LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, effective as of the 27th day of May, 1997 ("the
Effective Date"), is by and between Specialized Health Products, Inc., a
corporation of the State of Utah, having a place of business at 000 X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000 and Becton, Xxxxxxxxx and Company, a corporation of
the State of New Jersey, having a place of business at 0 Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, SHP (defined in Article I paragraph 2) is the owner of the
entire right, title and interest in and to U.S. Patent No. 5,480,385 entitled
"Self Retracting Medical Needle Apparatus And Methods" having an issue date of
January 2, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,487,734 entitled "Self Retracting Catheter
Needle Apparatus And Methods" having an issue date of January 30, 1996; U.S.
Patent No. 5,542,927 entitled "Self Retracting Syringe Needle Apparatus And
Methods" having an issue date of August 6, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,549,708
entitled "Self Retracting Medical Needle Apparatus And Methods" having an issue
date of August 27, 1996; and U.S. Patent No. 5,616,135 entitled "Self Retracting
Medical Needle Apparatus And Methods" having an issue date of April 1, 1997;
WHEREAS, SHP is the owner of the entire right, title and interest in
and to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. ** and U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. **;
WHEREAS, SHP is in the process of preparing a patent application on a
needle retraction system invention that was invented by **, the patent
application for which is identified as SHP Docket No. SHP002.CP6 in the
file of Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx. and will be filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
office in the near future claiming priority from pending U.S. Patent Application
Serial No. **; and
WHEREAS, BECTON (defined in Article I paragraph 1) desires to obtain
from SHP an exclusive license to make, have made, use, offer for sale,
sell, and import needle retraction systems for ** falling within the claims of
any of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,480,385; 5,487,734; 5,542,927; 5,549,708 and 5,616,135
and all patents issuing from U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. ** and the
patent application that will be filed under SHP Docket No. SHP002.CP6, and
SHP is willing to grant such a license to BECTON.
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
promises and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS
1. "BECTON" as used herein shall mean Becton, Xxxxxxxxx and Company
and any entity which, directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls BECTON, is controlled by BECTON, or is under the common
control of BECTON and another entity. As used in this definition, the term
"control" means an equity interest of more than fifty percent (50%).
2. "SHP" as used herein shall mean Specialized Health Products, Inc.
and any entity which, directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls SHP, is controlled by SHP or is under the common
control of SHP and another entity. As used in this definition, the term
"control" means an equity interest of more than fifty percent (50%).
3. "NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM(S)" as used herein shall mean needle
retraction systems disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,480,385; 5,487,734;
5,542,927; 5,549,708 or 5,616,135; U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos.
** or the patent application that will be filed under SHP Docket No. SHP002.CP6,
or improvements, modifications and adaptations thereto.
4. "SHP TECHNOLOGY" as used herein shall mean any patentable or
unpatentable inventions, ideas, discoveries, improvements, design rights,
semiconductor mask works, works of authorship, copyrights, trade secrets, know
how, technical data, designs, plans, specifications, methods, processes,
systems, clinical data, and any equivalents thereof, that are applicable to the
FIELD and owned by or assigned to SHP.
5. "SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENT(S)" as used herein shall mean any United
States and foreign patents, and any patent applications, including any
continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, extensions, substitutions,
reissues or reexaminations thereof, and any patents issuing therefrom, which
claim SHP TECHNOLOGY and is owned by or assigned to SHP. SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENTS
shall not include LICENSED PATENTS or IMPROVEMENT PATENTS.
6. "LICENSED PATENT(S)" as used herein shall mean those United States
and foreign patents and patent applications listed in Appendix A of this
Agreement, any continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, extensions,
substitutions, reissues or reexaminations thereof, and any subsequently filed
patent applications applicable to the FIELD, and any patents issuing therefrom,
owned by or assigned to SHP, which claim NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS. LICENSED
PATENTS shall not include IMPROVEMENT PATENTS.
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
2
7. "LICENSED KNOW HOW" as used herein shall mean those inventions,
ideas, discoveries, improvements, technical data, designs, plans,
specifications, processes, and systems, owned by, or assigned to SHP, which
relate to NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS and are identified in Appendix B of this
Agreement.
8. "VALID CLAIM" as used herein shall mean a claim of an issued or
granted patent within LICENSED PATENTS so long as such claim shall not have been
disclaimed by SHP or shall not have been held invalid, not enforceable or not
infringed by BECTON by a tribunal of competent jurisdiction from whose judgment
no appeal is taken or allowed.
9. "LICENSED PRODUCT(S)" as used herein shall mean any NEEDLE
RETRACTION SYSTEM whose manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, or importation
by BECTON would, but for this Agreement, in a jurisdiction where a VALID CLAIM
exists, infringe such a VALID CLAIM.
