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THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") is made and entered into this day of
31st July 2001, by and between BAM ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED a company incorporated
under English law under registered number 04112030 the address of whose
registered office is 00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxx, Xxxx & Somerset BA1 2SB
("BAM"), and UBI SOFT ENTERTAINMENT SA, a French corporation, whose registered
office is at 00 xxx Xxxxx-Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000 Xxxxxx ("UBI SOFT").
UBI SOFT and BAM being hereinafter individually referred to as "Party" or
jointly referred to as the "Parties".
RECITALS
(A) UBI SOFT is engaged inter alia in the business of publishing and
distributing game software in the "Territory" (as hereinafter defined).
(B) BAM is engaged inter alia in the business of development and production
of game software for various platforms.
(C) BAM wishes to appoint UBI SOFT and UBI SOFT wishes to act, on the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement, as the exclusive distributor
of BAM's Products within the Territory.
(D) Therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth
and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
In this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Products" shall mean all game software published by BAM in any language
of the Territory including without limitation the Products listed in
Schedule A and any other game software published or to be published by
BAM in any of the Formats during the Term provided that (notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary) no program or video game
shall constitute a Product unless or until BAM has (at its absolute
discretion) selected and designated both it and the appropriate format it
as such and notified the same to UBI SOFT. In the event BAM does not
select any of its game software for inclusion into the Products, BAM
shall not be entitled to distribute directly or indirectly such game
software in the Territory during the Term.
Within 10 (ten) Working Days after the date of notification to UBI SOFT
as referred to in the proviso to the preceding paragraph UBI SOFT may
reject at its absolute discretion any new game software added by BAM to
the Products and serve notice of such rejection to BAM pursuant to Clause
13.1; provided however that in this event, BAM shall be free to
distribute directly or indirectly such game software in the Territory.
1.2 "Territory" shall mean the countries set out in Schedule B.
1.3 "Format" shall include without limitation PC CDROM/DVDROM Sony
Playstation (PSX and PSOne), Sony Playstation 2, Nintendo 64, Nintendo
GameCube, Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo GameBoy and Nintendo GameBoy Color,
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Nintendo GameBoy Advance, Microsoft Xbox, Bandai WonderSwan and DVD
VIDEO, Internet (including without limitation the HTML language),
wireless, mobile and cellular phones, I-Mode, Palm Pilot, handheld
computers, portable computers and any other vocal or written mail
services such as "GMS" and "UMTS".
1.4 "Promotional Materials" shall mean any documents and materials in any
language of the Territory including advertising, promotional display
and/or other such marketing materials of or concerning the Products,
furnished and/or approved in writing by BAM pursuant to Clause 10.11 and
which UBI SOFT may use in conjunction with the distribution of the
Products and for promotional purposes.
1.5 "Net Revenues" shall mean 100% of Gross Revenues less (i) all returns,
xxxx-xxxxx and price protections actually credited, and (ii) customary
and usual trade discounts actually granted by UBI SOFT to its customers.
1.6 "Gross Revenues" shall mean 100% of all amounts invoiced by UBI SOFT to
customers or end users or otherwise directly or indirectly payable or
credited to or receivable by UBI SOFT and its affiliates from customers
or end users for sales of the Products and the exploitation by UBI SOFT
and its affiliates of any of the rights granted to it hereunder, less VAT
and custom duties included in such amounts.
1.7 "Right Price" shall mean that the Product is considered to be so sold if
the retail price falls below [*] of the original retail price at release.
1.8 "Working Day" shall mean 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday excluding bank and
public holidays in England.
1.9 "Distribution Channels" shall mean retail distribution channels in the
Territory, including, without limitation distribution to retailers,
directly to end-users, to electronic retailers and through BtoB
opportunities. Products may be sold or marketed via the Internet but not
transmitted, distributed or made available to download via the Internet.
1.10 "Term" shall mean the period from the Signature Date to the date of
expiration or termination (howsoever caused) ("Termination Date").
1.11 "Signature Date" shall mean the date of signature of this Agreement or
(if signed by the Parties on different dates) the later of such dates.
All references to Clauses and Schedules are to Clauses, Sub-clauses and
Schedules of this Agreement. Words importing the singular only shall
include the plural and vice versa; words importing the masculine gender
shall include the feminine; and words importing persons shall include
corporations.
2. GRANT OF RIGHTS
2.1 BAM hereby grants UBI SOFT the exclusive right during the Term on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and as follows:
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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2.1.1 To distribute, market and sell the Products, directly or indirectly
through third party distributors, at full price and Budget Price, through
any Distribution Channels throughout the Territory.
2.1.2 To manufacture, distribute, market and sell the Promotional Materials in
connection with the distribution of the Products throughout the
Territory.
2.2 BAM hereby grants UBI SOFT a non-exclusive and non-transferable right
during the Term on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement
to use BAM's trade marks as indicated in Schedule C, in connection with
the distribution and promotion of the Products and Promotional Materials
of the Products.
2.3 BAM hereby appoints UBI SOFT as its exclusive distributor of the Products
in the Territory during the Term pursuant to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement.
2.4 Only those rights with respect to the right to distribute, market and
sell the Products in the Territory expressly granted in Sub-Clause 2.1
are licensed by BAM to UBI SOFT. All rights (including without limitation
all rights outside the Territory and all and any electronic transaction
rights (including without limitation cable, the internet and any on-line
services) are retained and reserved by BAM exclusively worldwide.
