CONSULTING AND INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY
ASSIGNMENT
AGREEMENT
THIS CONSULTING AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered
into as of the 11th day of January, 2006, by and between
Henvil Corp., an Ontario Canada corporation
(“Henvil”) , and Steve
Livneh , its sole shareholder and principal, (collectively
“ Consultants”) as parties of the
first part , and Bovie Medical
Corporation , organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware, (“ Bovie”) , as
party of the second part.
W-I-T-N-E-S-S-E-T-H
WHEREAS: Consultants have experience and expertise in the
medical device engineering and product development fields;
and
WHEREAS Livneh is the creator, owner and inventor of
proprietary inventions in the nature of reusable ergonomic modular
disposable and re-usable hand instrumentation and the ideas,
designs and concepts therefor, as more fully and particularly
described in Exhibits A and
B hereto (collectively, the
“Inventions”), and WHEREAS Consultants wish to develop
and cause to be developed detailed designs, specifications, quality
standards, plans and drawings, computer renderings, models and
designs, improvements and modifications, and prototype and
pre-production test versions of the Inventions, to facilitate
Bovie’s marketing and distribution of the products derived
from the Inventions in the United States and throughout the world
including such other devices that substantially reflect the Patents
and Inventions hereunder (collectively the
“Products”).
WHEREAS Consultants are willing to assign to Bovie all
right title and interest in the Inventions and Products pursuant to
the terms hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS: On the terms and conditions set out herein,
Bovie is willing to engage Consultants to assist Bovie and
Consultants are willing to assist Bovie, in developing detailed
designs, specifications, quality standards, plans and drawings,
computer renderings, models and designs, improvements and
modifications, and prototype and pre-production test versions, of
the Inventions and Products while protecting Bovie’s
intellectual property and trade secret rights in and to the
Inventions, and certain related confidential
information.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual undertakings and
covenants set out herein, the parties expressly acknowledge and
agree as follows:
1.1
Engagement
: Bovie hereby engages Consultants to perform, and
Consultants agree to perform, the services enumerated herein, for
the Term set forth herein, unless the engagement is sooner
terminated.
1.2
Provision of Equipment and
Machinery: Bovie shall, within thirty (30) days after the
date hereof, but subject to Force Majeure, purchase (and/or lease)
and cause to be delivered to Henvil’s facility in Canada, if
readily available, the necessary equipment and machinery valued at
$400,000 which is listed and described on Exhibit
C for use by Consultants in performing
their Services and Scope of Work (as hereafter defined), subject to
Section 1.2.2 below. Consultants acknowledge that for all purposes
herein, Bovie is the owner of the equipment and machinery, with
owner’s prerogative to exercise all indicia of ownership in
any manner and for any reason, including but not limited to,
removal of such equipment to its manufacturing location in Florida
or elsewhere, on 90 days notice to Consultants.
1.2.1
Standard of
care : Consultants
shall utilize the machinery and equipment in conformity with good
design and manufacturing practices exercising the appropriate
standard of care for the proper maintenance of the machinery and
equipment and the safety of the personnel operating
same.
1.2.2
Use for other
Purposes : In the
event the equipment is used for any purpose other than what is
contemplated by this Agreement, Consultants shall notify Bovie in
writing of the nature of the use and shall compensate Bovie on
terms and amount to be agreed upon prior to such intended
use.
1.2.3
Insurance:
For as long as the equipment and
machinery is located at consultants’ facility, Consultants
shall purchase and keep in effect property insurance covering the
equipment and machinery specified in Exhibit C in an amount equal
to the greater of $400,000 or the actual value thereof, with Bovie
as a named insured.
