EXHIBIT 10.10
GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into as of June 1, 2002 (the "Effective Date")
by and between Gadzoox Networks, Inc. (the "Company"), and Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
("Executive").
1. Duties and Scope of Employment.
(a) Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will
serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Executive will render such
business and professional services in the performance of his duties, consistent
with Executive's position within the Company, as shall reasonably be assigned to
him by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). The period of Executive's
employment under this Agreement is referred to herein as the "Employment Term."
(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive will perform
her duties faithfully and to the best of her ability and will devote her full
business efforts and time to the Company. For the duration of the Employment
Term, Executive agrees not to actively engage in any other employment,
occupation or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration
without the prior approval of the Board.
2. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive's employment
with the Company will be "at-will" employment and may be terminated at any time
with or without cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither
her job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the
Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification,
amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of her employment with the
Company.
3. Compensation.
(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay
Executive as compensation for his services a base salary at the annualized rate
of $225,000 (the "Base Salary"). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in
accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices and be subject to the
usual, required withholding.
(b) For each of the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2002 and
December 31, 2002, Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus equal to 25%
of Executive's annual base salary based upon Executive's performance and the
Company's attainment of objectives to be mutually agreed upon by Executive and
the Board. For the periods of the Employment Period subsequent to December 31,
2002, Executive shall be eligible to receive bonuses based upon Executive's
performance and the Company's attainment of objectives to be mutually agreed
upon by Executive and the Board. The amount of such bonuses shall also be
mutually agreed upon by Executive and the Board. Executive must be employed by
the Company on the payment date of a given bonus to receive such bonus. The
determination of whether Executive has attained the mutually agreed upon
objectives, and the timing and amount, if any, of each such bonus shall be
determined by the Board in its sole discretion.
(c) Stock Option. As of the Effective Date, Executive will be granted
a stock option, which will be, to the extent permitted by Section 422(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), an "incentive stock
option" (as defined in Section 422 of the Code), to purchase 500,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the closing sales price
on the date of grant (the "Option"). Subject to the accelerated vesting
provisions set forth herein and in the Change of Control Agreement (as defined
below), the Option will vest ratably over 12 months with the first 1/12 of the
shares subject to the option vesting on the first month anniversary of the date
of this Agreement, subject to Executive's continued service to the Company on
the relevant vesting dates. The Option will be subject to the terms, definitions
and provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Plan (the "1993
Plan") and the stock option agreement by and between Executive and the Company
(the "Option Agreement"), both of which documents are incorporated herein by
reference. The Company and Executive have previously entered into 3 stock option
agreements, dated March 14, 2002, and May 7, 2002 (two separate agreements),
respectively (the "Prior Option Agreements"); granting Executive the option to
purchase a total of 400,000 shares of the Company's common stock subject to the
terms and conditions of the 1993 Stock Plan and 2000 Non-Statutory Stock Plan,
as amended (the "2000 Plan").
4. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be
entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter
maintained by the Company of general applicability to other senior executives of
the Company, including, without limitation, the Company's group medical, dental,
vision, disability, life insurance, and flexible-spending account plans. The
Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans and programs it
offers to its employees at any time.
5. Severance.
(a) Involuntary Termination. If Executive's employment with the
Company terminates other than voluntarily or for "Cause" (as defined in the
Change of Control Agreement), and Executive signs and does not revoke a standard
release of claims with the Company in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A, then, Executive shall be entitled to receive continuing payments of
severance pay (less applicable withholding taxes) at a rate equal to her Base
Salary rate, as then in effect, for a period of 12 months from the date of such
termination, to be paid periodically in accordance with the Company's normal
payroll policies; (ii) the Company shall pay the group health, dental and vision
plan continuation coverage premiums for Executive and her covered dependents
under Title X of the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended
through the lesser of (A) 12 months from the date of Executive's termination of
employment, or (B) the date upon which Executive and her covered dependents are
covered by similar plans of Executive's new employer; and (iii) all equity
awards from the Company then held by Executive shall partially accelerate, or if
the Executive is then holding unvested shares, Company's right to repurchase the
then-unvested shares under each such equity award shall partially lapse, with
respect to the number of shares under each such award that would have become
vested or been released from such repurchase right under each respective equity
award if Executive's employment with the Company had continued for an additional
12 months following Executive's effective termination date for reasons other
than for Cause.
