma Consolidated Statements of Expense
Universal Technologies Systems Corp. Inception January 28, 2013 through July 31, 2013
Global Photonic Energy Corporation Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
|
|
Universal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Systems Corp
|
|
|
Global
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inception
|
|
|
Photonic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro-Forma
|
|
|
|
January 28, 2013
|
|
|
Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
|
|
|
|
through
July 31, 2013
|
|
|
Corporation
June 30, 2013
|
|
|
Combined
Totals
|
|
|
Pro Forma
Adjustments
|
|
REF
|
|
Combined
Totals
|
|
OPERATING EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
543,771
|
|
|
$
|
543,771
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
543,771
|
|
Patent application and prosecution fees
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
572,421
|
|
|
|
572,421
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
572,421
|
|
Salaries and related expenses
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
537,296
|
|
|
|
537,296
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
537,296
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
19,406,501
|
|
|
|
19,406,501
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
19,406,501
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
7,813
|
|
|
|
310,001
|
|
|
|
317,814
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
317,814
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
706
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
12,063
|
|
|
|
21,370,696
|
|
|
|
21,382,759
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
21,382,759
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
12,063
|
|
|
|
21,370,696
|
|
|
|
21,382,759
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
21,382,759
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,445,521
|
|
|
|
4,445,521
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
4,445,521
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,811,800
|
|
|
|
1,811,800
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,811,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,257,321
|
|
|
|
6,257,321
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
6,257,321
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET LOSS
|
|
$
|
(12,063
|
)
|
|
$
|
(27,628,017
|
)
|
|
$
|
(27,640,080
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
(27,640,080
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.70
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
|
|
|
12,000,000
|
|
|
|
63,149,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,223,834
|
|
NOTE 1
- REVERSE ACQUISITION
On September 24, 2013, UTCH entered into a stock exchange agreement with Global Photonic Energy Corporation (“GPEC”) and the sole corporate shareholder of GPEC.
Prior to the closing of the shares exchange agreement UTCH had 12,000,000 common shares outstanding. From September 15, 2013 through September 17, 2013, UTCH sold another 5,049,113 common shares to GPEC officers for cash proceeds of $5,049.
On September 23, 2013, UTCH effected a 1.2-for-1 forward split of its outstanding common stock . On September 24, 2013, GPEC purchased and then cancelled 10,800,000 shares (9,000,000 shares pre-split), which GPEC had acquired from the former majority shareholder of UTCH. All references to UTCH common stock have been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of the forward split.
During September 2013, the Company identified an error of 398,717 shares issued. In accordance with the SAB 108, the Company evaluated this error and, based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors, determined that the error was immaterial to the prior reporting period affected. The Company has cancelled these shares as of the date of the merger.
At the Closing of the merger, there were 77,194,330 GPEC common shares , 9,378,916 warrants , 525,000 options and 5,255 Series A Preferred convertible shares issued and outstanding. As part of the Share Exchange Transaction, GPEC shareholders of the Company will receive 1 common share of UTCH for each 5 common shares outstanding, 1 UTCH warrant for each 5 warrants outstanding, 1 UTCH option for each 5 outstanding and 1,100 UTCH common shares for each Series A Preferred convertible stock of GPEC.
The holders of the 77,194,330 GPEC shares received 15,438,866 UTCH shares.
The holders of the 5,255 GPEC Series A Preferred shares received a total of 5,780,500 UTCH shares and warrants to purchase another 5,780,500 shares.
As of June 30, 2013, GPEC modified $195,000 of its outstanding short term debt due to third party investors whereby the notes become convertible. In addition, the Company borrowed $2,100,000 from the majority shareholder in the form of convertible promissory notes.
From July 1, 2013 through September 16, 2013, GPEC modified $2,237,500 of its outstanding short term debt whereby the notes became convertible. In addition, the Company borrowed $4,700,000 from the majority shareholder and $2,124,500 from private investors in the form of convertible short term note agreements.
The convertible notes are unsecured, bear interest at 5% per annum and mature on December 31, 2013. These notes totaling $11,357,000 in face value of notes automatically converted upon merger completion into 11,357,000 units of UTCH. Each unit consists of (i) one share of UTCH and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of the UTCH common shares. The conversion price is $1 per unit. The warrant may be exercised at a purchase price of $2.50 per share. The holder has a period to exercise of 5 years from the date of issuance.
UTCH issued to holders of original issued and outstanding warrants of GPEC immediately prior to the closing a total of 1,875,783 shares of warrants of UTCH in consideration of the cancellation of GPEC Warrants. UTCH also issued to holders of original issued and outstanding options of GPEC immediately prior to the closing a total of 105,000 shares of options of UTCH in consideration of the cancellation of GPEC Warrants
At the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement, UTCH had 42,235,302 shares issued and outstanding.
Exhibit 2.1
SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
This SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, dated as of September 24, 2013 (the “Agreement”) by and among UNIVERSAL TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS CORP., a Florida corporation (“UTCH”), GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania (“GPEC”), and GPEC HOLDINGS, INC., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is the sole shareholder of GPEC (the “GPEC Shareholder”).
WHEREAS, the authorized capital of UTCH consists of 250,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share (the “UTCH Common Stock"), with 12,000,000 shares issued and outstanding;
WHEREAS, the GPEC Shareholder owns 100% of the total outstanding shares of common stock, without par value of GPEC (“GPEC Common Stock”);
WHEREAS, the GPEC Shareholder believes it is in its best interest to exchange with UTCH all of the equity interests of GPEC which GPEC Shareholder holds for the number of shares of UTCH Common Stock as provided in Section 1.1 herein;
WHEREAS, it the intention of the parties that:
(i) said exchange of shares shall qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”);
and (ii) said exchange shall qualify as a transaction in securities exempt from registration or qualification under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and in effect on the date of this Agreement (the “1933 Act”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms, conditions and other agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
EXCHANGE OF GPEC SECURITIES FOR COMMON STOCK
Section 1.1
Agreement of GPEC Shareholder and UTCH to Exchange UTCH Common Stock for all equity interests of GPEC
. On the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the GPEC Shareholder shall sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver all of the GPEC Common Stock to UTCH, and UTCH shall accept all of the outstanding GPEC Common Stock from GPEC Shareholder in exchange for the issuance to the GPEC Shareholder of a total of 15,438,866 shares of UTCH Common Stock.
Section 1.2
Closing
. The closing of the exchange to be made pursuant to this Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at 10:00 a.m. E.S.T. on the second business day after the conditions to closing set forth in Articles V and VI have been satisfied or waived, or at such other time and date as the parties hereto shall agree in writing (the "Closing Date"), at the offices of Ofsink, LLC, 900 Third Avenue, 5
th
Floor, New York, New York 10022. At the Closing, the GPEC Shareholder shall cause UTCH to be registered as the shareholder of a total of 77,194,330 shares of the GPEC Common Stock representing 100% of the outstanding shares of GPEC Common Stock on the book of GPEC. In full consideration for all equity interests of GPEC, UTCH shall issue to the GPEC Shareholder 15,438,866 shares of UTCH Common Stock as set forth on Schedule I.
In addition, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the issued and outstanding Series A Preferred of GPEC (as defined hereinafter) and the GPEC Bridge Notes (as defined hereinafter), UTCH hereby agrees to issue to the holders of Series A Preferred: (i) a total of 5,780,500 shares of UTCH Common Stock and (ii) warrants to purchase a total of 5,780,500 shares of UTCH Common Stock in substantially the form set forth on
Exhibit A
(“Series A Conversion Warrants”) as a result of the automatic conversion of such Series A Preferred. UTCH also agrees to issue to holders of the GPEC Bridge Notes: (i) a total of 11,357,000 shares of UTCH Common Stock and (ii) warrants to purchase a total of 11,357,000 shares of UTCH Common Stock in substantially the form of Exhibit B (“Note Conversion Warrants”) as a result of the automatic conversion of such GPEC Bridge Notes.
For each issued and outstanding GPEC Warrant (as defined hereinafter), UTCH hereby agrees to issue a warrant in the form of
Exhibit C
(“Exchange Warrant”) to the holder of such GPEC Warrant and such GPEC Warrant shall be cancelled immediately upon such issuance of Exchange Warrant pursuant to the terms of the GPEC Warrant.
For each issued and outstanding GPEC Option (as defined hereinafter), UTCH hereby agrees to issue a warrant in the form of
Exhibit D
(“Exchange Option”) to the holder of such GPEC Option and such GPEC Option shall be cancelled immediately upon such issuance of Exchange Option pursuant to the terms of the GPEC Option.
Section 1.3
Tax Treatment
. The exchange described herein is intended to comply with Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Code, and all applicable regulations thereunder. In order to ensure compliance with said provisions, the parties agree to take whatever steps may be necessary, including, but not limited to, the amendment of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UTCH
UTCH hereby represents, warrants and agrees as follows:
Section 2.1
Corporate Organization
. UTCH is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Florida, and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to conduct its business as now conducted and is duly qualified to do business in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by UTCH or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification and being in good standing necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing will not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, assets, condition or results of operation of UTCH (a "Material Adverse Effect");
Section 2.2
Capitalization of UTCH
The authorized capital stock of UTCH consists of 250,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Of such authorized capital, 12,000,000 shares of Common Stock are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof. All of the Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement have been duly authorized and will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and no personal liability will attach to the ownership thereof. As of the date of this Agreement there are and as of the Closing Date, immediately prior to the consummation of this Agreement, there will be, no outstanding options, warrants, agreements, commitments, conversion rights, preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock or any un-issued or treasury shares of capital stock of UTCH, except for the Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 2.3
Subsidiaries and Equity Investments
. UTCH does not own any subsidiaries or equity interest in corporations, partnerships or joint ventures, except as set forth on
Schedule 2.3
.
Section 2.4
Authorization and Validity of Agreements
. UTCH has all corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by UTCH and the consummation by UTCH of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of UTCH, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of UTCH are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section
2.5
No Conflict or Violation
. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by UTCH does not and will not violate or conflict with any provision of its Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, and does not and will not violate any provision of law, or any order, judgment or decree of any court or other governmental or regulatory authority, nor violate or result in a breach of or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, or give to any other entity any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any contract, lease, loan agreement, mortgage, security agreement, trust indenture or other agreement or instrument to which UTCH is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of their respective properties or assets is subject, nor will it result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance of any kind whatsoever upon any of the properties or assets of UTCH, nor will it result in the cancellation, modification, revocation or suspension of any of the licenses, franchises, permits to which UTCH is bound.
Section 2.6
Consents and Approvals
. No consent, waiver, authorization or approval of any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, or of any other person, firm or corporation, is required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by UTCH or performance by UTCH of its obligations hereunder.
Section 2.7
Absence of Certain Changes or Events
. Since its inception:
(a) UTCH is not currently engaged in any business and has not engaged in any operations and has been dormant. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no, and as of the Closing Date there shall not be, any event, condition, circumstance or prospective development which threatens or may threaten to have a material adverse effect on the assets, properties, operations, prospects, net income or financial condition of UTCH; and
(b) there has not been, and as of the Closing Date there shall not be, any declaration, setting aside or payment of dividends or distributions with respect to shares of capital stock of UTCH or any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any capital stock of UTCH or any other of UTCH’s securities.
Section 2.8
Survival
. Each of the representations and warranties set forth in this Article II shall be deemed represented and made by UTCH at the Closing as if made at such time and shall survive the Closing for a period terminating on the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GPEC
GPEC represents, warrants and agrees as follows:
Section 3.1
Corporate Organization
.
(a) GPEC is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Pennsylvania and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to conduct its business as now conducted and is duly qualified to do business in good standing in each jurisdiction in where the nature of the business conducted by GPEC or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification and being in good standing necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing will not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, assets, condition or results of operation of GPEC (a " GPEC Material Adverse Effect").
(b) Copies of the Articles of Incorporation of GPEC, with all amendments thereto to the date hereof, have been furnished to UTCH, and such copies are accurate and complete as of the date hereof. GPEC does not own or maintain any minute books that contain the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the shareholder of GPEC as of the date of this Agreement.
Section 3.2
Capitalization of GPEC; Title to the GPEC Equity Interests
. On the Closing Date, immediately before the transactions to be consummated pursuant to this Agreement, GPEC will have a total of 77,194,330 shares of GPEC Class A Common Stock and 5,255 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding (“Series A Preferred”). As of the Closing Date, the GPEC Shareholder shall own 100% of the GPEC Common Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred shall be convertible into 1,100 shares of UTCH Common Stock automatically upon the Closing. In addition, as of the Closing Date, there will be issued and outstanding: (i) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 9,378,916 shares of GPEC Common Stock (“GPEC Warrants”), (ii) options to purchase an aggregate of 525,000 shares of GPEC Common Stock (“GPEC Options”), and (iii) convertible promissory notes of GPEC in an aggregate principal amount of $11,357,000 (“GPEC Bridge Notes”), which will be converted into a total of 11,357,000 shares of UTCH Common Stock and warrants to purchase 11,357,000 shares of UTCH Common Stock.
Section 3.3
Disclosure
. This Agreement, the schedules hereto and any certificate attached hereto or delivered in accordance with the terms hereby by or on behalf of GPEC in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, when taken together, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit any material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein and/or therein not misleading.
Section 3.4
Survival
. Each of the representations and warranties set forth in this Article III shall be deemed represented and made by GPEC at the Closing as if made at such time and shall survive the Closing for a period terminating on the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GPEC SHAREHOLDER
GPEC Shareholder represents, warrants and agrees as follows:
Section 4.1
Authorization and Validity of Agreements
. GPEC Shareholder has all entity power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such GPEC Shareholder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action and no other proceedings on the part of the GPEC Shareholder are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. No approvals by the shareholders of GPEC are required for GPEC Shareholder to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 4.2
No Conflict or Violation
. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by GPEC Shareholder does not and will not violate or conflict with any provision of the constituent documents of the GPEC Shareholder, and does not and will not violate any provision of law, or any order, judgment or decree of any court or other governmental or regulatory authority.
Section 4.3
Investment Representations
. (a) All of the Common Stock to be acquired by GPEC Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement will be acquired hereunder solely for the account of GPEC Shareholder, for investment, and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof. The GPEC Shareholder shall be able to bear any economic risks associated with GPEC Shareholder’s investment in the UTCH Common Stock. The GPEC Shareholder has had full access to all the information concerning the Share Exchange Transaction and UTCH the GPEC Shareholder considers necessary or appropriate to make an informed investment decision with respect to the UTCH Common Stock to be acquired under this Agreement.
Section 4.4
GPEC Shareholder Status
.
The GPEC Shareholder is an “accredited” investor as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the 1933 Act, is experienced in investments and business matters, has made investments of a speculative nature and has purchased securities of United States companies in private placements in the past and, with its representatives, has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and other business matters as to enable GPEC Shareholder to utilize the information made available by the Company to evaluate the merits and risks of and to make an informed investment decision with respect to the proposed purchase, which represents a speculative investment. The GPEC Shareholder is able to bear the risk of such investment for an indefinite period and to afford a complete loss thereof. The GPEC Shareholder is not required to be registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The GPEC Shareholder understands that the Company is relying on its representations and agreements for the purpose of determining whether this transaction meets the requirements of the exemptions afforded by the 1933 Act and certain state securities laws.
Section 4.5
Reliance on Exemptions
. The GPEC Shareholder understands that the UTCH Common Stock is being offered and issued to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that UTCH is relying upon, among other things, the truth and accuracy of, and the GPEC Shareholder’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the GPEC Shareholder set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the GPEC Shareholder to acquire the UTCH Common Stock. The GPEC Shareholder acknowledges and agrees that issuance of UTCH Common Stock hereunder is intended to be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act by virtue of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act, and Regulation D, Rule 506 promulgated thereunder (“Regulation D”) and, accordingly, is being made to “accredited” investors, as that term is defined in Regulation D.
Section 4.6
Information
. The GPEC Shareholder and its advisors, if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the offer and sale of the UTCH Common Stock which have been requested by the GPEC Shareholder. The GPEC Shareholder and its advisors, if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of UTCH. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted by GPEC Shareholder or its advisors, if any, or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect the GPEC Shareholder’s right to rely on the representations and warranties contained herein. The GPEC Shareholder understands that its investment in the Common Stock involves a high degree of risk and is able to afford a complete loss of such investment. The GPEC Shareholder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision in respect of its acquisition of the Common Stock.
Section 4.7
No Governmental Review
. The GPEC Shareholder understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed on or made any recommendation or endorsement of the UTCH Common Stock or the fairness or suitability of the investment in the UTCH Common Stock nor have such authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the UTCH Common Stock.
Section 4.8
Transfer or Resale
. The GPEC Shareholder understands: (i) none of the UTCH Common Stock has been or are being registered under the 1933 Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred unless (A) subsequently registered thereunder, (B) the GPEC Shareholder shall have delivered to UTCH an opinion of counsel, in a form reasonably acceptable to UTCH, to the effect that such UTCH Common Stock to be sold, assigned or transferred may be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to an exemption from such registration, or (C) the GPEC Shareholder provides UTCH with assurance reasonably acceptable to UTCH that such UTCH Common Stock can be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A promulgated under the 1933 Act, as amended, (or a successor rule thereto) (collectively, “Rule 144”); (ii) any sale of the UTCH Common Stock made in reliance on Rule 144 may be made only in accordance with the terms of Rule 144 and further, if Rule 144 is not applicable, any resale of the UTCH Common Stock under circumstances in which the seller (or the person through whom the sale is made) may be deemed to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the 1933 Act) may require compliance with some other exemption under the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; and (iii) none of UTCH or any other person is under any obligation to register the UTCH Common Stock under the 1933 Act or any state securities laws or to comply with the terms and conditions of any exemption thereunder.
Section 4.9
Survival
. Each of the representations and warranties set forth in this Article IV shall be deemed represented and made by the GPEC Shareholder at the Closing as if made at such time and shall survive the Closing for a period terminating on the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
Section 5.1
Certain Changes and Conduct of Business
.
(a) From and after the date of this Agreement and until the Closing Date, UTCH shall not, and the shareholders of UTCH shall cause UTCH not to, carry out any business other than maintaining its corporate existence and making any governmental filings necessary and in a manner consistent with all representations, warranties or covenants of UTCH and the shareholders of UTCH and shall not and shall cause UTCH to not:
|
i.
|
make any change in its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; issue any additional shares of capital stock or equity securities or grant any option, warrant or right to acquire any capital stock or equity securities or issue any security convertible into or exchangeable for its capital stock or alter in any material term of any of its outstanding securities or make any change in its outstanding shares of capital stock or its capitalization, whether by reason of a reclassification, recapitalization, stock split or combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, stock dividend or otherwise;
|
|
|
incur, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money, issue any notes, bonds, debentures or other corporate securities or grant any option, warrant or right to purchase any thereof; or
|
|
|
issue any securities convertible or exchangeable for debt or equity securities of UTCH;
|
|
iii.
|
make any sale, assignment, transfer, abandonment or other conveyance of any of its assets or any part thereof;
|
|
iv.
|
subject any of its assets, or any part thereof, to any lien or suffer such to be imposed t;
|
|
v.
|
acquire any assets, raw materials or properties, or enter into any other transaction;
|
|
vi.
|
enter into any new (or amend any existing) employee benefit plan, program or arrangement or any new (or amend any existing) employment, severance or consulting agreement, grant any general increase in the compensation of officers or employees (including any such increase pursuant to any bonus, pension, profit-sharing or other plan or commitment) or grant any increase in the compensation payable or to become payable to any employee;
|
|
vii.
|
make or commit to make any material capital expenditures;
|
|
viii.
|
pay, loan or advance any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties or assets to, or enter into any agreement or arrangement with, any of its affiliates;
|
|
ix.
|
guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money or any other obligation of any other person;
|
|
x.
|
fail to keep in full force and effect insurance comparable in amount and scope to coverage maintained by it (or on behalf of it) on the date hereof;
|
|
xi.
|
take any other action that would cause any of the representations and warranties made by it in this Agreement not to remain true and correct in all material aspect;
|
|
xii.
|
make any loan, advance or capital contribution to or investment in any person;
|
|
xiii.
|
make any change in any method of accounting or accounting principle, method, estimate or practice;
|
|
xiv.
|
settle, release or forgive any claim or litigation or waive any right;
|
|
xv.
|
commit itself to do any of the foregoing.
|
(b) From and after the date of this Agreement and until the Closing Date GPEC shall:
|
1.
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continue to maintain, in all material respects, its properties in accordance with present practices in a condition suitable for its current use;
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2.
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conduct no business other than maintaining its corporate existence and making necessary governmental filings; and
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3.
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keep its books of account, records and files in the ordinary course and in accordance with existing practices.
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Section 5.2
Access to Properties and Records
. GPEC shall afford UTCH’s accountants, counsel and authorized representatives, and UTCH shall afford to GPEC’s accountants, counsel and authorized representatives full access during normal business hours throughout the period prior to the Closing Date (or the earlier termination of this Agreement) to all of such parties’ properties, books, contracts, commitments and records and, during such period, shall furnish promptly to the requesting party all other information concerning the other party's business, properties and personnel as the requesting party may reasonably request, provided that no investigation or receipt of information pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall affect any representation or warranty of or the conditions to the obligations of any party.
Section 5.4
Consents and Approvals
. The parties shall:
(a)
use their reasonable commercial efforts to obtain all necessary consents, waivers, authorizations and approvals of all governmental and regulatory authorities, domestic and foreign, and of all other persons, firms or corporations required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by them of this Agreement; and
(b)
diligently assist and cooperate with each party in preparing and filing all documents required to be submitted by a party to any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, in connection with such transactions and in obtaining any governmental consents, waivers, authorizations or approvals which may be required to be obtained connection in with such transactions.
Section 5.5
Public Announcement
. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, the parties hereto shall consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements with respect to this Agreement and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation.
Section 5.6
Stock Issuance
. From and after the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, neither UTCH nor GPEC shall issue any additional shares of its capital stock or other securities or equity interests.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF GPEC SHAREHOLDER
The obligations of the GPEC Shareholder to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, at or before the Closing Date, of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived by GPEC Shareholder in their sole discretion:
Section 6.1
Representations and Warranties of UTCH.
All representations and warranties concerning UTCH made in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as if again made by UTCH as of such date.
Section 6.2
Agreements and Covenants
. UTCH shall have performed and complied in all material respects to all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date.
Section 6.3
Consents and Approvals
. Consents, waivers, authorizations and approvals of any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, and of any other person, firm or corporation, required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date.
Section 6.4
No Violation of Orders
. No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court or governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, nor any statute, rule, regulation, decree or executive order promulgated or enacted by any government or governmental or regulatory authority, which declares this Agreement invalid in any respect or prevents the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, or which materially and adversely affects the assets, properties, operations, prospects, net income or financial condition of UTCH shall be in effect; and no action or proceeding before any court or governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, shall have been instituted or threatened by any government or governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, or by any other person, or entity which seeks to prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or which challenges the validity or enforceability of this Agreement.
Section 6.5
Other Closing Documents
. GPEC Shareholder shall have received such other certificates, instruments and documents in confirmation of the representations and warranties of UTCH or in furtherance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as they or their counsel may reasonably request.
Section 6.6
Absence of Litigation.
No action, suit or proceeding before any court or any governmental body or authority, pertaining to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to its consummation, shall have been instituted or threatened.
Section 6.7
Disposition of UTCH’s Existing Business, Assets and Liabilities.
As of the Closing Date, except for cash, UTCH shall have no assets, including, without limitation, contract rights (other than its rights and obligations under contracts as set forth in Schedule 6.7), and UTCH shall have no liabilities or contingent liabilities.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF UTCH
The obligations of UTCH to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, at or before the Closing Date, of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived by UTCH in its sole discretion:
Section 7.1
Representations and Warranties of GPEC and GPEC Shareholder
. All representations and warranties made by GPEC and GPEC Shareholder in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as if again made by GPEC and GPEC Shareholder on and as of such date.
Section 7.2
Agreements and Covenants
. GPEC and GPEC Shareholder shall have performed and complied in all material respects to all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date.
