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Throughout this agreement, where information has been replaced
by an asterisk (*), that information has been omitted pursuant to a
request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 promulgated under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The omitted
information has been filed separately with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Exhibit 10.85
SUB-LICENSE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN VCJS LLC
AND PARLUX FRAGRANCES, INC.
THIS AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is made as
of June 21, 2007 (“ Effective Date ”)
between VCJS LLC, a limited liability company organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Connecticut, with its
principal place of business at 600 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich CT
06830 (“ VCJS ”) and Parlux Fragrances, Inc.,
a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of Delaware, with its principal place of business
at 3725 S.W. 30 th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 ("
SUB-LICENSEE ”).
RECITALS
A.
With You, Inc. (“ WYI ”) owns and/or controls
all of the trademark and merchandising rights relating to Jessica
Simpson’s commercial persona and image, including the
trademarks associated with her and identified in Schedule A
attached hereto as the “ Licensed Trademarks .”
Ms. Simpson is the owner of all of her rights of publicity in
her name, likeness and image (together with the Licensed
Trademarks, collectively, the “ Licensed Property
”).
B
As of July 28, 2005, VCJS acquired the master license for the
right to exploit and commercialize the Licensed Property for
certain merchandising categories, including the right to enter into
sub-license agreements with third party sub-licensees (the “
Master License ”).
C.
SUB-LICENSEE desires to exploit the Licensed Property for the
design, manufacture, sale, distribution and promotion of certain
products bearing the Licensed Property as more specifically
described in Schedule A attached hereto and collectively
referred to as the “ Sub-Licensed Products.
”
D.
VCJS desires to grant to SUB-LICENSEE a sub-license under the
Master License permitting SUB-LICENSEE to design, manufacture,
sell, distribute, market, advertise and promote the Sub-Licensed
Products subject to the terms and conditions contained in this
Agreement.
Based upon the foregoing premises and in consideration of the
mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which the
parties hereby acknowledge, the parties hereto agree as
follows.
1.
GRANT
1.1.
Grant of Sub-License . Subject to the terms and conditions
contained herein, VCJS hereby grants to SUB-LICENSEE an exclusive,
non-transferable right to use the Licensed Property to design,
manufacture, sell, distribute, market, advertise and promote the
Sub-Licensed Products only within the territory described in
Schedule A hereto (the “ Territory ”) and
only within the distribution channels described in Schedule
A (the “ Distribution Channels ”) for the
Term of this Agreement (as defined in Section 10 and
Schedule A ).
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1.2.
Limitations of Sub-License .
(a)
Reservation of Rights . All rights other than those
expressly granted to SUB-LICENSEE herein are reserved to VCJS, WYI
or Ms. Simpson, as applicable .
SUB-LICENSEE shall not use the Licensed Property for any purpose
other than as expressly permitted herein.
(b)
No Conflict with Third Party Rights; Subordination .
SUB-LICENSEE shall have no right to (i) use the Licensed Property
in any manner that conflicts with the rights of any third party,
provided that such rights have been granted by VCJS, WYI or
Ms. Simpson, as applicable, and that such rights do not
conflict with any rights granted to Sub-Licensee hereunder; or (ii)
sub-license or transfer the rights granted hereunder other than as
set forth in Section 15.3. A violation or attempted violation
of these provisions shall constitute a material breach of this
Agreement, for which SUB-LICENSEE will have thirty (30) days to
cure such breach. SUB-LICENSEE acknowledges that this Agreement is
a sub-license, and, therefore, the terms of this Agreement are
subordinate in all respects to the Master License.
(c)
Celebrity Licenses . SUB-LICENSEE represents and warrants
that neither it nor any controlled affiliate is presently a
licensee for any female United States entertainment celebrity other
than the one(s) specified in Schedule A . SUB-LICENSEE
agrees that during the first twelve (12) months after the Effective
Date it will not launch any new product line associated with any
other young female celebrity without VCJS’s prior written
consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, SUB-LICENSEE shall be
permitted to acquire an already existing license for another young
female celebrity as a result of a merger, acquisition or purchase.