3. DELIVERY OF THE PRODUCTS BY BAM
3.1 The Parties shall, during the Term, discuss in good faith the proposed
release dates of any Product and the expected levels of customer orders
or customer demand for each of the Products available or to be released
for the ensuing 4 (four) month period ("Expected Sales Level"). BAM shall
provide UBI SOFT during the Term with any information which BAM
reasonably considers relevant to the Products, including without
limitation rating (age group, M-rated) for the purpose of discussing the
Expected Sales Levels as set forth in this Clause 3.1. UBI SOFT shall
however have no obligation to place orders of Products at such Expected
Sales Level.
3.2 BAM shall (subject always to Clause 13.2) use its commercially reasonable
endeavours to comply with UBI SOFT's initial order and shall deliver the
number of units of Products ordered within (i) 45 (forty five) days after
the service on it of any such order of Products for the PC Format and the
Game Boy Advance Format and (ii) 10 (ten) Working Days after the service
on it of any such order of Products for the PC Format and (iii) 60
(sixty) days after the service on it of any such order of Products for
the Game Boy Advance Format.
3.3 During the Term, UBI SOFT shall be free to request additional orders for
each Product, BAM shall (subject to Clause 13.2) use its commercially
reasonable endeavours to comply with each additional order made by UBI
SOFT in writing, in accordance with Sub-Clause 3.2.
3.4 All orders for Products by UBI SOFT (whether initial or additional) shall
be in writing and served on BAM in accordance with Sub-Clause 13.1. The
parties
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acknowledge and agree that there shall be no minimum quantities for any
order of Products (whether initial or additional) other than in accordance
with such minimum orders as may be set by Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft and
their authorised replicators.
3.5 The Products, delivered by BAM to UBI SOFT in any language of the Territory
shall be ready for sale in the Territory, with a manual attached, in their
respective packaging and properly wrapped. All expenses related to the
localization of the Products, including localization of packaging and
manual of the Products, in any language of the Territory shall be borne by
BAM.
BAM will inform UBI SOFT of the minimum sales potential required to have
the Products localized in any language of the Territory. The parties
acknowledge that BAM shall have no obligation to localize the programs of
the Products in any language of the Territory. BAM however acknowledges
that sales potentials of the Products depend on BAM's decision with respect
to localizations of the programs of the Products.
In the event BAM decides not to localize the programs of the Products, BAM
must deliver to UBI SOFT the Products which packaging and manual have been
localized in the language of each country of the Territory except if the
parties mutually agree to release the Products with English packaging and
manuals. BAM shall however comply with local laws and regulations in each
country of the Territory with respect to localization of the Products.
3.6 The Products shall be delivered to UBI SOFT FOB to any of the appropriate
UBI SOFT warehouses in the Territory UBI SOFT's warehouses are located in
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark and any other addresses
in the Territory to be notified in writing by UBI SOFT to BAM with adequate
advance notice. If the Products are delivered duties unpaid and if UBI
SOFT's sale of the Products results in UBI SOFT having to pay the duties on
the import of the Products, BAM shall promptly reimburse UBI SOFT the
documented duties paid by the latter upon UBI SOFT's request.
3.7 The recommended retail price for the Products shall be set in accordance
with Clause 10.14.
UBI SOFT is entitled at any time during the Term, to return at its sole
discretion any and all unsold Products, including Products which have been
returned to UBI SOFT by its customers, and defective Products. UBI SOFT
shall use reasonable endeavours to propose its customers sales price
decreases and price protections to limit returns of unsold Products. Any
price decrease shall be submitted by UBI SOFT for BAM's prior written
approval. BAM shall have a period of 5 (five) Working Days to render its
approval. In the event BAM does not render its approval or disapproval with
such 5 (five) Working Day period, the price decrease submitted by UBI SOFT
shall be deemed approved by BAM.
Any return of the Products by UBI SOFT pursuant to this Clause 3.7 shall be
at BAM's risk and sole expense. In addition, in the reasonable opinion of
UBI SOFT a Product is a slowmoving item, each Party is entitled to enter
into
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negotiations in good faith in order to come to an agreement acceptable
for both Parties regarding such slow moving item.
3.8 Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, BAM will pay
for and be responsible for shipment and insurance (a) of the Products
delivered by BAM to UBI SOFT's warehouses in the Territory and (b) for
returns of Products in accordance with Clause 3.7 by UBI SOFT to BAM.
UBI SOFT shall pay for and be responsible for shipping and insuring
Products(a) delivered by UBI SOFT to its customers and (b) for Products
returned by UBI SOFT's customers to UBI SOFT.
3.9 In the event of a Product being found to have a manufacturing fault or
any other defect which is not directly or indirectly attributable to any
default by UBI SOFT, such Product will be replaced by BAM free of
charge. Where it can be shown that UBI SOFT is responsible for any
defect in any Product, UBI SOFT shall reimburse BAM for the cost of
manufacture of such Product and for any other cost, expense or damage
resulting therefrom.
4. FREE SAMPLES
4.1 UBI SOFT shall be entitled to distribute Remuneration-free promotional
units given away for the promotion of the Products ("Free Samples").
With regards to the Free Samples distributed for marketing and
promotional purposes, UBI SOFT shall not pay any Remuneration to BAM.
4.2 Depending on the sales potential of the Products, UBI SOFT shall be
entitled to distribute the following numbers of Free Samples:
4.2.1 for Products having a [*] units and above Expected Sales Level: [*]
Free Samples.
