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LICENSE AGREEMENT

License Agreement

LICENSE AGREEMENT | Document Parties: HASBRO INC | HASBRO, INC | Marvel Characters BV | Marvel Characters, Inc | Marvel Entertainment, Inc | Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc | Spider-Man Merchandising LP You are currently viewing:
This License Agreement involves

HASBRO INC | HASBRO, INC | Marvel Characters BV | Marvel Characters, Inc | Marvel Entertainment, Inc | Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc | Spider-Man Merchandising LP

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Title: LICENSE AGREEMENT
Governing Law: New York     Date: 5/7/2009
Industry: Recreational Products     Sector: Consumer Cyclical

LICENSE AGREEMENT, Parties: hasbro inc , hasbro  inc , marvel characters bv , marvel characters  inc , marvel entertainment  inc , sony pictures entertainment inc , spider-man merchandising lp
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EXHIBIT 10.2

 

“*************” DENOTE MATERIAL THAT HAS BEEN OMITTED PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT UNDER RULE 24b-2 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.

 

 

 

LICENSE AGREEMENT

D09001

 

This license agreement (this " Agreement "), which is effective upon signature by all parties hereto, is by and between Marvel Characters B.V., with an office at 1600 Rosecrans Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (“ Marvel ”) and, solely with respect to characters based on movies and television shows featuring Spider-Man and produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (“ Spider-Man Movie Characters ”), Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. with an office at 417 Fifth Avenue, Mezzanine, New York, NY 10016 (the “ LP ” and, together with Marvel, “ Licensor ”), on the one hand, and the party identified below (" Licensee ") on the other.

 

Reference is made to License Agreement D05184 (as amended to date, “ License Agreement D05184 ”), the Service Agreement executed on or about January 1, 2006 between Licensee and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (as amended to date, the “ 2006 Service Agreement ”), the Fourth Amendment to License Agreement of even date herewith (the “ Fourth Amendment to License Agreement D05184 ”), the Third Amendment by Licensee and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. to the 2006 Service Agreement of even date herewith (the “ Third Amendment to 2006 Service Agreement ”), and the Service Agreement between Licensee and Marvel of even date herewith (the “ New Service Agreement ”).

 

 

1.

BASIC INFORMATION AND TERMS

 

(a)

  Licensee:

 

Hasbro, Inc.

1027 Newport Avenue

Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02862

 

 

Attention:  Brian Goldner

Tel:

401-727-5202

Fax:     

Email:  bgoldner@hasbro.com

With a copy to:  Barry Nagler, Esq.

Tel:  401-727-5008

Fax:  401-727-5121

Email:  bnagler@hasbro.com

 Numbered

   Section

(b) Characters :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Marvel Classic Characters . “Classic” Characters refers to the embodiment of the Marvel characters as originally conceived in the comic books and widely known to the popular imagination through successive classic (i.e., faithful in appearance and characterization to the original comic books) interpretations in comic books, films, TV animation, video games and other media. The Classic designation includes all of Marvel’s current classic (non-media) style guides (and future versions thereof) including, for example, Classic Spider-Man, Classic X-Men and Classic Hulk as well as Marvel Retro, Marvel Heroes and Marvel Extreme style guides, but specifically as well as all Marvel/LP Entertainment Properties (i.e., media style guides based on films, live-action TV and/or animation).

 

All Marvel Movie Characters, to the extent the applicable merchandising rights are owned and/or controlled by Marvel and/or the LP, subject to any applicable third-party restrictions (for example, restrictions on likeness rights due to cast talent agreements vis-à-vis specific Marvel live-action movies).  All rights to use Marvel Movie Characters as they appear in motion pictures, television productions or productions in other media are subject to agreements between Marvel or the LP and third parties (including, but not limited to, talent and studios) relating to such productions; however, Marvel and the LP shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from such third parties all rights necessary for Licensee to fully exploit the rights granted hereunder at no further expense to Licensee.  If Licensee wishes to use any Marvel Movie Characters other than those characters in Marvel’s style guide and other than in the form contained in the style guide, then Licensee shall do so only with Marvel’s prior written approval, and Licensee shall be responsible for any required third-party clearances.

 

All Marvel Animated and Live-Action Television Characters, to the extent the applicable merchandising rights are owned and/or controlled by Marvel and/or the LP, and subject to any applicable third-party restrictions (as above). All rights to use Marvel Animated and Live Action Television Characters as they appear in animation or television productions are subject to agreements between Marvel or the LP and third parties (including, but not limited to, talent and studios) relating to such productions; however, Marvel and the LP shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from such third parties all rights necessary for Licensee to fully exploit the rights granted hereunder at no further expense to Licensee.  If Licensee wishes to use any Marvel Animated and Live Action Television Characters other than those characters in Marvel’s style guide and other than in the form contained in the style guide, then Licensee shall do so only with Marvel’s prior written approval, and Licensee shall be responsible for any required third-party clearances.