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(b) Voluntary Termination; Termination for Cause. Except as provided
for in the Change of Control Agreement, if Executive's employment with the
Company terminates voluntarily by Executive or for Cause by the Company, then
(i) all vesting under Executive's outstanding equity awards will terminate
immediately and all payments of compensation by the Company to Executive
hereunder will terminate immediately (except as to amounts already earned), and
(ii) Executive will only be eligible for severance benefits in accordance with
the Company's established policies as then in effect.
6. Change of Control Benefits. Executive has previously entered into a
Change of Control Agreement, dated March 11, 2002, with the Company (the "Change
of Control Agreement") which agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
7. Confidential Information. Executive has previously entered into the
Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement, dated March 11,
2002, with the Company (the "Confidential Information Agreement") which
agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
8. Conditional Nature of Severance Payments.
(a) Noncompete. Executive acknowledges that the nature of the
Company's business is such that if Executive were to become employed by, or
substantially involved in, the business of a competitor of the Company during
the 12 months following the termination of Executive's employment with the
Company, it would be very difficult for Executive not to rely on or use the
Company's trade secrets and confidential information. Thus, to avoid the
inevitable disclosure of the Company's trade secrets and confidential
information, Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive's right to receive
the severance payments set forth in Section 5 (to the extent Executive is
otherwise entitled to such payments) shall be conditioned upon Executive not
directly or indirectly engaging in (whether as an employee, consultant, agent,
proprietor, principal, partner, stockholder, corporate officer, director or
otherwise), nor having any ownership interested in or participating in the
financing, operation, management or control of, any person, firm, corporation or
business that competes with Company or is a customer of the Company. Upon any
breach of this section, all severance payments pursuant to this Agreement shall
immediately cease.
(b) Non-Solicitation. Until the date 12 months after the termination
of Executive's employment with the Company for any reason, Executive agrees and
acknowledges that Executive's right to receive the severance payments set forth
in Section 5 (to the extent Executive is otherwise entitled to such payments)
shall be conditioned upon Executive not either directly or indirectly
soliciting, inducing, attempting to hire, recruiting, encouraging, taking away,
hiring any employee of the Company or causing an employee to leave his or her
employment either for Executive or for any other entity or person.
(c) Understanding of Covenants. Executive represents that she (i) is
familiar with the foregoing covenants not to compete and not to solicit, and
(ii) is fully aware of her obligations hereunder, including, without limitation,
the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage of these
covenants.
9. Non-Solicitation. Until the date 12 months after the termination of
Executive's employment with the Company for any reason, Executive agrees and
acknowledges that Executive's
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right to receive the severance payments set forth in Section 7 (to the extent
Executive is otherwise entitled to such payments) shall be conditioned upon
Executive not either directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, attempting to
hire, recruiting, encouraging, taking away, hiring any employee of the Company
or causing an employee to leave his or her employment either for Executive or
for any other entity or person. Executive represents that she (a) is familiar
with the foregoing covenants not to compete and not to solicit, and (b) is fully
aware of her obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, the
reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage of these
covenants.
10. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon
Executive's death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of
the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this
Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, "successor" means any person,
firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by
purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or
substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights
of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this
Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent
and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition of Executive's right to compensation or other benefits will be null
and void.
11. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
called for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) on the
date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) one (1) day after being sent by a
well established commercial overnight service, or (c) four (4) days after being
mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and
addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at
such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:
If to the Company:
Gadzoox Networks, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
If to Executive:
at the last residential address known by the Company.
12. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is
declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or
void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said
provision.
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13. Arbitration.
(a) General. In consideration of Executive's service to the Company,
its promise to arbitrate all employment related disputes and Executive's receipt
of the compensation, pay raises and other benefits paid to Executive by the
Company, at present and in the future, Executive agrees that any and all
controversies, claims, or disputes with anyone (including the Company and any
employee, officer, director, shareholder or benefit plan of the Company in their
capacity as such or otherwise) arising out of, relating to, or resulting from
Executive's service to the Company under this Agreement or otherwise or the
termination of Executive's service with the Company, including any breach of
this Agreement, shall be subject to binding arbitration under the Arbitration
Rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1280 through
1294.2, including Section 1283.05 (the "Rules") and pursuant to California law.