Section 7.3
Consents and Approvals
. All consents, waivers, authorizations and approvals of any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, and of any other person, firm or corporation, required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, shall have been duly obtained and shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date.
Section 7.4
No Violation of Orders
. No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court or other governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, nor any statute, rule, regulation, decree or executive order promulgated or enacted by any government or governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, that declares this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect or which prevents the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, or which materially and adversely affects the assets, properties, operations, prospects, net income or financial condition of GPEC, taken as a whole, shall be in effect; and no action or proceeding before any court or government or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, shall have been instituted or threatened by any government or governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign, or by any other person, or entity which seeks to prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or which challenges the validity or enforceability of this Agreement.
Section 7.5.
Other Closing Documents
. GPEC shall have received such other certificates, instruments and documents in confirmation of the representations and warranties of GPEC and GPEC Shareholder or in furtherance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as UTCH or its counsel may reasonably request.
Section 7.6
Absence of Litigation.
No action, suit or proceeding before any court or any governmental body or authority, pertaining to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to its consummation, shall have been instituted or threatened against GPEC or GPEC Shareholder.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
SECTION 8.1
Methods of Termination
. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time before the Closing:
(a) By the mutual written consent of the parties;
(b) By UTCH upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of GPEC Shareholder set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of GPEC and GPEC Shareholder shall become untrue, in either case such that any of the conditions set forth in Article VII hereof would not be satisfied, and such breach shall, if capable of cure, has not been cured within ten (10) days after receipt by the party in breach of a notice from the non-breaching party setting forth in detail the nature of such breach;
(c) By GPEC Shareholder, upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of UTCH set forth in this Agreement, or, if any representation or warranty of UTCH and the shareholders of UTCH shall become untrue, in either case such that any of the conditions set forth in Article VI hereof would not be satisfied, and such breach shall, if capable of cure, not have been cured within ten (10) days after receipt by the party in breach of a written notice from the non-breaching party setting forth in detail the nature of such breach; and
(d) By any party if a court of competent jurisdiction or governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action (which order, decree or ruling the parties hereto shall use its best efforts to lift), which permanently restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.2
Procedure Upon Termination
. In the event of termination and abandonment of this Agreement by a party pursuant to Section 8.1, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given by the terminating party to the other parties and this Agreement shall terminate and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned, without further action. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, no party to this Agreement shall have any liability or further obligation to any other party to this Agreement;
provided, however
, that no termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Article VIII shall relieve any party of liability for a breach of any provision of this Agreement occurring before such termination.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 9.1
Survival of Provisions
. The respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of each of the parties to this Agreement (except covenants and agreements which are expressly required to be performed and are performed in full on or before the Closing Date) shall survive the Closing Date and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for a period of one year. In the event of a breach of any of such representations, warranties or covenants, the party to whom such representations, warranties or covenants have been made shall have all rights and remedies for such breach available to it under the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise, whether at law or in equity, regardless of any disclosure to, or investigation made by or on behalf of such party on or before the Closing Date.
Section 9.2
Publicity
. No party shall cause the publication of any press release or other announcement with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without the consent of the other parties, unless a press release or announcement is required by law. If any such announcement or other disclosure is required by law, the disclosing party agrees to give the non-disclosing parties prior notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed disclosure.
Section 9.3
Successors and Assigns
. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns;
provided, however
, that no party shall assign or delegate any of the obligations created under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties.
Section 9.4
Fees and Expenses
. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all legal and other fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such fees, costs or expenses.
Section 9.5
Notices
. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given or made if in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses:
If to UTCH to:
Attn: Dean Ledger
20 Trading Post Way,
Medford Lakes, NJ 08055
E-Mail:
dledger@globalphotonic.com
with a copy to:
Ofsink, LLC
900 Third Avenue, 5
th
Floor
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Darren Ofsink, Esq.
Fax: 646-224-9844
If to GPEC or GPEC Shareholder, to:
Attn: Dean Ledger
20 Trading Post Way,
Medford Lakes, NJ 08055
E-Mail:
dledger@globalphotonic.com
with a copy to:
Ofsink, LLC
900 Third Avenue, 5
th
Floor
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Darren Ofsink, Esq.
Fax: 646-224-9844
or to such other persons or at such other addresses as shall be furnished by any party by like notice to the others, and such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so delivered or mailed. No change in any of such addresses shall be effective insofar as notices under this Section 9.5 are concerned unless such changed address is located in the United States of America and notice of such change shall have been given to such other party hereto as provided in this Section 9.5
Section 9.6
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement, together with the exhibits hereto, represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with reference to the transactions set forth herein and no representations or warranties have been made in connection with this Agreement other than those expressly set forth herein or in the exhibits, certificates and other documents delivered in accordance herewith. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, correspondence, communications, understandings and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and all prior drafts of this Agreement, all of which are merged into this Agreement. No prior drafts of this Agreement and no words or phrases from any such prior drafts shall be admissible into evidence in any action or suit involving this Agreement.
Section 9.7
Severability
. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible so as to be valid and enforceable.
Section 9.8
Titles and Headings
. The Article and Section headings contained in this Agreement are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof.
Section 9.9
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be considered one and the same agreement.
Section 9.10
Convenience of Forum; Consent to Jurisdiction
. The parties to this Agreement, acting for themselves and for their respective successors and assigns, without regard to domicile, citizenship or residence, hereby expressly and irrevocably elect as the sole judicial forum for the adjudication of any matters arising under or in connection with this Agreement, and consent and subject themselves to the jurisdiction of, the courts of the State of New York located in County of New York, and/or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, in respect of any matter arising under this Agreement. Service of process, notices and demands of such courts may be made upon any party to this Agreement by personal service at any place where it may be found or giving notice to such party as provided in Section 9.5.
Section 9.11
Enforcement of the Agreement
. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereto, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
Section 9.12
Governing Law
. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the choice of law provisions thereof.
Section 9.13
Amendments and Waivers
.
No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by all of the parties hereto. No waiver by any party of any default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence.
[
Signature Page to Follow
]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Share Exchange Agreement as of the date first above written.
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UNIVERSAL TECHNOLOGY
SYSTEMS CORP.
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By:
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/s/ Dean Ledger
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Name:
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Dean Ledger
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer
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GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
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By:
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/s/ Dean Ledger
|
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Name:
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Dean Ledger
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer
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GPEC SHAREHOLDER:
GPEC HOLDINGS, INC.
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By:
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/s/ Dean Ledger
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Name:
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Dean Ledger
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer
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Schedule I
GPEC Shareholder
Shareholder Name
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Number of Common Stock
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SSN/TAX ID
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Address
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GPEC Holdings, Inc.
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15,438,866
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46-3677278
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20 Trading Post Way
Medford Lakes, NJ 08055
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Total
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15,438,866
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EXHIBIT A
FORM OF SERIES A CONVERSION WARRANT
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF NOTE CONVERSION WARRANT
EXHIBIT C
EXCHANGE WARRANT
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF EXCHANGE OPTION
19
Exhibit 10.3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of October 22, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Universal Technology Systems Corp., a Florida Corporation (the "Company"), and John D. Kuhns (the "Executive"). This Agreement supersedes the employment agreement between Executive and Company dated September 24, 2013.
W
I
T
N
E
S
S
E
T
H
:
The Executive is presently employed by the Company in the capacity of its Executive Chairman and possesses considerable experience and an intimate knowledge of the business and affairs of the Company, its policies, methods, personnel and operations. The Company recognizes that the Executive's contributions to Global Photonic Energy Corporation (“GPEC”) have been substantial and meritorious and that the Executive has demonstrated unique qualifications to act in an executive capacity for the Company, not that the merger between it and GPEC is complete. The Company is desirous of assuring the continued employment of the Executive and the Executive is desirous of having such assurance.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1.
Term of Employment
. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to continue to serve the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein, for an initial period of five (5) years commencing as of October 1, 2013 (the "Effective Date"); subject, however, to earlier termination as expressly provided herein. The initial five (5) year period of employment automatically shall be extended for one (1) additional year at the end of the initial five (5) year term and then again for each successive year thereafter. However, either party may terminate this Agreement at the end of the initial five (5) year period, or at the end of any successive one (1) year term thereafter, by giving the other party written notice of intent not to renew, delivered at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of such initial period or successive term. In the event such notice of intent not to renew is properly delivered, this Agreement, along with all corresponding rights, duties and covenants, automatically shall expire at the end of the initial period or successive term then in progress (except as otherwise provided herein).
Regardless of the above, if at any time during the initial period of employment, or any successive term, a Change in Control of the Company occurs (as defined in Section 7 hereof), then the term of this Agreement thereafter shall be the longer of: (a) one (1) year beyond the month in which the effective date of such Change in Control occurs; or (b) the term as otherwise provided by this Section 1.
2.
Position and Responsibilities
. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall serve as the Executive Chairman of the Company. The Executive shall have the duties and functions that are generally associated with the position of Executive Chairman and will be responsible for such other duties as may from time to time be reasonably assigned to him by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Executive’s duties shall be as assigned from time-to-time by the Board, but shall include, but not be limited to, the following: p
reside over all Board meetings; utilize his full-time efforts to hands-on manage the Company’s day-to-day affairs, along with the Chief Executive Officer and other Officers; and to perform any other matter as enumerated in the Company’s By-laws.
3.
Performance of Duties
. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his working time to the performance of his responsibilities and duties hereunder and shall comply with the policies of the Company with respect to conflict of interest and business ethics from time to time in effect. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, render services, whether or not compensated, to any other person or entity as an employee, independent contractor or otherwise;
provided
,
however
, that, except as provided in Section 8.1 below, nothing contained herein shall restrict the Executive from: (i) rendering services to charitable organizations and from managing his personal investments in such manner as shall not interfere with the performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder; or (ii) serving on the board of directors of any other entity so long as (a) such entity is not in a business which is competitive with that of the Company, (b) such service does not interfere with the performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder and (c) the Executive receives the prior approval of the Board with respect to such service.
4.
Compensation
. As remuneration for all services to be rendered by the Executive during the term of this Agreement, and as consideration for complying with the covenants herein, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the following:
4.1
Base Salary
. The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) in an amount which shall be established from time to time by the Board, provided that such base salary shall not be less than $400,000 per year (“Base Salary”). The foregoing Base Salary shall be paid on the first of each month and shall have an automatic 3% cost of living increase applied to it on first anniversary date of the Agreement. This new adjusted salary shall be considered the Base Salary for year two. Thereafter at each anniversary, of this agreement, the then Base Salary shall have a 3% cost of living increase, which shall be the new Base Salary for that year, and so on. This Base Salary shall be paid to the Executive in installments throughout the year consistent with the normal payroll practices of the Company. The Board’s Compensation Committee will review the Executive’s Salary at least once per year and may, in its discretion, increase (but not decrease) the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s compensation policies.
4.2
Annual Bonus
. In addition to his Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus (the "Bonus") in respect of each fiscal year during the term of this Agreement on the basis of a formula or criteria to be developed by the Board. The Bonus shall be payable to the Executive in cash as promptly as practical after the completion by the Company of an audit of its financial statements for the fiscal year to which such bonus relates. The Bonus amount shall be recommended by the Company’s CEO (after considering the Executive’s performance, the performance of the Company and any other factors considered significant or relevant to the decision) and it shall be subject to approval by the Compensation Committee and then the full Board of Directors.
4.3
Compensation Plans
. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in such profit-sharing, 401K, stock option, bonus and performance award programs as are made available generally to executive officers of the Company, such participation to be on a basis which is commensurate with the Executive's position with the Company.
4.4
Health Care and Other Benefits
. The Executive shall receive full family plan coverage under any health and dental insurance plans established for the company and in addition to the foregoing the Executive will be entitled to participate at Company expense in the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, with full examinations no less frequent than annually, throughout the term of this Agreement and its extensions. In addition to the foregoing, the Executive shall also be entitled to participate in all other benefit programs that the Company establishes and makes available to its employees to the extent the Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health and other qualifications make him eligible to participate, and shall be entitled to receive such perquisites as are made available generally to executive officers of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to five weeks paid vacation per year to be taken at such times as may be approved by the Board or its designee. Executive is entitled to accrue their vacation time and shall be paid for any unused vacation upon death, disability or termination of employment or non-renewal of this Agreement.
4.5
[RESERVED]
4.6
Stock Options
. Without limiting the foregoing, on the Effective Date, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and any other applicable option plans (the “Plan”). All issuances under that plan including stock options, shall be determine by the Compensation Committee of the Board and then approved by the full Board, and shall be in such type, amounts, timing and distribution terms as it determines to be appropriate. In addition, the Executive shall be eligible to receive grants of additional equity and options on an annual basis at the sole discretion of the Board.
5.
Expenses/Stipend Allowance
. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary documented travel, entertainment and other out-of-pocket expenses that the Executive incurs on behalf of the Company in the course of his employment hereunder in accordance with the Company’s normal policies and provisions regarding such reimbursements. This may include a monthly stipend allowance for the Executive in an amount and for the purposes as determined by the Board.
6.
Employment Terminations.
6.1
Termination Due to Death
. In the event the Executive's employment is terminated while this Agreement is in force by reason of death, the Executive shall receive the elements of vested and unvested pay and benefits described in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Executive's beneficiaries, estate, or trust, as applicable, a pro rata share of any vested Salary or Bonus to which the Executive would have been entitled for the fiscal year in which employment termination occurs, based on the results of the Company for such fiscal year and any death benefit as determined by the Board.
6.2
Termination Due to Disability
. In the event that the Executive becomes Disabled (as defined below) during the term of this Agreement and is, therefore, unable to perform his duties herein for more than one hundred eighty (180) total calendar days during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, or in the event of the Board's reasonable expectation that the Executive's Disability will exist for more than a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days, the Company shall have the right to terminate the Executive's active employment as provided in this Agreement. However, the Board shall deliver written notice to the Executive of the Company's intent to terminate for Disability at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of such termination. A termination for Disability shall become effective upon the end of the thirty (30) day notice period. Upon such effective date, the Company's obligation to pay and provide to the Executive the elements of pay described in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 shall immediately expire, except to the extent that the benefits described in Section 4.4 continue after Disability under the terms of the benefit plans and programs which apply generally to the Company's executives and except that the Executive shall receive all rights and benefits that he is vested in pursuant to other plans and programs of the Company. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Executive a pro rata share of his Bonus for the fiscal year in which employment termination occurs, based on the results for such fiscal year, determined as provided in Section 6.1, and may award him equity under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.
The term "Disability" shall mean, for all purposes of this Agreement, the incapacity of the Executive, due to injury, illness, disease, or bodily or mental infirmity, to engage in the performance of substantially all of the usual duties of employment with the Company as contemplated by Section 2 herein, such Disability to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon receipt and in reliance on competent medical advice from one (1) or more individuals, selected by the Board, who are qualified to give such professional medical advice.
It is expressly understood that the Disability of the Executive for a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days or less in the aggregate during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, in the absence of any reasonable expectation that his Disability will exist for more than such a period of time, shall not constitute a failure by his to perform his duties hereunder and shall not be deemed a breach or default and the Executive shall receive full compensation for any such period of Disability or for any other temporary illness or incapacity during the term of this Agreement.
6.3
Voluntary Termination by the Executive
. The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving the Board written notice of intent to terminate, delivered at least ninety (90) days prior to the effective date of such termination.
Upon the expiration of the ninety (90) day notice period, the termination by the Executive shall become effective. The Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary, at the rate then in effect as provided in Section 4.1 herein, through the effective date of termination, plus all other benefits to which the Executive has a vested right to at that time (for this purpose, the Executive shall not be paid any Bonus with respect to the fiscal year in which voluntary termination under this Section 6.3 occurs). The Company and the Executive shall have no further obligations under this Agreement after the effective date of such termination, except as set forth in this Agreement, including Sections 8 or 9 hereof.
6.4
Involuntary Termination by the Company Without Cause
. The Board may terminate the Executive's employment, as provided under this Agreement, at any time, for reasons other than death, Disability or for Cause (as defined in Section 6.5 hereof), by notifying the Executive in writing of the Company's intent to terminate, at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of such termination. Upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period the termination by the Company shall become effective, and the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the benefits set forth in this Section 7.1.
6.5
Termination For Cause
. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Board from terminating the Executive's employment under this Agreement for "Cause."
"Cause" shall be determined by the Board in the exercise of good faith and reasonable judgment, and shall be defined as: (i) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or serious crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) fraud on or misappropriation of any funds or property of the Company; (iii) personal dishonesty, habitual and willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of fiduciary duty which involves personal profit; (iv) willful misconduct in connection with the Employee's duties; (v)
chronic use of alcohol, drugs or other similar substances which affects the Employee’s work performance;
(vi) breach of a material provision of any employment, non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation or other similar agreement executed by the Employee for the benefit of the Company; (vii) Executive’s willful refusal to carry out written instructions of his direct supervisor, the CEO or the Board which are consistent with Executive's position with the Company; or (viii) Executive’s willful disclosure of any trade secrets or confidential corporate information of the Corporation to persons not authorized to know same, unless such disclosure is, based upon advice of counsel, reasonably determined by Executive to be required by any law or court order. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Board for Cause, the Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary through the effective date of the employment termination and the Executive shall immediately thereafter forfeit all rights and benefits (other than vested benefits) he would otherwise have been entitled to receive under this Agreement, including any right to a Bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs. The Company and the Executive thereafter shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, except as set forth in Sections 8 or 9 hereof. In order to be terminated under subsections (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii) hereunder, the Executive shall first have been given thirty (30) days written notice setting forth the grounds for such discharge and, within, such 30-day period, shall not have ceased or otherwise cured (to the reasonable satisfaction of his supervisor, the CEO or the Board, as applicable) the activity or activities or omissions constituting the grounds for such discharge.
6.6
Termination for Good Reason
. At any time during the term of this Agreement, the Executive may terminate this Agreement for Good Reason (as defined below) by giving the Board of Directors of the Company thirty (30) calendar days written notice of intent to terminate, which notice sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for such termination. Upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period, the Good Reason termination shall become effective, and the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the benefits set forth in this Section 6.6.
“Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive's express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
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(a)
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the assignment of the Executive to duties materially inconsistent with the Executive's authorities, duties, responsibilities and status (including offices, titles, and reporting requirements) as an executive of the Company, or a reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive's authorities, duties, or responsibilities from those in effect during the immediately preceding fiscal year, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
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(b)
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a reduction by the Company in the Executive's Base Salary as in effect on the Effective Date, as provided in Section 4.1 herein; or
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(c)
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the failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 10.1 herein.
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Upon a termination of the Executive's employment for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the same payments and benefits, payable in the same manner, as he is entitled to receive in Section 7.1.
The Executive's right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive's continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein.
6.7
Non-Renewal by Company
. Upon any termination of this Agreement as a result of a notice of non-renewal by the Company pursuant to Section 1 hereof (a “Non-Renewal”), upon the effective date of such termination, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive his Base Salary then in effect for a period of six (6) full months following the effective date of such termination and shall thereafter provide to the Executive a continuation of his health and welfare benefits, including those related to the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, during such six (6) month period. If for any reason the Company is unable to continue the foregoing benefits as required by the preceding sentence, the Company shall either provide equivalent benefits to the Executive or pay to the Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the benefits which the Company is unable to provide. Continuation of health benefits under this Section 6.7 will count against, and will not extend, the period during which benefits are required to be continued under COBRA. In addition, the Company shall make a prorated payment of the Executive’s Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs.
6.8 [RESERVED]
6.9
Condition to Payment.
All amounts payable by the Company to the Employee upon or with respect to the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Company shall be contingent upon and in consideration for Employee's execution and delivery to the Company of a general release agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, which releases all of the Employee's claims against the Company relating in any way to Employee's employment with the Company and the termination of the Employee's employment by the Company or for additional compensation under the terms of this Agreement.
7.
Change In Control
.
7.1
Employment Terminations in Connection with a Change in Control
. In the event of a Qualifying Termination (as defined below) during a Change of Control Period, the Company shall pay to the Executive and provide him with benefits in lieu of the benefits which otherwise would have been payable under this Agreement such that the total benefits payable to the Executive shall be as follows:
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(a)
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A lump sum amount equal to three (3) times the highest rate of the Executive's annualized Base Salary rate in effect at any time up to and including the effective date of termination;
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(b)
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A lump sum amount equal to three (3) times the higher of the Executive's Bonus for the last fiscal year prior to the Change in Control or the average annual Bonus paid to the Executive for the last three (3) fiscal years prior to the Change in Control;
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(c)
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An amount equal to the Executive's unpaid Base Salary and pro rata Bonus through the effective date of termination, determined as provided in Section 6.4; and,
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(d)
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A continuation of health and welfare benefits, including enrollment in the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, for twelve (12) full months from the effective date of termination. If for any reason the Company is unable to continue such benefits as required by the preceding sentence, the Company shall either provide equivalent benefits to the Executive or pay to the Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the benefits which the Company is unable to provide. Continuation of health benefits under this Section 7.1 will count against, and will not extend, the period during which benefits are required to be continued under COBRA. The continuation of these welfare benefits may be discontinued by the Company prior to the end of the twelve (12) month period in the event the Executive has available substantially similar benefits from a subsequent employer, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors.
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For purposes of this Section 7, a Qualifying Termination shall mean any termination of the Executive's employment other than: (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by reason of death, Disability or Retirement; or (3) by the Executive without Good Reason. Payment of any lump sum amounts pursuant to this Section 7.1 will be made within sixty (60) days after the effective date of the termination of the Executive's Employment.
7.2
Definition of "Change in Control."
A Change in Control of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first to occur of any one or more of the following:
(a) the effective time of any merger, share exchange, consolidation or other reorganization or business combination of the Company if immediately after such transaction persons who hold a majority of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving entity are not persons who held a majority of the voting capital stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;
(b) the closing of a sale or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or of GPEC (except if it is to the Company or any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company);
(c) an acquisition (other than from the Company) in a transaction or a series of related transactions by any person, entity or “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “
Exchange Act
”), (excluding for this purpose, (A) the Company or its subsidiaries, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company, (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors) of beneficial ownership, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of 50% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
(d) individuals who were the Board’s nominees for election as directors immediately prior to a meeting of the stockholders of the Company involving an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, cease to constitute a majority of the Board following the election; or
(e) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company;
provided
,
however
, that the term “Change in Control” does not include (1) a public offering of capital stock of the Company that is effected pursuant to a registration statement filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, or (2) any transaction pursuant to which shares of capital stock of the Company are transferred or issued to any trust, charitable organization, foundation, family partnership or other entity controlled directly or indirectly by, or established for the benefit of, the Executive or their immediate family members (including spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings, in each case to include in-laws and adoptive relations), or transferred to any such immediate family members.
In addition, in no event shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred, with respect to the Executive, if the Executive is part of a purchasing group which consummates the Change in Control transaction. The Executive shall be deemed "part of a purchasing group" for purposes of the preceding sentence if the Executive is an equity participant in the purchasing company or group (except for: (i) passive ownership of less than two percent (2%) of the stock of the purchasing company; or (ii) ownership of equity participation in the purchasing company or group which is otherwise not significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control by a majority of the non-Executive continuing Directors).
7.3
Change of Control Period
. "Change in Control Period" shall mean the period of time commencing with the date on which the Company becomes aware of the Change in Control or becomes aware of a proposed transaction which reasonably could be expected to result in a Change in Control and ending on the first to occur of two (2) years after the effective date of the Change in Control or the date on which the proposed transaction no longer is reasonably expected to occur.
7.4
[RESERVED]
7.5 [RESERVED]
7.6
[RESERVED]
8.
Noncompetition/Nondisclosure
.