 

Note #1:  Marvel Movie Characters and Marvel Animated and Live Action Television Characters are collectively “Marvel/LP Entertainment Properties”.

 

Note #2: Properties which are not incorporated into and are primarily kept separate and apart from the Marvel Universe are excluded from this Agreement.  The “Marvel Universe” shall mean:

 

(i)

all characters whose visual image and description are contained in the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe as it may be expanded from time to time, in any successor reference work, or in any other reference material identified by Marvel;

 

(ii)

all characters whose visual image and description are intended by Marvel to be included in future editions of the handbook or successor work described in clause (i) of this sentence;

 

(iii)

all characters whose first appearance was in a media production based primarily on any of the characters described in clause (i) of this sentence; and

 

(iv)

characters developed by Marvel which, in one or more of their manifestations, interact with the Marvel Universe (other than in a wholly insignificant manner, such as an isolated cameo appearance), whether or not such characters are included in the Official Handbook .

       2

(c)   Licensed Categories :                                                                           

1.

Action Figures :  All toy “action figures” in all sizes in all plastic (e.g. pvc/abs) or other similar synthetic materials or combination of materials (but excluding plush and porcelain), with or without batteries or other electronics, including figures capable of being assembled, as this category is generally understood within the boy’s action segment of the toy industry on the date hereof together with all related accessories (weapons, vehicles, playsets, etc.) conceived, designed, marketed and sold for interaction with such action figures (for example, Spider-Man action figures with Spider-Man motor-cycle designed and built to scale).

 

Note #1 :  For the avoidance of doubt, collectible statues, busts, dioramas, sculpts, plastic models and model kits, Kubricks, Mini-Mates and Bobbleheads, and Tomy Capsule Collectibles are not included in the Licensed Categories.

 

Note #2 :  For the avoidance of doubt, the following items are not “Action Figures” for the purposes hereof, and Licensee accepts and understands that Licensor has on-going licenses in each of these business segments, which shall continue throughout the Term:

 

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2.

Flying Action Figures : defined as any figure (articulated or non-articulated) that can be, by hand or by air pump, projected, launched, fired, or propelled through the air or whose primary play pattern is to take place in mid-air.  The Flying Action Figures shall not be motorized nor electronically powered nor shall they be tethered, remote, radio and/or infra-red controlled.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensee may use limited radio control or infra red technology to allow for the in-air separation of the Action Figure and its attachments (planes).

 

3.

Articulated Figural Backpack Clips/Backpack Danglers :  Notwithstanding the foregoing, non-articulated figural backpack clips permanently attached to a backpack (not sold separately) and sold to the “back to school” buyer are specifically excluded from this Licensed Category.  

 

4.

Licensee’s Proprietary “Attacktix” Branded Figure Tactics Game : defined as the existing Hasbro figure-based strategy and tactics tabletop game of this name, as well as substantially similar variations and extensions thereof.

 

5.

Non-Costume/Non-Dress Up Action and Role-Play Weapons and Accessories : pretend-play wearable accessories, which embody and/or emulate key powers and/or re-produce key accessories of Marvel Super Heroes.  This Licensed Category does not include prop replicas.

 

Note #3 : By way of example, this Licensed Category would include Spider-Man Web Blasters, other blasters and weapons, and role play laser tag, Hulk Hands, helmets, masks, and Wolverine Claws. Other examples could include, for instance, a Thor hammer or Captain America shield (re-produce key accessories).

 

Note #4 : All Non-Costume/Non-Dress Up Action and Role-Play Articles must be composed of not less than fifty percent (50%) plastic.

 

Note #5 : For the avoidance of doubt, this Licensed Category does not cover all weapons (e.g. non-role plays laser tag), non-action Role Play, Video Game Accessories, Peripherals, and Controllers; provided that Licensor shall consider in good faith Licensee’s request to produce role play products which have a secondary feature which would allow a video game accessory or controller to be incorporated into such product.

 

6.

Feature Plush (Figural or Non-Figural) :  in all styles/types, sizes and materials. Feature Plush is defined as Plush with animatronics, electronic or mechanical interactive features or attributes (i.e. lights, sounds and/or movement).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, basic plush with simple features that do not incorporate any form of electronics, battery power or motion of any kind are specifically excluded from this Licensed Category #6 and are included in Licensed Category #7 below.  

 

7.