10. "LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM(S)" as used herein shall mean
any NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM that is manufactured, used, offered for sale and
sold in a jurisdiction where no LICENSED PATENT exists and that would be a
LICENSED PRODUCT if the NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM were sold by BECTON in a
jurisdiction where a VALID CLAIM exists. LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS
shall not include LICENSED PRODUCTS.
11. "NET SALES" as used herein shall mean the gross revenue received
by BECTON for LICENSED PRODUCTS, or LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS, as the
case may be, that are sold and shipped by BECTON to a purchaser other than
BECTON or SHP, less credit and cash refunds for returned goods, allowances for
damaged, obsolete or defective goods, rebates, excise, sales, use or value-added
taxes or other government charges on the sale, transportation or delivery of
LICENSED PRODUCT, or LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM, as the case may be, cash
and trade discounts allowed, import duty and commissions to agents (reductions
for commissions to agents shall not exceed, in the aggregate, ** of NET SALES
in any FISCAL YEAR).
12. "FIELD" as used herein shall mean **.
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
3
13. "IMPROVEMENT(S)" as used herein shall mean any patentable or
unpatentable inventions, ideas, discoveries, improvements, design rights,
semiconductor mask works, works of authorship, copyrights, trade secrets, know
how, technical data, designs, plans, specifications, methods, processes,
systems, clinical data, and any equivalents thereof relating to NEEDLE
RETRACTION SYSTEMS owned by or assigned to SHP, or in which SHP has a licensable
interest.
14. "IMPROVEMENT PATENT(S)" as used herein shall mean any United
States and foreign patents, and any patent applications, including any
continuations, continuations-in-part, divisions, extensions, substitutions,
reissues or reexaminations thereof, and any patents issuing therefrom, owned by
or assigned to SHP, at least in part, or in which SHP has a licensable interest,
which claim IMPROVEMENTS.
15. "FISCAL YEAR" as used herein shall mean any yearly period during
the term of this Agreement commencing on October 1 of one year and ending on
September 30 the following year. Thus, FISCAL YEAR 1998 commences on October 1,
1997 and ends on September 30, 1998.
ARTICLE II - GRANT
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, SHP hereby
grants to BECTON an exclusive, world-wide right and license under LICENSED
PATENTS to make, have made, use, offer for sale, sell, and import LICENSED
PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS only in the FIELD, together with
the right to grant sublicenses only in the FIELD on commercially reasonable
terms. SHP also grants to BECTON an exclusive world-wide right and license under
LICENSED KNOW HOW to make, have made, use, offer for sale, sell, and import
LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS only in the FIELD,
together with the right to grant sublicenses only in the FIELD on commercially
reasonable terms.
SHP does not grant any rights to BECTON outside of the FIELD.
ARTICLE III - PAYMENTS
1. In consideration of the rights and licenses under LICENSED PATENTS,
LICENSED KNOW HOW, IMPROVEMENT PATENTS and SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENTS herein granted
to it, BECTON shall pay SHP an initial payment of One Million Seven Hundred
Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000) payable within thirty (30) days after the
Effective Date of this Agreement (the "Initial Payment") and a subsequent
payment of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) payable at the earlier of April 5,
1998 or within thirty (30) days after the first commercial sale and shipment by
BECTON of a LICENSED PRODUCT or a LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM to a
purchaser other than BECTON or SHP (the "Subsequent Payment"). Both the Initial
Payment and the Subsequent Payment shall be fully credited against all earned
royalties, as defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3 below of this Article III, accrued
4
by BECTON under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Initial
Payment and the Subsequent Payment shall be deemed to be fully credited no later
than the end of FISCAL YEAR 2001.
2. In further consideration of the right and license herein granted to
it under LICENSED PATENTS, BECTON shall pay SHP, from the Effective Date of this
Agreement until the expiration of the last to expire patent under LICENSED
PATENTS, an earned royalty of ** of NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCT.
3. In further consideration of the right and license herein granted to
it under LICENSED KNOW HOW, BECTON shall pay SHP, for a period of ten (10) years
from the Effective Date of this Agreement, an earned royalty of ** of NET SALES
of LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS. In no event shall the earned royalty
rates identified in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article III be cumulative.
4. (A) In yet further consideration of the right and license herein
granted to it under LICENSED PATENTS, BECTON shall have a Minimum Annual Royalty
obligation beginning in FISCAL YEAR 2002 to maintain its exclusive licensee
status hereunder only so long as there exists an unexpired patent under LICENSED
PATENTS. If the foregoing condition is met, for each FISCAL YEAR during the term
of this Agreement, commencing with FISCAL YEAR 2002, BECTON shall pay SHP a
minimum annual royalty in the amount of ** (the "Minimum Annual Royalty"). The
Initial Payment and the Subsequent Payment shall not be credited against the
Minimum Annual Royalty.