Disputes which Executive agrees to arbitrate, and thereby agrees to waive any
right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under state or federal
law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the
California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, claims of
harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination and any statutory claims.
Executive further understands that this Agreement to arbitrate also applies to
any disputes that the Company may have with Executive.
(b) Procedure. Executive agrees that any arbitration will be
administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") and that a neutral
arbitrator will be selected in a manner consistent with its National Rules for
the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The arbitration shall be held in Santa
Xxxxx County, California. The arbitration proceedings will allow for discovery
according to the rules set forth in the National Rules for the Resolution of
Employment Disputes or California Code of Civil Procedure. Executive agrees that
the arbitrator shall have the power to decide any motions brought by any party
to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication
and motions to dismiss and demurrers, prior to any arbitration hearing.
Executive agrees that the arbitrator shall issue a written decision on the
merits. Executive also agrees that the arbitrator shall have the power to award
any remedies, including attorneys' fees and costs, available under applicable
law. Executive understands the Company will pay for any administrative or
hearing fees charged by the arbitrator or AAA except that Executive shall pay
the first $200.00 of any filing fees associated with any arbitration Executive
initiates. Executive agrees that the arbitrator shall administer and conduct any
arbitration in a manner consistent with the Rules and that to the extent that
the AAA's National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes conflict with
the Rules, the Rules shall take precedence.
(c) Remedy. Except as provided by the Rules, arbitration shall be
the sole, exclusive and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the
Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Rules, neither Executive nor
the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are
subject to arbitration. Notwithstanding, the arbitrator will not have the
authority to disregard or refuse to enforce any lawful Company policy, and the
arbitrator shall not order or require the Company to adopt a policy not
otherwise required by law which the Company has not adopted.
(d) Availability of Injunctive Relief. In addition to the right
under the Rules to petition the court for provisional relief, Executive agrees
that any party may also petition the court
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for injunctive relief where either party alleges or claims a violation of this
Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement or any other agreement regarding
trade secrets, confidential information, nonsolicitation or California Labor
Code Section 2870. In the event either party seeks injunctive relief, the
prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs and attorneys
fees.
(e) Administrative Relief. Executive understands that this Agreement
does not prohibit Executive from pursuing an administrative claim with a local,
state or federal administrative body such as the Department of Fair Employment
and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the workers'
compensation board. This Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from
pursuing court action regarding any such claim.
(f) Voluntary Nature of Agreement. Executive acknowledges and agrees
that Executive is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or
undue influence by the Company or anyone else. Executive further acknowledges
and agrees that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and that Executive
has asked any questions needed for Executive to understand the terms,
consequences and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understand it,
including that Executive is waiving Executive's right to a jury trial. Finally,
Executive agrees that Executive has been provided an opportunity to seek the
advice of an attorney of Executive's choice before signing this Agreement.
14. Integration. This Agreement, together with the 1993 Plan, the 2000
Plan, the Option Agreement, the Prior Option Agreements, the Change of Control
Agreement and the Confidential Information Agreement represents the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein
and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral.
No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this
Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized
representatives of the parties hereto.
15. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will
be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.
16. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the
State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).
17. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that she has had the
opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from her private
attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully
understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and
voluntarily entering into this Agreement.
*****
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in
the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and
year first above written.
COMPANY:
GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.
Date: June __, 2002
----------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, President and Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:
Date: June __, 2002
----------------------------------------
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
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EXHIBIT A
GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
RECITALS
This Severance Agreement and Release ("Agreement") is made by and
between Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx ("Employee") and Gadzoox Networks, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, ("Company") (collectively referred to as the "Parties"):
WHEREAS, Employee was employed by the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee entered into the Confidential
Information and Invention Assignment Agreement, dated March 11, 2002 (the
"Confidentiality Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee entered into the Change of Control
Agreement, dated March 11, 2002 (the "Change of Control Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee entered into the Employment Agreement,
dated June ___, 2002 (the "Employment Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee have entered into [LIST STOCK OPTION
AGREEMENTS], granting Employee the option to purchase shares of the Company's
common stock subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's Amended and
Restated 1993 Stock Plan and 2000 Non-Statutory Stock Plan (the "Stock
Agreements");
WHEREAS, Employee's employment with the Company terminated, and Employee
resigned as a director of the Company, on or around [DATE] (the "Termination
Date");
WHEREAS, the Parties, and each of them, wish to resolve any and all
disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions and
demands that the Employee may have against the Company as defined herein,
including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising or in any way related
to Employee's employment with, or separation from, the Company;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises made herein, the Parties
hereby agree as follows:
COVENANTS
1. Consideration.
(a) Severance Payments. The Company agrees to pay Employee at the
rate of $___________ per month, less applicable withholding and other taxes, for
12 months from the first regular payroll date following the Effective Date (the
"Payment Period") in accordance with the Company's regular payroll practices.