4.2.2 for Products having between [*] and [*] units Expected Sales
Level: [*] Free Samples.
4.2.3 for Products having less than [*] units Expected Sales Level: [*] Free
Samples.
5. REMUNERATION
5.1 UBI SOFT FEES
In consideration of the services provided by UBI SOFT to BAM, UBI SOFT
shall be entitled to a distribution services fee ("DISTRIBUTION SERVICE
FEE") of (i) [*] of its Net Revenues with respect to sales of all
Products except Products for the Nintendo GameBoy Advance Format and
(ii) [*] of its Net Revenues with respect to sales of the Products for
the Nintendo GameBoy Advance Format and (iii) notwithstanding the
foregoing, [*] of its Net Revenues for any sale of the Products on any
Format through sub-distribution agreement, which shall be deducted from
the Remuneration paid by UBI SOFT to BAM under Sub-Clause 5.2 of this
Agreement.
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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The Distribution Service Fee shall be reduced (i) from [*] to [*] of the
Net Revenues with respect to the all Products except Products for the
Nintendo GameBoy Advance Format and (ii) from [*] to [*] of the Net
Revenues with respect to the Products for the Nintendo GameBoy Advance
Format, for any tranche of Gross Revenues above [*]. Such reduction shall
not apply to sales of the Products through sub-distribution agreements
for which the Distribution Service Fee shall remain [*] of the Net
Revenues.
5.2 REMUNERATION TO BAM
5.2.1 UBI SOFT shall pay to BAM an amount ("REMUNERATION") equal to UBI SOFT's
Net Revenues after deduction of (i) its Distribution Services Fee as set
forth in Clause 5.1 and (ii) an indemnifying handling fee of [*]
calculated on the amounts of credit notes issued by UBI SOFT and its
affiliates to their customers with regard to any Product returned in
accordance with Clause 3.7.
5.2.2 UBI SOFT shall pay an advance against the Remuneration, fully recoupable
from January 2002 (inclusive) onwards against any amount due by UBI SOFT
to BAM with respect to the Remuneration, in the amount of [*] (the
"Advance"). The Advance shall be paid according to the following
schedule:
[*] upon signature of this Agreement by the Parties, recoupable against
any amount due by UBI SOFT to BAM with respect to the Remuneration from
January 2002 (inclusive)
[*] upon commercial release of the first Product, recoupable against any
amount due by UBI SOFT to BAM with respect to the Remuneration from March
2002 (inclusive)
[*] within 60 (sixty) days after commercial release of the first Product,
recoupable against any amount due by UBI SOFT to BAM with respect to the
Remuneration from April 2002 (inclusive)
UBI SOFT shall be entitled to deduct each month from the Remuneration a
provision for returns, price protections and yearly discounts of [*] of
the Remuneration. Such monthly provision shall be released and readjusted
by UBI SOFT every 120 (one hundred and twenty) days.
5.2.3 Unless expressly provided herein, all payments of the Remuneration by
UBI SOFT to BAM shall be made free, clear of and without any deduction
or condition whatsoever other than deduction for Marketing Expenses as
set forth in Clause 10.5.
5.2.4 In the event the balance of the Remuneration is negative because of
returns of Products to UBI SOFT by its customers, BAM shall reimburse
this negative balance to UBI SOFT each quarter provided always that the
Advance shall only
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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be recoupable in accordance with Clause 5.2.2 and in no circumstances
will BAM be required to reimburse any of the Advance to UBI SOFT.
6. STATEMENTS, INVOICE, PAYMENT AND AUDIT
6.1 UBI SOFT shall serve monthly statements on BAM within 30 (thirty) days
after the end of each calendar month, detailing for each part of the
Territory the sales of the Products, Gross Revenues, Net Revenues,
marketing expenses, marketing expenses, the number of returns, the
number of Products remaining in stock, the number of defective Products,
the number of Free Samples, and the Remuneration payable to BAM.
Payments of the Remuneration in respect of each month shall be made by
UBI SOFT to BAM within 7 (seven) days after service on it of BAM's
invoices and shall be made in Euros. For the avoidance of doubt the
reference to seven days in this Clause shall be to seven sequential
calendar days. UBI SOFT shall invoice its customers as soon as possible
after shipment of Products to them and shall use its best endeavors to
enforce payment thereof. Every invoice remaining unpaid after its due
date will incur interest at 2% (two per cent) per annum above the base
rate from time to time of Lloyds TSB Bank PLC.
UBI SOFT agrees to provide BAM figures with respect to expected sales
within 20 (twenty) days after the end of each calendar quarter for
information purpose only.
6.2 BAM shall be entitled, with no less than 4 (four) weeks' prior written
notice, to have UBI SOFT's accounts and books inspected at BAM's expense
no more frequently than twice per year by an independent certified
public accountant for the purpose of examining these books and records
only as they relate to sales of the Products. In the event of an error
in any accounting in favour of BAM of [*] or more, the reasonable cost of
such inspection shall be borne by UBI SOFT.
7. TERM
7.1 This Agreement shall commence on the Signature Date and continue for 2
(two) years thereafter save that in the case of Italy, Finland, Norway,
Denmark and Sweden it shall continue until 31 December 2002.