8.1
Executive’s Acknowledgment
. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that in order to assure the Company that it will retain its value as a going concern, it is necessary that the Executive undertake not to utilize his special knowledge of the Company’s business of developing, commercializing and licensing organic and Gallium Arsenide photovoltaic technologies and intellectual properties related thereto (the “Business”) and his relationships with those in the Company’s industry, customers and suppliers to compete with the Company. Executive further acknowledges that: (i) the Company is and will be engaged in the Business; (ii) Executive has occupied a position of trust and confidence with the Company prior to the date of this Agreement and, during such period the Executive has, and during the term of this Agreement the Executive will, become familiar with the Company’s trade secrets and with other proprietary and confidential information concerning the Company and the Business; (iii) the agreements and covenants contained in this Section 8 are essential to protect the Company and the goodwill of the Business; and (iv) the Executive’s employment with the Company has special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and the Company would suffer irreparable harm, for which money damages would not constitute adequate compensation, if Executive were to provide services to any person or entity in violation of the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise violate any of the terms of this Section 8.
8.2
Competitive Activities
. The Executive hereby agrees that for a period (the “Restricted Period”) commencing on the date hereof and ending three years following the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for whatever reason, Executive shall not, on behalf of himself or any other individual or group of individuals, firm, company, corporation, partnership, trust or other entity or enterprise or successor in interest to any of the foregoing, or any employee, partner, officer, director, partner, or stockholder of any of the foregoing (each individually, a Person and collectively, “Persons”), directly or indirectly, as an employee, proprietor, stockholder, partner, consultant, or otherwise, engage in any business or activity directly competitive with the Business or any of the business activities of the Company as they are now, currently proposed to be, or are, at the time in question, undertaken by the Company, anywhere in North America (the “Territory”), except as expressly approved by the Board in writing. With respect to the Territory, Executive specifically acknowledges that the Company has conducted the Business throughout those areas comprising the Territory and the Company intends to continue to expand the Business throughout the Territory.
8.3
Blue-Pencil
. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall at any time deem the term of this Agreement or any particular covenant contained in this Section 8, including, without limitation, the Restricted Period, to be too lengthy or the Territory to be too extensive, the other provisions of this Section 8 shall nevertheless stand, the Restricted Period shall be deemed to be the longest period permissible by law under the circumstances and the Territory shall be deemed to comprise the largest territory permissible by law under the circumstances. The court in each case shall reduce the Restricted Period and/or the Territory to permissible duration or size.
8.4
Confidential Information
. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, the Executive shall keep secret and retain in strictest confidence, and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, furnish, make available or disclose to any third party or use for the benefit of herself or any third party, any Confidential Information. As used in this Section 8.4, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean any information relating to the business or affairs of the Company or the Business, including, but not limited to, information relating to financial statements, customer identities, potential customers, employees, suppliers, servicing methods, equipment, programs, strategies and information, analyses, profit margins or other proprietary information used by the Company in connection with the Business such as its pending or contemplated research projects, technical limitations or developments and any content of attorney/Company communications to which Executive was privy; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information which is the public domain, becomes generally known in the industry through no wrongful act on the part of the Executive or as required to be disclosed by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is vital, sensitive, confidential and proprietary to the Company.
9.
Inventions and Other Intellectual Property
. The Executive hereby agrees that all right, title and interest in and to all of Executive’s “Creations” and work product made during the term of the Executive’s employment with the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall belong solely to the Company, whether or not they are protected or protectible under applicable patent, trademark, service mark, copyright or trade secret laws. For purposes of this Section 9, the term “Creations” shall mean all inventions, designs, discoveries, books, newsletters, manuscripts, articles, research, compilations, improvements, and other works which are or may be copyrighted, trade-marked or patented or otherwise constitute works of intellectual property which may be protected (including, without limitation, any information relating to the Company’s software products, source code, know-how, processes, designs, algorithms, computer programs and routines, formulae, techniques, developments or experimental work, works-in-progress, or business trade secrets whether now existing, or hereafter developed during the Employment Period) made or conceived or reduced to practice by the Company. Executive agrees that all work or other material containing or reflecting any such Creations shall be deemed work made for hire as defined in Section 101 of the Copyright Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 101. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any such works are not works made for hire, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all of Executive’s right, title and interest, including all rights of copyright, patent, and other intellectual property rights, to or in such Creations.
Executive covenants that he shall keep the Company informed of the development of all Creations made, conceived or reduced to practice by the Company, in whole or in part, by Executive or any other alone or with others, which either result from any work Executive may do for, or at the request of, the Company, or are related to the Company’s present or contemplated activities, investigations, or obligations. Executive further agrees that (i) at the Company’s request and expense, he will execute any assignments or any other documents or instruments necessary to transfer all rights any such Creations to the Company and (ii) he will cooperate with the Company or its nominee in perfecting the Company’s title (or the title of the Company’s nominee) in any or all such materials.
10.
Interference with Relationships
.
10.1
Suppliers, Customers, Service Providers
. During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, as employee, agent, consultant, stockholder, director, partner or in any other individual or representative capacity intentionally solicit or encourage any present or future customer, employee, consultant, service provider, stockholder, officer, director or supplier of or service provider to the Company to terminate or otherwise alter his, their or its relationship with the Company in a manner having an adverse effect on the Company or the Business.
10.2
No Breach
. Executive represents and warrants that he is not under any contractual obligation to any party, which obligation would prevent him from accepting full-time employment with the Company or from otherwise fulfilling any of his obligations under this Agreement. Executive hereby agrees to indemnify the Company and hold it and its officers and directors harmless from and against any and all claims against or any losses or liabilities, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by, the Company or any of its officers or directors derived from any breach or failure of the representation and warranty contained in this Section10.2.
11.
Return of Company Materials Upon Termination
. Executive acknowledges that all email or other written information involving or concerning any Company research project, results or ideas (from or to any company employee, consultant or researcher), as well as any attorney communication of any kind, related to the Company’s Business, price lists, sales manuals, catalogs, binders, customer lists and other customer information, supplier lists, financial information, business plans, corporate records, working notes, work product, sales manuals, catalogs, binders and other records or documents containing any Confidential Information prepared by Executive or coming into Executive’s possession by virtue of Executive’s employment by the Company, other than personal information belonging to the Executive, is and shall remain the property of the Company and that immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall return all such items in his possession, together with all copies thereof, to the Company.
12.
Indemnification
. The Company hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive fully, completely, and absolutely against and in respect to any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs, expenses (including attorney's fees), losses, and damages resulting from the Executive's good faith performance of his duties and obligations under the terms of this Agreement, and as it relates to any such other duties performed by the Executive at or for the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, such as GPEC, subject to compliance with any applicable requirements and limitations improved by the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws as in effect on the date hereof and applicable law.
13.
Assignment
13.1
Assignment by Company
. This Agreement may and shall be assigned or transferred to, and shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of, any successor of the Company, and any such successor shall be deemed substituted for all purposes of the "Company" under the terms of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term "successor" shall mean any person, firm, corporation, or business entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase, or otherwise, acquires all or substantially all of the assets or the business of the Company. Notwithstanding such assignment, the Company shall remain, with such successor, jointly and severally liable for all its obligations hereunder.
Except as herein provided, this Agreement may not otherwise be assigned by the Company.
13.2
Assignment by Executive
. The services to be provided by the Executive to the Company hereunder are personal to the Executive, and the Executive's duties may not be assigned by the Executive; provided, however that this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, and administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If the Executive dies while any amounts payable to the Executive hereunder remain outstanding, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive's devisee, legatee, or other designee or, in the absence of such designee, to the Executive's estate or trust.
13.3
Name Change
. Upon any name change by Company, no assignment need occur as the same entity is bound by the terms of this Agreement.
14.
Dispute Resolution and Notice
.
14.1
Dispute Resolution
. Either the Executive or the Company may elect to have any good faith dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement settled by arbitration, by providing written notice of such election to the other party hereto, specifying the nature of the dispute to be arbitrated, provided that if the other party objects to the use of arbitration within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such notice, the dispute may only be settled by litigation unless otherwise agreed.
If arbitration is selected, such proceeding shall be conducted before a panel of three (3) arbitrators sitting in a location agreed to by the Company and the Executive within fifty (50) miles from the location of the Executive's principal place of employment, in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrators in any court having competent jurisdiction.
To the extent that the Executive prevails in any litigation or arbitration seeking to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Company of all expenses of such litigation or arbitration, including the reasonable fees and expenses of the legal representative for the Executive, and necessary costs and disbursements incurred as a result of such dispute or legal proceeding.
14.2
Notice
. Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices.
15.
No Mitigation
. The Executive shall have no duty to seek other employment and the amounts, benefits and entitlements payable to the Executive hereunder or otherwise shall not be subject to reduction, offset or repayment for any compensation received by the Executive from services provided by the Executive following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
16.
Section 409A
.
16.1 The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
16.2
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death, to the extent required under Code Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Agreement (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
16.3
To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits under this Agreement constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, (A) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by the Executive, (B) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (C) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
16.4 For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.
16.5 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
17.
Adjustment
. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that as a result of any payment or distribution by the Company to or for Executive’s benefit whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the “
Payments
”), Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Sections
409A,
280G or Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “
Excise Tax
”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “
Gross-Up Payment
”) in an amount such that, after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive is in the same after-tax position as if no Excise Tax had been imposed upon Executive with respect to the Payments, provided further that such Gross-Up Payment shall be made prior to April 15th of the calendar year following the year in which Executive receive any payment or distribution from the Company which gives rise to a Gross-Up Payment.
18.
Miscellaneous
18.1
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, between the parties hereto, or between the Executive and the Company, with respect to the subject matter hereof and constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect thereto.
18.2
Modification
. This Agreement shall not be varied, altered, modified, canceled, changed, or in any way amended except by mutual agreement of the parties in a written instrument executed by the parties hereto or their legal representatives.
18.3
Severability
. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
18.4
Tax Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any benefits payable under this Agreement all Federal, state, city, or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.
18.5
Beneficiaries
. The Executive may designate one or more persons or entities as the primary and/or contingent beneficiaries of any amounts to be received under this Agreement. Such designation must be in the form of a signed writing acceptable to the Board or the Board's designee. The Executive may make or change such designation at any time.
18.6
Board Committee
. Any action to be taken, or determination to be made, by the Board of Directors under this Agreement may be taken or made by the Compensation Committee or any other Committee authorized by the Board of Directors to act on its behalf.
18.7
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the internal, substantive laws of the State of New York, without regards to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
18.8
Inurement
. This Agreement is binding on the parties and on their heirs, personal representatives, administrators, successors and assigns.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and the Company have executed this Agreement on October 22, 2013.
Universal Technology Systems Corp.
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Executive:
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By:
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/s/ Dean L. Ledger
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By:
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/s/ John D. Kuhns
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John D. Kuhns
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Page 17
Exhibit 10.4
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of October 22, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Universal Technology Systems Corp., a Florida Corporation (the "Company"), and Dean L. Ledger (the "Executive"). This Agreement supersedes the employment agreement between Executive and Company dated September 24, 2013.
W
I
T
N
E
S
S
E
T
H
:
The Executive is presently employed by the Company in the capacity of its Chief Executive Officer and possesses considerable experience and an intimate knowledge of the business and affairs of the Company, its policies, methods, personnel and operations. The Company recognizes that the Executive's contributions to Global Photonic Energy Corporation (“GPEC”) have been substantial and meritorious and that the Executive has demonstrated unique qualifications to act in an executive capacity for the Company, not that the merger between it and GPEC is complete. The Company is desirous of assuring the continued employment of the Executive and the Executive is desirous of having such assurance.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1.
Term of Employment
. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to continue to serve the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein, for an initial period of five (5) years commencing as of October 1, 2013 (the "Effective Date"); subject, however, to earlier termination as expressly provided herein. The initial five (5) year period of employment automatically shall be extended for one (1) additional year at the end of the initial five (5) year term and then again for each successive year thereafter. However, either party may terminate this Agreement at the end of the initial five (5) year period, or at the end of any successive one (1) year term thereafter, by giving the other party written notice of intent not to renew, delivered at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of such initial period or successive term. In the event such notice of intent not to renew is properly delivered, this Agreement, along with all corresponding rights, duties and covenants, automatically shall expire at the end of the initial period or successive term then in progress (except as otherwise provided herein).
Regardless of the above, if at any time during the initial period of employment, or any successive term, a Change in Control of the Company occurs (as defined in Section 7 hereof), then the term of this Agreement thereafter shall be the longer of: (a) one (1) year beyond the month in which the effective date of such Change in Control occurs; or (b) the term as otherwise provided by this Section 1.
2.
Position and Responsibilities
. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Executive shall have the duties and functions that are generally associated with the position of Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for such other duties as may from time to time be reasonably assigned to him by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Executive’s duties shall be as assigned from time-to-time by the Board, but shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
utilize his full-time efforts to hands-on manage the Company’s day-to-day affairs, along with the Executive Chairman and other Officers; and to perform any other matter as enumerated in the Company’s By-laws.
3.
Performance of Duties
. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his working time to the performance of his responsibilities and duties hereunder and shall comply with the policies of the Company with respect to conflict of interest and business ethics from time to time in effect. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, render services, whether or not compensated, to any other person or entity as an employee, independent contractor or otherwise;
provided
,
however
, that, except as provided in Section 8.1 below, nothing contained herein shall restrict the Executive from: (i) rendering services to charitable organizations and from managing his personal investments in such manner as shall not interfere with the performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder; or (ii) serving on the board of directors of any other entity so long as (a) such entity is not in a business which is competitive with that of the Company, (b) such service does not interfere with the performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder and (c) the Executive receives the prior approval of the Board with respect to such service.
4.
Compensation
. As remuneration for all services to be rendered by the Executive during the term of this Agreement, and as consideration for complying with the covenants herein, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the following:
4.1
Base Salary
. The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) in an amount which shall be established from time to time by the Board, provided that such base salary shall not be less than $400,000 per year (“Base Salary”). The foregoing Base Salary shall be paid on the first of each month and shall have an automatic 3% cost of living increase applied to it on first anniversary date of the Agreement. This new adjusted salary shall be considered the Base Salary for year two. Thereafter at each anniversary, of this agreement, the then Base Salary shall have a 3% cost of living increase, which shall be the new Base Salary for that year, and so on. This Base Salary shall be paid to the Executive in installments throughout the year consistent with the normal payroll practices of the Company. The Board’s Compensation Committee will review the Executive’s Salary at least once per year and may, in its discretion, increase (but not decrease) the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s compensation policies.
4.2
Annual Bonus
. In addition to his Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus (the "Bonus") in respect of each fiscal year during the term of this Agreement on the basis of a formula or criteria to be developed by the Board. The Bonus shall be payable to the Executive in cash as promptly as practical after the completion by the Company of an audit of its financial statements for the fiscal year to which such bonus relates. The Bonus amount shall be recommended by the Company’s CEO (after considering the Executive’s performance, the performance of the Company and any other factors considered significant or relevant to the decision) and it shall be subject to approval by the Compensation Committee and then the full Board of Directors.
4.3
Compensation Plans
. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in such profit-sharing, 401K, stock option, bonus and performance award programs as are made available generally to executive officers of the Company, such participation to be on a basis which is commensurate with the Executive's position with the Company.
4.4
Health Care and Other Benefits
. The Executive shall receive full family plan coverage under any health and dental insurance plans established for the company and in addition to the foregoing the Executive will be entitled to participate at Company expense in the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, with full examinations no less frequent than annually, throughout the term of this Agreement and its extensions. In addition to the foregoing, the Executive shall also be entitled to participate in all other benefit programs that the Company establishes and makes available to its employees to the extent the Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health and other qualifications make him eligible to participate, and shall be entitled to receive such perquisites as are made available generally to executive officers of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to five weeks paid vacation per year to be taken at such times as may be approved by the Board or its designee. Executive is entitled to accrue their vacation time and shall be paid for any unused vacation upon death, disability or termination of employment or non-renewal of this Agreement.
4.5
[RESERVED]
4.6
Stock Options
. Without limiting the foregoing, on the Effective Date, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and any other applicable option plans (the “Plan”). All issuances under that plan including stock options, shall be determine by the Compensation Committee of the Board and then approved by the full Board, and shall be in such type, amounts, timing and distribution terms as it determines to be appropriate. In addition, the Executive shall be eligible to receive grants of additional equity and options on an annual basis at the sole discretion of the Board.
5.
Expenses/Stipend Allowance
. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary documented travel, entertainment and other out-of-pocket expenses that the Executive incurs on behalf of the Company in the course of his employment hereunder in accordance with the Company’s normal policies and provisions regarding such reimbursements. This may include a monthly stipend allowance for the Executive in an amount and for the purposes as determined by the Board.
6.
Employment Terminations.
6.1
Termination Due to Death
. In the event the Executive's employment is terminated while this Agreement is in force by reason of death, the Executive shall receive the elements of vested and unvested pay and benefits described in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Executive's beneficiaries, estate, or trust, as applicable, a pro rata share of any vested Salary or Bonus to which the Executive would have been entitled for the fiscal year in which employment termination occurs, based on the results of the Company for such fiscal year and any death benefit as determined by the Board.
6.2
Termination Due to Disability
. In the event that the Executive becomes Disabled (as defined below) during the term of this Agreement and is, therefore, unable to perform his duties herein for more than one hundred eighty (180) total calendar days during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, or in the event of the Board's reasonable expectation that the Executive's Disability will exist for more than a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days, the Company shall have the right to terminate the Executive's active employment as provided in this Agreement. However, the Board shall deliver written notice to the Executive of the Company's intent to terminate for Disability at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of such termination. A termination for Disability shall become effective upon the end of the thirty (30) day notice period. Upon such effective date, the Company's obligation to pay and provide to the Executive the elements of pay described in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 shall immediately expire, except to the extent that the benefits described in Section 4.4 continue after Disability under the terms of the benefit plans and programs which apply generally to the Company's executives and except that the Executive shall receive all rights and benefits that he is vested in pursuant to other plans and programs of the Company. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Executive a pro rata share of his Bonus for the fiscal year in which employment termination occurs, based on the results for such fiscal year, determined as provided in Section 6.1, and may award him equity under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.
The term "Disability" shall mean, for all purposes of this Agreement, the incapacity of the Executive, due to injury, illness, disease, or bodily or mental infirmity, to engage in the performance of substantially all of the usual duties of employment with the Company as contemplated by Section 2 herein, such Disability to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon receipt and in reliance on competent medical advice from one (1) or more individuals, selected by the Board, who are qualified to give such professional medical advice.
It is expressly understood that the Disability of the Executive for a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days or less in the aggregate during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, in the absence of any reasonable expectation that his Disability will exist for more than such a period of time, shall not constitute a failure by his to perform his duties hereunder and shall not be deemed a breach or default and the Executive shall receive full compensation for any such period of Disability or for any other temporary illness or incapacity during the term of this Agreement.
6.3
Voluntary Termination by the Executive
. The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving the Board written notice of intent to terminate, delivered at least ninety (90) days prior to the effective date of such termination.
Upon the expiration of the ninety (90) day notice period, the termination by the Executive shall become effective. The Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary, at the rate then in effect as provided in Section 4.1 herein, through the effective date of termination, plus all other benefits to which the Executive has a vested right to at that time (for this purpose, the Executive shall not be paid any Bonus with respect to the fiscal year in which voluntary termination under this Section 6.3 occurs). The Company and the Executive shall have no further obligations under this Agreement after the effective date of such termination, except as set forth in this Agreement, including Sections 8 or 9 hereof.
6.4
Involuntary Termination by the Company Without Cause
. The Board may terminate the Executive's employment, as provided under this Agreement, at any time, for reasons other than death, Disability or for Cause (as defined in Section 6.5 hereof), by notifying the Executive in writing of the Company's intent to terminate, at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of such termination. Upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period the termination by the Company shall become effective, and the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the benefits set forth in this Section 7.1.
6.5
Termination For Cause
. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Board from terminating the Executive's employment under this Agreement for "Cause."
"Cause" shall be determined by the Board in the exercise of good faith and reasonable judgment, and shall be defined as: (i) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or serious crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) fraud on or misappropriation of any funds or property of the Company; (iii) personal dishonesty, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of fiduciary duty which involves personal profit; (iv) habitual and willful misconduct in connection with the Employee's duties; (v)
chronic use of alcohol, drugs or other similar substances which affects the Employee’s work performance;
(vi) breach of a material provision of any employment, non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation or other similar agreement executed by the Employee for the benefit of the Company; (vii) Executive’s willful refusal to carry out written instructions of his direct supervisor, the CEO or the Board which are consistent with Executive's position with the Company; or (viii) Executive’s willful disclosure of any trade secrets or confidential corporate information of the Corporation to persons not authorized to know same, unless such disclosure is, based upon advice of counsel, reasonably determined by Executive to be required by any law or court order. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Board for Cause, the Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary through the effective date of the employment termination and the Executive shall immediately thereafter forfeit all rights and benefits (other than vested benefits) he would otherwise have been entitled to receive under this Agreement, including any right to a Bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs. The Company and the Executive thereafter shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, except as set forth in Sections 8 or 9 hereof. In order to be terminated under subsections (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii) hereunder, the Executive shall first have been given thirty (30) days written notice setting forth the grounds for such discharge and, within, such 30-day period, shall not have ceased or otherwise cured (to the reasonable satisfaction of his supervisor, the CEO or the Board, as applicable) the activity or activities or omissions constituting the grounds for such discharge.
6.6
Termination for Good Reason
. At any time during the term of this Agreement, the Executive may terminate this Agreement for Good Reason (as defined below) by giving the Board of Directors of the Company thirty (30) calendar days written notice of intent to terminate, which notice sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for such termination. Upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period, the Good Reason termination shall become effective, and the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the benefits set forth in this Section 6.6.
“Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive's express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
|
(a)
|
the assignment of the Executive to duties materially inconsistent with the Executive's authorities, duties, responsibilities and status (including offices, titles, and reporting requirements) as an executive of the Company, or a reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive's authorities, duties, or responsibilities from those in effect during the immediately preceding fiscal year, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
|
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(b)
|
a reduction by the Company in the Executive's Base Salary as in effect on the Effective Date, as provided in Section 4.1 herein; or
|
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(c)
|
the failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 10.1 herein.
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Upon a termination of the Executive's employment for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the same payments and benefits, payable in the same manner, as he is entitled to receive in Section 7.1.
The Executive's right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive's continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein.
6.7
Non-Renewal by Company
. Upon any termination of this Agreement as a result of a notice of non-renewal by the Company pursuant to Section 1 hereof (a “Non-Renewal”), upon the effective date of such termination, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive his Base Salary then in effect for a period of six (6) full months following the effective date of such termination and shall thereafter provide to the Executive a continuation of his health and welfare benefits, including those related to the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, during such six (6) month period. If for any reason the Company is unable to continue the foregoing benefits as required by the preceding sentence, the Company shall either provide equivalent benefits to the Executive or pay to the Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the benefits which the Company is unable to provide. Continuation of health benefits under this Section 6.7 will count against, and will not extend, the period during which benefits are required to be continued under COBRA. In addition, the Company shall make a prorated payment of the Executive’s Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs.
6.8 [RESERVED]
6.9
Condition to Payment.
All amounts payable by the Company to the Employee upon or with respect to the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Company shall be contingent upon and in consideration for Employee's execution and delivery to the Company of a general release agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, which releases all of the Employee's claims against the Company relating in any way to Employee's employment with the Company and the termination of the Employee's employment by the Company or for additional compensation under the terms of this Agreement.
7.
Change In Control
.
7.1
Employment Terminations in Connection with a Change in Control
. In the event of a Qualifying Termination (as defined below) during a Change of Control Period, the Company shall pay to the Executive and provide him with benefits in lieu of the benefits which otherwise would have been payable under this Agreement such that the total benefits payable to the Executive shall be as follows:
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(a)
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A lump sum amount equal to three (3) times the highest rate of the Executive's annualized Base Salary rate in effect at any time up to and including the effective date of termination;
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(b)
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A lump sum amount equal to three (3) times the higher of the Executive's Bonus for the last fiscal year prior to the Change in Control or the average annual Bonus paid to the Executive for the last three (3) fiscal years prior to the Change in Control;
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(c)
|
An amount equal to the Executive's unpaid Base Salary and pro rata Bonus through the effective date of termination, determined as provided in Section 6.4; and,
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(d)
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A continuation of health and welfare benefits, including enrollment in the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, for twelve (12) full months from the effective date of termination. If for any reason the Company is unable to continue such benefits as required by the preceding sentence, the Company shall either provide equivalent benefits to the Executive or pay to the Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the benefits which the Company is unable to provide. Continuation of health benefits under this Section 7.1 will count against, and will not extend, the period during which benefits are required to be continued under COBRA. The continuation of these welfare benefits may be discontinued by the Company prior to the end of the twelve (12) month period in the event the Executive has available substantially similar benefits from a subsequent employer, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors.