1.3
Standard of
Performance :
Consultants acknowledge that Bovie is entrusting to them with
highly sensitive confidential and commercially-valuable
information, not generally known, and relying expressly on
Consultants’ discretion, experience, and expertise: (a) to
develop detailed designs, specifications, quality standards, plans
and drawings, computer renderings, models and designs, improvements
and modifications, and prototype and pre-production test versions,
of the Inventions, in a good and professional manner, consistent
with best practices and the standard of care in the medical device
design and engineering industry, taking into account time and
budgetary constraints imposed by Bovie; and (b) to keep
confidential and to preserve Bovie’s trade secrets and
confidential information, and that, in consequence, they will
occupy a special position of trust and confidence with respect to
Bovie. Consultants hereby agree that, in the course of performing
the services enumerated herein, they will at all times use
reasonable efforts to advance Bovie’s interests, and loyally
and faithfully, subject to Force Majeure, to perform their
obligations for Bovie’s benefit.
1.4
Services
: Subject to Force Majeure events,
Consultants hereby agree to perform the services set out in the
Scope of Work, attached hereto as Exhibit D
hereto, not later than the times specified for completion of the
Scope of Work, as the same may be amended by mutual agreement of
the parties from time to time (the “Services”). The
Scope of Work and delivery date may be modified or augmented from
time to time by mutual, written agreement signed by the parties,
acting reasonably.
1.5
Limitations on Consultants
Authority in Respect of Dealings with Third Parties
: Each Consultant shall have no
authority or power to bind Bovie to any obligations or undertakings
with third parties, nor shall Consultants represent that they have,
or hold themselves out as having; or imply or suggest that he has;
such authority or power. All negotiations and negotiating positions
with any third parties are subject to approval by Bovie. All
agreements, understandings and contracts with third parties must be
in writing, and duly executed by an officer of Bovie in order to be
effective against Bovie. Consultants shall disclose to third
parties the foregoing limitations on their authority where and when
reasonably necessary to avoid creating misapprehensions or
misunderstandings on the part of such third parties as to the scope
of Consultants’ authority.
1.6
Independent Contractor
Status : Consultants
and Bovie are contractors independent of one another, and
Consultants shall not be considered the employee, partner or joint
venturer of Bovie, or subject to the execution and performance
hereof, the owner of any interest in the Inventions or business
associated with it. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement,
Consultants shall be free to perform the services required
hereunder at the times, in the places, and in the manner they deem
fit. Except as expressly provided herein and subject to the
provisions of section 2.1 hereof, Consultants shall provide, at
their cost and expense, all transportation, personnel, equipment,
insurance and supplies needed to perform the Services. Bovie is
contracting for the results set out in the Scope of Work, and
Consultants shall control the details of their performance.
Consultants shall be liable for and responsible for payment of any
and all taxes that may be due upon compensation earned by them
under this Agreement.
1.7
Bovie’s Efforts to
Exploit the Inventions: Bovie agrees that it shall use reasonable
efforts to exploit commercially the Inventions, and that Bovie
shall bear all costs of marketing of the Products. Bovie shall have
sole, exclusive, and unfettered discretion as to the means by, and
terms and conditions under, which Bovie shall endeavor to exploit
the Inventions and Bovie does not guarantee or make any warranties
or representations whatsoever to Consultants that such efforts will
be successful, or will result in any level of revenue, income or
profit.
2.1
Development
Compensation : Bovie shall pay to Consultants, monthly for a
period of twelve (12) months, the sum of thirty thousand ($30,000)
or for less than a month, an appropriately pro-rated portion
thereof (“Consulting Fee”) commencing with the
execution hereof, in support of Consultants’ preparations and
performance of their Services and Scope of Work hereunder plus the
cost of tools and molds up to a maximum cost of $120,000.00 if
required for the Scope of Work, all of which is subject to approval
of Bovie which shall be the owner of such tools and
equipment.