Basic Plush (Figural or Non-Figural) ( NON-EXCLUSIVE) :  in all styles/types, sizes, materials, and may include simple features that do not incorporate any form of electronics, battery power or motion of any kind.

 

8.

Figural Wall-Crawling Radio or Infrared Control :  in all styles/types, sizes and materials.

 

9.

Co-Branded Transformers Brand Action Figures : defined as a co-branded program limited to Licensed Article #1 (Action Figures) combining the Characters and the images, copyrights, and marks of Hasbro’s Transformers brand.

 

10.

***********************************and accessories . Licensee shall not utilize the Marvel brand to ****************************************************

 

11.

Licensee’s Proprietary Foam Based “Nerf” Branded Sporting Goods and Blasters that shoot foam darts and balls :  all styles/types. The category of foam based sporting goods shall be non-exclusive and the category of blasters that shoot foam darts and balls shall be exclusive.

 

12.

Water Guns, Water Blasters and Water Cannons.

 

13.

Board Games : children’s, family and all-age board games in Licensee’s proprietary brands (for example, "Monopoly", "Life", "Risk", "Candy Land", "Operation", "Trivial Pursuit", "Clue", "Scrabble", “Heroscape”), in themed editions, as well as  non-proprietary-branded children’s, family and all-age board games. Notwithstanding the exclusive nature of this Licensed Category, Licensee agrees to consider in good faith on a case-by-case basis Licensor’s requests to license out non-competitive age and/or gender specific executions.

 

14.

Electronic Hand Held Electronic Games :  self-contained dedicated electronic handheld devices with their corresponding software hard-coded into such device (which shall be similar to Tiger Electronic dedicated electronic handheld devices).  Such device shall not accept cartridges or any additional software and/or shall not connect to a computer, television, pc or any other interactive device nor include any educational, teaching, or learning elements. Notwithstanding the exclusive nature of this Licensed Category, Licensee agrees to consider in good faith on a case-by-case basis Licensor’s requests to license out non-competitive age and/or gender specific executions.

 

15.

Puzzles : two-dimensional (2D) cardboard and foam puzzles in all shapes, piece counts and sizes and cardboard and foam three-dimensional (3D) puzzles (i.e. Wrebbit, Puzz3D).   Notwithstanding the exclusive nature of this Licensed Category, Licensee agrees to consider in good faith on a case-by-case basis Licensor’s requests to license out to third parties non-competitive age and/or gender specific executions.

 

16.

Licensee’s Proprietary “Puzzle Shots” :  defined as the application of a digital photograph on to a digital puzzle and/or poster.  The picture puzzle and/or poster shall be distributed through on-site portrait studio (kiosk) where a consumer’s digital photograph is taken and super-imposed on a Character background to create a personalized foam fit puzzle. Licensor agrees to consider in good faith Licensee’s request to exploit Puzzle Shots through on-line executions.

 

17.

Licensee’s Proprietary “Playskool” Branded Pre-School Toys : This category shall include Licensee’s range of products of the general type developed by Licensee under License Agreement D06053.  Actual styles/types of products shall be developed in consultation with Licensor with Licensor retaining final approval over the styles and types of products to be developed, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. The category of pre-school toys shall be non-exclusive.

 

18.

All Compounds : including, but not limited to Play-Doh.

 

19.

Electronic IPOD/MP3 Speakers : limited to a dog or figure which interacts with an Ipod or MP3 player and displays motion, sound and light in reaction and relation to music in the manner consistent with Licensee’s I-DOG line of products. Additional styles/types (e.g. fish, and cats) to be approved on a case-by-case basis in Licensor’s sole written discretion, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

20.

Musical Toothbrushes :  defined as a toothbrush that plays music.

 

21.

Wall Decals :  permanent and removable wall decals.  Specifically to exclude wall paper and wall paper borders.  Notwithstanding the exclusive nature of this Licensed Category, Licensor shall have the right to sell Wall Decals limited to the home décor buyer of retail customers and further the Wall Decals sold by Licensor may not be sold in the toy or poster section of any retailer, and Licensee agrees to consider in good faith on a case-by-case basis Licensor’s requests to license out non-competitive executions.

 

22.

Licensee’s Proprietary “Lite Brite” Branded Activity Products : limited to the following styles types:

a.

“Lite Brite” Activity Set :  defined as an activity set whereby the consumer uses child friendly pegs which are pushed through perforated paper/panel and paper to create designs.

b.

Spinning Paint Activity Sets :  defined as a spinning mechanism with paint and sheets of paper or other material to create designs on the sheets of paper.  The Spinning Paint Activity Sets may also include lights and sounds.

 

23.