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For purposes of this Section 7, a Qualifying Termination shall mean any termination of the Executive's employment other than: (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by reason of death, Disability or Retirement; or (3) by the Executive without Good Reason. Payment of any lump sum amounts pursuant to this Section 7.1 will be made within sixty (60) days after the effective date of the termination of the Executive's Employment.
7.2
Definition of "Change in Control."
A Change in Control of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first to occur of any one or more of the following:
(a) the effective time of any merger, share exchange, consolidation or other reorganization or business combination of the Company if immediately after such transaction persons who hold a majority of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving entity are not persons who held a majority of the voting capital stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;
(b) the closing of a sale or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or of GPEC (except if it is to the Company or any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company);
(c) an acquisition (other than from the Company) in a transaction or a series of related transactions by any person, entity or “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “
Exchange Act
”), (excluding for this purpose, (A) the Company or its subsidiaries, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company, (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors) of beneficial ownership, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of 50% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
(d) individuals who were the Board’s nominees for election as directors immediately prior to a meeting of the stockholders of the Company involving an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, cease to constitute a majority of the Board following the election; or
(e) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company;
provided
,
however
, that the term “Change in Control” does not include (1) a public offering of capital stock of the Company that is effected pursuant to a registration statement filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, or (2) any transaction pursuant to which shares of capital stock of the Company are transferred or issued to any trust, charitable organization, foundation, family partnership or other entity controlled directly or indirectly by, or established for the benefit of, the Executive or their immediate family members (including spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings, in each case to include in-laws and adoptive relations), or transferred to any such immediate family members.
In addition, in no event shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred, with respect to the Executive, if the Executive is part of a purchasing group which consummates the Change in Control transaction. The Executive shall be deemed "part of a purchasing group" for purposes of the preceding sentence if the Executive is an equity participant in the purchasing company or group (except for: (i) passive ownership of less than two percent (2%) of the stock of the purchasing company; or (ii) ownership of equity participation in the purchasing company or group which is otherwise not significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control by a majority of the non-Executive continuing Directors).
7.3
Change of Control Period
. "Change in Control Period" shall mean the period of time commencing with the date on which the Company becomes aware of the Change in Control or becomes aware of a proposed transaction which reasonably could be expected to result in a Change in Control and ending on the first to occur of two (2) years after the effective date of the Change in Control or the date on which the proposed transaction no longer is reasonably expected to occur.
7.4
[RESERVED
7.5 [RESERVED]
7.6
[RESERVED]
8.
Noncompetition/Nondisclosure
.
8.1
Executive’s Acknowledgment
. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that in order to assure the Company that it will retain its value as a going concern, it is necessary that the Executive undertake not to utilize his special knowledge of the Company’s business of developing, commercializing and licensing organic and Gallium Arsenide photovoltaic technologies and intellectual properties related thereto (the “Business”) and his relationships with those in the Company’s industry, customers and suppliers to compete with the Company. Executive further acknowledges that: (i) the Company is and will be engaged in the Business; (ii) Executive has occupied a position of trust and confidence with the Company prior to the date of this Agreement and, during such period the Executive has, and during the term of this Agreement the Executive will, become familiar with the Company’s trade secrets and with other proprietary and confidential information concerning the Company and the Business; (iii) the agreements and covenants contained in this Section 8 are essential to protect the Company and the goodwill of the Business; and (iv) the Executive’s employment with the Company has special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and the Company would suffer irreparable harm, for which money damages would not constitute adequate compensation, if Executive were to provide services to any person or entity in violation of the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise violate any of the terms of this Section 8.
8.2
Competitive Activities
. The Executive hereby agrees that for a period (the “Restricted Period”) commencing on the date hereof and ending three years following the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for whatever reason, Executive shall not, on behalf of himself or any other individual or group of individuals, firm, company, corporation, partnership, trust or other entity or enterprise or successor in interest to any of the foregoing, or any employee, partner, officer, director, partner, or stockholder of any of the foregoing (each individually, a Person and collectively, “Persons”), directly or indirectly, as an employee, proprietor, stockholder, partner, consultant, or otherwise, engage in any business or activity directly competitive with the Business or any of the business activities of the Company as they are now, currently proposed to be, or are, at the time in question, undertaken by the Company, anywhere in North America (the “Territory”), except as expressly approved by the Board in writing. With respect to the Territory, Executive specifically acknowledges that the Company has conducted the Business throughout those areas comprising the Territory and the Company intends to continue to expand the Business throughout the Territory.
8.3
Blue-Pencil
. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall at any time deem the term of this Agreement or any particular covenant contained in this Section 8, including, without limitation, the Restricted Period, to be too lengthy or the Territory to be too extensive, the other provisions of this Section 8 shall nevertheless stand, the Restricted Period shall be deemed to be the longest period permissible by law under the circumstances and the Territory shall be deemed to comprise the largest territory permissible by law under the circumstances. The court in each case shall reduce the Restricted Period and/or the Territory to permissible duration or size.
8.4
Confidential Information
. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, the Executive shall keep secret and retain in strictest confidence, and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, furnish, make available or disclose to any third party or use for the benefit of herself or any third party, any Confidential Information. As used in this Section 8.4, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean any information relating to the business or affairs of the Company or the Business, including, but not limited to, information relating to financial statements, customer identities, potential customers, employees, suppliers, servicing methods, equipment, programs, strategies and information, analyses, profit margins or other proprietary information used by the Company in connection with the Business such as its pending or contemplated research projects, technical limitations or developments and any content of attorney/Company communications to which Executive was privy; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information which is the public domain, becomes generally known in the industry through no wrongful act on the part of the Executive or as required to be disclosed by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is vital, sensitive, confidential and proprietary to the Company.
9.
Inventions and Other Intellectual Property
. The Executive hereby agrees that all right, title and interest in and to all of Executive’s “Creations” and work product made during the term of the Executive’s employment with the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall belong solely to the Company, whether or not they are protected or protectible under applicable patent, trademark, service mark, copyright or trade secret laws. For purposes of this Section 9, the term “Creations” shall mean all inventions, designs, discoveries, books, newsletters, manuscripts, articles, research, compilations, improvements, and other works which are or may be copyrighted, trade-marked or patented or otherwise constitute works of intellectual property which may be protected (including, without limitation, any information relating to the Company’s software products, source code, know-how, processes, designs, algorithms, computer programs and routines, formulae, techniques, developments or experimental work, works-in-progress, or business trade secrets whether now existing, or hereafter developed during the Employment Period) made or conceived or reduced to practice by the Company. Executive agrees that all work or other material containing or reflecting any such Creations shall be deemed work made for hire as defined in Section 101 of the Copyright Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 101. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any such works are not works made for hire, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all of Executive’s right, title and interest, including all rights of copyright, patent, and other intellectual property rights, to or in such Creations.
Executive covenants that he shall keep the Company informed of the development of all Creations made, conceived or reduced to practice by the Company, in whole or in part, by Executive or any other alone or with others, which either result from any work Executive may do for, or at the request of, the Company, or are related to the Company’s present or contemplated activities, investigations, or obligations. Executive further agrees that (i) at the Company’s request and expense, he will execute any assignments or any other documents or instruments necessary to transfer all rights any such Creations to the Company and (ii) he will cooperate with the Company or its nominee in perfecting the Company’s title (or the title of the Company’s nominee) in any or all such materials.
10.
Interference with Relationships
.
10.1
Suppliers, Customers, Service Providers
. During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, as employee, agent, consultant, stockholder, director, partner or in any other individual or representative capacity intentionally solicit or encourage any present or future customer, employee, consultant, service provider, stockholder, officer, director or supplier of or service provider to the Company to terminate or otherwise alter his, their or its relationship with the Company in a manner having an adverse effect on the Company or the Business.
10.2
No Breach
. Executive represents and warrants that he is not under any contractual obligation to any party, which obligation would prevent him from accepting full-time employment with the Company or from otherwise fulfilling any of his obligations under this Agreement. Executive hereby agrees to indemnify the Company and hold it and its officers and directors harmless from and against any and all claims against or any losses or liabilities, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by, the Company or any of its officers or directors derived from any breach or failure of the representation and warranty contained in this Section10.2.
11.
Return of Company Materials Upon Termination
. Executive acknowledges that all email or other written information involving or concerning any Company research project, results or ideas (from or to any company employee, consultant or researcher), as well as any attorney communication of any kind, related to the Company’s Business, price lists, sales manuals, catalogs, binders, customer lists and other customer information, supplier lists, financial information, business plans, corporate records, working notes, work product, sales manuals, catalogs, binders and other records or documents containing any Confidential Information prepared by Executive or coming into Executive’s possession by virtue of Executive’s employment by the Company, other than personal information belonging to the Executive, is and shall remain the property of the Company and that immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall return all such items in his possession, together with all copies thereof, to the Company.
12.
Indemnification
. The Company hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive fully, completely, and absolutely against and in respect to any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs, expenses (including attorney's fees), losses, and damages resulting from the Executive's good faith performance of his duties and obligations under the terms of this Agreement, and as it relates to any such other duties performed by the Executive at or for the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, such as GPEC, subject to compliance with any applicable requirements and limitations improved by the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws as in effect on the date hereof and applicable law.
13.
Assignment
13.1
Assignment by Company
. This Agreement may and shall be assigned or transferred to, and shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of, any successor of the Company, and any such successor shall be deemed substituted for all purposes of the "Company" under the terms of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term "successor" shall mean any person, firm, corporation, or business entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase, or otherwise, acquires all or substantially all of the assets or the business of the Company. Notwithstanding such assignment, the Company shall remain, with such successor, jointly and severally liable for all its obligations hereunder.
Except as herein provided, this Agreement may not otherwise be assigned by the Company.
13.2
Assignment by Executive
. The services to be provided by the Executive to the Company hereunder are personal to the Executive, and the Executive's duties may not be assigned by the Executive; provided, however that this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, and administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If the Executive dies while any amounts payable to the Executive hereunder remain outstanding, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive's devisee, legatee, or other designee or, in the absence of such designee, to the Executive's estate or trust.
13.3
Name Change
. Upon any name change by Company, no assignment need occur as the same entity is bound by the terms of this Agreement.
14.
Dispute Resolution and Notice
.
14.1
Dispute Resolution
. Either the Executive or the Company may elect to have any good faith dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement settled by arbitration, by providing written notice of such election to the other party hereto, specifying the nature of the dispute to be arbitrated, provided that if the other party objects to the use of arbitration within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such notice, the dispute may only be settled by litigation unless otherwise agreed.
If arbitration is selected, such proceeding shall be conducted before a panel of three (3) arbitrators sitting in a location agreed to by the Company and the Executive within fifty (50) miles from the location of the Executive's principal place of employment, in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrators in any court having competent jurisdiction.
To the extent that the Executive prevails in any litigation or arbitration seeking to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Company of all expenses of such litigation or arbitration, including the reasonable fees and expenses of the legal representative for the Executive, and necessary costs and disbursements incurred as a result of such dispute or legal proceeding.
14.2
Notice
. Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices.
15.
No Mitigation
. The Executive shall have no duty to seek other employment and the amounts, benefits and entitlements payable to the Executive hereunder or otherwise shall not be subject to reduction, offset or repayment for any compensation received by the Executive from services provided by the Executive following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
16.
Section 409A
.
16.1 The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
16.2
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death, to the extent required under Code Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Agreement (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
16.3
To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits under this Agreement constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, (A) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by the Executive, (B) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (C) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
16.4 For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.
16.5 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
17.
Adjustment
. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that as a result of any payment or distribution by the Company to or for Executive’s benefit whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the “
Payments
”), Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Sections
409A,
280G or Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “
Excise Tax
”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “
Gross-Up Payment
”) in an amount such that, after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive is in the same after-tax position as if no Excise Tax had been imposed upon Executive with respect to the Payments, provided further that such Gross-Up Payment shall be made prior to April 15th of the calendar year following the year in which Executive receive any payment or distribution from the Company which gives rise to a Gross-Up Payment.
18.
Miscellaneous
18.1
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, between the parties hereto, or between the Executive and the Company, with respect to the subject matter hereof and constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect thereto.
18.2
Modification
. This Agreement shall not be varied, altered, modified, canceled, changed, or in any way amended except by mutual agreement of the parties in a written instrument executed by the parties hereto or their legal representatives.
18.3
Severability
. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
18.4
Tax Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any benefits payable under this Agreement all Federal, state, city, or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.
18.5
Beneficiaries
. The Executive may designate one or more persons or entities as the primary and/or contingent beneficiaries of any amounts to be received under this Agreement. Such designation must be in the form of a signed writing acceptable to the Board or the Board's designee. The Executive may make or change such designation at any time.
18.6
Board Committee
. Any action to be taken, or determination to be made, by the Board of Directors under this Agreement may be taken or made by the Compensation Committee or any other Committee authorized by the Board of Directors to act on its behalf.
18.7
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the internal, substantive laws of the State of New York, without regards to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
18.8
Inurement
. This Agreement is binding on the parties and on their heirs, personal representatives, administrators, successors and assigns.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and the Company have executed this Agreement on October 22, 2013.
Universal Technology Systems Corp.
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Executive:
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By:
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By:
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John D. Kuhns, Executive Chairman
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Page 17
Exhibit 10.5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of October 22, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Universal Technology Systems Corp., a Florida Corporation (the "Company"), and Robert J. Fasnacht (the "Executive"). This Agreement supersedes the employment agreement between Executive and Company dated September 24, 2013.
W
I
T
N
E
S
S
E
T
H
:
The Executive is presently employed by the Company in the capacity of its President and Chief Operating Officer and possesses considerable experience and an intimate knowledge of the business and affairs of the Company, its policies, methods, personnel and operations. The Company recognizes that the Executive's contributions to Global Photonic Energy Corporation (“GPEC”) have been substantial and meritorious and that the Executive has demonstrated unique qualifications to act in an executive capacity for the Company, not that the merger between it and GPEC is complete. The Company is desirous of assuring the continued employment of the Executive and the Executive is desirous of having such assurance.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1.
Term of Employment
. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to continue to serve the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein, for an initial period of five (5) years commencing as of October 1, 2013 (the "Effective Date"); subject, however, to earlier termination as expressly provided herein. The initial five (5) year period of employment automatically shall be extended for one (1) additional year at the end of the initial five (5) year term and then again for each successive year thereafter. However, either party may terminate this Agreement at the end of the initial five (5) year period, or at the end of any successive one (1) year term thereafter, by giving the other party written notice of intent not to renew, delivered at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of such initial period or successive term. In the event such notice of intent not to renew is properly delivered, this Agreement, along with all corresponding rights, duties and covenants, automatically shall expire at the end of the initial period or successive term then in progress (except as otherwise provided herein).
Regardless of the above, if at any time during the initial period of employment, or any successive term, a Change in Control of the Company occurs (as defined in Section 7 hereof), then the term of this Agreement thereafter shall be the longer of: (a) one (1) year beyond the month in which the effective date of such Change in Control occurs; or (b) the term as otherwise provided by this Section 1.
2.
Position and Responsibilities
. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The Executive shall have the duties and functions that are generally associated with the position of President and Chief Operating Officer and will be responsible for such other duties as may from time to time be reasonably assigned to him by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Executive’s duties shall be as assigned from time-to-time by the Board, but shall include, but not be limited to, the following: diligently perform to the best of the Executive’s ability all of the duties required in the day-to-day management of the Company as its President and Chief Operating Officer, all of which shall be under the direction and supervision of the Executive Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer and the Board,
and to perform any other matter as enumerated in the Company’s By-laws.
3.
Performance of Duties
. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his working time to the performance of his responsibilities and duties hereunder and shall comply with the policies of the Company with respect to conflict of interest and business ethics from time to time in effect. During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, render services, whether or not compensated, to any other person or entity as an employee, independent contractor or otherwise;
provided
,
however
, that, except as provided in Section 8.1 below, nothing contained herein shall restrict the Executive from: (i) rendering services to charitable organizations and from managing his personal investments in such manner as shall not interfere with the performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder; or (ii) serving on the board of directors of any other entity so long as (a) such entity is not in a business which is competitive with that of the Company, (b) such service does not interfere with the performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder and (c) the Executive receives the prior approval of the Board with respect to such service.
4.
Compensation
. As remuneration for all services to be rendered by the Executive during the term of this Agreement, and as consideration for complying with the covenants herein, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the following:
4.1
Base Salary
. The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) in an amount which shall be established from time to time by the Board, provided that such base salary shall not be less than $360,000 per year (“Base Salary”). The foregoing Base Salary shall be paid on the first of each month and shall have an automatic 3% cost of living increase applied to it on first anniversary date of the Agreement. This new adjusted salary shall be considered the Base Salary for year two. Thereafter at each anniversary, of this agreement, the then Base Salary shall have a 3% cost of living increase, which shall be the new Base Salary for that year, and so on. This Base Salary shall be paid to the Executive in installments throughout the year consistent with the normal payroll practices of the Company. The Board’s Compensation Committee will review the Executive’s Salary at least once per year and may, in its discretion, increase (but not decrease) the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s compensation policies.
4.2
Annual Bonus
. In addition to his Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus (the "Bonus") in respect of each fiscal year during the term of this Agreement on the basis of a formula or criteria to be developed by the Board. The Bonus shall be payable to the Executive in cash as promptly as practical after the completion by the Company of an audit of its financial statements for the fiscal year to which such bonus relates. The Bonus amount shall be recommended by the Company’s CEO (after considering the Executive’s performance, the performance of the Company and any other factors considered significant or relevant to the decision) and it shall be subject to approval by the Compensation Committee and then the full Board of Directors.
4.3
Compensation Plans
. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in such profit-sharing, 401K, stock option, bonus and performance award programs as are made available generally to executive officers of the Company, such participation to be on a basis which is commensurate with the Executive's position with the Company.
4.4
Health Care and Other Benefits
. The Executive shall receive full family plan coverage under any health and dental insurance plans established for the company and in addition to the foregoing the Executive will be entitled to participate at Company expense in the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, with full examinations no less frequent than annually, throughout the term of this Agreement and its extensions. In addition to the foregoing, the Executive shall also be entitled to participate in all other benefit programs that the Company establishes and makes available to its employees to the extent the Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health and other qualifications make him eligible to participate, and shall be entitled to receive such perquisites as are made available generally to executive officers of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to five weeks paid vacation per year to be taken at such times as may be approved by the Board or its designee. Executive is entitled to accrue their vacation time and shall be paid for any unused vacation upon death, disability or termination of employment or non-renewal of this Agreement.
4.5
[RESERVED]
4.6
Stock Options
. Without limiting the foregoing, on the Effective Date, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and any other applicable option plans (the “Plan”). All issuances under that plan including stock options, shall be determine by the Compensation Committee of the Board and then approved by the full Board, and shall be in such type, amounts, timing and distribution terms as it determines to be appropriate. In addition, the Executive shall be eligible to receive grants of additional equity and options on an annual basis at the sole discretion of the Board.
5.
Expenses/Stipend Allowance
. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary documented travel, entertainment and other out-of-pocket expenses that the Executive incurs on behalf of the Company in the course of his employment hereunder in accordance with the Company’s normal policies and provisions regarding such reimbursements. This may include a monthly stipend allowance for the Executive in an amount and for the purposes as determined by the Board.
6.
Employment Terminations.
6.1
Termination Due to Death
. In the event the Executive's employment is terminated while this Agreement is in force by reason of death, the Executive shall receive the elements of vested and unvested pay and benefits described in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Executive's beneficiaries, estate, or trust, as applicable, a pro rata share of any vested Salary or Bonus to which the Executive would have been entitled for the fiscal year in which employment termination occurs, based on the results of the Company for such fiscal year and any death benefit as determined by the Board.
6.2
Termination Due to Disability
. In the event that the Executive becomes Disabled (as defined below) during the term of this Agreement and is, therefore, unable to perform his duties herein for more than one hundred eighty (180) total calendar days during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, or in the event of the Board's reasonable expectation that the Executive's Disability will exist for more than a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days, the Company shall have the right to terminate the Executive's active employment as provided in this Agreement. However, the Board shall deliver written notice to the Executive of the Company's intent to terminate for Disability at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of such termination. A termination for Disability shall become effective upon the end of the thirty (30) day notice period. Upon such effective date, the Company's obligation to pay and provide to the Executive the elements of pay described in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 shall immediately expire, except to the extent that the benefits described in Section 4.4 continue after Disability under the terms of the benefit plans and programs which apply generally to the Company's executives and except that the Executive shall receive all rights and benefits that he is vested in pursuant to other plans and programs of the Company. In addition, the Company shall pay to the Executive a pro rata share of his Bonus for the fiscal year in which employment termination occurs, based on the results for such fiscal year, determined as provided in Section 6.1, and may award him equity under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.
The term "Disability" shall mean, for all purposes of this Agreement, the incapacity of the Executive, due to injury, illness, disease, or bodily or mental infirmity, to engage in the performance of substantially all of the usual duties of employment with the Company as contemplated by Section 2 herein, such Disability to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon receipt and in reliance on competent medical advice from one (1) or more individuals, selected by the Board, who are qualified to give such professional medical advice.
It is expressly understood that the Disability of the Executive for a period of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days or less in the aggregate during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, in the absence of any reasonable expectation that his Disability will exist for more than such a period of time, shall not constitute a failure by his to perform his duties hereunder and shall not be deemed a breach or default and the Executive shall receive full compensation for any such period of Disability or for any other temporary illness or incapacity during the term of this Agreement.
6.3
Voluntary Termination by the Executive
. The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving the Board written notice of intent to terminate, delivered at least ninety (90) days prior to the effective date of such termination.
Upon the expiration of the ninety (90) day notice period, the termination by the Executive shall become effective. The Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary, at the rate then in effect as provided in Section 4.1 herein, through the effective date of termination, plus all other benefits to which the Executive has a vested right to at that time (for this purpose, the Executive shall not be paid any Bonus with respect to the fiscal year in which voluntary termination under this Section 6.3 occurs). The Company and the Executive shall have no further obligations under this Agreement after the effective date of such termination, except as set forth in this Agreement, including Sections 8 or 9 hereof.
6.4
Involuntary Termination by the Company Without Cause
. The Board may terminate the Executive's employment, as provided under this Agreement, at any time, for reasons other than death, Disability or for Cause (as defined in Section 6.5 hereof), by notifying the Executive in writing of the Company's intent to terminate, at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of such termination. Upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period the termination by the Company shall become effective, and the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the benefits set forth in this Section 7.1.
6.5
Termination For Cause
. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Board from terminating the Executive's employment under this Agreement for "Cause."
"Cause" shall be determined by the Board in the exercise of good faith and reasonable judgment, and shall be defined as: (i) conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or serious crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) fraud on or misappropriation of any funds or property of the Company; (iii) personal dishonesty, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of fiduciary duty which involves personal profit; (iv) habitual and willful misconduct in connection with the Employee's duties; (v)
chronic use of alcohol, drugs or other similar substances which affects the Employee’s work performance;
(vi) breach of a material provision of any employment, non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation or other similar agreement executed by the Employee for the benefit of the Company; (vii) Executive’s willful refusal to carry out written instructions of his direct supervisor, the CEO or the Board which are consistent with Executive's position with the Company; or (viii) Executive’s willful disclosure of any trade secrets or confidential corporate information of the Corporation to persons not authorized to know same, unless such disclosure is, based upon advice of counsel, reasonably determined by Executive to be required by any law or court order. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Board for Cause, the Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary through the effective date of the employment termination and the Executive shall immediately thereafter forfeit all rights and benefits (other than vested benefits) he would otherwise have been entitled to receive under this Agreement, including any right to a Bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs. The Company and the Executive thereafter shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, except as set forth in Sections 8 or 9 hereof. In order to be terminated under subsections (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii) hereunder, the Executive shall first have been given thirty (30) days written notice setting forth the grounds for such discharge and, within, such 30-day period, shall not have ceased or otherwise cured (to the reasonable satisfaction of his supervisor, the CEO or the Board, as applicable) the activity or activities or omissions constituting the grounds for such discharge.