7.2 Unless the Agreement is terminated by BAM pursuant to Sub-Clause 12.1,
UBI SOFT shall also be entitled to a sell-off period ("Sell-Off Period")
for a period of [*] from the Termination Date. During the Sell-Off
Period, UBI SOFT shall be authorized to sell and distribute any unit of
the Products that remains in its stock.
7.3 This Agreement may be renewed upon mutual written agreement of the
Parties.
7.4 Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement or (if Sub-Clause 7.2
applies) at the end of the Sell-Off Period, UBI SOFT shall promptly
return to BAM, at BAM's risk and expense, the units of the Products that
remain in the possession of UBI SOFT, together with a complete stock
inventory thereof. UBI SOFT shall
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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be entitled to retain an appropriate number of Products for replacement
of defective Products.
8. WARRANTIES AND INDEMNITIES
8.1 UBI SOFT Warranties and Indemnity
8.1.1 UBI SOFT warrants and represents that (i) UBI SOFT has and throughout
the Term will have full power and authority to enter into and fully
perform this Agreement, (ii) the execution and performance of this
Agreement by UBI SOFT does not violate any agreements, rights or
obligations existing between UBI SOFT and any third party or any other
rights, laws or regulations, (iii) the Products will be stored
separated from other products and the Products will be marked as BAM's
property, (iv) UBI SOFT shall use best commercial efforts to distribute,
market and sell the Products in the Territory (v) UBI SOFT shall
maintain and manage a distribution and sales force which shall actively
exploit the Products throughout the Territory, such sales force to have
sufficient size, training expense and resources to serve the entire
Territory in a professional manner consistent with commercially
recognised industry standards.
8.1.2 UBI SOFT will both during and after the Term indemnify BAM against any
loss, injury or damage (including any legal costs and expenses and any
compensation costs and disbursements) suffered or incurred by BAM in
consequence of any material breach of UBI SOFT's warranties contained
in this Agreement.
8.2 BAM Warranties and Indemnity
8.2.1 BAM warrants and represents that (i) BAM has and throughout the Term
will have full power and authority to enter into and fully perform this
Agreement, (ii) the execution of this Agreement by BAM does not and
will not anywhere in the Territory violate any copyright, trademark or
other intellectual property rights of a third party or any agreements,
rights or obligation existing between BAM and any third party or any
other rights, laws or regulations, (iii) BAM is the author of or has
been granted regularly the exclusive licence to distribute the Products
and that the sale of the Products shall not be in any way a violation
of any copyright or trade xxxx of any third party in the Territory
during the Term, (iv) the Products have not been rated by the US
Entertainment Software Ratings Board as more adult than "mature" and
(v) BAM will use all commercially reasonable endeavours to comply with
all applicable Laws, rules and regulations in effect during the Term of
this Agreement, including without limitation all professional
registration requirements and technical specifications pertaining to
any aspect of the Products.
8.2.2 BAM will both during and after the Term indemnify UBI SOFT against any
loss, injury or damage (including any legal costs and expenses and any
compensation costs and disbursements) suffered and incurred by UBI SOFT
in consequence of any material breach of any of BAM's warranties
contained in this Agreement.
8.3 The indemnified Party shall promptly inform the indemnifying Party in
writing of any such claim, demand or suit and shall fully cooperate in
the defence thereof. The indemnified Party will not agree to the
settlement of any such claim, demand or suit prior to the final
judgement thereon without the consent of the
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indemnifying Party, whose consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
The indemnified Party shall not by any act or omission admit liability
or otherwise prejudice or jeopardise the indemnifying Party's actual or
potential defence to any claim. The said indemnity is subject to the
indemnified Party's duty to mitigate all of its said costs, expenses,
damages or liabilities.
8.4 Neither Party shall be liable to the other for loss of profits, loss of
use, or for any incidental consequential special or other damages
however caused and whether liability is asserted in contract or tort,
including negligence and strict liability, whether or not it had been
advised by the other Party of the possibility of any such loss or
damage occurring.
9. COPYRIGHTS, PATENTS, TRADE MARKS & OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
9.1 UBI SOFT shall use only those trade marks and copyrights of BAM
designated in writing by BAM in distributing and marketing the Products.
9.2 UBI SOFT shall prominently display BAM's logos and trade marks on any
Promotional Materials relative to the Products in a form and manner
approved by BAM in writing in advance. UBI SOFT shall be entitled to
use its own logos and trade marks in respect of the distribution and
the marketing of the Products and on any Promotional Material as the
exclusive distributor in the Territory in a form and manner approved by
BAM in writing in advance. BAM's prior written approvals shall be
rendered to UBI SOFT within 5 (five) Working Days. In the event BAM
does not render its approval or disapproval with such 5 (five) Working
Day period, any material and Promotional Material submitted by UBI SOFT
shall be deemed approved. In the event such approval requires the
approval of all or any of BAM's licensors, the parties agree to extend
in writing the approval period accordingly.
9.3 UBI SOFT acknowledges that all of the copyrights, trade marks and other
intellectual property rights used or embodied in or in connection with
the Products including, but not limited to, all documentation and
manuals relating thereto and all Promotional Materials are and shall
remain the sole and exclusive property of and/or under exclusive
licence to BAM, and UBI SOFT shall not during or at any time after the
Term in any way question or dispute the ownership or any such rights
granted to BAM in relation to the Products. To the extent that any such
rights accrue to UBI SOFT, UBI SOFT shall hold the same as base trustee
of BAM and shall promptly and unconditionally assign the same to BAM on
demand in writing. UBI SOFT shall take all actions and execute all
documents, at BAM's expense and as BAM may reasonably request, to
effect the acknowledgement of ownership contained herein and to secure,
maintain and defend for BAM's own benefit all rights therein.