Licensee’s Proprietary “Titanium” Branded Die-Cast Figures and Vehicles ) :  the existing Hasbro die-cast toy line of this name, as well as substantially similar variations and extensions thereof which maintain the existing distinctive chrome/metallic finish (painted or non-painted). The category of die-cast shall be non-exclusive.

 

 

Note #6 :  QSR premiums - Licensee acknowledges and understands that Licensor generally does not control promotional rights to Marvel/LP Entertainment Properties and therefore to third-party promotional/tie-in activities and the associated premiums which may accompany or be a part of such promotional activities. With respect to quick-service-restaurant (“QSR”) promotions, Licensor shall use commercially reasonable and good-faith efforts to consult with Licensee on the premiums considered for use in Marvel/LP Entertainment Properties QSR promotions and attempt to influence the choice of such premiums to non-action-figure-type executions.  

3(a)

 

 


 

(d) Territory/

Channels of Distribution :

 

         

    (i) Territory : Worldwide, excluding Japan

 

Note #1 :  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensed Article #9 (Co-Branded Transformers Brand Action Figures) may be sold in Japan and Licensee may distribute any Licensed Article in Japan through an authorized licensee or distributor approved by or designated by Licensor.

 

    (ii) Channels of Distribution :  All Channels of Distribution.

 

1.   Internet: may only be sold or shipped within the territory specified in Section 1(d) (i)

2.   Home Shopping: Subject to Section 13(a)

3.   Direct Sales method, including Internet direct sales: may only be sold or shipped within the Territory specified in Section 1(d)(i)

 

Note #2 :  Licensed Articles in Licensed Category #6 (Feature Plush) and #7 (Basic Plush) are excluded from the following Channels of Distribution:

-

Amusement.

-

Redemption.

-

Crane.

-

Charity/Fundraising, unless approved by Licensor, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Note #3 :  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, and despite the restrictions in Section 1(f) and 3(a), Licensor may itself utilize or grant to any other party the right to sell, distribute or otherwise exploit the Property in connection with Licensed Category #6 (Feature Plush) in the following Channels of Distribution:

-

Gift (e.g., Spencer Gift, Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and Hot Topic etc.)

-

Specialty (e.g., FAO Schwartz and Build a Bear, etc.);

-

Upstairs Department Stores (e.g., Macys, Nordstrom’s and Bloomingdales, etc.).

   3(b)

(e) Term :

 

Commencement Date:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a)

If the fourth Spider-Man film is released by December 31, 2011, then the Commencement Date for this Agreement shall be January 1, 2012 for all Characters other than the fourth Spider-Man film (if released in 2011) and any other Qualifying Theatrical Releases or Domestic Qualifying Broadcasts which are released during 2011 (each, a “2011 Release” and collectively, the “2011 Releases”). Each 2011 Release shall remain apart and separate from this Agreement until the day which is twelve (12) months after the United States release date of such 2011 Release (for each 2011 Release, the “2011 Release Term”).  For the avoidance of doubt, until expiration of the 2011 Release Term (on a film by film or animated television show by animated television show basis), all terms of Licensee Agreement D05184 shall apply to each 2011 Release ************************************************************** ************************************************************** *************************************************************, and shall not cross-collateralize or credit any such royalties against the Minimum Royalty Guarantee for this Agreement D09001.  Upon expiration of the 2011 Release Term for each 2011 Release, the terms of this Agreement D09001 ************************* shall apply to all subsequent sales of tie-in Licensed Articles for each 2011 Release.  

 

b)

 If the fourth Spider-Man film is not released by December 31, 2011, then the Commencement Date for this Agreement shall be January 1, 2013 for all Characters other than the fourth Spider-Man film (if released in 2012) and any other Qualifying Theatrical Releases or Domestic Qualifying Broadcasts which are released during 2012 (each, a “2012 Release” and collectively, the “2012 Releases”). Each 2012 Release shall remain apart and separate from this Agreement until the day which is twelve (12) months after the United States release date of such 2012 Release (for each 2012 Release, the “2012 Release Term”).  For the avoidance of doubt, until expiration of the 2012 Release Term (on a film by film or animated television show by animated television show basis), all the terms of Licensee Agreement D05184 shall apply to each 2012 Release ************************************************************** ************************************************************** ************************************************************** ***************************************************************, and shall not cross-collateralize or credit any royalties against the Minimum Royalty Guarantee for this Agreement D09001.  Upon expiration of  the 2012 Release Term for each 2012 Release, the terms of this Agreement D09001 ************************ shall apply to all subsequent sales of tie-in Licensed Articles for each 2012 Release.