For purposes of this provision, the term “young” shall
mean under thirty (30) years of age at the time that SUB-LICENSEE
would enter into or acquire any such license.
1.3.
Failure to Exploit .
(a)
Sub-Licensed Products . Without limitation to any other
rights or remedies of VCJS hereunder, failure by SUB-LICENSEE to
meet either the Product Introduction Date (the date on which the
first prototypes are presented to the department store customers
for review prior to issuance of the first purchase order) or the
First Sale Date (the date on which the first sale of Sub-Licensed
Products that are not samples or prototypes is made to a customer
of SUB-LICENSEE for the purposes of resale by such customer) for
any Sub-Licensed Product, provided that such failure is not caused
by events, acts or occurrences beyond the reasonable control of
SUB-LICENSEE or by force majeure events (as defined
in Section 15.8), shall constitute a material breach hereof,
giving VCJS the right to terminate this Agreement if, with respect
to the sale of Sub-Licensed Products in the United States,
SUB-LICENSEE does not fully cure said breach by introducing and
selling the Sub-Licensed product in commercially significant
quantities by no later than November 1, 2008 and, with respect
to countries other than the United States, no later than
November 1, 2009.
(b)
Territory . Without limitation to any other rights or
remedies of VCJS hereunder, VCJS shall also have the right to
terminate this Agreement with respect to a country within the
Territory for a Sub-Licensed Product if SUB-LICENSEE fails to
commence sales in such country within the Territory in commercially
significant quantities by the First Sale Date for such Sub-Licensed
Product in such country, provided that such failure is not caused
by events, acts or occurrences beyond the reasonable control of
SUB-LICENSEE or by force majeure events (as defined
in Section 15.8), and subject to SUB-LICENSEE’s right of
first negotiation during the thirty (30) day period following
VCJS’s written notice of its intention to market Sub-Licensed
Products in such country to re-acquire such country for its
Territory as set forth in paragraph 2 of Schedule A hereto or, if
such right is not invoked by SUB-LICENSEE, then subject to
SUB-LICENSEE’s right to exclusively manufacture and
distribute to any sub-licensee appointed by VCJS to service such
country. In the event that VCJS appoints such a sub-licensee in
such country, VCJS acknowledges that such sub-licensee will be
subject to anti-diversion restrictions preventing the re-
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distribution of Sub-Licensed Products outside such country.
SUB-LICENSEE will sell the Sub-Licensed Products to such
sub-licensee appointed by VCJS in such country at a price that is
the lower of (i) the lowest price previously charged by
SUB-LICENSEE to its own distributor/sub-sub-licensee in such
country, or (ii) suggested retail list price less 75%.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any such failure,
SUB-LICENSEE shall have six (6) months following written notice
thereof to cure such failure before VCJS shall be entitled to
terminate this Agreement with respect to the country as to which
such failure has occurred.
SUB-LICENSEE will provide six (6) months written notice to VCJS
before entering into a country within the Territory to allow VCJS
the opportunity to ensure that the Licensed Property is properly
trademarked and protected in said Territory.
(c)
Distribution Channel . Without limitation to any other
rights or remedies of VCJS hereunder, VCJS shall also have the
right to immediately terminate this Agreement with respect to any
Distribution Channel (defined as an identifiable segment of the
population of customers for the Sub-Licensed Products, the two
principal channels being the department and specialty store channel
and the non-department and specialty store channel) for a
Sub-Licensed Product if SUB-LICENSEE fails to commence sales in
such Distribution Channel within the Territory in commercially
significant quantities by the First Sale Date for such Sub-Licensed
Product for such Distribution Channel or, having commenced such
sales, fails to sell a Sub-Licensed Product in such Distribution
Channel in commercially significant quantities for three (3)
consecutive Royalty Periods following the First Sale Date
applicable to such Distribution Channel, unless any such failure is
caused by events, acts or occurrences beyond the reasonable control
of SUB-LICENSEE-Licensee or by force majeure events
(as defined in Section 15.8).