(B) Subject to Paragraph 3 of Article VIII, upon written
notice from SHP to BECTON that deficiencies exist in the Minimum Annual Royalty
payment by BECTON for any FISCAL YEAR that Minimum Annual Royalties are required
to be paid by XXXXXX, XXXXXX shall have sixty (60) days after receiving such
notice to make up any deficiencies in its payment in order to maintain its
exclusive licensee status. If BECTON does not make up such deficiencies in the
Minimum Annual Royalty within sixty (60) days after receiving such notice, the
license granted to BECTON under the LICENSED PATENTS shall become non-exclusive.
Upon the conversion of the license under LICENSED PATENTS granted to BECTON
hereunder from an exclusive license to a non-exclusive license, SHP at its
option (i) may negotiate with and grant to one third party a non-exclusive
license under LICENSED PATENTS, and (ii) may manufacture, offer for sale and
sell LICENSED PRODUCTS. If SHP grants a third party a non-exclusive license
under LICENSED PATENTS pursuant to this Paragraph
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
5
4(B), SHP shall, within thirty (30) days of the effective date of that license,
provide written notification to BECTON of the existence of such a third party
non-exclusive license, send BECTON a copy of that license with the written
notification and offer the same terms of that license to BECTON in lieu of this
Agreement. BECTON at its sole discretion may accept or reject that offer.
(C) It is understood that monies representing any outstanding
Minimum Annual Royalty payments are not collectible as damages by SHP if BECTON
fails to make such Minimum Annual Royalty payments, with the only remedy for SHP
being conversion of the license granted herein to a non-exclusive license as set
forth above.
5. In situations where LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION
SYSTEMS are sold in combination with other products, such as in a kit or
package, the applicable royalty rate which is applied shall be based on the NET
SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS or, NET SALES of LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS,
as the case may be, when sold separately in a transaction in substantially the
same quantity, at substantially the same time, as the transaction to which this
paragraph applies.
6. At the expiration of the last to expire patent under LICENSED
PATENTS, BECTON shall have a completely paid up, royalty free, world-wide right
and license to subsequently make, have made, use, offer for sale, sell, and
import LICENSED PRODUCT in the FIELD and shall have no further obligation to SHP
under LICENSED PATENTS. On May 27, 2007, BECTON shall have a completely paid up,
royalty free, world-wide right and license to subsequently make, have made, use,
offer for sale, sell and import LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS in the FIELD
and shall have no further obligation to SHP under the LICENSED KNOW HOW.
7. In respect of sublicenses granted by BECTON under Article II,
BECTON shall pay to SHP ** of all income received by BECTON from such
sublicensing.
8. In consideration of the time and effort that has been and will be
expended by SHP to transfer the LICENSED KNOW HOW to BECTON, BECTON shall pay to
SHP ** in October 1997.
ARTICLE IV - COMMERCIALIZATION OF LICENSED
PRODUCTS AND LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS
1. Payment by BECTON of the Initial Payment and the Subsequent Payment
referred to above in Paragraph 1 of Article III and the Minimum Annual Royalty
referred to above in Paragraph 4 of Article III is considered to be complete
satisfaction of any duty imposed upon BECTON to commercially exploit LICENSED
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
6
PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS and is accepted by SHP in lieu
of any best or reasonable efforts obligation on the part of BECTON.
2. Nothing in this Agreement shall impose upon BECTON the obligation
to use its best or reasonable efforts to create, continue or maximize sales of
LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS or prevent BECTON from
making, using, offering for sale, selling, or importing or causing to be made,
have made, used, offered for sale, sold, or imported any place in the world,
products competitive in nature to LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED NEEDLE
RETRACTION SYSTEMS. Nothing herein contained shall in any way limit BECTON's
free and exclusive right to determine in its sole discretion the timing or
manner of marketing, manufacturing or advertising LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED
NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS so long as such marketing, manufacturing or
advertising is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
ARTICLE V - PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE,
AND GOVERNMENT CLEARANCES
1. (A) SHP shall use reasonable commercial efforts to file and
prosecute patent applications, and shall maintain all patents, licensed under
LICENSED PATENTS. Furthermore, SHP shall promptly inform BECTON of any
additions, deletions or changes in the status of any patent or patent
application under LICENSED PATENT. SHP shall keep BECTON currently informed of
the filing and progress of all material aspects of the prosecution of all patent
applications and of the issuance of all patents under LICENSED PATENTS. SHP
shall follow BECTON's reasonable suggestions concerning any activities that
should be taken in the prosecution of any patent application under LICENSED
PATENTS (the "Suggestions"), including but not limited to any activities that
may affect the filing of additional patent applications, the substance of the
disclosure in any patent application, the language of any claims in any patent
application, or the substance of any response to a patent office action
regarding any patent application, so that SHP may obtain the broadest possible
patent coverage for the inventions disclosed in LICENSED PATENTS. Consistent
with the foregoing, BECTON shall assist SHP as is reasonably necessary in order
for SHP to obtain the broadest possible patent coverage for the inventions
disclosed in LICENSED PATENTS.