6.6
Termination for Good Reason
. At any time during the term of this Agreement, the Executive may terminate this Agreement for Good Reason (as defined below) by giving the Board of Directors of the Company thirty (30) calendar days written notice of intent to terminate, which notice sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for such termination. Upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period, the Good Reason termination shall become effective, and the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive the benefits set forth in this Section 6.6.
“Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive's express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
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(a)
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the assignment of the Executive to duties materially inconsistent with the Executive's authorities, duties, responsibilities and status (including offices, titles, and reporting requirements) as an executive of the Company, or a reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive's authorities, duties, or responsibilities from those in effect during the immediately preceding fiscal year, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
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(b)
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a reduction by the Company in the Executive's Base Salary as in effect on the Effective Date, as provided in Section 4.1 herein; or
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(c)
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the failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 10.1 herein.
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Upon a termination of the Executive's employment for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the same payments and benefits, payable in the same manner, as he is entitled to receive in Section 7.1.
The Executive's right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive's continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein.
6.7
Non-Renewal by Company
. Upon any termination of this Agreement as a result of a notice of non-renewal by the Company pursuant to Section 1 hereof (a “Non-Renewal”), upon the effective date of such termination, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive his Base Salary then in effect for a period of six (6) full months following the effective date of such termination and shall thereafter provide to the Executive a continuation of his health and welfare benefits, including those related to the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, during such six (6) month period. If for any reason the Company is unable to continue the foregoing benefits as required by the preceding sentence, the Company shall either provide equivalent benefits to the Executive or pay to the Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the benefits which the Company is unable to provide. Continuation of health benefits under this Section 6.7 will count against, and will not extend, the period during which benefits are required to be continued under COBRA. In addition, the Company shall make a prorated payment of the Executive’s Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs.
6.8 [RESERVED]
6.9
Condition to Payment.
All amounts payable by the Company to the Employee upon or with respect to the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Company shall be contingent upon and in consideration for Employee's execution and delivery to the Company of a general release agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company, which releases all of the Employee's claims against the Company relating in any way to Employee's employment with the Company and the termination of the Employee's employment by the Company or for additional compensation under the terms of this Agreement.
7.
Change In Control
.
7.1
Employment Terminations in Connection with a Change in Control
. In the event of a Qualifying Termination (as defined below) during a Change of Control Period, the Company shall pay to the Executive and provide him with benefits in lieu of the benefits which otherwise would have been payable under this Agreement such that the total benefits payable to the Executive shall be as follows:
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(a)
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A lump sum amount equal to three (3) times the highest rate of the Executive's annualized Base Salary rate in effect at any time up to and including the effective date of termination;
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(b)
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A lump sum amount equal to three (3) times the higher of the Executive's Bonus for the last fiscal year prior to the Change in Control or the average annual Bonus paid to the Executive for the last three (3) fiscal years prior to the Change in Control;
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(c)
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An amount equal to the Executive's unpaid Base Salary and pro rata Bonus through the effective date of termination, determined as provided in Section 6.4; and,
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(d)
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A continuation of health and welfare benefits, including enrollment in the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, for twelve (12) full months from the effective date of termination. If for any reason the Company is unable to continue such benefits as required by the preceding sentence, the Company shall either provide equivalent benefits to the Executive or pay to the Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the benefits which the Company is unable to provide. Continuation of health benefits under this Section 7.1 will count against, and will not extend, the period during which benefits are required to be continued under COBRA. The continuation of these welfare benefits may be discontinued by the Company prior to the end of the twelve (12) month period in the event the Executive has available substantially similar benefits from a subsequent employer, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors.
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For purposes of this Section 7, a Qualifying Termination shall mean any termination of the Executive's employment other than: (1) by the Company for Cause; (2) by reason of death, Disability or Retirement; or (3) by the Executive without Good Reason. Payment of any lump sum amounts pursuant to this Section 7.1 will be made within sixty (60) days after the effective date of the termination of the Executive's Employment.
7.2
Definition of "Change in Control."
A Change in Control of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first to occur of any one or more of the following:
(a) the effective time of any merger, share exchange, consolidation or other reorganization or business combination of the Company if immediately after such transaction persons who hold a majority of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving entity are not persons who held a majority of the voting capital stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;
(b) the closing of a sale or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or of GPEC (except if it is to the Company or any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company);
(c) an acquisition (other than from the Company) in a transaction or a series of related transactions by any person, entity or “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “
Exchange Act
”), (excluding for this purpose, (A) the Company or its subsidiaries, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company, (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (D) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors) of beneficial ownership, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of 50% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;
(d) individuals who were the Board’s nominees for election as directors immediately prior to a meeting of the stockholders of the Company involving an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, cease to constitute a majority of the Board following the election; or
(e) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company;
provided
,
however
, that the term “Change in Control” does not include (1) a public offering of capital stock of the Company that is effected pursuant to a registration statement filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, or (2) any transaction pursuant to which shares of capital stock of the Company are transferred or issued to any trust, charitable organization, foundation, family partnership or other entity controlled directly or indirectly by, or established for the benefit of, the Executive or their immediate family members (including spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings, in each case to include in-laws and adoptive relations), or transferred to any such immediate family members.
In addition, in no event shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred, with respect to the Executive, if the Executive is part of a purchasing group which consummates the Change in Control transaction. The Executive shall be deemed "part of a purchasing group" for purposes of the preceding sentence if the Executive is an equity participant in the purchasing company or group (except for: (i) passive ownership of less than two percent (2%) of the stock of the purchasing company; or (ii) ownership of equity participation in the purchasing company or group which is otherwise not significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control by a majority of the non-Executive continuing Directors).
7.3
Change of Control Period
. "Change in Control Period" shall mean the period of time commencing with the date on which the Company becomes aware of the Change in Control or becomes aware of a proposed transaction which reasonably could be expected to result in a Change in Control and ending on the first to occur of two (2) years after the effective date of the Change in Control or the date on which the proposed transaction no longer is reasonably expected to occur.
7.4
[RESERVED]
7.5 [RESERVED]
7.6
[RESERVED]
8.
Noncompetition/Nondisclosure
.
8.1
Executive’s Acknowledgment
. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that in order to assure the Company that it will retain its value as a going concern, it is necessary that the Executive undertake not to utilize his special knowledge of the Company’s business of developing, commercializing and licensing organic and Gallium Arsenide photovoltaic technologies and intellectual properties related thereto (the “Business”) and his relationships with those in the Company’s industry, customers and suppliers to compete with the Company. Executive further acknowledges that: (i) the Company is and will be engaged in the Business; (ii) Executive has occupied a position of trust and confidence with the Company prior to the date of this Agreement and, during such period the Executive has, and during the term of this Agreement the Executive will, become familiar with the Company’s trade secrets and with other proprietary and confidential information concerning the Company and the Business; (iii) the agreements and covenants contained in this Section 8 are essential to protect the Company and the goodwill of the Business; and (iv) the Executive’s employment with the Company has special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and the Company would suffer irreparable harm, for which money damages would not constitute adequate compensation, if Executive were to provide services to any person or entity in violation of the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise violate any of the terms of this Section 8.
8.2
Competitive Activities
. The Executive hereby agrees that for a period (the “Restricted Period”) commencing on the date hereof and ending three years following the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for whatever reason, Executive shall not, on behalf of himself or any other individual or group of individuals, firm, company, corporation, partnership, trust or other entity or enterprise or successor in interest to any of the foregoing, or any employee, partner, officer, director, partner, or stockholder of any of the foregoing (each individually, a Person and collectively, “Persons”), directly or indirectly, as an employee, proprietor, stockholder, partner, consultant, or otherwise, engage in any business or activity directly competitive with the Business or any of the business activities of the Company as they are now, currently proposed to be, or are, at the time in question, undertaken by the Company, anywhere in North America (the “Territory”), except as expressly approved by the Board in writing. With respect to the Territory, Executive specifically acknowledges that the Company has conducted the Business throughout those areas comprising the Territory and the Company intends to continue to expand the Business throughout the Territory.
8.3
Blue-Pencil
. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall at any time deem the term of this Agreement or any particular covenant contained in this Section 8, including, without limitation, the Restricted Period, to be too lengthy or the Territory to be too extensive, the other provisions of this Section 8 shall nevertheless stand, the Restricted Period shall be deemed to be the longest period permissible by law under the circumstances and the Territory shall be deemed to comprise the largest territory permissible by law under the circumstances. The court in each case shall reduce the Restricted Period and/or the Territory to permissible duration or size.
8.4
Confidential Information
. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, the Executive shall keep secret and retain in strictest confidence, and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, furnish, make available or disclose to any third party or use for the benefit of herself or any third party, any Confidential Information. As used in this Section 8.4, the term “Confidential Information” shall mean any information relating to the business or affairs of the Company or the Business, including, but not limited to, information relating to financial statements, customer identities, potential customers, employees, suppliers, servicing methods, equipment, programs, strategies and information, analyses, profit margins or other proprietary information used by the Company in connection with the Business such as its pending or contemplated research projects, technical limitations or developments and any content of attorney/Company communications to which Executive was privy; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information which is the public domain, becomes generally known in the industry through no wrongful act on the part of the Executive or as required to be disclosed by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is vital, sensitive, confidential and proprietary to the Company.
9.
Inventions and Other Intellectual Property
. The Executive hereby agrees that all right, title and interest in and to all of Executive’s “Creations” and work product made during the term of the Executive’s employment with the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall belong solely to the Company, whether or not they are protected or protectible under applicable patent, trademark, service mark, copyright or trade secret laws. For purposes of this Section 9, the term “Creations” shall mean all inventions, designs, discoveries, books, newsletters, manuscripts, articles, research, compilations, improvements, and other works which are or may be copyrighted, trade-marked or patented or otherwise constitute works of intellectual property which may be protected (including, without limitation, any information relating to the Company’s software products, source code, know-how, processes, designs, algorithms, computer programs and routines, formulae, techniques, developments or experimental work, works-in-progress, or business trade secrets whether now existing, or hereafter developed during the Employment Period) made or conceived or reduced to practice by the Company. Executive agrees that all work or other material containing or reflecting any such Creations shall be deemed work made for hire as defined in Section 101 of the Copyright Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 101. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any such works are not works made for hire, Executive hereby assigns to the Company all of Executive’s right, title and interest, including all rights of copyright, patent, and other intellectual property rights, to or in such Creations.
Executive covenants that he shall keep the Company informed of the development of all Creations made, conceived or reduced to practice by the Company, in whole or in part, by Executive or any other alone or with others, which either result from any work Executive may do for, or at the request of, the Company, or are related to the Company’s present or contemplated activities, investigations, or obligations. Executive further agrees that (i) at the Company’s request and expense, he will execute any assignments or any other documents or instruments necessary to transfer all rights any such Creations to the Company and (ii) he will cooperate with the Company or its nominee in perfecting the Company’s title (or the title of the Company’s nominee) in any or all such materials.
10.
Interference with Relationships
.
10.1
Suppliers, Customers, Service Providers
. During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, as employee, agent, consultant, stockholder, director, partner or in any other individual or representative capacity intentionally solicit or encourage any present or future customer, employee, consultant, service provider, stockholder, officer, director or supplier of or service provider to the Company to terminate or otherwise alter his, their or its relationship with the Company in a manner having an adverse effect on the Company or the Business.
10.2
No Breach
. Executive represents and warrants that he is not under any contractual obligation to any party, which obligation would prevent him from accepting full-time employment with the Company or from otherwise fulfilling any of his obligations under this Agreement. Executive hereby agrees to indemnify the Company and hold it and its officers and directors harmless from and against any and all claims against or any losses or liabilities, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by, the Company or any of its officers or directors derived from any breach or failure of the representation and warranty contained in this Section10.2.
11.
Return of Company Materials Upon Termination
. Executive acknowledges that all email or other written information involving or concerning any Company research project, results or ideas (from or to any company employee, consultant or researcher), as well as any attorney communication of any kind, related to the Company’s Business, price lists, sales manuals, catalogs, binders, customer lists and other customer information, supplier lists, financial information, business plans, corporate records, working notes, work product, sales manuals, catalogs, binders and other records or documents containing any Confidential Information prepared by Executive or coming into Executive’s possession by virtue of Executive’s employment by the Company, other than personal information belonging to the Executive, is and shall remain the property of the Company and that immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall return all such items in his possession, together with all copies thereof, to the Company.
12.
Indemnification
. The Company hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive fully, completely, and absolutely against and in respect to any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs, expenses (including attorney's fees), losses, and damages resulting from the Executive's good faith performance of his duties and obligations under the terms of this Agreement, and as it relates to any such other duties performed by the Executive at or for the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, such as GPEC, subject to compliance with any applicable requirements and limitations improved by the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws as in effect on the date hereof and applicable law.
13.
Assignment
13.1
Assignment by Company
. This Agreement may and shall be assigned or transferred to, and shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of, any successor of the Company, and any such successor shall be deemed substituted for all purposes of the "Company" under the terms of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term "successor" shall mean any person, firm, corporation, or business entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase, or otherwise, acquires all or substantially all of the assets or the business of the Company. Notwithstanding such assignment, the Company shall remain, with such successor, jointly and severally liable for all its obligations hereunder.
Except as herein provided, this Agreement may not otherwise be assigned by the Company.
13.2
Assignment by Executive
. The services to be provided by the Executive to the Company hereunder are personal to the Executive, and the Executive's duties may not be assigned by the Executive; provided, however that this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, and administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If the Executive dies while any amounts payable to the Executive hereunder remain outstanding, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive's devisee, legatee, or other designee or, in the absence of such designee, to the Executive's estate or trust.
13.3
Name Change
. Upon any name change by Company, no assignment need occur as the same entity is bound by the terms of this Agreement.
14.
Dispute Resolution and Notice
.
14.1
Dispute Resolution
. Either the Executive or the Company may elect to have any good faith dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement settled by arbitration, by providing written notice of such election to the other party hereto, specifying the nature of the dispute to be arbitrated, provided that if the other party objects to the use of arbitration within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such notice, the dispute may only be settled by litigation unless otherwise agreed.
If arbitration is selected, such proceeding shall be conducted before a panel of three (3) arbitrators sitting in a location agreed to by the Company and the Executive within fifty (50) miles from the location of the Executive's principal place of employment, in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrators in any court having competent jurisdiction.
To the extent that the Executive prevails in any litigation or arbitration seeking to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Company of all expenses of such litigation or arbitration, including the reasonable fees and expenses of the legal representative for the Executive, and necessary costs and disbursements incurred as a result of such dispute or legal proceeding.
14.2
Notice
. Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices.
15.
No Mitigation
. The Executive shall have no duty to seek other employment and the amounts, benefits and entitlements payable to the Executive hereunder or otherwise shall not be subject to reduction, offset or repayment for any compensation received by the Executive from services provided by the Executive following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
16.
Section 409A
.
16.1 The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Code Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
16.2
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death, to the extent required under Code Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Agreement (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
16.3
To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits under this Agreement constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A, (A) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by the Executive, (B) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (C) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
16.4 For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.
16.5 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
17.
Adjustment
. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that as a result of any payment or distribution by the Company to or for Executive’s benefit whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the “
Payments
”), Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Sections
409A,
280G or Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “
Excise Tax
”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “
Gross-Up Payment
”) in an amount such that, after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive is in the same after-tax position as if no Excise Tax had been imposed upon Executive with respect to the Payments, provided further that such Gross-Up Payment shall be made prior to April 15th of the calendar year following the year in which Executive receive any payment or distribution from the Company which gives rise to a Gross-Up Payment.
18.
Miscellaneous
18.1
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, between the parties hereto, or between the Executive and the Company, with respect to the subject matter hereof and constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect thereto.
18.2
Modification
. This Agreement shall not be varied, altered, modified, canceled, changed, or in any way amended except by mutual agreement of the parties in a written instrument executed by the parties hereto or their legal representatives.
18.3
Severability
. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
18.4
Tax Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any benefits payable under this Agreement all Federal, state, city, or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.
18.5
Beneficiaries
. The Executive may designate one or more persons or entities as the primary and/or contingent beneficiaries of any amounts to be received under this Agreement. Such designation must be in the form of a signed writing acceptable to the Board or the Board's designee. The Executive may make or change such designation at any time.
18.6
Board Committee
. Any action to be taken, or determination to be made, by the Board of Directors under this Agreement may be taken or made by the Compensation Committee or any other Committee authorized by the Board of Directors to act on its behalf.
18.7
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the internal, substantive laws of the State of New York, without regards to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
18.8
Inurement
. This Agreement is binding on the parties and on their heirs, personal representatives, administrators, successors and assigns.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and the Company have executed this Agreement on October 22, 2013.
Universal Technology Systems Corp.
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Executive:
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By:
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By:
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John D. Kuhns, Executive Chair
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Page 17
Exhibit 10.6
RESEARCH AGREEMENT
This Research Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Global Photonic Energy Corporation (“Sponsor”), a Pennsylvania corporation and the University of Southern California (“University”), a California nonprofit educational institution incorporated under the laws of the State of California, effective the 1
ST
day of May, 1998.
Recitals
WHEREAS, the research project contemplated by this Agreement is of mutual interest and benefit to University and to Sponsor, will further the instructional, scholarship and research objectives of University in a manner consistent with its status as a nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational institution, and may derive benefits for both Sponsor and University through inventions, improvements and discoveries;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual convents herein contained, the parties hereto agree to the following:
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1.1
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“Research” shall mean the project described in Appendix A hereof, under the direction Mark E. Thompson, Ph.D. (“Principal Investigator”).
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1.2
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“University Intellectual Property” shall mean individually and collectively all inventions, improvements and discoveries, whether or not covered by intellectual property protection, which are conceived or made by one or more employees of University in performance of the Research.
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2.1
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University shall use reasonable efforts to perform such Research substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding. Sponsor and University may at any time amend the Research by mutual written agreement.
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2.2
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In the event that the Principal Investigator become unable or unwilling to continue the Research, and a mutually acceptable substitute is not available, University or Sponsor shall have the option to terminate this Agreement.
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2.3
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Nothing in the Agreement shall be construed to limit the freedom of researchers, whether participants in this Agreement or not, from engaging in similar research inquires made independently under other grants, contracts or agreements with parties other than Sponsor.
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This period of performance of this Agreement is May 1, 1998 through April 20, 2001. This Agreement shall become effective upon the date of last signature hereto and shall continue in effect for the full duration of the period of performance unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Article 14.
University shall furnish Sponsor letter reports in such frequency as mutually agreed to by the parties summarizing the work conducted, but no less frequently than quarterly. A final report setting forth the accomplishments and significant research findings shall be prepared by University and submitted to Sponsor within ninety (90) days of the expiration of the Agreement.
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5.
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Costs, Billings and Other Support
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5.1
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It is agreed and understood by the parties hereto that, subject to Article 22, total costs to the Sponsor hereunder shall not exceed the amount of ($2,874,238). Payment shall be made by Sponsor in advance according to the following schedule.
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May 1, 1998 – April 30, 1999 = $922,086
May 1, 1998 - $153,681
July 1, 1998 - $153,681
September 1, 1998 - $153,681
November 1, 1998 - $153,681
January 1, 1999 - $153,681
March 1, 1999 - $153,681
Actual payments for the period May 1, 1999 - April 30, 2000 shall be calculated as follows:
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(a)
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Sponsor shall pay University $959, 339 less any amount unexpended from the prior 12 month period. Six equal payments will be made in advance following the established payment schedule.
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(b)
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Notice of such amount including the month of April shall be delivered to Sponsor no later than April 1, 1999.
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Actual payments for the period May 1, 2000 - April 30, 2001 shall be calculated as follows:
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(a)
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Sponsor shall pay University $992,814 less any amount unexpended from the prior 12 month period. Six equal payments will be made in advance following the established payment schedule.
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(b)
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Notice of such an amount including the month of April shall be delivered to Sponsor no later than April 1, 2000.
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5.2
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Checks shall be made payable to University of Southern California and sent to:
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University of Southern California
Department of Contracts & Grants
837 W. 36th Place
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1147
Attn: Nann L. Bennett
Fed. ID No. 95-1642394
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5.3
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In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article 14 hereof, Sponsor shall pay all costs accrued by University as of date of termination, including noncancellable obligations. Such obligations shall include all noncancellable graduate fellowships and appointments called for in Appendix A incurred prior to the effective date of termination. After termination, any obligation of the Sponsor for graduate fellowships and appointments shall end no later than the end of University's academic year following termination.
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5.4
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University shall furnish to Sponsor on an annual expenditure report, within 30 days of each anniversary date of this Agreement, outlining spending by major budget categories listed in the proposal budget.
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5.5
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The payment schedule can be modified upon mutual agreement of the parties.
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5.6
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Interest shall accrue on the amounts paid by Sponsor until spent by the University. The accrued interest will be used to support this project.
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5.7
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Subcontract payments included in the total amount and budgeted for Princeton University total $1,547,990:
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Year 1 - $504,926
Year 2 - $505,593
Year 3 - $537,471
Neither party shall publicly use the name, trade name, trademark or other designation of the other party in connection with any products, promotion or advertising without the prior written permission of the other party This shall not include documents available to the public that identify the existence of the Agreement, including financial documents, interviews, press releases, or similar documents relating to this Agreement or the License Agreement. University shall use reasonable efforts to acknowledge Sponsor as the exclusive licensee of the solar energy and hydrogen energy technologies in any press release.
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7.1
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University shall have the right, at its discretion, to release information or to publish any material resulting from the Research. University shall furnish Sponsor with a copy of any proposed publication thirty (30) days prior to submission for publication for review and comment. Sponsor may request University to delay publishing such proposed publication for a maximum of an additional sixty (60) days in order to protect the potential possibility of any invention described therein.
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7.2
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University shall give Sponsor the option of receiving an acknowledgement in any publication for its sponsorship of the research.
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8.1
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During the course of this Agreement, Sponsor may provide University with certain information, data, or material in writing which Sponsor has clearly marked as confidential or proprietary in nature. University shall receive and hold such information in confidence and agrees to use its reasonable efforts to prevent disclosure to third parties of said information in the manner University treats its own similar information.
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8.2
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University shall not consider information disclosed to it by sponsor confidential which: (1) is now common knowledge or subsequently becomes such through no breach of this Agreement; (2) is rightfully in University's possession prior to Sponsor's disclosure as shown by written records; (3) is disclosed to University by an independent third party; or (4) is independently developed by or for University without benefit of confidential information received from Sponsor.
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9.1
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All rights and title to University Intellectual Property under the Research shall belong to University and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the License Agreement as hereinafter defined.
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9.2
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University will promptly notify Sponsor of any University Intellectual Property. Sponsor shall, upon reviewing such notification, determine whether to request University to file, prosecute and maintain any patent application or application for other intellectual property protection, domestic or foreign, in University's name. Sponsor shall bear all reasonable costs incurred in connection with such preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance directed to said University Intellectual Property. University shall keep Sponsor advised as to all developments with respect to such applications and Sponsor shall be given an opportunity to review and comment thereon.
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9.3
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If Sponsor decides to discontinue the financial support of the application for intellectual property protection, University shall be free to file or continue prosecution and maintenance on any such application, at University's sole expense. If Sponsor elects to discontinue the financial support of the application for intellectual property protection prior to Issuance of a valid patent, Sponsor thereby waives and gives up any fight it may have under Section 10 below to license University Intellectual Property.
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Title to any inventions first conceived by University personnel in the performance of the work funded under this Agreement shall vest in University. University hereby grants to Sponsor the exclusive license to any and all such inventions on terms and conditions of a certain License Agreement of even date herewith.
Title to any inventions first conceived by Princeton personnel in the performance of the work funded under this Agreement shall vest in Princeton, and shall be managed by University in accordance with the Interinstitutional Agreement between University and Princeton, provided that Princeton notifies University of such inventions. Sponsor shall have the exclusive license to any and all such inventions on terms and conditions of a certain License Agreement of even date herewith (the "License Agreement").