9.4 UBI SOFT: (i) shall not create a unitary composite xxxx involving any
BAM's trade marks without the prior written approval of BAM and (ii)
shall display symbols and notices clearly and sufficiently indicating
the trade xxxx status and ownership of BAM's trade marks by BAM in
accordance with applicable trade xxxx law and practice. UBI SOFT
acknowledges and agrees that its utilization of BAM's trade marks will
not create in it, nor will it represent it has, any right, title
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or interest in or to such of BAM's trade marks other than the license
expressly granted herein. BAM's prior written approvals shall be
rendered to UBI SOFT within 5 (five) Working Days. In the event BAM does
not render its approval or disapproval with such 5 (five) Working Day
period, any material and Promotional Material submitted by UBI SOFT
shall be deemed approved. In the event such approval requires the
approval of BAM's licensors, the parties agree to extend in writing the
approval period.
9.5 Upon the expiration of the Sell Off Period as set forth in Clause 7.2
or termination pursuant to Sub-Clause 12.1, UBI SOFT shall forthwith
irrevocably discontinue its use referred to in Sub-Clause 9.1, without
compensation for such discontinuation.
9.6 If during the Term any claim is asserted against UBI SOFT in relation
to the Products or if UBI SOFT discovers that BAM's rights in the
Products have been infringed it shall immediately notify BAM and
render to BAM at BAM's expenses all such assistance in the prosecution
of or defence to such matter as BAM may request.
10. MARKETING & CUSTOMER SERVICE
10.1 The strategic and conceptual marketing and promotional activities of
the Products shall be carried out by BAM. For each Product, BAM shall
prepare a marketing plan that will be sent to UBI SOFT. UBI SOFT will
adapt it to each country in the Territory and will transfer it to
each local product manager. The parties agree to use reasonable
endeavours to follow the guidelines attached hereto in Schedule D or
such amended version of the guidelines as produced and agreed from time
to time between them.
The marketing plan shall include the following:
10.1.1 budget allocation;
10.1.2 proposed pricing strategies;
10.1.3 advice on release dates for the Products;
10.1.4 expectations on sales, etc.;
10.1.5 preference of media buying;
10.1.6 marketing at sales meetings and trade exhibitions.
10.2 UBI SOFT shall carry out such marketing for the Products (which shall
include (without limitation) trade marketing, Operative advertising and
in-store merchandising) in the Territory as BAM may request.
10.3 BAM shall reimburse to UBI SOFT marketing expenses actually incurred by
UBI SOFT subject always to a limit of:-
10.3.1 [*] of Gross Revenues with respect to the Products except the Products
for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance platform; and
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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10.3.2 [*] of Gross Revenues with respect to the Products for the Nintendo Game
Boy Advance platform.
10.4 The allocation of the marketing expenses among the Products shall be
agreed by the parties at the same time as the marketing plans, as soon
as the Expected Sales Levels are determined by the parties pursuant to
the provisions of Clause 3.1. The Marketing Expenses with respect to
each Product shall be agreed by the parties no later than 4 months
before the release date of any Product.
10.5 BAM agrees that subject to prior receipt of appropriate invoices from
UBI SOFT and evidence of the actual marketing expenses incurred by UBI
SOFT, UBI SOFT will be entitled to deduct from the Remuneration due to
BAM:
10.5.1 such marketing expenses incurred by UBI SOFT in each month ("the
Relevant Month"); and
10.5.2 any marketing expenses properly incurred in previous months which have
not already been reimbursed by BAM;
subject to the limits set out in clause 10.3.
10.6 BAM may at its sole discretion reimburse marketing expenses incurred by
UBI SOFT in excess of the limits referred to in clause 10.3 hereof.
10.7 Nothing herein shall prevent BAM from marketing any Product in the
Territory itself provided that BAM's expenses are in addition to the
marketing expenses which BAM are required to reimburse to UBI SOFT
hereunder.
10.8 UBI SOFT undertakes to appoint dedicated product managers in each major
subsidiary and a Brand manager dedicated to the Products in its central
marketing team.
10.9 The Parties agree that meetings shall be organized every 2 (two) months
between UBI SOFT's central marketing team and BAM's marketing staffs in
order to discuss Product launches, marketing plans and the overall
on-going activities in relation to the Products.
10.10 UBI SOFT shall be entitled to use the Promotional Materials provided by
BAM and to create original marketing materials for promotion purpose.
The marketing materials created by UBI SOFT shall be submitted, for
BAM's prior written approval. Once submitted, BAM shall have a maximum
of 5 (five) Working Days to approve or reject the marketing material in
writing. After 5 (five) Working Days without any response, the marketing
materials shall be deemed approved, save that in the event that such
approval requires the approval of all or any of BAM's licensors, the
parties agree to extend in writing the approval period accordingly.
BAM's approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
10.11 In addition, UBI SOFT undertakes to:
10.11.1 manage the distribution, sales and stock of the Products;
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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10.11.2 manage the end-user support (including phone support, hint lines);
All such expenses paid by UBI SOFT shall be invoiced to BAM once they
have been incurred. BAM shall pay to UBI SOFT its invoiced end-user
support expenses within 30 (thirty) days after the service on it of
UBI SOFT's invoice.