(B) While this Agreement is in effect, should a third party
market a NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM that does not infringe any claim within
LICENSED PATENTS but would have infringed such a claim if SHP had obtained the
broadest possible patent coverage for the inventions disclosed in LICENSED
PATENTS, as BECTON in its good faith and sole discretion determines, the
prospective earned royalty rate identified in Paragraph 2 of Article III shall
be reduced to **. Notwithstanding the foregoing, BECTON shall have no right to
The "**" marks the location of information that has been
omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.
7
reduce the royalty payment identified in Paragraph 2 of Article III if SHP
has followed BECTON's reasonable Suggestions concerning the patent prosecution
matter at issue or if BECTON had a reasonable opportunity upon adequate notice
from SHP to make Suggestions concerning the patent prosecution matter at issue
and BECTON failed to do so.
2. BECTON shall pay ** of the reasonable expenses incurred by SHP
during the term of this Agreement in obtaining any patent under LICENSED
PATENTS up to a maximum payment of ** in any given FISCAL YEAR. To the
extent that such reasonable expenses exceed ** in any FISCAL YEAR, the parties
shall discuss the additional reasonable expenses and its proper allocation.
3. BECTON shall, at its own expense, obtain all necessary clearances
from governmental agencies to market LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE
RETRACTION SYSTEMS. Said requests for market clearance shall be filed with the
necessary governmental agencies by BECTON as soon as reasonably practical after
a commercial embodiment of a LICENSED PRODUCT or a LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION
SYSTEM is developed by or for BECTON. SHP agrees to cooperate with BECTON and
assist where appropriate in obtaining any such clearances.
ARTICLE VI - IMPROVEMENTS
1. It is understood and agreed that improvements, modifications and
adaptations to LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS may be
made by BECTON, its employees, agents, consultants, or independent contractors,
either solely or jointly with others during the term of this Agreement and that
all right, title and interest to such improvements, modifications and
adaptations including any patents issued, the claims of which cover such
improvements, modifications and adaptations remain the property of BECTON to the
fullest extent allowed under the applicable patent law and shall not be subject
to any of the terms of this Agreement.
2. SHP hereby grants to BECTON and BECTON hereby accepts from SHP an
exclusive, world-wide, royalty free right and license under IMPROVEMENT PATENTS
to make, have made, use, offer for sale, sell and import any IMPROVEMENT in the
FIELD.
ARTICLE VII - SHP TECHNOLOGY
SHP shall notify BECTON of all SHP TECHNOLOGY developed during
the term of this Agreement by providing to BECTON a copy of each U.S. patent
application filed under SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENTS relating to SHP TECHNOLOGY in the
FIELD within thirty (30) days of the filing date.
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
8
(A) BECTON may provide a written offer to SHP
within ninety (90) days of receipt of each such U.S. patent application to
license such SHP TECHNOLOGY. During the ninety (90) day period, SHP shall not
grant, or negotiate to grant, to any other person, firm or corporation any
right, license, shop right or privilege in or to such SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENTS in
the FIELD. SHP shall provide written notice to BECTON, within thirty (30) days
of receipt of BECTON's offer, regarding whether SHP will accept or reject
BECTON's offer. If SHP notifies BECTON that SHP will accept BECTON's offer, the
parties shall enter into a definitive license agreement under such SHP
TECHNOLOGY PATENTS in the FIELD.
(B) If SHP notifies BECTON that SHP will reject
BECTON's offer, or if BECTON makes no offer to SHP within the ninety (90)
day period, SHP may thereafter negotiate with third parties to license such SHP
TECHNOLOGY PATENTS in the FIELD. However, SHP shall keep BECTON informed of such
negotiations and SHP shall provide written notification to BECTON of the terms
agreed upon by SHP and such third party. BECTON shall have the right of final
offer to match any such terms by providing written notice to SHP, within thirty
(30) days after receipt of SHP's written notice to BECTON of such terms, that
BECTON will accept those terms. If BECTON does not accept the terms, SHP shall
be free to commercialize such SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENTS in the FIELD. If BECTON
does accept the terms, SHP and BECTON shall enter into a definitive license
agreement under such SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENTS in the FIELD under the negotiated
terms.