University shall promptly provide a complete written disclosure for each and every invention first conceived or discovered in the performance of the work funded under this Agreement, including Princeton technologies, provided that Princeton notifies University of such inventions. All such inventions shall automatically become subject to the License Agreement.
Title to any inventions first conceived jointly by personnel from University, Princeton (provided that Princeton notifies University of such inventions), or Sponsor shall vest jointly in the names of University, Princeton or Sponsor as appropriate, and shall be subject to the License Agreement."
All rights to copyrightable materials, including computer software, first created during performance of the work funded under this Agreement shall vest in University and are subject to the License Agreement.
Any controversy or claim between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or a breach thereof, which cannot be resolved by mutual agreement, shall be settled by binding arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any Court having jurisdiction thereof. Any such arbitration shall be held in the County of Los Angeles, California.
Sponsor agrees that it will at all times be in compliance with the United States government export regulations and laws and that any sub-sponsor agreement will require that the sub-sponsor is in compliance with these regulations and laws. The Sponsor asserts that it is not now doing business with any country to which the United States government prohibits export of products under consideration in this Research.
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14.1
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Either party may terminate this Agreement upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to the other.
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14.2
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Termination of this Agreement by either party for any reason shall not effect the rights and obligations of the parties accrued prior to the effective date of termination.
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15.
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Warranties Disclaimer
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15.1
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University agrees to perform the Research in accordance with prevailing professional standards.
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15.2
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UNIVERSITY MAKES NO WARRANTIES FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESEARCH OR THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH, INCLUDING THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH OR THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. Neither the Principal Investigator, Sponsor, nor any other person is authorized to give any such warranty in the name of or on behalf of University.
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15.3
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Sponsor agrees that it will not rely solely upon technical information provided by University or the Principal Investigator in developing any invention or product, but will independently test, analyze and evaluate all inventions and products prior to manufacture and distribution of such inventions and products.
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16.
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Insurance and Indemnification
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16.1
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University agrees to maintain adequate liability insurance, such protection being applicable to officers, employees and agents while acting within the scope of their employment by University.
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16.2
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Sponsor agrees to hold harmless, indemnify and defend University, its trustees, officers, employees and agents from all liabilities, demands, damages, expenses and losses arising out of (i) performance of this Agreement, except to the extent of University's gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) Sponsor's use of the results of the Research, or (iii) Sponsor's use, manufacture or sale of products or inventions made by use of the results of the Research. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive completion or termination of this Agreement
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16.3
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Sponsor warrants that at its sole cost and expense it maintains in effect a policy or program of comprehensive general liability insurance or self-insurance in single limit coverage of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per incident and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) annual aggregate for death, bodily injury, illness or property damage to support the indemination obligations assumed herein. Such policy shall name University as an additional insured and shall provide for not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice before any cancellation or material change in coverage shall be effective. A Certificate evidencing the comprehensive general liability policy shall be delivered to University upon request.
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17.
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Independent Contractor
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University is an independent contractor under this Agreement and not an agent, servant, employee, associate, joint venture or partner of Sponsor.
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18.1
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University and Sponsor agree to abide by all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances in the performance of this Agreement.
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18.2
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This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Jurisdiction and venue of any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall lie with any court of competent jurisdiction within the County of Los Angeles.
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In the event litigation or arbitration is commended to enforce any of the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall cover, as part of the award and judgment, its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of such litigation or arbitration from the non-prevailing party
Neither party shall assign this Agreement except with the prior written consent of the other party.
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21.
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Waiver of Severability
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21.1
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No waiver by either party of any breach of any provision hereof shall constitute a waiver of any other breach of that or of any other provision hereof
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21.2
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In the event a court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction holds any provision of this Agreement to be invalid, such holding shall have no effect on the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and they shall continue in full force and effect. Upon such holding, the parties shall, within a reasonable period of time, determine whether the severed provision(s) detrimentally and materially affect the obligations or performance of either or both parties. If so affected, the parties shall, within a reasonable period of time, negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement to relieve such effects. If such negotiations do not result in mutually agreeable modification to this Agreement, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 14 herein either effected party may terminate this Agreement upon providing the other party with thirty (30) days written notice of such termination.
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22.
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Agreement Modification
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This Agreement may be modified or amended, including extension of the term of this Agreement, at any time only by a written amendment executed by both parties.
Any notices given under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the following addresses by return receipt mail, postage prepaid; by overnight courier service; or by facsimile transmission. Such notices shall be effective upon the third business day following mailing, if by mail; upon receipt, if by courier or upon confirmation of successful transmission, if by facsimile.
For Sponsor:
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
Three Bala Plaza, Suite 104 East
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Attn: Steven V. Abramson, President
For University:
University of Southern California
Department of Contracts and Grants
University Park
837 West 36th Place
Stonier Hall, Room 330
Attn: Nann L. Bennett
Copy to: Dr. Mark E Thompson
This Agreement shall not create any rights, including without limitation, third-party beneficiary rights, in any person or entity not a party to this Agreement.
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25.
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Relationship Between American Biomimetics Corporation ("ABC") and Global Photonic Energy Corporation
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ABC entered into the original Sponsored Research Agreement and License Agreement respecting the energy technology with Princeton University in August 1993. The Sponsored Research Agreement was subsequently assigned by Princeton University to University of Southern California. ABC formed GPEC to commercialize the energy technology and has transferred its rights under the Sponsored Research Agreement and License Agreement to GPEC.
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties hereto and there are no collateral, oral or written agreements or understandings. This Agreement supersedes any prior oral or written agreement or understanding between the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement in two or more counterparts, each as an original and all together as one instrument as of the date of last signature below written.
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY
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UNIVERSITY OF
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CORPORATION
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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By:
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/s/ Steven V Abramson
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By:
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/s/ Lloyd Armstrong, Jr.
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Name:
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Steven V Abramson
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Name:
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Lloyd Armstrong, Jr.
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Title:
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President
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Title:
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Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
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Date:
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6/2/98
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Date:
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5-7-98
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Exhibit 10.7
Note: Throughout this document, certain confidential material contained herein has been omitted and has been separately filed with the Commission. Each omission has been marked with an [***].
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
RESEARCH AGREEMENT
This Research Agreement is effective as of January 1, 2006 between the University of
Southern California, a non-profit, educational institution incorporated under the laws of the State of California, (hereinafter referred to as "USC") and Global Photonic Energy Corporation, a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, (hereinafter referred to as
"GPEC").
USC, has valuable experience, skill and ability in the area of photosensitive optoelectronic technology for photonic energy conversion. OPEC desires to have USC undertake a research project in the above-named, area in accordance with the scope of work described in Exhibit A, Research Proposal. USC agrees to use reasonable effort to perform the research project described therein and hereafter referred to as the "Research." The scope of work will be reviewed annually during the month of March at which time OPEC may decide not to continue to pursue tasks approved in the Research Proposal. USC will identify costs associated with future work of the task(s) and the total, budget will be reduced by that amount unless alternative task(s) are proposed and agreed upon by OPEC.
This Research Agreement between USC and GPEC is being entered into at the request of USC and arises from the fact that Professor Forrest has changed his institutional affiliation from Princeton University to the University of Michigan ("MICHIGAN"). It is the intent of the parties that, notwithstanding the fact that certain parties may be altered, no discontinuity or change in substantive tights shall be created between this Agreement, on the one hand, and the June 9, 2004 and May 1, 1998 Research Agreements, on the other. Further, both parties intend that no discontinuity or change in rights shall herein be created relative to the May 1, 1998 License Agreement or the same as amended or restated in the future, except for the fact the MICHIGAN shall become a party to the License Agreement.
3.
|
Principal Investigator
|
The Research, will, be supervised by Professor Mark E. Thompson at USC and under subcontract, Professor Stephen R. Forrest at MICHIGAN. If for any reason Professor Thompson is unable to continue to serve as Principal Investigator and a successor acceptable to both. USC and OPEC is not available, this Agreement shall be terminated as provided in Article 7.
This Research will be conducted during the period May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2009, but may be extended by agreement of the Parties.
5.
|
Reimbursement of Costs
|
GPEC shall reimburse USC for all costs incurred in connection with the Research up to the amount of $2,624,893. While it is estimated that this amount is sufficient to conduct the research, USC may submit to OPEC a revised budget requesting additional funds. Written authorization is required if either Professor Thompson or Professor Forrest wish to exceed the yearly allocations listed in the approved budget (Exhibit B).
OPEC is not liable for any cost in excess of the amount specified herein unless this Agreement is modified in writing. Any funds paid to USC and not expended upon expiration or termination of this Agreement (including all extensions thereof) shall be returned to GPEC by USC.
(a)
|
|
OPEC shall make payments to USC, with the first payment of $215,024.25 due upon invoice and within thirty (30) days from the signing of this Agreement. The balance is due in accordance with the following schedule upon invoice:
|
Date: August 1, 2006
|
Amount $215,024.25
|
Date: November 1, 2006
|
Amount $215,024.25
|
Date: February 1, 2007
|
Amount $215,024.25
|
Date: May 1, 2007
|
Amount $216,423.25
|
Date: August 1, 2007
|
Amount $216,423.75
|
Date: November 1, 2007
|
Amount $216,423.75
|
Date: February 1, 2008
|
Amount $216,423.75
|
Date: May 1, 2008
|
Amount $224,775.75
|
Date: August 1, 2008
|
Amount $224,775.75
|
Date: November 1, 2008
|
Amount $224,775.75
|
Date: February 1, 2009
|
Amount $224,775.75
|
(b)
|
|
Expenditures will be reviewed quarterly upon receipt of the financial reports to determine whether adherence to the above payment schedule should be adjusted.
|
(c)
|
|
Checks shall reference "GPEC/Dr. Mark Thompson" and shall be made payable to the University of Southern California and sent to:
|
The University of Southern California
Sponsored Projects Accounting
File Number 52095
Los Angeles, California 90074-2095
(d)
|
|
Interest shall accrue on the amounts paid by GPEC until spent by USC. The accrued interest will be used to support this project.
|
This Agreement and the Amended License Agreement dated May 1, 1998, as the same may be amended from time to time, between USC, Princeton, and OPEC are integral parts of the relationship between the parties. The parties intend that termination of both Agreements are to occur only under extreme situations, and in the absence of any reasonable alternatives, as described herein. This Agreement is designed to provide maximum flexibility to perform the Research. Therefore, not achieving the desired objective is not a ground for termination of this Agreement.
GPEC may terminate performance under this Agreement upon sixty (60) days' written notice. Upon termination, USC will be reimbursed for all costs and non-cancelable commitments incurred in the performance of the research and not yet paid for, such reimbursement together with other Payments not to exceed the total estimated project costs specified in Article 5. Upon termination, any obligation of GPEC for graduate students' support shall end no later than the end of USC's academic year following termination.. USC may terminate performance, upon sixty (60) day's -Written notice, if circumstances beyond its control preclude continuation of the research.
Title to any inventions first conceived by USC personnel in the performance of the work funded under this Agreement shall vest in USC, USC hereby grants to OPEC the exclusive license to any and all such inventions on terms and conditions of the certain. Amended License Agreement between USC, Princeton and Global Photonic Energy Corporation dated May 1, 1998, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Amended License Agreement").
Title to any inventions first conceived by MICHIGAN personnel in the performance of the work funded under this Agreement shall vest in MICHIGAN. USC shall specify in any subcontract with MICHIGAN relating hereto, that MICHIGAN shall notify both USC arid. GPEC of any such inventions funded under the subcontract and that MICHIGAN will thereby grant to GPEC the exclusive license to any and all such inventions on terms and conditions of the Amended License Agreement. The Amended License Agreement shall be managed by USC in accordance with the Interinstitutional Agreement dated May 1, 1998, as the same may be amended from time to time, between USC and Princeton.
USC shall promptly provide a complete written disclosure for each and every invention first conceived or discovered in the performance of the work funded under this Agreement, including MICHIGAN technologies disclosed to USC as required under any subcontract relating hereto. All such inventions shall automatically become subject to the Amended License Agreement.
USC shall provide timely input for the preparation and filing of intellectual property protection for invention disclosures made to OPEC tinder this Agreement.
Title to any inventions first conceived jointly by personnel from MICHIGAN, USC or GPEC shall vest jointly in the names of USC, MICHIGAN, or OPEC as appropriate, and shall be subject to the Amended License Agreement.
No other commercial entity shall fund Professor Thompson's or Professor Forrest's work in the area of photovoltaic cells for photonic energy conversion.
USC shall have the right, at its discretion, to release information or to publish any material resulting from the Research. USC shall furnish OPEC with a copy of any proposed publication thirty (30) days prior to submission for publication for review and comment. GPEC may request USC to delay publishing such proposed publication for a maximum of an additional sixty (60) days in order to protect the potential possibility of any invention described therein.
USC and MICHIGAN will provide GPEC with, an electronic copy of any presentation relating to the Research presented by the Researchers to external parties within thirty (30) days of the presentation.
USC and MICHIGAN shall give OPEC the option of receiving an acknowledgement in any publication for its sponsorship of the Research.
Selected personnel of GPEC, designated by OPEC to USC, shall have the right to confer with the Principal Investigator and his associates for such reasonable periods and at such times as are mutually agreeable.
11.
|
Publicity and Use of Names
|
Neither GPEC nor USC will use the name of the other in connection with any products, promotional literature, or advertising material without the prior written permission of the other party which shall not be unreasonably withheld, or except to the extent required by law. This shall not include documents available to the public that identify the existence of the Agreement. If appropriate, USC shall acknowledge GPEC as a sponsor and exclusive licensee of certain photovoltaics technologies for energy conversion developed in the laboratory of Professor Mark E. Thompson.
USC shall furnish OPEC calendar year quarterly reports during the term of this Agreement summarizing the research conducted. These quarterly reports shall be due the first day of the 2" month following the end of the quarter being reported. The written quarterly reports shall include review of specific research work that has been completed during the quarter, review of data and other relevant information for research work that has been completed during the quarter and an overview of specific research work plans for the following quarter and expected impact. Performance metrics (Voc, Jsc, FF, PCE ) will be reported for solar cells under standard test conditions.
A final report setting forth the accomplishments and significant research findings shall be prepared by USC and submitted to GPEC within ninety (90) days of the expiration of the Agreement.
USC shall also furnish to GPEC an annual expenditure report outlining spending by major budget categories listed in the proposed budget.
13.
|
Proprietary/Confidential Information
|
All information given to GPEC by USC or MICHIGAN or by GPEC to USC or MICHIGAN shall be used only for the purposes given and shall be held in confidence by the receiving party, except if disclosure is required by law, so long as such information (i) remains unpublished by the giving party or does not otherwise become in the public domain, (ii) is not lawfully received by the receiving party from a third party, or (iii) is independently developed by the receiving party without the benefit of such information. USC, MICHIGAN and GPEC agree to use all reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of the information provided to it by the other party. USC designated recipients shall only be Professor Mark E. Thompson. USC will ensure that its subcontractor shall also comply with this clause.
USC retains the right to refuse to accept any such information that it does not consider essential to the completion of the Research.
GPEC agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless USC and/or any trustee, officer, employee, or other representative of USC from and against all claims, demands, suits, investigations, judgments, settlements, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses of counsel acceptable to USC) arising out this Agreement, other than for damage arising out of bodily injury to persons or damage to property caused by or resulting from the sole negligence of USC, its trustees, officers, agents, or employees.
15.
|
Limitation of Liability
|
To the maximum extent permitted by law, in no event will either party be responsible for any incidental damages, consequential damages, exemplary damages of any kind, lost goodwill, lost profits, lost business and/or any indirect economic damages whatsoever regardless of whether such damages arise from claims based upon contract, negligence, tort (including strict liability or other legal theory), a breach of, any warranty or term of this agreement, and regardless of whether a party was advised or had reason to know of the possibility of incurring such damages in advance.
USC makes no warranties, express or implied, as to any matter whatsoever, including, without limitation, the condition of the research or any inventions(s) or, product(s), whether tangible or intangible, conceived, discovered, or developed under this Agreement; or the ownership, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose of the research or any such invention or product. USC shall not be liable for any direct, consequential, special or other damages suffered by any licensee or any others resulting from the use of the research or any such invention or product.
Title to any equipment purchased or manufactured in the performance of the work funded under the Agreement shall, vest in USC.
Neither party shall assign this Agreement to another without the prior written consent of the other party which will not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that OPEC may assign this Agreement to a successor in ownership of all or substantially all its business assets. Such successor shall expressly assume in writing the obligation to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any other purported assignment shall be void.
Notices, invoices, communications, and payments hereunder shall be sent to the following contacts for the parties:
For GPEC:
|
For USC:
|
Aaron L. Wadell, COO
|
Vanessa Nichols
|
Global, Photontic Energy Corporation
|
Contracts and Grants Administrator
|
375 Phillips Boulevard.
|
University of Southern California
|
Ewing, New Jersey 08618
|
837 West Downey Way
|
Phone: 609-434-0002
|
Los Angeles, CA 90087-1147
|
Fax: 801-406-3156
|
Phone: 213-740-7762
|
email:
awadell@globalphotonic.corn
|
Fax: 213-740-6070
|
|
email:
vnichols@usc.edu
|
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit the freedom of researchers who are not participants in this Agreement from engaging in similar research inquiries made independently under other grants, contracts or agreements with parties other than GPEC.
During the term of the Agreement, GPEC may appoint Visiting Personnel (Visitors) to work in support of the Research and separately toward the advancement of OPEC's technology development goals in the research laboratories of Professor Thompson and/or Professor Forrest. Visitors shall be given appropriate access to complete these goals and shall be subject to Exhibit C, Visiting Personnel Terms and Conditions.
The laws of the State of New York shall govern this Agreement.
USC and OPEC agree to abide by all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances in the performance of this Agreement.
23.
|
Subcontract to MICHIGAN
|
This research collaboration includes a subcontract with MICHIGAN which USC will execute and manage. The terms of that research agreement will be substantially the same as the current arrangement between USC and Princeton, and USC agrees to disclose those terms to OPEC at GPEC's request.
24.
|
MICHIGAN to Join Amended License Agreement and Interinstitutional Agreement
|
In connection with its roles as subcontractor hereunder, effective as of the date hereof, MICHIGAN agrees to become a party to both the Amended License Agreement and the Interinstitutional Agreement.
In the event of a dispute between the parties, the aggrieved party shall notify the other party and provide a detailed description of the alleged problem. The parties agree to use reasonable efforts to resolve such dispute by good faith negotiations and mutual agreement. In the event such informal resolution is not successful within a reasonable period of time, the parties hereby agree to submit any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to the terms of this Agreement to private and confidential arbitration by a single neutral arbitrator in New York, New York. Subject to the terms of this paragraph, the Arbitration Rules of JAMS shall govern the arbitration proceedings. The arbitrator shall be appointed by agreement of the Parties hereto or, if no agreement can be reached, by JAMS pursuant to its Rules. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all Parties to this Agreement, and judgment thereon may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrators shall have no power to add to, or subtract from or modify any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, the Amended License Agreement, and the Interinstitutional Agreement, including any amendments or changes as may be approved by the parties from time to time. The costs of the arbitration proceeding, including all attorneys' fees, shall be paid by the Party against whom the arbitrator rules. This arbitration procedure is intended to be the sole and exclusive method of resolving any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in duplicate by proper persons thereunto duly authorized.
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
|
|
University of Southern California
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Aaron L. Wadell
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Barbara A. Lewis
|
Name:
|
Aaron L. Wadell
|
|
Name:
|
Barbara A. Lewis
|
Title:
|
Chief Operating Officer
|
|
Title:
|
Deputy Director, Department of Contracts and Grants
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date:
|
4/24/06
|
|
Date:
|
4-12-06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Read and Understood:
|
|
|
|
Date:
|
April 12, 2006
|
|
|
/s/ Mark E. Thompson
|
|
|
|
Mark E. Thompson, Professor and Principal Investigator
|
|
|
|
|
Read and Understood:
|
|
|
|
Date:
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen R. Forrest
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen R. Forrest, Professor and Principal Investigator
|
EXHIBIT A
[***]
EXHIBIT B
PROPOSED GPEC BUDGET: Mark E. Thompson (P1)
|
|
|
|
|
Title: Thin Film Solid State Organic Energy Conversion Devices
|
|
|
|
|
Period of Performance: 05/01/06 - 04/30/2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
YEAR 1
|
02/15/2006 -
|
YEAR 3
|
TOTALS
|
|
05/01/2006 -
|
05/01/2007 -
|
05/01/2008 -
|
|
|
4/30/2007
|
4/30/2008
|
4/30/2009
|
|
A. SALARIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total PI and Postdoc Salaries
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Salaries
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. FRINGE BENEFITS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. MATERIALS & SUPPLIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemicals, solvents, gases,
glassware, subtrates, etc.
|
24,000
|
21,000
|
18,000
|
63,000
|
Elemental analysis, crystallography
|
1,000
|
1,000
|
1,000
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Materials & Supplies
|
25,000
|
22,000
|
19,000
|
66,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. TRAVEL
|
2,000
|
2,000
|
2,000
|
6,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Direct Costs
|
152,290
|
152,453
|
152,744
|
457,487
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. INDIRECT COSTS (MTDC)
|
|
|
|
|
2
/
1
/06 to 6/30/06, 62.5%
|
39,659
|
0
|
0
|
39,659
|
7/1/06 on, 63.0%
|
55,967
|
96,046
|
96,229
|
248,241
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indirect Costs for first $25K subcontract
|
|
|
|
|
2/1/06 to 6/30/06, 62.5%
|
15,625
|
0
|
0
|
15,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Indirect Costs
|
111,251
|
96,046
|
96,229
|
303,525
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. SUBTOTALS
|
263,541
|
248,499
|
248,973
|
761,012
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (SUBCONTRACT)
|
596,556
|
617,194
|
650,130
|
1,863,880
|
|
|
|
|
|
I. TOTAL REQUESTED
|
860,097
|
865,693
|
899,103
|
2,624,893
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. GRAND TOTAL REQUESTED
|
2,624,893
|
|
|
|
PROPOSED GPEC BUDGET: Stephen R. Forrest
|
|
|
Increment
|
1.04
|
|
|
|
Title: Thin Film Solid State Organic Energy Conversion Devices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period of Performance: 05/01/06 - 04/30/2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year 1
|
Year 2
|
Year 3
|
TOTALS
|
|
|
|
|
05/01/2006 -
|
05/01/2007 -
|
05/01/2008 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/30/2007
|
4/30/2008
|
4/30/2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Salaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AY Base
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Salaries
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. Fringe Benefits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
[***]
|
|
[***]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Materials & Supplies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemicals, solvents, gases,
glassware, etc.
|
26,225
|
27,800
|
29,760
|
83,785
|
|
|
|
MNF user fees
|
38,160
|
39,686
|
41,274
|
119,120
|
|
795
|
fee/mo/R
|
Elemental analysis, crystallography
|
2,000
|
2,080
|
2,163
|
6,243
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copying, toll, shipping, computer supplies
|
|
|
|
2,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Publication costs
|
2,000
|
2,000
|
3,000
|
7,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Materials & Supplies
|
69,110
|
72,320
|
76,981
|
218,412
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Travel
|
8,000
|
8,320
|
8,653
|
24,973
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Equipment
|
60,000
|
60,000
|
65,000
|
185,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Direct Costs
|
427,982
|
443,147
|
467,071
|
1,338,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. Indirect Costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Modified TDC base
|
293,172
|
305,345
|
321,157
|
919,674
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/15/06 to 6/30/06, 58%
|
85,020
|
|
|
85,020
|
|
|
|
7/1/06 on, 57.0%
|
83,554
|
174,047
|
183,059
|
440,660
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Indirect Costs
|
168,574
|
174,047
|
183,059
|
525,680
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Requested Per Year
|
596,556
|
617,194
|
650,130
|
1,863,879
|
|
|
|
B-2
Exhibit 10.8
VIA DHL EXPRESS MAIL AND ELECTRONIC MAIL
Mr. Amechi Akpom
April 16, 2009
Department of Contracts and Grants
University of Southern California 837
Downey Way, Room 330
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1147
Dear Mr. Akpom:
We are in receipt of your letter of April 7, 2009 concerning our sponsored research project entitled, "Thin Film Solid State Organic Energy Conversion" which began May 1, 2006 subject to the research agreement between Global Photonic Energy Corporation (GPEC ) and the University of Southern California (USC) with an effective date of January 1, 2006 (the "Sponsored Research Agreement").