 

 

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3(c)

Expiration Date:

December 31, 2017 (subject to extension as set forth in Section 3(c) hereof).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no manufacture, sale or distribution of articles utilizing the Property in Licensee’s exclusive Licensed Categories by parties other than Licensee prior to the Expiration Date (as it may be extended) shall violate this Agreement as long as such activity is with respect to retail sales occurring after the Expiration Date (as it may be extended) and, more particularly, is conducted according to the following schedule:

 

(i)

sales (wholesale) to be made no earlier than six (6) months before the Expiration Date (as it may be extended);

(ii)

manufacturing to be performed no earlier than six (6) months before the Expiration Date (as it may be extended); and

(iii)

shipment to begin no earlier than two (2) months before the Expiration Date (as it may be extended);

 

but where one of the parties informs the other that variations from the dates in clauses (i) through (iii) of this sentence would be reasonable under the circumstances, the parties shall negotiate in good faith on the subject of whether the requested variation should be made.

 

If the Commencement Date becomes January 1, 2013 as described in Section 1(e)(b), the Expiration Date shall become December 31, 2018, subject to extension as set forth in Section 3(c) hereof.

 

(f) Exclusive/Non-Exclusive :

 

Except for the exceptions specifically set forth in the Licensed Category descriptions in Section 1(c) and Section 1(d)(ii) and Section 14, the license granted to Licensee under this Agreement shall be exclusive and so long as Licensee is not in material and uncured default under this Agreement, Licensor shall not, during the Term as it may be extended and in the Territory, grant to any third party, nor shall it or any of its affiliates utilize, the right to sell, distribute or otherwise exploit the Property (to the extent that the Property continues to be licensed hereunder) in any Licensed Categories in the Channels of Distribution.  

3(a)

(g) Royalty Rate :

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note #1 : For all sales by Licensee directly to consumers, including any sales through Licensee-owned retail stores (web-based or traditional), each of the following Royalty Rates shall be reduced by ********** (e.g., ******* becomes ************) and “Net Sales” shall mean the invoiced consumer retail price.

 

A.  For sales by Licensee (or its Affiliates, as defined in Section 5(a)(i)) to parties other than *****************************, and credited against advance/guarantee payments made hereunder:

 

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B.  For sales by Licensee (or its Affiliates) to ***************************************************************** ***********, and credited against advance/guarantee payments made hereunder:

 

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5(a)

(h) Minimum Royalty Guarantee :

 

One Hundred Million Dollars (U.S. $100,000,000) plus the amount of any Performance Advances payable in accordance with this Section 1(h). In no event shall the Minimum Royalty Guarantee exceed Two Hundred Forty Million Dollars (U.S. $240,000,000).

5(b)

             Advance :

Fifty Million Dollars (U.S. $50,000,000) payable within five (5) business days after full execution of this Amendment.

 

             Balance:

Fifty Million Dollars (U.S. $50,000,000) payable on the date that is the last day of the calendar month in which the final 2011 Release Term or 2012 Release Term (whichever is applicable) expires, but in no event later than December 31, 2013.

 

Note #1 :  All sums payable as Advances and Balances, including all Advances, Performance Advances and Balance of Minimum Royalty Guarantee are recoupable **************************************** against any royalty payments due hereunder, whether accruing before or after the date of payment, and all are cross collateralized against one another.

 

Note #2 : “Qualifying Theatrical Release” shall mean ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** *************

 

“Qualifying Marvel Release” shall be defined as a Qualifying Theatrical Release produced by Marvel Studios.

 

“Initial Run” shall mean ***************************************************************** ******************************.

 

(A)   Performance Advances : “Performance Advances” shall mean Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release Advances and Qualifying Marvel Release Advances.

 

(i)  Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release Advances :  Subject to Clause B below, Licensee shall pay an advance of Thirty Million Dollars (U.S. $30,000,000) within five (5) business days after the United States Release Date of each of up to four (4) Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Releases which are released during the Term, and Twenty Million Dollars (U.S. $20,000,000) within five (5) business days after the United States Release Date of a fifth Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release if no Qualifying Marvel Release Advances have been paid as of the United States Release Date for such fifth Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release. For purposes of clarity, in no event will the cumulative total of Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release Advances and Qualifying Marvel Release Advances exceed One Hundred Forty Million Dollars (U.S. $140,000,000). “Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release” shall be defined as a Qualifying Theatrical Release ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ********* that is primarily focused upon one of the following properties:

 

**************************************************** *************************************************

 

As used in this Section 1(h), “primarily focused” shall mean that the film uses the applicable property name in its title and primarily focuses on the property’s character.

 

(ii)  Qualifying Marvel Release Advances :  Subject to Clause B below, Licensee shall pay an advance of Ten Million Dollars (U.S. $10,000,000) for each Qualifying Marvel Release within five (5) business days after receipt of notice to Licensee from Licensor that such release ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ******************, provided that in no event shall the cumulative total amounts paid as Qualifying Marvel Release Advances and Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Advances exceed One Hundred Forty Million Dollars (U.S. $140,000,000).