ARTICLE VIII - BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND REPORTS
1. BECTON shall keep complete and accurate records of the sales by
BECTON of LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS and all data
necessary for the computation of payments to be made to SHP hereunder in
accordance with BECTON'S own document retention policy. BECTON shall
contractually obligate any BECTON sublicensee of the LICENSED PRODUCTS and
LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS to keep complete and accurate records of the
sales by such sublicensees of LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION
SYSTEMS and all data necessary for the computation of payments to be made to
BECTON in accordance with the sublicensee's own document retention policy.
However, neither BECTON nor its sublicensees shall have a duty of trust or other
fiduciary relationship with SHP regarding the maintenance of the books of
account or the calculation and reporting of royalties.
2. Payments hereunder, when due, shall be made on or before the last
business day of May, August, November and February of each year for the sales of
LICENSED PRODUCTS and LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS sold during the
preceding quarterly periods ending on the last day of March, June, September and
December, respectively. Such payments to SHP shall be accompanied by a statement
showing the NET SALES of LICENSED PRODUCTS, and the NET SALES of LICENSED NEEDLE
9
RETRACTION SYSTEMS if applicable, and such other particulars as are necessary
for an account of the payments to be made pursuant to this Agreement. Payment of
the amount due shall accompany such statement, which shall be deemed to be true
and correct unless objected to and audited in accordance with Paragraph 5 of
this Article VIII.
3. If BECTON is obligated to make payment to meet any Minimum Annual
Royalty obligation hereunder, it shall be paid together with the report for the
last quarter of the FISCAL YEAR affected thereby, in accordance with the
reporting requirements set forth in this Article VIII.
4. All monies payable hereunder shall be payable in United States
dollars by a check or checks drawn to the order of the appropriate party. To the
extent sales may have been made in a foreign country, such royalty payments
shall be made in United States dollars on the basis of conversion, from the
currency of such foreign country, at the rate recited in the report entitled
"Rates of Exchange" issued monthly by BECTON's International Financial
Department which provides spot exchange rates for each foreign country where
sales were made, on the last business day of the calendar quarter when the sales
occurred, and shall be paid at the time and in the manner set forth above,
provided, however, that payments based on sales in any foreign country shall be
payable only after deducting for exchange and all other charges due foreign
governments, including withholding taxes, arising from the origin and
transmittal of such royalties, and further provided that the foregoing is
subject to the right to make payment in any country where the currency is
blocked and where legal conversion of the currency billed cannot be made into
United States dollars by depositing such payments in the appropriate party's
name in a bank designated by that party within such country.
5. SHP, at its own expense, shall have the right for a period of two
(2) years after receiving any report from BECTON to nominate an independent
Certified Public Accountant, acceptable to BECTON, who shall have access to
BECTON'S records during reasonable business hours for the purpose of verifying
the payments made under this Agreement, but this right may not be exercised more
than once in any calendar year, and the Certified Public Accountant shall
disclose to SHP only information relating to the accuracy of the payment report
and the payments made in accordance with this Agreement. BECTON shall impose
similar contractual obligations on its sublicensees to allow an independent
Certified Public Accountant, acceptable to both BECTON and SHP, to inspect the
sublicensees' books and records to verify payment under such sublicense. The
failure of SHP to request verification of any payment report during said two (2)
year period shall be considered acceptance of the accuracy of such report and
BECTON shall have no obligation to maintain any records pertaining to such
report beyond said two (2) year period.
10
ARTICLE IX - PATENT LITIGATION
1. (A) In the event either party hereof receives notice of alleged
infringement of any patent under LICENSED PATENTS or IMPROVEMENT PATENTS
relating to LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS in the
FIELD, it shall promptly notify the other party of such infringement. BECTON
shall be privileged, but not required, to bring suit and to control the conduct
thereof against the alleged infringer of any claims of any patents under such
LICENSED PATENTS or such IMPROVEMENT PATENTS in the FIELD and to join SHP as a
party to such suit, in which event BECTON shall hold SHP free, clear and
harmless from any and all costs and expenses of such litigation, including
attorneys' fees. In the event BECTON exercises the privileges herein conferred,
it shall have the right to retain all damages recovered.
(B) If BECTON does not bring suit against said infringer, as
herein provided, within ninety (90) days after receipt of such notice, SHP shall
have the right but shall not be obligated to bring suit for such alleged
infringement, and to join BECTON as a party to such suit only if a court of
competent jurisdiction determines BECTON is a necessary party to such suit, in
which event SHP shall hold BECTON free, clear and harmless from any and all
costs and expenses of such litigation, including attorneys' fees. In the event
SHP exercises the right to xxx an infringer, herein conferred, it shall have the
right to retain all damages recovered.