As you have requested this letter authorizes:
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An extension of the research project, as outlined in "Continuation Funding: Thin Film Solid State Organic Energy Conversion Devices" proposal, under our Sponsored Research Agreement,
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The necessary budgeted funding amount for the research project extension of $6,338,341, and
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3.
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An extension of the Sponsored Research Agreement's Period of Performance to include May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2014.
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We trust that you agree with the above. Please indicate your agreement by signing below and returning a copy with your original signature to me via overnight package.
Regards
/s/ Aaron L. Wadell
Aaron L. Wadell
Chief Operating Officer
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
Mr. Amechi Akpom
April 16, 2009
Page 2
AGREED
The University of Southern California
Signed:
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/s/ Jean Chan
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Name:
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Jean Chan
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Title:
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Sr. Contract & Grant Administrator
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Department of Contracts & Grants
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Date:
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4/29/09
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cc:
Dean L. Ledger — GPEC
Amy B. Kornafel - GPEC
Dr. Mark Thompson - USC
Exhibit 10.9
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
GLOBAL PROTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
AMENDED LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, made and entered into this 14 day of May, 1998, (the Effective Date) by and between the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, a California nonprofit corporation with its principal place of business at University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 (hereinafter referred to as "USC") The Trustees of PRINCETON UNIVERSITY a not for profit educational institution duly organized and existing under the laws of the STATE OF NEW JERSEY, USA (hereinafter referred to as "PRINCETON"), and GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION, a corporation duly organized under the laws of Pennsylvania and having its principal office at Three Bala Plaza, East, Suite 104, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (hereinafter referred to as "LICENSEE").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, PRINCETON and USC are the owner of certain "Patent Rights" (as later defined herein) relating to technical information and inventions made by PRINCETON and USC faculty and staff , have the right to grant licenses under said Patent Rights, subject only to a royalty-free, nonexclusive license heretofore granted to the United States Government; and Princeton has granted LICENSEE the exclusive license to certain such Patent Rights pursuant to a certain License Agreement dated August 1, 1994 (the "August 1994 License Agreement").
WHEREAS, PRINCETON and USC have filed a number of patent applications relating to electron acceptor compositions, and charged generators in heterolamellar multilayer thin films and anticipate filing additional patents on inventions made during the course of the Sponsored Research project technologies (the -Technology") which inventions arose out of research conducted in the USC Laboratories of Dr. Mark Thompson and Princeton under the direction of Professors Stephen Forrest and Mark Thompson
WHEREAS, PRINCETON, USC and LICENSEE have entered into a continuation of a Sponsored Research Agreement, effective May 1, 1998 (hereinafter the "Sponsored Research Agreement" and attached hereto as Appendix A), to continue to support basic research in the field of the Technology under the supervision of Professor(s) Forrest at PRINCETON and Professor Thompson at USC in the amount of two million, eight hundred and seventy four thousand, two hundred and thirty eight dollars ($2,874,238) over three (3) years granting LICENSEE the exclusive worldwide license, with the right to sublicense, under any inventions and confidential information, including any Patent Rights which may be obtained thereon, arising out of said Sponsored Research Agreement, said license to be exclusive to LICENSEE subject only to any license heretofore granted to the United States Government;
WHEREAS, PRINCETON, USC and LICENSEE contemplate that additional patent applications based on inventions and information arising out of the Research Program will be filed in the future; and, LICENSEE shall be the exclusive licensee of any and all such applications and all existing Patent Rights on the terms and conditions set forth herein. and that this Amended License Agreement shall supersede the August 1994 License Agreement.
WHEREAS, LICENSEE has represented to PRINCETON and USC, to induce PRINCETON and USC to enter into this Agreement, that Licensee is experienced in the development, production, manufacture, marketing and sale of products similar to the "Licensed Product(s)" (as later defined herein) and/or the use of the "Licensed Processes" (as later defined herein) and that it shall commit itself to a thorough, vigorous and diligent program of exploiting the Patent Rights so that public utilization shall result therefrom; and
WHEREAS, LICENSEE acknowledges that if funds obtained from the U.S. Government are commingled with funds obtained from LICENSEE in support of the Sponsored Research under the Sponsored Research Agreement, then any license granted would be subject to rights in the U.S. Government under 37 CFR part 401;
WHEREAS, Princeton is a subcontractor to USC under the Sponsored Research Agreement; has entered into an Interinstitutional Agreement with USC that provides for USC to manage the Sponsored Research Agreement and this License Agreement; and intends that any inventions under the Sponsored Research Agreement be subject to this License Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I – DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
1.1
"LICENSEE" shall mean Global Photonic Energy Corporation and any
Subsidiary or Affiliate of Global Photonic Energy Corporation;
1.2 "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation, company, or other entity more than fifty percent (50) of whose voting stock is owned or controlled directly or directly by Global Photonic Energy Corporation;
1.3 "Affiliates" shall mean any entity respecting which a majority of the voting stock, or an otherwise effective controlling interest, is owned by the Shareholders of Global Photonic Energy Corporation.
1.4
"Patent Rights" shall mean the United States and foreign patent
applications set forth in Appendix B. attached hereto and made a part hereof (hereinafter referred to as the 'Patent Rights Patent Application(s)", and the United States patents and Foreign patents, including utility models and patents of importation and additions, issuing from said United States and Foreign patent applications or later-filed foreign applications based upon any of said United States patents and applications (hereinafter referred to as the "Patent Rights Patent(s)") and any continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, reissues or extensions of any of the foregoing arising out of the Research Program as set forth in the Sponsored Research Agreement, and any new inventions arising out of the Research Program.
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1.5
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"Licensed Product(s)" shall mean any product which:
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(a)
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is covered in whole or in part by (i) a pending claim contained in a Patent Rights Patent Application in the country in which the Licensed Product(s) is made, used or sold, (ii) a valid and unexpired claim contained in a Patent Rights Patent in the country in which the Licensed Product(s) is made, used or sold.
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(b)
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is manufactured by using a process which is covered in whole or in part by (i) a pending claim contained in a Patent Rights Patent Application in the country in which the Licensed Process(es) is used or (ii) a valid and unexpired claim contained in a Patent Rights Patent in the country in which the Licensed Process(es) is used.
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(c)
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is used according to a method which is covered in whole or in part by a valid and unexpired claim contained in the Patent Rights in the country in which the method is used.
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1.6 "Licensed Process(es)" shall mean a process or method which is covered in whole or in part by (i) a pending claim contained in a Patent Rights Patent Application or (ii) a valid and unexpired claim contained in a Patent Rights Patent in the country in which the process or method is used.
1.7
"Net Sales Price" shall mean LICENSEE'S billings for the Licensed
Product(s) produced hereunder less the sum of the following:
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(a)
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trade, cash and quantity discounts or rebates actually allowed or taken;
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(b)
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credits or allowances given or made for rejection or return of, and for uncollectible amounts on, previously sold Licensed Products or for retroactive price reductions,
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(c)
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any separately invoiced tax or government charge, (other than an income tax) levied on the sale, transportation or delivery of a Licensed Product and borne by the seller thereof, and
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(d)
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any separately invoiced charges for freight transportation or insurance.
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No deductions shall be made for commissions paid to individuals whether they be with independent sales agencies or regularly employed by LICENSEE and on its payroll, or for cost of collections. Licensed Product(s) shall be considered "sold" when billed out or invoiced.
Net Sales Price shall not include sales or transfers between LICENSEE and its subsidiaries, or sublicensees, except that where such subsidiary or sublicensee utilizes the Licensed Products or Licensed processes for the performance of commercial services for third party customers, Net Sales Price shall be based on subsequent final sales of such Licensed Products to third parties by such Sublicensees, unless the intermediate sales price to intermediate Sales Price shall control.
ARTICLE II – GRANT
2.1 Subject only to the prevailing rights of and obligations to the U.S.
Government with respect to Patent Rights derived in the course of federally sponsored research, including without limitation, any such rights and obligations set forth in 37 CFR Part 401, should they exist, PRINCETON and USC hereby grant to LICENSEE a worldwide exclusive right and license under the Patent Rights, to make, have made, use, lease and/or sell the Licensed Product(s) under the Patent Rights and Copyrights rights, and to practice the Licensed Process(es) to the full end of the term for which the Patent Rights and copyright Rights are granted unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
2.2 LICENSEE shall have the right to sublicense worldwide any of the rights, privileges and license granted hereunder during the term of this Agreement
2.3 LICENSEE hereby agrees that every sublicensing agreement to which it
shall be a party and which shall relate to the rights, privileges and license granted hereunder shall include, to the extent applicable, all the rights of and obligations due to PRINCETON and USC, (and, if applicable, to the United States Government), that are contained in this Agreement
2.4 LICENSEE agrees to forward to USC a copy of any and all fully executed sublicense agreements, and further agrees to forward to USC annually a copy of such reports received by LICENSEE from its sublicenses during the preceding twelve (12) month period under the sublicenses as shall be pertinent to a royalty accounting under said sublicense agreements.
ARTICLE III - DUE DILIGENCE
3.1 LICENSEE shall use commercially reasonable efforts to bring the Licensed
Product(s) and/or Licensed Process(es) to market through a thorough, vigorous and diligent program for exploitation of the Patent Rights.
3.2 In addition, LICENSEE shall adhere to the following milestones:
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(a)
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LICENSEE shall perform the Sponsored Research Agreement in accordance with its terms.
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(b)
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LICENSEE shall send copies of all press releases and publicly filed documents to USC , relating to its progress in commercializing the Patent Rights.
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(c)
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LICENSEE shall, at its own cost, meet with USC annually to discuss its commercialization plans for the next ensuing year.
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3.3 LICENSEE'S failure to perform in accordance with Paragraphs 3.1 and
3.2 above shall be grounds for USC to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 7.3 hereof.
3.4 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, provided that
LICENSEE performs the Sponsored Research Agreement, and upon termination or expiration of the Sponsored Research Agreement, LICENSEE invests a minimum of $800,000 per year in research, development, patenting or commercialization efforts respecting the Patent Rights, this Article III shall be deemed to be satisfied.
ARTICLE IV – ROYALTIES
4.1 Because the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Public Law 99-514, may require
USC to cause a research sponsor to pay a competitive price for its use of the technology, and further requires that the prices paid by the sponsoring party be determined at the time the technology is available for use rather than at an earlier time, the parties agree that the licensing terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement shall be as good as or better than could be obtained from an unrelated party, if applied to Licensed Products and Licensed Processes.
Therefore, subject to right to require negotiations on any Licensed Products/Licensed Processes, if in USC'S sole opinion the resulting technology is the subject of an agreement covered by Public Law 99-514 and the price or other terms of this Agreement are not competitive for the resulting technology at the time the technology is first reduced to practice, it is agreed as follows:
4.2 For the rights, privileges and license granted hereunder, LICENSEE shall pay to USC (except for the Common Stock and Warrants which shall be distributed in accordance with Article 4.7), in the manner hereinafter provided to the end of the term of the Patent Rights or until this Agreement shall be terminated as hereinafter provided:
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(a)
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(i) 3% of the Net Sales Price of the Licensed Product (s) and/or Licensed Processes used, leased or sold by LICENSEE; (ii) 3% of revenues received by LICENSEE from sublicensing the patent rights; and (iii) 23% of revenues received by LICENSEE from final judgments in infringement actions respecting the Patent Rights (after deducting costs and expenses, including attorneys fees); and
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(b)
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200,000 shares of Common Stock of Global Photonic Energy Corporation; and
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(c)
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Warrants to purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock in Global Photonic Energy Corporation at a per share purchase price of $3.50, such Warrants expiring ten (10) years from such date.
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(d)
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Minimum royalties shall be payable as follows:
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1998 -- $0
1999 -- $0
2000 -- $0
2001 -- $25,000
2002 -- $50,000
2003 -- $75,000
2004 and thereafter -- $100,000 year
Provided that, parties shall discuss and agree upon any modifications to the minimum royalties upon the conclusion of the Sponsored Research Agreement, consistent with the progress that will have then been made on the Research.
In the event that USC has not received at least the above referenced amount in royalty payments in any calendar year, LICENSEE shall pay USC the difference between the royalties paid and the minimum royalty for such calendar year on December 31.
4.3 No multiple royalties shall be payable because the Licensed Product(s), its manufacture, lease or sale are or shall be covered by more than one patent application or patent licensed under this Agreement.
4.4 Royalty payments shall be paid in United States dollars in Los Angeles, California, or at such other place as USC may reasonably designate consistent with the laws and regulations controlling in any foreign country. Any withholding taxes which LICENSEE or any sublicensee shall be required by law to withhold on remittance of the royalty payments shall be deducted from royalty paid to USC. LICENSEE shall furnish USC the original copies of all official receipts for such taxes. If any currency conversion shall be required in connection with the payment of royalties hereunder, such conversion shall be made by using the exchange rate prevailing at a first-class foreign exchange bank on the last business day of the calendar quarterly reporting period to which such royalty payments relate.
4.5 With respect to the possible renegotiation of royalty rates, if required, under the Tax Reform Act of 1986;
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(a)
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Fair Conaideration. USC and LICENSEE have determined that the consideration payable to USC pursuant to this Agreement is fair and competitive with respect to all Licensed Products, including most particularly the technologies and their applications which represent the prime focus of the Sponsored Research Agreement.
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(b)
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Limited Renegptiation Events. If, notwithstanding the above, Licensed Products are developed during the term of this Agreement which were not reasonable conceivable as arising out of or resulting from the Sponsored Research as of the date hereof, and with respect to which the consideration payable to USC is not reasonably believed by USC to be competitive, USC shall notify LICENSEE in writing of such determination; provided, however, that any such renegotiation right of USC shall cease with respect to any Licensed Product 180 days after the first Patent Rights Patent Application is filed or other intellectual property protection is first sought (or, in the case of a Biological Material, after the time such Biological Material is first indicated as a possible Licensed Product by LICENSEE). In the event LICENSEE disputes such determination of USC and the request for renegotiation, LICENSEE shall have a right to submit the issue to arbitration pursuant to Article VIII hereunder.
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(c)
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Renegotiation Proem. If LICENSEE agrees to renegotiate the consideration payable without arbitration or if the arbitrator determines the issues in favor of USC, LICENSEE shall have an exclusive right for 60 days to negotiate with USC on a royalty arrangement acceptable to USC, which shall use reasonable efforts to reach satisfactory agreement with LICENSEE.
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(d)
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Failure to Agree. In the event that USC and LICENSEE are unable to reach agreement with such 60 day period despite their best efforts to do so, or in the event that LICENSEE does not elect to enter into an agreement with USC by exercise of its right of first refusal, USC shall then have the right to negotiate with third parties other than LICENSEE with respect to the exclusive licensing of the Licensed Products, and LICENSEE shall relinquish its exclusive right to license said Licensed Product.
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4.6 Securities Law Representations PRINCETON and USC are obtaining the
Common Stock and Warrants as principal and not with a view towards resale or distribution. PRINCETON and USC are aware that the securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or the securities laws of any state or jurisdiction, and are being obtained in reliance on the exemptions from the registration requirements of such Acts. PRINCETON and USC agree not to sell or otherwise dispose of the Securities acquired hereunder unless such Securities are subsequently registered under the Act and such date securities laws as are applicable, or unless there are available exemptions from such registration that are supported by an opinion of counsel for PRINCETON or USC, as applicable, which opinion is satisfactory in form and substance to Global Photonic Energy Corporation.
4.7 The Common Stock and Warrants shall be issued directly to Princeton University and the University of Southern California, respectively, in the amounts set forth in the Interinstitutional Agreement.
ARTICLE V - REPORTS AND RECORDS
5.1 LICENSEE shall keep full, true and accurate books of account containing
all particulars that may be necessary for the purpose of showing the amount payable to USC by way of royalty as aforesaid. Said books of account shall be kept at LICENSEE'S principal place of business or the principal place of business of the appropriate Division of LICENSEE to which this Agreement relates, Said books and the supporting data shall be open at all reasonable times, but not more often than once each year, for five (5) years following the end of the calendar year to which they pertain, to the inspection of the USC Internal Audit Division and/or an independent certified public accountant employed by USC for the purpose of verifying LICENSEE'S royalty statement or compliance in other respects with this Agreement.
5.2 LICENSEE, within sixty (60) days after each calendar quarter of the
License Year shall deliver a report in writing setting forth sales of Licensed Products (including a negative report, if appropriate) and will accompany such report with such particulars of the business conducted by LICENSEE during the preceding three-month period under this Agreement as shall be pertinent to a royalty accounting hereunder. These shall include at least the following:
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(a)
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All Licensed Products manufactured and sold.
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(b)
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Total billings for Licensed Product sold.
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(c)
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Accounting for all the Licensed Process(es) used or sold.
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(d)
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Deductions applicable as provided in Paragraph 4.2.
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(f)
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Names and addresses of all sublicensees of LICENSEE.
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(g)
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Licensed Products manufactured and sold to the United States Government. (No royalty obligations shall arise due to use for or on behalf of the United States Government in view of the royalty-free, non-exclusive license heretofore granted to the United States government.
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(h)
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Annually, the LICENSEE'S certified financial statements for the preceding twelve (12) months including, at a minimum, a Balance Sheet and an Operating Statement.
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5.3 With each such report submitted, LICENSEE shall pay to USC the royalties due and payable under this Agreement. If no royalties shall be due, LICENSEE shall so report.
5.4 Any payments due hereunder on sales outside of the United States shall be payable in U.S. Dollars at the rate of exchange of the currency of the country in which the sales are made at the average of the following: the exchange rate as reported in the Wall Street Journal for the first business day of the calendar quarter for which royalties are payable plus the exchange rate as reported in the Wall Street Journal for the last business day of the calendar quarter for which royalties are payable, divided by two (2).
5.5 Payments which are delayed beyond the sixty (60) days after the end of the quarter in which they become due shall be subject to an interest charge equal to 8 per annum in excess of the "Prime Rate" as published in The Wall Street Journal, provide however that if royalty payments are withheld due to a good faith dispute, then the interest charge shall be five percent (5) per annum in excess of the Prime Rate. Whenever such Prime Rate, as so published, changes, the interest rate described above shall correspondingly change, effective upon the opening of business on the date of publication of such change.
ARTICLE VI - PATENT PROSECUTION
6.1 LICENSEE may designate by notice to USC or to the Patent Attorneys, after consultation with USC, countries where Licensed Patent Applications shall be filed, which may include the United States or any other country. LICENSEE agrees to pay for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the preparation, filing, prosecution, maintenance, renewal and continuation of Patent Applications in said designated countries, including all taxes, official fees and attorneys' fees. The patent law firm selected shall be mutually acceptable to USC and LICENSEE. USC shall be the client in the attorney-client relationship with such law firm and may provide instructions to such law firm regarding the scope and content of Patent Applications to be filed and prosecuted, subject to the right of LICENSEE to request USC to instruct such law firm, or instruct the law firm directly after consultation with USC, to cover any additional matters as LICENSEE may desire to assure that such Application covers all items of commercial interest and importance, USC will not unreasonably refuse requests of LICENSEE. USC and LICENSEE each shall receive copies of all correspondence with respect to such preparation, filing, prosecution, renewal and continuation of Patent Rights Patent Applications, and shall consult with each other regarding all such matters and the costs associated therewith.
6.2 LICENSEE may elect in writing to be released from its License in any of the Patent Rights Patents and Patent Rights Patent Applications in a particular country at any time after initial filing costs have been paid, in which event it shall thereafter, upon notice of such election being given to USC shall have no obligation to reimburse Princeton for any subsequent expenses relating to such patent, or application in such country, nor any other right thereto.
6.3 All inventions conceived or discovered under the Sponsored Research Agreement, by PRINCETON, USC, or jointly, shall automatically become subject to this License Agreement. USC shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that Patent Rights Applications are promptly filed and prosecuted.
6.4 LICENSEE has the right to file of record in the Patent Office for each Patent Rights Application that it is the exclusive licensee of the Patent Rights.
ARTICLE VII – TERMINATION
7.1 If LICENSEE shall become bankrupt or insolvent, or shall file a petition in bankruptcy, or if the business of LICENSEE shall be placed in the hands of a receiver, assignee or trustee for the benefit of creditors, whether by the voluntary act of LICENSEE or otherwise, this Agreement shall be terminable by USC. Provided, however, in the event of an involuntary action, if LICENSEE arranges for the dismissal of such action within 90 days of the date thereof, such right to terminate shall cease.
7.2 Should LICENSEE fail in its payment to USC of royalties due in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, USC shall have the right to serve notice of default upon LICENSEE by certified mail at the address designated in Article XIV hereof If LICENSEE shall not have paid all such royalties due and payable, within forty five (45) days of the delivery of such Notice, the rights, privileges and license granted hereunder shall be terminable by USC delivering a Notice of Termination, unless LICENSEE disputes that such royalties are due and payable, in which event the dispute shall be settled in accordance with Article VIII "Arbitration", and this Agreement will not then be terminated.
7.3 Should Licensee (i) attempt to use, sublicense, transfer or assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement in any manner contrary to the terms of this Agreement or in derogation of USC's proprietary rights or (ii) fail to obtain and maintain the insurance coverages required in Section 10.3 hereof, USC shall have the right to serve notice of default upon LICENSEE by certified mail at the address designated in Article XIV hereof. If LICENSEE fails to comply with (i) or (ii) above, within forty five (45) days of the delivery of such Notice, the rights, privileges and license granted hereunder shall be terminable by USC delivering a Notice of Termination, unless LICENSEE disputes such failure to comply, in which event the dispute shall be settled in accordance with Article VIII "Arbitration", and this Agreement will not then be terminated.
7.4 Upon any material breach or default of this Agreement by LICENSEE, other than those occurrences set out in Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 hereinabove, which shall always take precedence in that order over any material breach or default referred to in this Paragraph 7.4, USC shall have the right to give written notice of such default to LICENSEE. If LICENSEE shall fail to cure such default, or fail to have taken reasonable steps to cure such default, within forty five (45) days of the effective date of such notice, USC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by a second written Notice of Termination to Licensee, specifying the effective date of termination. Provided, however, if LICENSEE disputes the existence of such material breach or default, or the failure to cure or take reasonable steps to curt, than the dispute will be settled in accordance with Article VIII "Arbitration", and the Agreement will not then be terminated.
7.4 LICENSEE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time on six (6) months' notice by certified mail to USC.
7.5 Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, nothing herein shall be construed to release either party from any obligation that matured prior to the effective date of such termination. Within twenty (20) days after such termination, Licensee shall provide USC with a written inventory of all Licensed Products currently in its stock or in process as of the date of termination (the "INVENTORY"). USC shall have the option to grant to Licensee the privilege of disposing of such INVENTORY at its normal prices within three (30) months after said termination. Licensee shall dispose of this INVENTORY only to customers who had previously purchased Licensed Products from Licensee during the term of this Agreement, and in no event shall Licensee sell such INVENTORY to wholesalers, diverters, jobbers or any other entity which does not sell at retail exclusively or to any one else who intends to sell such INVENTORY at close-out. The disposition of all such INVENTORY, however, shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. After the three (3) month sell-off period, Licensee shall destroy or return to USC all remaining unsold Licensed Products and all packaging and marketing materials, and shall certify their destruction or return to USC specifying the number of each destroyed or returned.
7.6 Upon any such termination of this Agreement USC, if LICENSEE shall have granted a sublicense hereunder, any such sublicensee shall become a direct licensee of USC, but only if such sublicensee is then in full compliance with its sublicense and all payments owed to USC with respect to that sublicense have been paid and the sublicensee agrees to assume all obligations of LICENSEE hereunder, provided that such sublicensee shall remain obligated to the terms and Conditions of this Agreement protective of USCF.
