EXHIBIT 10.4
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DENOTES MATERIAL THAT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 24b-2 UNDER 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 ”).
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BASIC
INFORMATION AND TERMS
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(a) Licensee:
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Hasbro, Inc.
1027 Newport Avenue
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
02862
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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
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Numbered
Section
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(b) Characters :
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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
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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
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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.
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(c) Licensed Categories
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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-
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3(a)
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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 : r 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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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(d) Territory /
Channels of
Distribution :
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(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.).
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3(b)
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(e) Term :
Commencement Date:
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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
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3(c)
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,
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
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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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Expiration Date:
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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
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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.
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(f) Exclusive/Non-Exclusive :
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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.
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3(a)
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(g) Royalty Rate :
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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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5(a)
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B. For sales by Licensee (or its Affiliates)
to
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advance/guarantee payments made hereunder:
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(h) Minimum Royalty Guarantee
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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).
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5(b)
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Advance :
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Fifty Million Dollars (U.S. $50,000,000) payable
within five (5) business days after full execution of this
Amendment.
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Balance:
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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
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(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
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“Qualifying Marvel Release” shall be
defined as a Qualifying Theatrical Release produced by Marvel
Studios.
“Initial Run” shall mean
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(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
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********** that is primarily focused upon one of
the following properties:
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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
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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 ***
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, 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,
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(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 :
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Combined Single Limit of $3,000,000 per
occurrence.
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10(e)
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(j) Post-Expiration Disposal
Period:
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90
Days
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16(e)
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(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
15
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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(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.
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(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.
(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.
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5.
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ROYALTIES,
PAYMENTS, REPORTS, RECORDS AND BRAND INTEGRITY
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(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
17
ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise. “Affiliated” and “Unaffiliated”
shall have corresponding meanings.
(ii)
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(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.
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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.
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(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
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