(C) Each party shall always have the right to be represented
by counsel of its own selection and at its own expense in any such suit
identified in Paragraph 1 of this Article IX instituted by the other for
infringement, under the terms hereof. Either party has the right, within ninety
(90) days of the filing of the original complaint, to join in, but not control,
any such suit identified in Paragraph 1 of this Article IX brought by the other
and shall share equally in the cost and expenses of such suit, including
attorneys' fees and any sums recovered.
(D) Nothing contained in this ARTICLE IX shall be construed to
in any way limit or interfere with SHP's right to bring suit and control the
conduct thereof for any and all claims relating to LICENSED PATENTS or
IMPROVEMENT PATENTS outside of the FIELD.
2. (A) If BECTON is sued by a third party charging infringement of a
patent relating to a NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM resulting from the sale by BECTON
of a LICENSED PRODUCT or a LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM in the FIELD,
BECTON shall promptly notify SHP. Upon filing of such suit by such third party
which if successful could prevent BECTON from marketing LICENSED PRODUCTS or
LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS, the prospective earned royalty and Minimum
Annual Royalty payments which would otherwise be paid to SHP shall be deposited
in an interest bearing escrow account.
11
(B) In the event of a final adjudication in any such suit
identified in Paragraph 2(A) of this Article IX enjoining BECTON from making,
having made, using, offering for sale, selling or importing LICENSED PRODUCTS or
LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTIONS SYSTEMS in the FIELD or holding BECTON liable for
damages, an amount shall be deducted by BECTON from the escrow account
sufficient to reimburse itself for all damages and legal expenses including
attorneys' fees incurred and paid by BECTON in such suit and BECTON shall no
longer have a Minimum Annual Royalty obligation to maintain its exclusive
licensee status hereunder. After such deduction, any deposits remaining in the
escrow account shall immediately be released and paid over to SHP. BECTON agrees
to provide SHP with a report setting forth the amounts of damages and expenses
incurred by BECTON.
(C) In the event of a settlement of such suit identified in
Paragraph 2(A) of this Article IX resulting in the payment of monies from BECTON
to the third party, an amount shall be deducted by BECTON from the escrow
account sufficient to reimburse itself for ** of the monies paid to
the third party and legal expenses including attorneys' fees incurred and paid
by BECTON in such suit, After such deduction, any deposits remaining in the
escrow account shall immediately be released and paid over to SHP. BECTON and
SHP shall discuss the settlement prior to BECTON becoming bound by the terms of
the settlement. After such discussion, BECTON shall have the right to settle
such suit upon approval of SHP, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
(D) In the event of a final adjudication in any such suit
which holds the patents of such third party invalid or valid but not infringed,
all deposits remaining in the escrow account shall immediately be released and
paid over to SHP.
3. While this Agreement is in effect, should BECTON find it necessary
to obtain a license under a patent from a third party relating to a NEEDLE
RETRACTION SYSTEM in order to render marketable LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED
NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS, BECTON shall discuss with SHP the necessity of such a
third party license and shall thereafter have the right to negotiate such a
third party license upon approval by SHP, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld. If such a third party license is obtained by BECTON, and
BECTON is required to pay and does pay royalties to such a third party in
respect of BECTON's commercialization of LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED NEEDLE
RETRACTION SYSTEMS, the applicable prospective earned royalties payable to SHP
pursuant to this Agreement shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of
royalties paid to such third party. However, the prospective earned royalties
payable to SHP under this Agreement shall not be reduced by more than **
pursuant to this Paragraph. If BECTON is required to pay and does pay a one time
license fee or assignment fee to any person, corporation or business entity
other than SHP for rights under a patent relating to a NEEDLE RETRACTION
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
12
SYSTEM in respect to BECTON's commercialization of LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED
NEEDLE RETRACTIONS SYSTEMS, up to ** of the applicable prospective earned
royalties payable to SHP shall be withheld until the amount of royalties
withheld equals up to ** of BECTON's one time license or assignment fee.
4. If SHP is sued by a third party as a result of SHP's selling any
product under the rights reserved to itself, SHP shall hold BECTON free, clear
and harmless from any and all costs and expenses of such litigation, including
attorneys' fees.
ARTICLE X - DURATION AND TERMINATION
1. Unless sooner terminated as herein provided in Paragraph 2 of this
Article X, this Agreement shall continue in effect until the expiration of the
last to expire patent under LICENSED PATENTS.
2. This Agreement may be sooner terminated as follows:
(A) By BECTON at any time giving SHP thirty (30) days advance
written notice thereof. Such termination shall not operate to relieve BECTON of
its obligation to pay all unpaid earned royalties on LICENSED PRODUCTS or
LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS sold prior to the effective date of
termination. No payment of any outstanding Minimum Annual Royalty is due by
BECTON if BECTON terminates this Agreement other than the pro rata share of the
Minimum Annual Royalty calculated up to the effective date of termination.