During the Payment Period, Employee will not be entitled to
accrual of any employee benefits, including, but not limited to, vacation
benefits, paid time off or bonuses.
(b) Unemployment Benefits. Subsequent to the Payment Period, the
Company will not contest unemployment benefits.
(c) Stock. The Parties agree that for purposes of determining the
number of shares of the Company's common stock which Employee is entitled to
purchase from the Company, pursuant to the exercise of outstanding options, the
Employee will be considered to have vested on the Termination Date as to that
number of shares as would otherwise have been vested on the 12-month anniversary
of the Termination Date. A schedule of such vested options, after giving effect
to the 12 month vesting acceleration contemplated by the previous sentence, is
attached hereto as hereto and each of the Parties represents that the
information on such schedule is accurate. The exercise of any stock options
shall continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Stock
Agreements.
(d) Benefits. Employee's health insurance benefits will cease at the
end of [MONTH] 200_. The Company shall pay the group health, dental and vision
plan continuation coverage premiums for Employee and his covered dependents
under Title X of the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended
through the lesser of (A) 12 months from the Termination Date, or (B) the date
upon which Employee and his covered dependents are covered by similar plans of
Employee new employer. Employee's participation in all other benefits and
incidents of employment ceased on the Termination Date. Employee ceased accruing
employee benefits, including, but not limited to, vacation time and paid time
off, as of the Termination Date.
2. Confidential Information. Employee shall continue to maintain the
confidentiality of all confidential and proprietary information of the Company
and shall continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the
Confidentiality Agreement between Employee and the Company. Employee shall
return all of the Company's property and confidential and proprietary
information in his possession to the Company on the Effective Date of this
Agreement.
3. Payment of Salary. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery
of this Agreement, the Company is delivering and Employee hereby acknowledges
receipt of a check in the amount of $________, and, giving effect to the receipt
of such check, Employee hereby acknowledges and represents that the Company has
paid all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation, commissions and any and all
other benefits due to Employee, other than the above noted payments and benefits
that may become due in the future under Sections 1(a) and 1(d) above.
4. Release of Claims. Employee agrees that the foregoing consideration
represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Employee by
the Company and its officers, managers, supervisors, agents and employees.
Employee, on her own behalf, and on behalf of her respective heirs, family
members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby fully and forever releases the
Company and its officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, shareholders,
administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor
corporations, and assigns, from, and agree not to xxx concerning, any claim,
duty, obligation or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether
presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Employee may
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possess arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred up until
and including the Effective Date of this Agreement including, without
limitation:
(a) any and all claims relating to or arising from Employee's
employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that
relationship;
(b) any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Employee's right
to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including,
without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary
duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud
under any state or federal law;
(c) any and all claims under the law of any jurisdiction including,
but not limited to, wrongful discharge of employment; constructive discharge
from employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination;
breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of a covenant of good faith
and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or
intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent or intentional
misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or
prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel;
slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy;
false imprisonment; and conversion;
(d) any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or
municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor
Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, The Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, Older Workers Benefit Protection
Act; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the California Labor
Code;
(e) any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state,
constitution;
(f) any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations
relating to employment or employment discrimination;
(g) any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of
any dispute over the non-withholding or other tax treatment of any of the
proceeds received by Employee as a result of this Agreement; and
(h) any and all claims for attorneys' fees and costs.
The Company and Employee agree that the release set forth in this
section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general
release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to any
obligations incurred under this Agreement.
Employee acknowledges and agrees that any breach of any provision of
this Agreement shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement and shall
entitle the Company immediately to recover and cease the severance benefits
provided to Employee under this Agreement.