1.4
TRADEMARKS.
(a)
VCJS, at its own expense, shall register and maintain in the United
States all of the Licensed Trademarks and, upon written request by
SUB-LICENSEE, will register and maintain such Licensed Trademarks
in any foreign country in which SUB-LICENSEE intends to sell the
Sub-Licensed Products as soon as practicable following such request
from SUB LICENSEE. SUB-LICENSEE shall cooperate with VCJS in such
efforts and shall execute any documents required by VCJS, supply
VCJS with any samples or other materials or take any actions
necessary for VCJS to register and maintain the Licensed Trademarks
in the United States and such foreign countries in the Territory in
which SUB-LICENSOR intends to sell the Sub-Licensed Products.
SUB-LICENSEE shall not, directly or indirectly, use, register or
cause to be used or registered, any word, symbol, character or set
of words, symbols or characters, trademark, tradename, service mark
or copyright consisting of, related to, similar to and/or
confusingly similar to any of the Licensed Trademarks or Licensed
Property. A schedule of trademarks and countries in which
such trademarks are registered or pending registration is set forth
on Schedule A hereto.
2.
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF SUB-LICENSEE
2.1.
General . SUB-LICENSEE shall use its best efforts to
promote, advertise, market, sell and distribute the Sub-Licensed
Products in the Territory, including, without limitation, selling
commercial quantities on a timely basis and maintaining a sales
force sufficient to provide effective distribution of the
Sub-Licensed Products throughout the entire Territory and in all
Distribution Channels, subject to the timetables by Distribution
Channel set forth in Schedule A. Without
limitation to the foregoing, SUB-LICENSEE agrees to meet the
Minimum Net Sales obligations set forth in Schedule A
.
2.2.
Specific Obligations .
(a)
Customers . SUB-LICENSEE
shall sell and distribute the Sub-Licensed Products only to
approved customers (including distributors) in the Distribution
Channels as identified in Schedule A .
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Except for, during the Initial Launch Period as defined in
paragraph 4 of ScheduleA, non-department store customers in foreign
countries and duty free customers in foreign countries and at the
United States borders, and after the Initial Launch Period
non-department store customers in the United States, to the extent
that such customers, if retailers, carry, or if wholesalers sell to
retailers who carry, other celebrity prestige fragrance such as
Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Britney Spears and/or Jennifer
Lopez, any customer not appearing on Schedule A as of the
date of this Agreement must be submitted for VCJS’s approval,
which approval by VCJS will not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed, using the Customer Approval Form (
Exhibit A ) . SUB-LICENSEE’s sale to any
unapproved customer will constitute a material breach of this
Agreement, for which SUB-LICENSEE will have thirty (30) days to
cure such breach. VCJS may, with reasonable
cause and upon thirty (30) days prior written notice, withdraw
approval of any customer at any time,
whereupon SUB-LICENSEE shall cease all sales to such
customer, except those sales that were
already on open purchase orders at the time of receipt of such
written notice. In the event that VCJS determines that a customer
to whom SUB-LICENSEE has sold Licensed Products is unacceptable,
VCJS, upon thirty (30) days prior written notice may disapprove
such customer to the extent sales to such customer are causing
material damage to the Licensed Property. If such customer carries
other brands that are comparable in quality and prestige in
quantities that are comparable to the quantities of Licensed
Products that such customer carries, such customer shall not be
deemed to be causing material damage to the Licensed Property
unless such customer engages in conduct other than simply
purchasing and selling the Licensed Property that causes material
damage to the Licensed Property. Except as permitted by VCJS,
SUB-LICENSEE shall not sell, distribute, market advertise or
promote the Sub-Licensed Products to customers outside of the
Distribution Channels. SUB-LICENSEE at all times will keep VCJS
informed of where it maintains inventories of the Sub-Licensed
Products.