10.11.3 manage the customer and sub-distributor accounts;
10.11.4 negotiate and administer co-operative advertising campaigns with
customers;
10.11.5 handle public relations services (magazines, previews, reviews,
preparation of press releases);
10.11.6 handle the Products' presentation;
10.11.7 negotiate, for the Products, the cost of media and point of sales on
behalf of BAM;
10.11.8 manage BAM's brands;
10.11.9 advise BAM on sub-licensing opportunities;
10.11.10 advise BAM with regard to sales items (trailers, give-aways, goodies);
10.11.11 provide BAM with regular information relative to the performance of
the Products in the Territory in comparison with BAM's competitors'
products in the Territory;
10.11.12 plan manufacturing and inventory control of the Products;
10.11.13 prepare point of sales materials if relevant at UBI SOFT's sole
discretion;
10.11.14 prepare sell sheets;
10.11.15 advise regarding, if required, the management of the localization and
production of demonstration copies of the Products; and
10.11.16 work with BAM at trade shows if relevant at UBI SOFT's sole
discretion;
10.12 In respect of any game software that has been designated by BAM as a
Product pursuant to clause 1.1 and that has not been rejected by UBI
SOFT pursuant to clause 1.1 BAM shall (subject always to clause
10.15) use all commercially reasonable endeavours not to release such
game software for distribution in the United Kingdom before the date
of first commercial release of the said software in any part of the
Territory.
10.13 The obligation on BAM in clause 10.12 shall not apply to the extent
that it contravenes any law or regulation in any part of the European
Union or any part of the Territory.
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10.14 The parties agree to discuss in good faith the recommended retail price
to be suggested by UBI SOFT to its customers for each Product; provided
however that in the event the parties do not reach an agreement, BAM
shall at its sole discretion propose to UBI SOFT such recommended retail
price.
11. CONFIDENTIALITY
Each Party undertakes to keep and treat as confidential and not disclose
to any third party any information relating to the business or trade
secrets of the other, including but not limited to information relating
to the Products and other UBI SOFT software or marketing or support
thereof, nor make use of such information for any purpose whatsoever
other than for the purposes of this Agreement. This undertaking shall
last during the Term and survive the Termination Date for a period of 2
(two) years thereafter.
12. TERMINATION
12.1 This Agreement may be terminated immediately by either Party by the
service of notice on the other Party if (i) the other Party commits a
breach of any obligations or undertakings hereunder and fails within 30
(thirty) days of the service on it of notice to that effect to remedy
the same; (ii) the other Party shall convene a meeting of its creditors
or if a proposal shall be made for a voluntary arrangement within
applicable laws or a proposal for any other composition scheme or
arrangement with (or assignment for the benefit of) its creditors or if
the other shall be unable to pay its debts, or if a trustee, receiver,
administrative receiver, or similar officer is appointed in respect of
all or any part of the business or assets of the other or if a petition
is presented or a meeting is convened for the purpose of considering a
resolution or other steps are taken for the winding up of the other or
for the making of an administration order (otherwise than for the
purpose of an amalgamation or reconstruction)
12.2 The termination or expiry of this Agreement shall be without prejudice
to the rights of the Parties accrued up to the date of such termination.
12.3 In the event of termination of this Agreement by UBI SOFT, according to
Clause 12.1 above, UBI SOFT shall be entitled to the Sell-Off Period as
specified in Clause 7.4. During this Sell-Off Period, UBI SOFT shall be
authorized to sell and distribute any unit of the Products that remains
in stock at the date of Termination but for the avoidance of doubt UBI
SOFT shall continue to repay Remuneration in respect thereof in
accordance with Clause 5.2.
12.4 All rights granted to UBI SOFT hereunder shall cease and automatically
revert back to BAM in the event of termination or expiry hereof.
12.5 There shall survive the Termination Date:
12.5.1 clauses 1, 5.2, 6, 7.2, 8, 9, 11, 12.3, 12.5, 12.6, 13.1, 13.11 and
13.12; and
12.5.2 any other provision of the Agreement whose terms or context requires its
survival.
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12.6 Without prejudice to Clause 12.3, within 30 (thirty) days after the
Termination Date UBI-SOFT shall pay to BAM all Remuneration and other
sums due to BAM hereunder.
13. MISCELLANEOUS
13.1 Notices
13.1.1 All notices required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing
and in the English language and sent by first class letter or by
facsimile or email or delivered by hand on a Working Day (with a
confirmation copy sent simultaneously by first class mail) to the
receiving party at its principal office address as written above. Either
Party may alter its address for notice by giving notice as aforesaid.
13.1.2 Any such notice shall be deemed to be duly served:-
13.1.2.1 if delivered personally, on the date of delivery or, if not a
Working Day, on the next Working Day;
13.1.2.2 if sent by first class mail, 2 (two) Working Days following
the date of posting; and
13.1.2.3 if sent by facsimile or email, at the time of transmission,
provided it is made on a Working day and that a copy is sent
by first class post before 5:30 pm on the same day.
13.2 Force Majeure
13.2.1 Neither party shall be under any liability to the other or any other
party in any way whatsoever for destruction, damage or delay arising out
of circumstances beyond its reasonable control but not limited to war,
rebellion, civil commotion, strikes, lock-outs and industrial disputes,
fire, theft, explosion, earthquake, act of God, flood, drought or bad
weather, the unavailability of deliveries, supplies, products, disks or
other media or the requisitioning or other act or order by any
government department, council or other constituted body.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, each party shall use all reasonable
endeavours to continue to perform, or resume performance of such
obligations hereunder for the duration of such force majeure.