Becton's right to grant sublicenses shall terminate as of the date of any such
notice hereunder and all sublicenses granted prior to the date of such notice
shall terminate with the termination of this Agreement.
(B) Should a party hereto fail to perform any material
covenants of this Agreement on its part to be performed, then upon written
notice of such failure from the other party, the party in breach or default
shall have sixty (60) days from the date of notice to correct the breach or
default, and upon failure to do so, the party not in breach or default may
cancel and terminate this Agreement upon written notice. This Paragraph shall in
no way limit a parties' right to such damages or other relief as may be legally
available to it due to breach by the other party.
3. If SHP terminates this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 2 of this
Article X, BECTON shall have the right to sell or to otherwise dispose of all
LICENSED PRODUCTS and all LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS that BECTON has on
hand in inventory as of the effective date of such termination.
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
13
ARTICLE XI - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
1. SHP represents and warrants that it is the owner of the entire
right, title and interest in the LICENSED PATENTS, SHP TECHNOLOGY PATENTS,
LICENSED KNOW HOW and SHP TECHNOLOGY and that it has the right to grant the
rights and licenses as set forth in this Agreement and is able to enter into
this Agreement and become bound by the terms hereof.
2. SHP represents and warrants that it has not granted and will not
grant any other licenses under the LICENSED PATENTS, IMPROVEMENT PATENTS, SHP
TECHNOLOGY PATENTS, LICENSED KNOW HOW and SHP TECHNOLOGY that will conflict with
any of the rights granted to BECTON under this Agreement.
3. SHP represents that to the best of its knowledge the manufacture,
use, offer for sale, sale or importation by BECTON of LICENSED PRODUCTS and
LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS in the FIELD will not infringe any claims of
any patents, of which SHP is aware, relating to a NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM of
any third parties. SHP does not represent that it has performed any infringement
analysis of any patents.
4. Becton, Xxxxxxxxx and Company represents and warrants that it is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of New Jersey.
5. Specialized Health Products, Inc. represents and warrants that
it is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of Utah.
6. BECTON represents and warrants that it has the power to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement constitutes
the legal, valid and binding obligation of BECTON, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and except as enforcement is subject to general
principles of equity. No approvals or consents are required in order for BECTON
to consummate this Agreement and perform the transactions contemplated
hereunder.
7. SHP represents and warrants that it has the power to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement constitutes
the legal, valid and binding obligation of SHP, enforceable in accordance with
its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting enforcement of
14
creditors' rights generally and except as enforcement is subject to general
principles of equity. No approvals or consents are required in order for SHP to
consummate this Agreement and perform the transactions contemplated hereunder.
ARTICLE XII - LIMITATIONS
1. With respect to SHP, nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed as:
(a) A warranty or representation that any patent
applications filed or that may be filed disclosing
and claiming any aspect of the LICENSED PRODUCTS will
mature into issued patents; or
(b) A warranty or representation as to the validity or
scope of any Patent Rights that may accrue during the
term of this Agreement; or
(c) Granting by implication, estoppel, or otherwise any
licenses or rights other than those expressly granted
in this Agreement.
2. SHP MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, WITH RESPECT
TO THE LICENSED PRODUCTS AND LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM(S) NOT EXPRESSLY
SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT. THE LICENSED PRODUCTS AND LICENSED NEEDLE
RETRACTION SYSTEM(S) ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO BECTON STRICTLY ON AN "AS IS" BASIS.
SHP DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE LICENSED PRODUCTS AND LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION
SYSTEM(S) ARE ERROR FREE OR THAT THEY WILL MEET BECTON'S REQUIREMENTS, OR THAT
ANY PART OF THEM IS PATENTABLE OR DOES NOT INFRINGE ANY EXISTING OR FUTURE
PATENT OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF ANY OTHER PERSON. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED
AND EXCLUDED. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE LICENSED
PRODUCTS AND LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEM(S) IS ASSUMED BY BECTON.
ARTICLE XIII - INDEMNIFICATION
During the term of this Agreement, BECTON shall hold SHP free, clear
and harmless from, and shall indemnify SHP, for any and all costs and expenses,
including attorneys fees, arising out of any use or sale by BECTON or its
transferees of LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED NEEDLE RETRACTION SYSTEMS. Upon
written request by SHP, BECTON shall furnish SHP with a Certificate of Insurance
evidencing any insurance coverage which may be in effect during the term of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE XIV - MISCELLANEOUS
1. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been validly delivered (i) on the date mailed
if the same shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
15
and addressed to the proper party at its respective address, or (ii) on the date
of facsimile transmission if sent by facsimile to the proper party at its
respective facsimile number and if a confirmation copy of the facsimile
transmission is sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, and
addressed to the proper party at its respective address.