5. Civil Code Section 1542. The Parties represent that they are not
aware of any claim by either of them other than the claims that are released by
this Agreement. Employee
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acknowledges that he had the opportunity to seek the advice of legal counsel and
is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, which
provides as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR
DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF
EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE
MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
Employee, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive
any rights he may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common
law principles of similar effect.
6. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Employee represents that she has no
lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in her name, or on behalf of any other
person or entity, against the Company or any other person or entity referred to
herein. Employee also represents that she does not intend to bring any claims on
her own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or
any other person or entity referred to herein.
7. Application for Employment. Employee understands and agrees that, as
a condition of this Agreement, she shall not be entitled to any employment with
the Company, its subsidiaries, or any successor, and he hereby waives any right,
or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company, its
subsidiaries or related companies, or any successor.
8. Confidentiality. The Parties acknowledge that Employee's agreement to
keep the terms and conditions of this Agreement confidential was a material
factor on which all parties relied in entering into this Agreement. Employee
hereto agrees to use her best efforts to maintain in confidence: (a) the
existence of this Agreement, (b) the contents and terms of this Agreement, (c)
the consideration for this Agreement, and (d) any allegations relating to the
Company or its officers or employees with respect to Employee's employment with
the Company, except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement (hereinafter
collectively referred to as "Settlement Information"). Employee agrees to take
every reasonable precaution to prevent disclosure of any Settlement Information
to third parties, and agrees that there will be no publicity, directly or
indirectly, concerning any Settlement Information. Employee agrees to take every
precaution to disclose Settlement Information only to those attorneys,
accountants, governmental entities, and family members who have a reasonable
need to know of such Settlement Information. The Parties agree that if Company
proves that Employee breached this Confidentiality provision, it shall be
entitled to an award of its costs spent enforcing this provision, including all
reasonable attorneys' fees associated with the enforcement action, without
regard to whether the Company can establish actual damages from the breach by
Employee.
9. No Cooperation. Employee agrees she will not act in any manner that
could reasonably be expected to damage the business of the Company. Employee
agrees that she will not counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the
presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims,
charges, or complaints by any third party against the Company and/or any
officer, director, employee, agent, representative, shareholder or attorney of
the Company, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so. Employee
further agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any court
order, subpoena, or any legal discovery
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device that seeks or might require the disclosure or production of the existence
or terms of this Agreement, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of
its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or legal discovery device to the Company.
10. Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees to refrain from any defamation,
libel or slander of the Company or tortious interference with the contracts and
relationships of the Company. All inquiries by potential future employers of
Employee will be directed to the Vice President, Human Resources. Upon inquiry,
the Vice President, Human Resources shall only state the following: Employee's
last position and dates of employment
11. Noncompete. Employee acknowledges that the nature of the Company's
business is such that if Employee were to become employed by, or substantially
involved in, the business of a competitor of the Company during the 12 months
following the termination of Employee's employment with the Company, it would be
very difficult for Employee not to rely on or use the Company's trade secrets
and confidential information. Thus, to avoid the inevitable disclosure of the
Company's trade secrets and confidential information, Employee agrees and
acknowledges that Employee's right to receive the severance payments set forth
in Section 1 (to the extent Employee is otherwise entitled to such payments)
shall be conditioned upon Employee not directly or indirectly engaging in
(whether as an employee, consultant, agent, proprietor, principal, partner,
stockholder, corporate officer, director or otherwise), nor having any ownership
interested in or participating in the financing, operation, management or
control of, any person, firm, corporation or business that competes with Company
or is a customer of the Company. Upon any breach of this section, all severance
payments pursuant to this Agreement shall immediately cease.
12. Non-Solicitation. Employee agrees that for a period of 12 months
immediately following the Effective Date of this Agreement, Employee shall not
either directly or indirectly solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any of the
Company's employees to leave their employment, or take away such employees, or
attempt to solicit, induce, recruit, encourage, take away or hire employees of
the Company, either for herself or any other person or entity.
13. Understanding of Covenants. Executive represents that she (a) is
familiar with the foregoing covenants not to compete and not to solicit set
forth in Sections 12 and 13, respectively, and (b) is fully aware of her
obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonableness of the
length of time, scope and geographic coverage of these covenants.