(b)
Internet; Catalogue Sales . SUB- LICENSEE shall not, and shall not permit its
distributors or customers to, advertise, promote or sell any
Sub-Licensed Products on a direct basis, e.g., through
catalogues or through the internet or any
other electronic or computer-based system, without VCJS's prior
written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
except that website and catalogue sales by retail chain customers
shall be permitted without prior consent from VCJS.
3.
APPROVAL OF PRODUCTS AND ANCILLARY MATERIALS
3.1.
Quality of the Sub-Licensed Products; Product Approval .
(a)
Designs . For each new product introduction, prior to the
commencement of manufacture of the Sub-Licensed Products,
SUB-LICENSEE shall submit, at its sole expense (including without
limitation, all expenses relating to freight, applicable duties and
similar costs), to VCJS for prior written approval, at such
location or locations indicated by VCJS, concepts, scents,
sketches, renderings or boards and bottle and packaging designs for
all proposed Sub-Licensed Products (collectively, the
“Designs”) using the Licensed Product Approval
Form ( Exhibit B ). Within
fourteen (14) calendar days after such presentation, VCJS shall
provide written notice of design approval or disapproval. Failure
by VCJS to give written approval or disapproval within such
fourteen (14) day period shall be deemed disapproval by VCJS, in
which event SUB-LICENSEE shall have the right to provide written
notice to VCJS of its failure to communicate its approval or
disapproval to SUB-LICENSEE. If VCJS, within three (3) business
days following such written notice shall still fail to communicate
its approval or disapproval, VCJS shall thereupon be deemed to have
approved such Designs. If VCJS disapproves any Designs, it shall
accompany its disapproval with a written explanation of the reasons
for such disapproval. Notwithstanding the time periods set forth
above, VCJS will endeavor to provide written approval or
disapproval as soon as practicable during the time prior to the
initial Product Introduction Date. VCJS’s approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld.
(b)
Prototypes . Upon written approval of the Designs, and prior
to the commencement of manufacture, presentation to the trade, sale
or distribution of the Sub-Licensed Products, SUB-LICENSEE
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shall submit, at its sole expense (including without limitation,
all expenses relating to freight, applicable duties and similar
costs), to VCJS for prior written approval, at such location or
locations indicated by VCJS, three (3) full set(s) of prototype
samples one of the sample sets will be used for public relations or
prototypes of the Sub-Licensed Products (the
“Prototypes”) that SUB-LICENSEE intends to manufacture
and distribute, created from the approved Designs using the
Licensed Product Approval Form (
Exhibit B). Within fourteen (14) calendar days
after such presentation, VCJS shall provide written notice of
approval or disapproval to SUB-LICENSEE. Failure by VCJS to give
written approval within such fourteen (14) day period shall be
deemed disapproval, in which event SUB-LICENSEE shall have the
right to provide written notice to VCJS of its failure to
communicate its approval or disapproval to SUB-LICENSEE. If VCJS,
within three (3) business days following such written notice shall
still fail to communicate its approval or disapproval, VCJS shall
thereupon be deemed to have approved such Prototypes. VCJS’s
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(c)
Compliance. Once such Designs and Prototypes have been
approved, the materials, standards, specifications, designs and
processes used to manufacture the Sub-Licensed Products shall not
depart from the approved Designs and Prototypes without the express
written consent of VCJS. If Sub-Licensed Products (including any
components or packaging) found in the marketplace are different
from the Prototypes previously approved, VCJS shall give
SUB-LICENSEE written notice of any such non compliance, which
notice shall specify the details thereof. SUB-LICENSEE shall as
soon as practicable following receipt of such notice suspend sales
of all such non-compliant Sub-Licensed Products. Within thirty (30)
calendar days after its receipt of such notice, SUB-LICENSEE shall
correct any problem specified by VCJS. If such Sub-Licensed
Product, as corrected by SUB-LICENSEE, is still not approved by
VCJS (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), or if
SUB-LICENSEE fails to correct any such problem, SUB-LICENSEE shall
be deemed to be in material breach of this Agreement. VCJS may
order SUB-LICENSEE to recall any non-compliant Sub-Licensed
Products at SUB-LICENSEE’s sole expense. If SUB-LICENSEE
fails to promptly recall such non-compliant Sub-Licensed Products,
VCJS may purchase such Sub-Licensed Products at SUB-LICENSEE's
expense, and SUB-LICENSEE will be deemed to have materially
breached this Agreement. SUB-LICENSEE will immediately pay VCJS all
reasonable costs incurred in connection with VCJS's purchase of
such non-compliant Sub-Licensed Products.