2.2
Royalty Fee
: Commencing with the period
immediately following one year after the date of the first sale or
commercial delivery of the Product for use and continuing for a
period of four years thereafter, Bovie shall pay on a quarterly
basis to Livneh, or an entity designated by him in writing, which
is at least 50% owned and controlled by Livneh, a minimum royalty
(“Initial Minimum Royalty”) consisting of the greater
of $35,000 per year or 3% of Adjusted Gross Revenues received (as
hereinafter defined) inclusive of Product delivery for use and such
other device(s) that substantially reflect the work performed by
Consultants hereunder, namely variants of the reusable ergonomic
modular disposable and re-usable hand instrumentation, embodied by
the Inventions, during the Term, if any. Commencing with the
quarterly period following the end of the aforesaid four-year
period and continuing thereafter for the balance of Term of this
Agreement, Bovie shall pay to Livneh, or his designee, a royalty
payment (“Ongoing Royalty”) equal to 2.5% of such
Adjusted Gross Revenues. Except as expressly provided in this
Agreement, no Royalty shall be payable on account of sale,
licensing or otherwise of any other Bovie services or product other
than the Products, or on account of any other revenue or income
received or accrued by Bovie, from whatever source
derived.
2.2.1
Adjusted Gross
Revenues : As used
herein, the term “Adjusted Gross Revenues” shall mean
Bovie’s gross sales (the gross amount billed Bovie customers
inclusive of distributors) of the Products on account of the sale
or delivery for use of the Products and any other device that
substantially embodies the Inventions and work performed by
Consultants hereunder less (i) shipping costs and (ii) commissions
payable to third parties (not including employees, consultants or
contractors of Bovie) (iii) returns, and (iv) royalty payable on
demo models supplied.
2.2.2
Payment Terms; Content of Fee Statements : The
Royalty shall be payable to Consultants on a calendar quarterly
basis. Not later than thirty (30) days after the last day of the
previous calendar quarter, Bovie shall remit to Consultants the
amount of the Royalty due on Gross Revenues actually received and
credited on account of the sales of the Products during the
previous quarter, if any. With each such payment, Bovie shall
deliver to Consultants a statement, showing, for the previous
calendar quarter, the total amount of revenues received by Bovie on
account of the sales or delivery for use of the Products derived
from the Inventions including such other device that substantially
embodies the work performed by Consultants hereunder, the amount of
gross revenues received and royalty payable for such quarter.
Consultants and their agents shall be
entitled not more than once per calendar year during the Term of
this Agreement, on ten (10) days prior written notice, to inspect,
audit and copy the books and records of Bovie
relevant to the
Royalty, in Bovie's premises during Bovie’s normal business
hours. If such inspection reveals an error in an amount equal to or
greater than $1000 concerning the calculation of the Royalty, then
Bovie shall pay any amount due and promptly reimburse the actual
and reasonable costs of Consultants in connection with such
inspection and audit. Bovie shall promptly correct any such
accounting error upon discovery, whether pursuant to such an
inspection or audit or otherwise and advise the Consultants
accordingly.
2.3
Stock Options
: As additional compensation for Steve Livneh,
Bovie shall, subject to Section 2.3.1 below, issue to Livneh, a
company owned 50% or more by him or to a family member designated
by him, when requested, a total of 100,000 restricted stock options
to purchase 100,000 restricted shares of Common Stock of Bovie,
exercisable at the closing price for Bovie’s Common Stock on
the American Stock Exchange as of at the close of business on the
date requested.
2.3.1
Vesting of Options
: The aforesaid stock options shall
not vest until such time as Bovie formally receives section 510K
approval from the FDA for each of the Arthroscopic and Lap Choly
classes of instrumentation subject to the application, at the rate
of 50% each (or a total of 50,000 options shall vest for each class
of instrumentation so approved); provided that Bovie, at its
expense, shall apply for section 510K approval within a reasonable
period after Henvil's delivery of drawings for each class of
Products described in Exhibit - A and
B .
2.3.2
Consultants acknowledge that such
options shall be restricted stock options which are acquired for
investment and shall have a term of five years.