14. No Admission of Liability. The Parties understand and acknowledge
that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of disputed claims.
No action taken by the Parties hereto, or either of them, either previously or
in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed or construed to be: (a) an
admission of the truth or falsity of any claims heretofore made or (b) an
acknowledgment or admission by either party of any fault or liability whatsoever
to the other party or to any third party.
15. No Knowledge of Wrongdoing. Employee represents that she has no
knowledge of any wrongdoing involving improper or false claims against a federal
or state governmental agency, or any other wrongdoing that involves Employee or
other present or former Company employees.
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16. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, expert fees,
attorneys' fees and other fees incurred in connection with this Agreement.
17. Indemnification. Employee agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company from and against any and all loss, costs, damages or expenses,
including, without limitation, attorneys' fees or expenses incurred by the
Company arising out of the breach of this Agreement by Employee, or from any
false representation made herein by Employee, or from any action or proceeding
which may be commenced, prosecuted or threatened by Employee or for Employee's
benefit, upon Employee's initiative, or with Employee's aid or approval,
contrary to the provisions of this Agreement. Employee further agrees that in
any such action or proceeding, this Agreement may be pled by the Company as a
complete defense, or may be asserted by way of counterclaim or cross-claim.
18. Arbitration. The Parties agree that any and all disputes arising out
of, or relating to, the terms of this Agreement, their interpretation, and any
of the matters herein released, shall be subject to binding arbitration in Santa
Xxxxx County before the American Arbitration Association under its National
Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The Parties agree that the
prevailing party in any arbitration shall be entitled to injunctive relief in
any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration award. The
Parties agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be awarded its
reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The Parties hereby agree to waive their
right to have any dispute between them resolved in a court of law by a judge or
jury. This section will not prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief
(or any other provisional remedy) from any court having jurisdiction over the
Parties and the subject matter of their dispute relating to Employee's
obligations under this Agreement and the agreements incorporated herein by
reference.
19. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned
has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and
all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Employee represents and warrants that she has the capacity to act on her own
behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through her to bind them to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each party warrants and represents that
there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or
otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.
20. No Representations. Each party represents that it has had the
opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands
the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Neither party has
relied upon any representations or statements made by the other party hereto
which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.
21. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is
declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or
void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said
provision so long as the remaining provisions remain intelligible and continue
to reflect the original intent of the Parties.
22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and
understanding between the Company and Employee concerning the subject matter of
this Agreement and Employee's relationship with the Company, and supersedes and
replaces any and all prior
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agreements and understandings between the Parties concerning the subject matter
of this Agreement and Employee's relationship with the Company (including, but
not limited to, the Change of Control Agreement and the Employment Agreement),
with the exception of the Confidentiality Agreement and the Stock Agreements.
23. No Waiver. The failure of any party to insist upon the performance
of any of the terms and conditions in this Agreement, or the failure to
prosecute any breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall
not be construed thereafter as a waiver of any such terms or conditions. This
entire Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance
or failure of performance had occurred.
24. No Oral Modification. Any modification or amendment of this
Agreement, or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with
this Agreement, shall be effective only if placed in writing and signed by both
Parties or by authorized representatives of each party.
25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been executed
and delivered within the State of California, and it shall be construed,
interpreted, governed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of
California, without regard to conflict of law principles. To the extent that
either party seeks injunctive relief in any court having jurisdiction for any
claim relating to the alleged misuse or misappropriation of trade secrets or
confidential or proprietary information, each party hereby consents to personal
and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the state and federal courts of the
State of California.
26. Attorneys' Fees In the event that either Party brings an action to
enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation,
arbitration, litigation, court fees, plus reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred
in connection with such an action.
27. Effective Date. This Agreement is effective after it has been signed
by both parties.
28. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and
each counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall
constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the
undersigned.
29. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. This Agreement is executed
voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of
the Parties hereto, with the full intent of releasing all claims. The Parties
acknowledge that:
(a) They have read this Agreement;
(b) They have been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and
execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of their own choice or that they
have voluntarily declined to seek such counsel;
(c) They understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement and
of the releases it contains; and
(d) They are fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this
Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the
respective dates set forth below.
GADZOOX NETWORKS, INC.
Dated: , 200 By
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Name:
Title:
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX, an individual
Dated: , 200
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Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