(d)
Production Samples . Within seven (7)
calendar days after each style is first manufactured as a
finished Sub-Licensed Product, SUB-LICENSEE shall submit at
its sole expense (including without limitation, all expenses
relating to freight, applicable duties and similar costs) to each
of VCJS and WYI, at such location or locations indicated by them,
two (2) complete set(s) of production samples of each Sub-Licensed
Product that SUB-LICENSEE is manufacturing and intending to sell or
distribute and two (2) complete sets of all Ancillary Material
(defined below) associated therewith. The production samples of
each Sub-Licensed Product shall be from the initial production run
of Sub-Licensed Products and dispatched to VCJS by express courier.
At least once during each season (for each Sub-Licensed Product),
VCJS may require that SUB-LICENSEE submit to VCJS and to WYI (each)
one (1) set of production samples of each Sub-Licensed Product, at
no cost to VCJS or to WYI.
3.2
Approval of Ancillary Materials . Notwithstanding the
submission requirement set forth in Section 3.1 above,
SUB-LICENSEE shall not produce, use or disseminate any advertising
or packaging or other business materials bearing the logo,
signature or likeness of Ms. Simpson, including, without
limitation, invoices, business cards, labels, advertising,
promotions, packaging, shopping bags, press releases and
announcements to the trade or media regarding
Ms. Simpson’s involvement with the Sub-Licensed
Products, etc. “Ancillary Material”) that has not been
previously approved in writing by VCJS. Any submission not approved
in writing by VCJS within fourteen (14) calendar days shall be
deemed disapproved, in which event SUB-LICENSEE shall have the
right to provide written notice to VCJS of its failure to
communicate its approval or disapproval to SUB-LICENSEE. If VCJS,
within three (3) business days following such written notice, shall
still fail to communicate its approval or disapproval,
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VCJS shall thereupon be deemed to have approved such Ancillary
Materials. VCJS’s approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld. No Ancillary Material shall include or otherwise refer to
SUB-LICENSEE’s name except as required by law. Ancillary Materials shall not include ordinary business
documentation such as stationary, business cards, invoices, labels
and other day to day transactional documentation unless any such
materials bear the logo, signature or likeness of
Ms. Simpson.
3.3
Ancillary Material: Special Requirement for Media
Advertising. Ancillary Materials bearing
the Licensed Property consisting of media advertising such as
packaging, point of sale posters, etc. shall be submitted for
approval using the Licensed Property Use Approval
Form ( Exhibit C ). Ancillary Materials
bearing the Licensed Property consisting of media advertising such
as magazine insertions, advertorials, billboards, press releases,
trade advertising, etc. shall be submitted using the
Advertising Approval Form (
Exhibit D ). The right of approval shall also encompass
creative execution and media placement to the extent that such
placement is reasonably likely to cause material damage to the
Licensed Property. SUB-LICENSEE further agrees that it shall
maintain the high standards and consistency of the Licensed
Trademarks and the Sub-Licensed Products associated therewith in
all advertising, packaging and promotion of the Sub-Licensed
Products.