13.2.2 If either party is affected by force majeure, it shall promptly notify
the other in writing of the nature and extent of the circumstances in
question, and the length of time for which it is estimated such
circumstance shall subset.
13.2.3 In the event that either party is affected by force majeure for a period
of more than ninety (90) days the other party may terminate this
Agreement upon notice to the first party.
13.3 Partial Ineffectiveness (Severability)
If any term or provision of this Agreement shall be held by any
judicial, arbitral, regulatory or other public authority of competent
jurisdiction to be, illegal,
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invalid, void or unenforceable, it will be to that extent omitted and the
validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall not
affected.
13.4 Assignment
The parties may not assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the
prior written consent of the other party, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld and neither party may sub-contract or delegate its
obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of
the other party. No delegation or sub-contracting by either party of any
of its obligations hereunder shall relieve it of its primary obligations
hereunder to the other.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, UBI SOFT shall be
entitled to sub-contract the rights to market and distribute the
Products to its affiliates in the Territory, which list is attached
hereto in Schedule B, provided that UBI SOFT shall be primarily liable
for all activities of its affiliates with respect to the Products.
13.5 Entire Agreement
This Agreement supersedes any arrangements, undertakings,
understandings, promises or agreements made or existing between the
parties hereto prior to or simultaneously with this Agreement (other
than the Nondisclosure Agreement and the Software Distribution Agreement
entered into by the Parties on [ ] 2001 and [19 February] 2001
respectively and constitutes the entire understanding between the
parties hereto.
13.6 Headings
The clause headings in this Agreement are inserted for ease of reference
only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this
Agreement.
13.7 Relationship between BAM and UBI SOFT
It is agreed and understood that BAM is not the agent or representative
of UBI SOFT and has no authority or power to bind or contract in the name
of or to create any liability against UBI SOFT in any way or for any
purpose. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to create a
partnership or joint venture or employment relationship or agency
relationship between the Parties.
13.8 Waiver
The failure by either Party to enforce at any time or for any period any
one or more of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a
waiver of them or of the right at any time subsequently to enforce all
terms and conditions of this Agreement.
13.9 Time of Essence
Time shall be of the essence in respect of the performance by UBI SOFT
and BAM of their respective obligations hereunder.
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13.10 Alteration of Agreement
No alteration, modification or addition to this Agreement nor any
waiver of any of the terms hereof shall be valid unless made in
writing and signed by the duly authorized representatives of both
parties.
13.11 The parties agree that if, contrary to the intention and expectation
of the parties, a court of competent jurisdiction deems the
Commercial Agents Regulations 1993 (or equivalent) to apply to this
Agreement or any part of it, UBI SOFT shall be entitled to be
indemnified and not compensated thereunder.
13.12 Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of England and shall be
submitted in case of any dispute to the Courts on England
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SCHEDULE A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE GENRE FORMAT RELEASE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPG Battle Babes PPG PSX-2 nov-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPG Mojo Xxxx Titanic PPG GBA nov-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPG Island of Dr Mojo PPG PC - bud sept-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dexter Deesaster Strikes Dexter GBA nov-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dexter Lab Time Forgot Dexter PSX-2 nov-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dexter Science Fair Dexter PC - bud sept-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Potato Puzzle GBA jun-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Pro Wrestling Action GBA jun-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Driven Arcade Racing PS2 - 4 nov-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Driven Arcade Racing GBA nov-01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPG Title PPG PS2 spring 02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dexter Title Dexter PS2 spring 02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPG Title PPG GC spring 02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dexter Title Dexter GC spring 02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reign of Fire Arcade-Action GBA summer
2002
PS2 summer
2002
X-Box summer
2002
Game Cube summer
2000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sound of Thunder Action-Adventure GBA X-mas 2002
PS2 X-mas 2002
X-Box X-mas 2002
Game Cube X-mas 2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6e Sens Adventure X-Box X-mas 2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mage Action-Adventure GBA 2003
PS2 2003
X-Box 2003
Game Cube 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ecks vs. Sever Doom-like film 2003...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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SCHEDULE B
TERRITORY
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Benelux
Austria, Switzerland
Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden
UBI SOFT'S AFFILIATES
Ubi Soft France, Xxxxxxxxx 00000, Xxxxxx
Ubi Soft GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany,
Xxx Xxxx XxxX, Xxxxxxxxx 0000, Xxxxxxx.
Ubi Soft Xxx, Xxxxxx 00000, Xxxxx
Ubi soft XX, Xxxxxxxxx 00000, Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 0000, Xxxxxxx
Ubi Soft Nordic AS, Frederiksberg 2000, Xxxxxxx/Xxxxxx 00000, Xxxxxx
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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SCHEDULE C
TRADE MARKS
BAM! ENTERTAINMENT
BAM!
BAM! 4
BAY AREA MULTI MEDIA, INC.