Surviving any termination are:
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i.
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Licensee's obligation to pay royalties accrued or accruable.
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ii.
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Licensee's obligation of Section 5.1 to keep records and allow a final audit.
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iii.
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Any cause of action or claim of Licensee or USC, accrue or to accrue, because of any breach or default by the other party.
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iv.
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The provisions of Article X.
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ARTICLE VIII – ARBITRATION
8.1 Except as to issues relating to the validity, construction or effect of any patent licensed hereunder, any and all claims, disputes or controversies arising under, out of, or in connection with this Agreement, which have not been resolved by good faith negotiations between the parties, shall be resolved by mediation. Such mediation shall occur as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than 30 days from the effective date one party requests mediation of a dispute. If such dispute is not resolved by mediation than it will be resolved by final and binding arbitration in Los Angeles, California under the rules of the American Arbitration Association then obtaining. The arbitrators shall have no power to add to, subtract from or modify any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement. The arbitrators shall have the option of specific future performance or monetary compensation in lieu of termination. Any award rendered in such arbitration may be enforced by either party in either the courts of the State of California or in the United States to whose jurisdiction of such purposes USC and LICENSEE each hereby irrevocably consents and submits.
8.2 Claims, disputes or controversies concerning the validity, construction or effect of any patent licensed hereunder shall be resolved in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
8.3 In the event that, in any arbitration proceeding, any issue shall arise concerning the validity, construction or effect of any patent licensed hereunder, the arbitrators shall assume the validity of all claims as set forth in such patent; in any event the arbitrators shall not delay the arbitration proceeding for the purpose of obtaining or permitting either party to obtain judicial resolution of such issue, unless an order staying such arbitration proceeding shall be entered by a court of competent jurisdiction. Neither party shall raise any issue concerning the validity, construction or effect of any patent licensed hereunder in any proceeding to enforce any arbitration award hereunder or in any proceeding otherwise arising out of any such arbitration award.
ARTICLE IX – INFRINGEMENT
9.1 LICENSEE and USC shall promptly inform the other in writing of any alleged infringement of which it shall have notice by a third party or any patents within the Patent Rights and provide such other with any available evidence of infringement.
9.2 During the term of this Agreement, LICENSEE shall have the tight, but shall not be obligated, to prosecute at its own expense any such infringements of the Patent Rights and, in furtherance of such rights, USC hereby agrees that LICENSEE may join USC as a party plaintiff in any such suit, without expense to USC. The total cost of any such infringement action commenced or defended solely by LICENSEE shall be borne by LICENSEE, and LICENSEE shall keep any recovery or damages for past infringement derived therefrom, except for that portion to be paid to USC pursuant to Article IV hereof USC shall make the inventors available and cooperate in the litigation. No settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition of the suit may be entered into without the consent of USC, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld. LICENSEE shall indemnify USC against any order for costs that may be made against USC in such proceedings.
9.3 If within eighteen (18) months after having been notified of any alleged infringement, LICENSEE shall have been unsuccessful in persuading the alleged infringe to desist and shall not have brought and shall not be diligently prosecuting an infringement action, or if LICENSEE shall notify USC at any time prior thereto of its intention not to bring suit against any alleged infringe, then, and in those events only, USC shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to prosecute at its own expense any infringement of the Patent Rights, and USC may, for such purposes, use the name of LICENSEE as party plaintiff.
9.4 In the event that LICENSEE shall undertake the enforcement and/or defense of the Patent Rights by litigation, LICENSEE may withhold up to fifty percent (50%) of the royalties otherwise thereafter due USC hereunder and apply the same toward reimbursement of its expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in connection therewith. Any recovery of damages by LICENSEE for any such suit shall be applied first in satisfaction with any unreimbursed expenses and legal fees of LICENSEE relating to the suit, and next toward reimbursement of USCN for any royalties past due or withheld and applied pursuant to this Article IX.
9.5 In any infringement suit that either party may institute to enforce the Patent Rights pursuant to this Agreement, the other party shall, at the request and expense of the party initiating such suit, cooperate in all respects and, to the extent possible, have its employees testify when requested and make available relevant records, papers, information, samples, specimens, and the like.
9.6 LICENSEE, during the exclusive period of this Agreement, shall have the sole right in accordance with the terms and conditions herein to sublicense any alleged infringer under the Patent Rights.
ARTICLE X - PRODUCT LIABILITY
10.1 PRINCETON and USC by this Agreement makes no representation as to the patentability and/or discoveries involved in a Licensed Patent. PRINCETON and USC by this Agreement makes no representation as to patents now held or which will be held by others in the field of the Licensed Products for a particular purpose. PRINCETON AND USC MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
10.2 LICENSEE agrees to defend, indemnify and hold PRINCETON and USC harmless from and against all liability, demands, damages, expense or losses for death, personal injury, illness or property damage arising (a) out of use by LICENSEE or its transferees/sublicensees of inventions licensed or information furnished under this Agreement, or (b) out of any use, sale or other disposition by LICENSEE or its transferees/sublicensees or products made by use of such inventions or information. As used in this clause, PRINCETON and USC includes its Trustees, Officers, agents, Employees and Students and "LICENSEE" includes its Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Contractors and Sub-Contractors. Licensee agrees, at its own expense, to provide attorneys reasonably acceptable to USC to defend against any actions brought or filed against any party indemnified hereunder with respect to the subject of indemnity contained herein, whether or not such actions are rightfully brought. To the extent that any proposed settlement directly affects USC, the Licensee shall obtain the approval of USC before finally agreeing to such settlement proposal, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
10.3 In discharge of the above LICENSEE will maintain general liability insurance in the amount of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) annual aggregate with a deductible of not more than $10,000 per occurrence with such insurers and on such terms as USC approves in writing against damage to or destruction of property and injury to or death of individuals and against such other risks as PRINCETON may reasonable request arising out of or in connection with any of the Licensed Products. "USC" and its respective officers, trustees, and insurance will also provide that USC will be given notice of any modification thereof and at least ten (10) days prior written notice of cancellation or termination and the reason therefore LICENSEE will furnish USC upon request and in any event on execution of this Agreement and on each anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement, written confirmation issued by the issuer or an independent insurance agent confirming that insurance is maintained in accordance with the above requirements.
10.4 The minimum amounts of insurance coverage required under Section 10.3 shall not be construed to create a limit of licensee liability with respect to its indemnification in Section 10.2 or any other provisions of this agreement.
ARTICLE XI- ASSIGNMENT
11.1 In addition to assignment permitted under Section 2.2 hereof, LICENSEE may assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement and the license granted hereby and the rights acquired by it hereunder so long as such assignment or transfer shall be accompanied by a sale or other transfer of LICENSEE's entire business or of that part of LICENSEE's business to which the license granted hereby relates. LICENSEE shall give USC thirty (30) days prior notice of such assignment arid transfer and if USC raises no reasonable objection to such assignment or transfer, in writing within thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice and stating the reasons for such objection, then USC shall be deemed to have approved such assignment or transfer; provided, however, USC shall not be deemed to have approved such assignment and transfer unless such assignee or transferee shall have agreed in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Upon such assignment or transfer and agreement by such assignee or transferee, the term LICENSEE as used herein shall include such assignee or transferee. If LICENSEE shall sell or otherwise transfer its entire business or that part of its business to which the license granted hereby relates and the transferee shall not have agreed in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or new terms and conditions shall not have been agreed upon within sixty (60) days of such sale or transfer, USC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement.
ARTICLE XII - NON-USE OF NAMES
12.1 Neither party shall use the names of the others in connection with any products, promotion or advertising without the prior consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, or to the extent reasonably required by law. LICENSEE may state that it is licensed by PRINCETON and USC under one or more of the patents and/or applications comprising the Patent Rights.
ARTICLE XIII - EXPORT CONTROLS
13.1 It is understood that PRINCETON and USC are subject to United States laws and regulations controlling the export of technical data, computer software, laboratory prototypes and other commodities (including the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, and the Export Administration Act of 1979), and its obligations hereunder are contingent on compliance with applicable United States export laws and regulations. The transfer of certain technical data and commodities may require a license from the cognizant agency of the United States Government and/or written assurances by LICENSEE that LICENSEE shall not export data or commodities to certain foreign countries without prior approval of such agency. PRINCETON and USC neither represent that a license shall not be required nor that, if required, it shall be issued.
ARTICLE XIV - PAYMENTS, NOTICES, AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
14.1 Any payment, notice or other communication, pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficiently made or given on the date of mailing if sent to such party by certified first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to it at its address below or as it shall designate by written notice given to the other party;
In the case of PRINCETON UNIVERSITY:
Office of Technology and Trademark Licensing
Princeton University
5 New South Building, P. O. Box 36
Princeton, New Jersey 08544
Attention: John F. Ritter
Associate Director of Technology Transfer
In the case of THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:
Office of Patent and Copyright Administration
University of Southern California
3716 South Hope Street, Suite 313
Los Angeles, CA 90007-4344
In the case of LICENSEE:
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
3 Bala Plaza East, suite 104
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Attention: Steven V. Abramson
President and Chief Operating Officer
ARTICLE XV-INTERINSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENT
15.1 PRINCETON and USC have entered into an Interinstitutional Agreement, attached hereto as Appendix C and incorporated herein, whereby, inter-alia, USC shall be the manager of this License Agreement and the Sponsored Research Agreement, and LICENSEE shall interact with USC, on behalf of itself as well as USC, on all matters respecting those agreements.
ARTICLE XVI- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
16.1 This Agreement shall be construed, governed, interpreted and applied in accordance with the laws of the State of California, except that questions affecting the construction and effect of any patent shall be determined by the law of the country in which the patent was granted.
16.2 The parties hereto acknowledge that this Agreement sets forth the entire Agreement and understanding of the parties hereto as to the subject matter hereof, and shall not be subject to any change of modification except by the execution of a written instrument subscribed to by the parties hereto.
16.3 The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and in the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable under any controlling body of law, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof.
16.4 LICENSEE agrees to mark the Licensed Products sold in the United States with all applicable United States patent numbers. All Licensed Products shipped to or sold in other countries shall be marked in such a manner as to confirm with the patent laws and practice of the country of manufacture or sale.
16.5 The failure of either party to assert a right hereunder or to insist upon compliance with any term or condition of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that right or excuse a similar subsequent failure to perform any such term or condition by the other party.
16.6 Publications. USC, PRINCETON and LICENSEE shall be free to publish any non-confidential information concerning the Technology and/or Patent Rights subject to any restrictions set forth in the Sponsored Research Agreement.
16.7 Independent Contractor. In rendering performances under this Agreement, Licensee will function solely as an independent contractor and not as an agent, partner, employee or joint venturer with USC and PRINCETON. Neither party shall have the authority to bind or obligate the other except as expressly provided herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals and duly executed this License Agreement the day and year set forth below.
Attest:
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The University of Southern California
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By:
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Title:
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Title:
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Senior Vice President, Administration
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Date:
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5/21/98
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Attest:
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The Trustees of Princeton University
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By:
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/s/ Allen J. Sinisgalli
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Title:
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Title:
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Associate Provost of Research & Project Admin
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Date:
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5/28/98
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Attest:
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Global Photonic Energy Corporation
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By:
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/s/ Steve V. Abramson
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Title:
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Title:
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President
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Date:
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6/2/98
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Title:
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Electron Acceptor Compositions Technical Field
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Principal Inventor:
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Mark Thompson
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Patent Number:
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5,500,297
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Issued Date:
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March 19, 1998
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Assignee:
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Princeton University
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Title:
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Heterolamellar Photoelectrochemical Films and Devices
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Principle Inventor:
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Mark Thompson
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Patent Number:
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5,695,890
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Issued Date:
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December 9, 1997
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Assignee:
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Princeton University
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Title:
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Catalytic Production of Hydrogen Peroxide
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Principal Inventor:
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Mark Thompson
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Patent Number:
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5,480,829
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Issued Date:
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January 2, 1998
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Assignee:
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Princeton University
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Title:
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Electron Acceptor Compositions on Polymer Templates
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Principal Inventor:
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Mart Thompson
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Filing Date:
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August 21, 1995
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Assignee:
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Princeton University
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Title:
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Method for Catalytic Production of Hydrogen Peroxide and Catalysts Therefore
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Principal Inventor:
Filing Date:
Assignee:
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Mark Thompson
March 27, 1998
University of Southern California
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Title:
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Charge Generators in Heterolamellar Thin
Films
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Principal Inventor:
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Filing Date:
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July 11, 1997 (provisional)
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Issued Date:
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Assignee:
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University of Southern California
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PCT applications and national applications also filed for these inventions and are subject to the License Agreement.
18
Exhibit 10.10
Amendment No. 1 to the
AMENDED LICENSE AGREEMENT
by and among
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY,
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
and
GLOBAL PHOTONIC ENERGY CORPORATION
Dated: May 15, 2006
The Trustees of Princeton University ("PRINCETON"), the University of Southern California ("USC") and Global Photonic Energy Corporation ("LICENSEE"), having previously entered into an Amended License Agreement effective as of May 1, 1998, (the "Agreement"), together with the Regents of the University of Michigan ("MICHIGAN"), intending to be legally bound, do hereby mutually agree to amend the Agreement, effective January 1, 2006 as follows:
1.
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MICHIGAN is hereby added as a party to the Agreement. In all the numbered articles of the Agreement where PRINCETON is referenced said reference shall henceforth be deemed to include both PRINCETON and MICHIGAN, except: (1) in the existing recitals on pages I and 2 of the Agreement; and (2) in sections 4.6, 4.7 and 15.1 of the Agreement; and (3) in those provisions deleted or amended below.
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2.
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The following recitals are hereby amended or added to the Agreement, starting on page 2 as detailed:
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Replacing the 2nd existing recital, and adding 2 additional following –
"WHEREAS, USC, PRINCETON and LICENSEE have filed a number of patent applications relating to advanced catalysts, hydrogen production, electron acceptor compositions, charge generators in heterolamellar multilayer thin films and photosensitive optoelectronic technology for photonic energy conversion and anticipate filing additional patents on inventions made during the course of the research provided for under the Sponsored Research Agreements dated June 9, 2004, (hereinafter the "2004 Sponsored Research Agreement") , May 1, 1998 (hereinafter the "1998 Sponsored Research Agreement") and an August 1994 Sponsored Research Agreement (hereinafter collectively the "Sponsored Research Agreement"), (the "Technology") which inventions arise out of said research conducted in the USC laboratories of Professor Mark E. Thompson (hereinafter "Professor Thompson") and the PRINCETON laboratories under the direction of Professor Stephen R. Forrest (hereinafter "Professor Forrest") and/or Professor Thompson;
WHEREAS, Professors Forrest and Thompson have collaborated on previous sponsored research programs with LICENSEE, as their respective university affiliations have changed, and LICENSEE desires to maintain sponsorship of Professors Forrest and Thompson hereunder, regardless of changing affiliations; and
WHEREAS, Professor Forrest became employed by MICHIGAN in January 2006 and is continuing his research in the field of the Technology at that institution; and
Replacing the 3rd existing recital, following the above –
WHEREAS, LICENSEE has entered into a new Sponsored Research Agreement with USC, attached hereto as Appendix A, to continue to support basic research in the field of the Technology under the supervision of Professor Thompson at USC and, as a subcontractor to USC, Professor Forrest at MICHIGAN (the "2006 Sponsored Research Agreement") in the amount of two million, six hundred twenty-four thousand, eight hundred ninety three dollars ($2,624,893) over three (3) years granting LICENSEE the exclusive license as specified in this Agreement.
The 4th existing recital, is hereby amended as follows –
"Research Program" is replaced by "Sponsored Research Agreement and/or 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement"
Replacing the 6th existing recital, preceding the last recital —
WHEREAS, LICENSEE acknowledges that if funds obtained from the U.S. Government are commingled with funds obtained from LICENSEE in support of the research under the Sponsored Research Agreement and/or 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement, then any license granted would be subject to rights in the U.S. Government under 37 CFR part 401;
Replacing the last existing recital –
WHEREAS, MICHIGAN is a subcontractor to USC under the 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement, and with PRINCETON has entered into an Interinstitutional Agreement with USC that provides for USC to manage the 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement and this Agreement, and intends that any inventions under the 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement be subjected to this Agreement.
3.
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Paragraph 1.4 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
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1.4 "Patent Rights" shall mean i.) the United States and foreign patents and patent applications set forth in Appendix B attached hereto and made a part hereof, ii.) any United States and foreign patents and patent applications arising out of the Sponsored Research Agreement and/or the 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement (including the subcontract to MICHIGAN), including any inventions conceived or discovered thereunder, iii.) the United States and foreign patents, including utility models and patents of importation and addition, issuing from said United States and foreign patent applications or later-filed foreign applications based upon any of said United States patents and applications and iv.) any continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, reissues, or extensions of any of the foregoing
4.
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Paragraph 1.5 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
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1.5
"Licensed Product(s)" shall mean any product which:
(a) is covered in whole or in part by (i) a pending claim contained in the Patent Rights in the country in which the product is made, used or sold, (ii) a valid and unexpired claim contained in the Patent Rights in the country in which the product is made, used or sold;
(b) is manufactured by using a process which is covered in whole or in part by (i) a pending claim contained in the Patent Rights in the country in which the Licensed Process(es) is used or (ii) a valid and unexpired claim contained in the Patent Rights in the country in which the Licensed Process(es) is used; or
(c) is used according to a method which is covered in whole or in part by a valid and unexpired claim contained in the Patent Rights in the country in which the method is used.
All unexpired claims of issued patents shall be considered valid unless and until a court of competent jurisdiction issues an unappealed or unappealable final order to the contrary.
5.
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Paragraph 1.6 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
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1.6 "Licensed Process(es)" shall mean a process or method which is covered in whole or in part by (i) a pending claim contained in the Patent Rights or (ii) a valid and unexpired claim contained in the Patent Rights in the country in which the process or method is used.
6.
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A new paragraph is hereby added to Article II as follows:
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2.5 MICHIGAN, USC and PRINCETON reserve the right to practice the Patent Rights arising from inventions first conceived prior to January 1, 2006, for educational purposes and for internal research (including clinical) directed by the Principal Investigators (as defined in the 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement), including any such internal research conducted by or in collaboration with other researchers or students at these institutions, provided that such research is not funded by another commercial entity. In addition, MICHIGAN, USC and PRINCETON reserve the right to practice the Patent Rights arising from inventions first conceived after January 1, 2006, for educational purposes and for internal research (including clinical) directed by researchers or students at these institutions, provided that such research is not funded by another commercial entity, and provided further that this reservation shall not imply any expansion of the reserved right to practice the Patent Rights described in the preceding sentence.
7.
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Paragraphs 4.2 (b) and 4,2(e) are hereby amended by adding the following to the end of each: "which amounts were previously distributed under the terms of the 1998 License Agreement and shall not entitle MICHIGAN to any stock, or warrants in LICENSEE"; and Paragraph 4.2 (d) is hereby amended to read:
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" (d) Minimum Royalties shall be payable as follows:
1998 -- $0
1999 -- $0
2000 -- $0
2001 -- $25,000
2002 -- $50,000
2003 -- $75,000 (which amount was waived based on a review of the progress that had been made.)
2004 and thereafter -- $100,000 (which amounts were waived on review of the progress that has been made. Payment schedule revised for 2004 forward.)
2005 -- $0
2006 -- $0
2007 -- $0
2008 -- $0
2009 -- $0
2010 -- $25,000
2011 -- $40,000
2012 -- $50,000
2013 -- $65,000
2014 -- $75,000
2015 and thereafter -- $100,000 each year"
8.
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Paragraphs 6.1 through 6.4 are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:
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6.1 LICENSEE may designate by notice to USC or to the patent attorneys, after consultation with USC, countries where applications within Patent Rights shall be filed, which may include the United States or any other country. LICENSEE agrees to pay for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the preparation, filing, prosecution, maintenance, renewal and continuation of Patent Rights in said designated countries, including all taxes, official fees and attorneys' fees. The patent law firm shall be mutually acceptable to USC, MICHIGAN, PRINCETON and LICENSEE. USC, PRINCETON, MICHIGAN and LICENSEE shall be the clients in the attorney-client relationship with such law firm and may provide instructions to such law firm regarding the scope and content of the Patent Rights to be filed and prosecuted, subject to the right of LICENSEE to request USC to instruct such law firm, or instruct the law firm directly after consultation with USC, to cover any additional matters as LICENSEE may
desire to assure that such Patent Right covers all items of commercial interest and importance. USC will not unreasonably refuse requests of LICENSEE. USC and LICENSEE each shall receive copies of all correspondence with respect to such preparation, filing, renewal and continuation of Patent Rights, and shalt consult with each other regarding all such matters and the costs associated therewith.
6.2 LICENSEE may elect in writing to be released from its rights and obligations under this Agreement for any Patent Rights in a particular country at any time, but no less than sixty days prior to a bar date, response date or other loss of rights in which event it shall thereafter have no obligation to reimburse USC for any subsequent expenses relating to said Patent Right in such country, nor shall LICENSEE thereafter have any further right in said Patent Right in such country.
6.3 All inventions conceived or discovered under the August 1994 Sponsored Research Agreement and/or 1998 Sponsored Research Agreement and/or 2004 Sponsored Research Agreement and/or the 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement, by PRINCETON, USC, MICHIGAN or jointly by any of them, shall automatically become subject to this Agreement. USC shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that applications within the Patent Rights are promptly filed and prosecuted.
6.4 LICENSEE has the right to make of record by filing in the Patent Office for each patent or application in the Patent Rights that LICENSEE is the exclusive licensee of such rights.
9.
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Paragraph 9.5 is hereby amended by adding "reasonably" prior to "possible."
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10.
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LICENSEE hereby expressly acknowledges that MICHIGAN is entitled to be indemnified by LICENSEE to the full extent that each of PRINCETON and USC is entitled to be so indemnified under Article 10.2 of the Agreement.
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11.
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Paragraph 10.3 is hereby amended by substituting USC for PRINCETON in the sixth line of this paragraph and substituting "LICENSEE" for "USC" where it appears in quotation marks in the seventh line of said paragraph.
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12.
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A new paragraph 7.8 is hereby added to Article VII as follows:
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7.8 It is hereby agreed that any authorized termination of the Agreement for a
material breach or default that pertains solely or primarily to any Patent Right of MICHIGAN shall apply only to all Patent Rights of MICHIGAN and shall not otherwise terminate the Agreement as it pertains to the Patent Rights of PRINCETON and USC licensed to LICENSEE thereunder.
13.
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For purposes of the Agreement, MICHIGAN's business address and address for notices under Paragraph 14.1 shall be as follows:
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Office of Technology Transfer
University of Michigan
3003 S. State Street, Suite 2071
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1280
Attn: Director
14.
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The following new Section 15.2 is hereby added to the Agreement:
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"15.2 PRINCETON, USC, and MICHIGAN have entered into an Interinstitutional Agreement, incorporated herein by reference, whereby, inter-alia, USC shall be the manager of this Agreement and the 2006 Sponsored Research Agreement, and LICENSEE shall interact with USC on behalf of themselves as well as PRINCETON and MICHIGAN, on all matters respecting those agreements."
15.
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Except as specifically modified by this Amendment No. 1, all of the provisions of the Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed to be in full force and effect, and shall remain in full force and effect.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, by their duly authorized representatives, have entered into this Amendment No.1 effective as of the date first set forth above.
The Trustees of Princeton University
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The University of Southern California
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By:
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/s/ John Ritter
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By:
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/s/ Dennis F. Dougherty
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Name:
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John Ritter
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Name:
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Dennis F. Dougherty
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Title:
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Director
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Title:
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Sr. V.P., Finance and CFO
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Date:
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5/16/06
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Date:
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6/2/06
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The Regents of the University of Michigan
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Global Photonic Energy Corporation
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By:
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/s/ Kenneth J. Nisbet
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By:
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/s/ Aaron L. Wadell
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Name:
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Kenneth J. Nisbet
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Name:
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Aaron L. Wadell
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Title:
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Executive Director
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Title:
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C.O.O
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Date:
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5/16/06
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Date:
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6/8/06
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7