 

(B)     Final Potential Guarantee .  The “Final Potential Guarantee” shall be defined as One Hundred Million United States Dollars (U.S. $100,000,000) plus any earned Performance Advances (e.g., the cumulative total amounts paid as Qualifying Marvel Release Advances and Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release Advances) up to One Hundred Forty Million Dollars (U.S. $140,000,000) for a total of up to Two Hundred Forty Million Dollars (U.S. $240,000,000).  Under no circumstances shall the Final Potential Guarantee exceed Two Hundred Forty Million Dollars (U.S. $240,000,000).  Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Release Advances and Qualifying Marvel Release Advances shall be due and payable, as earned, regardless of the amount of royalties previously paid by Licensee, ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ***************************************************************** ******************************************************************

 

(C)   For calculation of the gross box office revenues referenced herein, the parties shall use the box office statistics for the Initial Run only of the applicable film which are published in the entertainment industry trade magazine/e-zine/newspaper Variety or other such reasonable replacement in the event Variety is no longer in publication.

 

(D)   Except as specifically provided herein, no royalties or fees generated under other agreements may cross-collateralize against this License Agreement D09001.

 

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(i)    Insurance :    Combined Single Limit of $3,000,000 per occurrence.

10(e)

(j)  Post-Expiration Disposal Period:

90 Days

 16(e)

 

2.

RECITALS

 

(a)

Marvel and the LP represent and warrant, to the best of their knowledge with respect to trademark and servicemark rights (including, but not limited to, trade dress and goodwill pertaining to such marks), and without limitation with respect to all other of the following items and rights, that they have all rights in and to the names, nicknames, abbreviated names, depictions, likenesses, poses, costumes, emblems, powers, characteristic concepts, themes, settings, pictorial and written graphics and other characteristic elements and contexts of the Characters identified in Section 1(b) hereof and any copyrights, trademarks, service marks and other intellectual, literary, artistic, design, moral, industrial or commercial property rights and goodwill in connection with the Characters, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual representations of, relating to and associated with the Characters identified in Section 1(b) hereof (which names, characters, etc. and/or each of the individual components thereof shall hereinafter be referred to as the " Property "), said Property being known and recognized by the general public and associated in the public mind with Marvel.

 

(b)

Licensee desires to utilize the Property in the manner hereinafter described.

 

(c)

Marvel is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (formerly known as Marvel Enterprises, Inc.), a Delaware corporation.

 

(d)

Marvel is a general partner of the LP.

 

(e)

Under a separate service agreement dated as of the date hereof (the “ New Service Agreement ”), Marvel has agreed to provide Licensee with creative consultation with respect to the creation, appearance, packaging and marketing of Licensed Articles in exchange for a service fee

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3.

GRANT OF LICENSE

 

(a)

Licensed Articles .  Upon the terms and conditions and with the limitations and exceptions set forth in this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee and Licensee hereby accepts the exclusive (except for the exceptions specifically set forth in the Licensed Category descriptions in Section 1(c) and Section 1(d)(ii) above and Section 14 below) license and right to utilize the Property but solely upon and in connection with the manufacture, promotion, sale, and distribution of the categories of articles identified in Section 1(c) (" Licensed Categories ") and in the Channels of Distribution identified in Section 1(d) (ii) (“ Channels of Distribution ”) during the Term.  Articles in the Licensed Categories that utilize the Property and are manufactured, promoted, sold and/or distributed hereunder are referred to herein as “ Licensed Articles ”.

 

(b)

Territory/Channels of Distribution .  The license hereby granted extends only to the Territory identified in Section 1(d)(i) and within the Channels of Distribution identified in Section 1(d)(ii).  Licensee expressly acknowledges and agrees that it is not licensed or authorized to use the Property, directly or indirectly, in any other area or Channel of Distribution, and that it is not licensed to and will not knowingly sell the Licensed Articles to persons who intend or are likely to resell them in any other area or Channel of Distribution, to the extent this provision is permitted by the applicable law at the time of such use, license or sale.  In the event that Licensee sells or exploits the Licensed Articles outside either the Territory or Channels of Distribution in violation of this Section 3(b), notwithstanding Sections 1(g) and 5(a), the royalty due Licensor on such sales shall be the Net Sales.