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SCHEDULE D
BAM & UBI SOFT: NEW GUIDELINES TO BE IMPLEMENTED
ORGANISATION
o BAM and UBI SOFT provide the list of the contacts for each game.
o At least every two months, UBI SOFT EMEA Central Marketing and BAM will
have a common meeting to make the point on each current project.
o UBI SOFT'S relationship with the licensors: the subsidiaries should inform
& copy whenever possible BAM on every contact they have with WARNER BROS.
or CARTOON NETWORK or any other licensor. If they have meetings dedicated
to BAM properties, BAM should be invited. If BAM can't come, the subs
should send a brief summary of each meeting to them. Please make sure that
Xxxx Xxxxxx and the appropriate product manager is included in the notes.
o BAM can visit or take part in UBI SOFT internal meetings provided that BAM
and the Local Brand managers/Central Marketing have a preliminary
consultation about the strategy and the communication that have to be
adopted. The goal of those visits is to motivate the sales forces on the
licences.
o BAM's contact is UBI SOFT's central marketing. In case BAM needs to be in
direct contact with the subsidiaries, central marketing must be warned
and copied in all correspondence.
PRODUCTION PLANNING
o Right from the beginning, BAM should supply a general planning including
info regarding the software development and approval, paperparts
localisation and approval, product production and release date.
o The UK products shall not be made available in the UK before they are
available in the different territories.
o The planning of each game (see attached chart as an example) has to be
updated weekly by BAM and then sent to UBI SOFT every Friday.
APPROVAL
o For each approval, BAM or UBI SOFT have 5 working days, except for other
licensor constraints. Therefore BAM should provide asap all necessary
approval processes and timing for each property, in writing.
o BAM should submit all artworks to UBI SOFT first and then to WARNER BROS.
and CARTOON NETWORK, except for the game manuals that won't be approved by
UBI SOFT. BAM will need to have the manuals proof-read.
o Local artworks created by UBI SOFT'S subsidiaries will be sent to UBI SOFT
Central Marketing that will regroup all submissions and send them to BAM
Central Marketing for final approval before they go to print/manufacture.
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PRESS RELEASE
o BAM needs to approve the draft sent by UBI SOFT. Once approved between the
parties, BAM will submit the press release to the licensors for their
approval.
LOCALISATION
o BAM will first need to send as soon as available the minimum number of
units required to have a localisation implemented.
o As soon as they have enough information from BAM, UBI SOFT will provide a
sales estimate for each country. This is not a final order, just an
estimate to help localisation decisions.
o Then we will jointly decide the level of localisation.
PAPER PARTS (PRINTED MATERIALS)
o UBI SOFT will provide BAM with a UBI "style guide" including legal lines,
logo, technical support, etc.... that will have to be implemented to all
artworks and especially for the manuals that won't be approved by UBI SOFT.
o The packs & the labels have to be approved by UBI SOFT and then by WARNER
BROS. and CARTOON NETWORK. Hence UBI SOFT will make sure that all legal
lines constraints are taken into account + that the wording is adapted to
local specificities.
o All manuals should be forwarded to UBI SOFT as soon as available.
o BAM to generate barcode per SKU.
o Localisation of the paper parts: once the English back of box text is
approved by CN/WB, BAM will get the text translated and then submit the
translated versions to UBI SOFT for approval. UBI SOFT's subsidiaries will
suggest localised titles fitted to their market.
SAMPLES
o Samples will be allocated to UBI SOFT for promotional activities according
to sales estimates.
- [*] if sales > [*] units
- [*] if sales > [*] units
- [*] if sales < [*] units
o The samples breakdown will be made by UBI SOFT central marketing according
to the need of each country. The dispatch will be made by BAM. UBI SOFT
will confirm by sku the promotional copies needed.
o Should BAM require samples for its own licensors, the products will be
sent from UBI SOFT warehouse at BAM's own expenses and risk.
* Confidential portion omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
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MARKETING ELEMENTS
- Once the marketing materials such as: sell sheets, prints ads, trade
marketing materials are approved in English by Cartoon Network and WM then
BAM will provide UBI SOFT with all the artwork as layered files for UBI
SOFT territories to localize. BAM will need to see the localized versions
for approval before they go to print just to make sure that the core
elements already approved by CN/WB are still implemented.
- Should be provided as soon as available and approved by WB & DC Comics and
for each product: POS/ads to be localised, sell sheets, high res material,
screenshots, posings, high res images, beta footage, walkthrough, cheat
codes . . .
- UBI SOFT's subsidiaries need to have the opportunity to create their own
elements if necessary. Therefore UBI SOFT will submit their creations to
BAM approval.
- For trade-marketing materials BAM will provide concepts to UBI SOFT for
their buy in before the designs go to the licensor for final approval.
MARKETING PLANS
- BAM to send their UK marketing plan as a reference.
- UBI SOFT central marketing will present their European marketing plans 3
months prior to release with budgets based on estimated local sales.
- Hence BAM will approve or disapprove these budgets breakdown before
allocating them. In case specific operations outweigh the first allocated
budget, the costs incurred may be improved by BAM at its sole discretion.
- UBI SOFT will re-invoice BAM each quarter together with sending of royalty
statements.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby acknowledge that they have read and
understand the terms of this Agreement, and that by signing this Agreement they
agree to be bound by all terms, conditions, and obligations contained herein.
Signed /s/ X. XXXXXXXX Signed /s/ A. CORRE
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Name: X. Xxxxxxxx M.D. Name: A. Corre (MD)
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Duly authorised for and on behalf of: Duly authorised for and on behalf of:
UBI SOFT ENTERTAINMENT SA BAM ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
in the presence of: in the presence of:
Witness signature: Witness signature:
Witness name: Witness name:
Witness address: Witness address:
Occupation: Occupation:
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