2.3.3
Exercise of the restricted stock
options shall give the holder of such options the right to acquire
restricted shares of common stock of Bovie and future transfer
and/or sale of the shares so purchased may only be made in
compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
2.4
Payment of Fees Ordinary
Contractual Obligation of Bovie; No Trust
: Bovie’s obligations to pay
Royalty to Consultants shall be regarded as an ordinary contractual
obligation of Bovie’s only, and Bovie shall not be deemed,
expressly or by implication, to hold any part of its revenues or
income derived on account of sale of Product derived from the
Inventions as a trust for the benefit of Consultants.
2.5
Transmission of
Payments . Bovie
agrees to transmit all payments due Consultants under this
Agreement to Henvil or Steve Livneh, as directed by Henvil in
writing .
3.
CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION:
3.1
Mutual Nondisclosure
Agreement . Consultants and Bovie acknowledge that, by
virtue of this Agreement, each will have access to confidential
information belonging to the other. Accordingly, the parties agree
to respect and fulfill at all times the terms and conditions of the
Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit
E , which is incorporated herein by
reference.
3.2
Inventions and
Consultants’ Work Product Proprietary to
Bovie Consultants
acknowledge that upon execution of this Agreement, the Inventions
and all designs, plans, drawings, standards, specifications,
modifications, technical information, prototypes, test versions,
and models associated with the Inventions as conceived or developed
by Consultants (both before and after the execution of the
agreement) and the work to be performed by Consultants for Bovie
under this Agreement shall become the exclusive intellectual
property of Bovie and shall be subject to the protections of
applicable United States and international trademark trade secret,
copyright and patent law. Consultants further acknowledge that all
original works of authorship which are made by Consultants (solely
or jointly with others) within the Scope of Work and during the
Term of this Agreement which are protectable copyright law are
“works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the
United States Copyright Act, as amended.
3.3
Injunctive
Relief :
Consultants further acknowledge that
unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information or Trade
Secrets or infringement of Bovie’s intellectual property
rights in and to the Inventions or Products would result in great
harm and injury to Bovie, which would not be readily compensable in
money damages. Accordingly, Consultants agrees that, without
waiving any additional rights and remedies otherwise available to
Bovie at law, in equity, or by statute, Bovie shall be entitled to
preliminary and permanent injunctive and other equitable relief,
and waive bond or other security as a condition of such preliminary
relief, in the event of Consultants’ breach or threatened
breach of any covenant contained in this section 3.
3.3.1 Bovie acknowledges that during the term of
agreement, unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential
information or Trade Secrets provided by Consultants or
infringement of Consultants' intellectual property rights would
result in great harm and injury to Consultants, which would not be
readily compensable in money damages. Bovie further acknowledge
that unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information or
Trade Secrets or infringement of Consultants intellectual property
rights in and to Consultant’s inventions, would result in
great harm and injury to Consultants, which would not be readily
compensable in money damages. Accordingly, Bovie agrees that,
without waiving any additional rights and remedies otherwise
available to Consultants at law, in equity, or by statute,
Consultants shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent
injunctive and other equitable relief, and waive bond or other
security as a condition of such preliminary relief, in the event of
Bovie’s breach or threatened breach of any covenant contained
in this section 3
4. ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS AND
TECHNOLOGY:
4.1 Assignment of Work Product and
Intellectual Property to Bovie. Consultants agrees to, and
hereby does, without any additional consideration, irrevocably and
unconditionally assign and transfer outright all their respective
right, title and interest in and to (a) any and all materials and
work product created or developed by Livneh in the course of
performing services under this Agreement (“Work
Product”); (b) any and all Inventions, improvements,
modifications (whether or not the same be reduced to written or
computer-readable form) derived from the Inventions, the Services
performed or Work Product created by Consultants hereunder,
including but not limited to designs, drawings, specifications and
standards, improvements and modifications and pictorial or graphic
representations of images, prototypes models and test versions; and
(c) any and all copyrights, trademarks, patents and patent rights,
and applications therefor, if any, and any and all other
intellectual property and/or industrial property rights in and to
any and
|