 

(c)

Term .  The license hereby granted shall commence upon the Commencement Date and terminate automatically on the Expiration Date (the “ Term ”) set forth in Section 1(e) or the expiration of any renewal or extension as provided herein, unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions hereof.  In the event Licensee commences any activities in connection with the Property prior to the Commencement Date, all provisions of this Agreement for the benefit and protection of Licensor and Licensee shall apply in full to such activities. Marvel and Licensee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to realize a smooth commercial transition from Marvel’s current master toy licensee to the Licensee and, at the end of the Term, from the Licensee to Licensor itself or to a successor licensee, with regard to maintaining merchandise space at key retailers, developing new lines in a timely manner and maintaining appropriate stock and inventory levels during the transition.  

 

(i)

If, during the Term, Marvel and its licensees do not release a minimum of eight (8) Qualifying Theatrical Releases (as defined herein), including a minimum of four (4) Mega Property Qualifying Theatrical Releases (as defined herein) (the aggregate release of all of such films being referred to as the “Marvel Entertainment Commitment”) between the commencement of the Term and December 31, 2017 (or December 31, 2018, in the event that the Commencement Date is January 1, 2013) then the Term of this Agreement shall be extended by one year (i.e., until December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2019, as the case may be).  

 

(ii)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, if Marvel and its licensees release one or more Qualifying Theatrical Releases during the final calendar year of the Term, as it may be extended (“Term Final Year Releases”), Licensee’s rights with respect to any Term Final Year Releases shall extend until the end of the calendar month that is twelve (12) months after the United States release date of such Term Final Year Release.

 

(d)

Eighteen (18) months prior to expiration of the Term Marvel shall submit in writing its schedule of films and television series based on its best knowledge at such time for a prospective renewal term.  Licensee shall have a Right of First Negotiation (as defined below) for the rights granted hereunder after the expiration of the Term hereof unless Marvel elects to exploit the rights directly itself. “ Right of First Negotiation ” shall mean the following: prior to beginning negotiations with a third party regarding the rights granted herein, Marvel shall give written notice to Licensee and for seventy five (75) days from the mailing of the notice (the “ Negotiation Period ”), Marvel and Licensee shall negotiate in good faith.  If Marvel and Licensee have not executed a binding agreement by expiration of the Negotiation Period, Licensor shall be free to grant any and all rights to any third party.  

 

4.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

 

(a)

Licensor hereby reserves all rights not herein specifically granted to Licensee.

 

(b)

Television, etc.  Except only for the visual reproduction or presentation of the actual Licensed Articles licensed hereunder or of the actual packaging therefor or as may be expressly provided in this Agreement, Licensee shall not use the Property or the Licensed Articles identified with the Property in connection with any manner of television, radio, motion picture, filmstrip, webcast, Internet broadcast, sound and/or visual recording or transmission device or media, or anything similar to the foregoing now known or hereafter developed without Marvel's prior written approval.  The name and/or likeness of any performer portraying any character included within the Property on radio, television, or in any other media or form shall not be deemed to be included in the Property, and the use thereof is not licensed.  

 

5.

 ROYALTIES, PAYMENTS, REPORTS, RECORDS AND BRAND INTEGRITY

 

(a)

Royalties .  Licensee agrees to pay Licensor royalties at the Royalty Rate identified in Section 1(g), determined as follows:

 

(i)

Royalties shall be calculated by applying the Royalty Rate identified in Section 1(g) to Licensee's (or its Affiliates’) Net Sales (defined below).  “ Affiliate ” means, with respect to any party, any other party directly or indirectly controlling or that is controlled by or is under common control with such party.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.  “Affiliated” and “Unaffiliated” shall have corresponding meanings.

 

(ii)

****************************************************************************** ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************ **************************************************************

 

 

(iii)

 Royalties as specified herein shall become due on the last day of each of Hasbro’s quarterly fiscal periods, and shall be paid not later than thirty (30) days following the end of the Hasbro fiscal period for all Net Sales accruing for the United States, Canada and their respective territories and possessions in that Hasbro fiscal period and not later than sixty (60) days following the end of the Hasbro fiscal period for all Net Sales accruing in the remainder of the Territory in that Hasbro fiscal period, accompanied by the Royalty Report required herein.  Royalties are due on any and all sales or other disposition of the Products. Products shall be considered sold and Net Sales shall be deemed accrued for all purposes hereunder on the date of shipment or the date that the shipment is invoiced by the Licensee, whichever date is earlier.  Hasbro’s fiscal year ends on a Sunday within two weeks of the end of each calendar year, and Hasbro’s quarterly fiscal periods typically consist of thirteen (13) weeks each, ending on a Sunday.

 

(iv)

Licensee’s (and its Affiliates’) sales and pricing policies shall reasonably optimize maximum availability of the Licensed Articles in the Territory and Channels of Distribution while avoiding deep discounts, liquidation, close-outs, over-production, “market flooding” or other disparaging pricing and related production practises which would reasonably constitute “dumping” as the term is generally understood in the consumer products industry, unless specifically agreed to in advance and in writing by Licensor.