With respect to BECTON, all notices shall be addressed to:
President
**
with a copy to:
Chief Patent and Licensing Counsel
Becton, Xxxxxxxxx and Company
0 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
With respect to SHP, all notices shall be addressed to:
President
Specialized Health Products, Inc.
000 X. Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxxxxx & Xxxxx, XX
00 Xxxx 000 Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxx 00000
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
Either party may change the address at which it desires to receive notice upon
written notice of such change to the other party.
2. This Agreement is assignable and transferable by either party only
upon the prior written approval of the other party, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Subject to the foregoing, all of the terms, provisions
and obligations of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the successors and assigns of BECTON and SHP to which this Agreement relates.
The LICENSED PATENTS and LICENSED KNOW HOW are not assignable or transferable by
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
16
SHP, to the extent that such assignment or transfer could affect BECTON's rights
under this Agreement in the FIELD, except upon the express written approval of
BECTON, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
3. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to place the parties in
the relationship of partners or joint venturers or principal and agent or create
any entity or association, and neither party shall have the power to obligate or
bind the other in any manner whatsoever.
4. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to grant SHP any
license or rights in any of BECTON's intellectual property including, but not
limited to, BECTON's know-how, trade secrets, and patents which are assigned or
licensed to BECTON.
5. BECTON shall not be responsible for and the terms of this Agreement
shall be inapplicable to, any defaults or delays which are due to cause beyond
BECTON's control, including but not limited to, acts of God or of the public
enemy, acts or any order of a government, fires, floods, or other natural
disasters, embargoes, accidents, explosions, strikes or other labor disturbances
regardless of the reasonableness of the demands of labor, shortages of fuel,
power or raw materials, inability to obtain or delays of transportation
facilities, incidents of war, or other events causing the inability of BECTON,
acting in good faith with due diligence, to perform its obligations under this
Agreement.
6. This Agreement, and the appendices, constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof,
and no modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing
and is signed by a duly authorized representative of each party. There are no
understandings, representations or warranties except as herein expressly set
forth.
7. BECTON shall use reasonable commercial efforts to xxxx all LICENSED
PRODUCTS with the appropriate patent marking in compliance with all Federal and
foreign jurisdiction laws in respect of patent marking, if any, but the
selection, location and particulars of such marking shall be at BECTON'S
discretion.
8. The failure or delay of a party hereto to enforce any of its rights
under this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a continuing waiver or a
modification by such party of any of its rights under this Agreement, and a
party may, within the time provided by the applicable law, commence appropriate
legal proceedings for enforcing any or all of its rights under this Agreement.
Any failure to enforce or delay in enforcement shall not constitute a defense.
9. SHP shall not originate any publicity, news release or public
announcement, written or oral, whether to the public, press or otherwise,
17
relating to this Agreement, to any amendment hereto or performance hereunder,
save only such announcement which is required by law to be made and such
announcements that are mutually agreed to by BECTON and SHP.
10. Should any part or provisions of this Agreement be held
unenforceable or in conflict with the law of any jurisdiction, the validity of
the remaining part or provisions shall not be affected by such holdings.
11. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and applied in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Utah, or, as necessary,
the laws of the United States of America with respect to the application of the
patent statutes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SHP and BECTON have caused this instrument to be
executed in duplicate effective as of the date first hereinabove written.
SPECIALIZED HEALTH BECTON, XXXXXXXXX AND COMPANY
PRODUCTS, INC.
By:/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx By:/s/
--------------------------------- -----------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx **
President and CEO President
**
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
18
APPENDIX A
Country Serial No. Filing Date Patent No. Issue Date SHP Docket
------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
United States 08/370,728 1/10/95 5,480,385 1/2/96 XXX000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx 08/436,976 5/8/95 5,487,734 1/30/96 SHP002.CIP
United States 08/484,533 6/7/95 5,542,927 8/6/96 XXX000.XX0
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx 08/455,514 5/31/95 5,549,708 8/27/96 XXX000.X
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx 08/565,881 12/1/95 5,616,135 4/1/97 XXX000.XX0
XXX XXX/XX00/00000 00/0/00 XXX000X
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx ** ** SHP002.CP4
PCT PCT/US97/01319 1/30/97 SHP002.CP4.A
United States ** ** SHP002.CP5
United States SHP002.CP6
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
00
XXXXXXXX X
Prototypes of the **.
Part drawings:
**
Part design history.
The "**" marks the location of information that has been omitted and filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
20