******************************************************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************************************************* ***********************************************************************************. Nothing herein shall be construed as granting Licensor the right to set or approve Licensee’s pricing, and nothing shall be deemed to restrict Licensee’s ability to set prices in its own unfettered discretion.

******************************************************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************************************************* **********************************************************************************************************

 

           (b)        

N/A

 

(c)

Currency, Wire Payment and Taxes .  All payments to Licensor shall be made in United States Dollars, shall be computed at the exchange rate published by the Wall Street Journal as of the last business day of the month preceding the month for which the Royalties are being calculated.  All payments to Marvel shall be made via wire transfer to Bank: HSBC Bank USA, Beverly Hills, CA  90210, Branch: HSBC Bank USA, 445 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA  90210, Account Name:  Marvel Characters B.V., Account # 178-786527, ABA# 122240861, IF WIRE IS TO BE MADE VIA SWIFT OR CHIPS WIRE SERVICES: Swift Code #: HSBCUS33. Reference: HASBRO: D09001.  (except for Spider-Man Movie Characters royalty payments, in which event the wire transfer shall be made to HSBC Bank USA, NA., Beverly Hills, CA; Bank Transit ABA #:122240861; Bank Account #:178788104; Account Name: Spider-Man Merchandising, L.P. Swift Code: HSBCUS33).  If payment is late, Marvel has the option to require that payment be made at the exchange rate existing on the day preceding payment.  All taxes, levies, charges or duties imposed on license rights, artwork or similar material, or payments therefor (excluding income taxes and fees applicable to Licensor) shall be paid by Licensee and no deductions for such taxes, levies, charges or duties shall be made from amounts owed Marvel hereunder, it being the intent hereof that all royalties payable to Marvel be free and clear of any taxes, levies, charges or duties of any kind whatsoever (excluding income taxes and fees applicable to Licensor).

 

(d)

Royalty Reports .  For each Hasbro fiscal period specified in Section 5(a)(iii), commencing with the end of the Hasbro fiscal period following the Commencement Date of this license and continuing until a final certification of wind-up is delivered, Licensee shall furnish Licensor with a detailed Royalty Report certified to be accurate by an authorized representative of Licensee, showing all information called for by Licensee’s standard royalty reporting forms for each Licensed Article.  Licensee shall provide two separate Royalty Reports as follows: one for Licensed Articles utilizing Spider-Man Movie Characters and one for all other Licensed Articles.  Upon request from Marvel, Licensee shall use reasonable efforts to forecast and project anticipated royalties for the next four (4) Quarterly Hasbro fiscal periods; provided that in no way shall Licensee be accountable for the ultimate accuracy of such forecasts. Each Royalty Report (including Royalty Reports showing only Spider-Man Movie articles) shall be furnished to Marvel via e-mail (or other mutually agreed-upon means) to royaltyreports@marvel.com  within thirty (30) days after the end of the Hasbro fiscal period for which such Royalty Report is made in the United States and Canada and sixty (60) days after the end of the Hasbro fiscal period for which such Royalty Report is made for the remainder of the Territory, and shall be accompanied by payment to Marvel or the LP, as applicable, of any and all monies due for the Licensed Articles.  Such Royalty Report shall be furnished whether or not there are any Net Sales during the preceding Hasbro fiscal period, and whether or not any monies are then due.  The receipt or acceptance by Licensor of any of the Royalty Reports furnished pursuant to this Agreement or of any payments made hereunder (or the receipt of any wires paid hereunder) shall not preclude Licensor from questioning its accuracy during the period allowed for audits as set forth in this Agreement, and in the event that any inconsistencies or mistakes are discovered in such Royalty Reports or payments, they shall promptly be rectified and the appropriate payment made by Licensee or Licensor as the case may be, together with interest on any overdue payments at the rate specified in Section 17(c) hereof.  Licensee shall provide to Licensor on a monthly basis, by the fifteenth day of each calendar month, Licensee’s estimates of approximate royalties earned on (i) sales of Licensed Articles in the United States and Canada in the preceding calendar month and (ii) sales of Licensed Articles in all other territories in the next preceding calendar month (e.g., the estimates provided by March 15 will be for royalties earned on (i) sales in the United States and Canada in February and (ii) sales in all other territories in January); provided that in no way shall Licensee be accountable for the ultimate accuracy of such estimates.

 

(e)

Records .  Licensee shall maintain (or make available at such address upon Licensor’s request) at its expense, detailed, accurate, full and complete records and books of account covering all transactions by it relating to this


 
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