3.4
Intellectual Property Notices; Tags. Each Sub-Licensed Product and Ancillary Material shall
bear the Licensed Trademarks in the form approved by VCJS in
accordance with this Agreement, with all legally required legends,
markings and notices. In addition, SUB-LICENSEE shall affix permanently to each
Sub-Licensed Product a style, item or UPC number that shall be
identical to the style, item or UPC number used to identify the
respective Sub-Licensed Product in all of SUB-LICENSEE's books and
records. If SUB-LICENSEE purchases labels, tags or other materials
bearing the Licensed Trademarks from third parties, or produces any
such materials itself or through an affiliate, SUB-LICENSEE shall
provide to VCJS, together with the quarterly Statement of Royalties
(as defined below in Section 4.5), copies of invoices for all
such materials purchased and/or equivalent detailed information if
any such materials are produced by SUB-LICENSEE or an affiliate,
and shall obligate all providers of such materials to comply with
all applicable provisions of this Agreement relating to the use and
misuse of the Licensed Trademarks.
3.5
Manufacturers and Compliance with Labor Compliance Rules; Access
to Premises .
(a)
Approval of Manufacturing Facilities . The manufacture of
the Sub-Licensed Products shall be carried out only at premises
reasonably approved by the VCJS in writing from time to time. Upon
execution of this Agreement, and at such other times as VCJS
reasonably requests, SUB-LICENSEE shall provide VCJS a list of all
its manufacturing facilities along with contact information and
addresses, and shall promptly notify VCJS of any changes thereto.
SUB-LICENSEE shall supply such other information as VCJS may
reasonably request with respect to its manufacturers,
subcontractors and suppliers. SUB-LICENSEE and its manufacturers
shall comply in all material respects with the LIMA Code of
Business Practices ( Schedule B ) .
(b)
Access by VCJS . SUB-LICENSEE shall ensure that VCJS shall
be able at any time, upon at least ten (10) days prior notice, to
enter any premises used by SUB-LICENSEE or its manufacturers,
sub-contractors, sub-subcontractors and suppliers in connection
with the manufacture, storage or distribution of the Sub-Licensed
Products, to inspect such premises, all plant, workforce and
machinery used for manufacture, packaging or storage of
Sub-Licensed Products and all other aspects of the manufacture of
Sub-Licensed Products.
(c)
Supervision by SUB-LICENSEE . SUB-LICENSEE shall be responsible for supervising and
controlling the acts of its own factory(ies) and of its
manufacturing subcontractors and sub-subcontractors to prevent the
manufacturing or sale of Sub-Licensed Products and components
thereof that is not expressly authorized by VCJS. VCJS shall
have the right to require that SUB-LICENSEE
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terminate its relationship with any
subcontractor or sub-subcontractor or supplier who is behaving or
operating in a manner that is causing material damage to VCJS or to
the Licensed Property. Upon expiration or termination of the
relevant manufacturing or supply contract, SUB-LICENSEE shall cause
the subcontractor or supplier thereof to cease manufacture of the
Products and/or components thereof and to immediately cease using
the Licensed Property in any manner.
3.6
Non-Conforming Products and Distribution Channels .
SUB-LICENSEE shall not, under any circumstances, sell or distribute
forms of a Sub-Licensed Product that do not comply with the
requirements of this Section, or have otherwise been disapproved by
VCJS, nor shall SUB-LICENSEE sell or distribute Sub-Licensed
Products to any customer that is not in one of the permitted
Distribution Channels as set forth in Schedule A .
4.
PAYMENT
4.1
Trademark Royalty . In partial consideration for the rights
being conveyed herein, each calendar quarter (the “
Royalty Period ”) on the dates specified in
Schedule A , SUB-LICENSEE shall account for and pay to VCJS
the Trademark Royalty or the Guaranteed Minimum Trademark
Royalty (as such terms are defined and in the amounts
identified in Schedule A ) for the applicable Royalty
Period, whichever of said amounts is greater. Such accounting and
payments are due within thirty (30) days following the end of each
applicable Royalty Period. The obligation of SUB-LICENSEE to pay
the Trademark Royalty and/or the Guaranteed Minimum Trademark
Royalty, as the case may be, is absolute, notwithstanding any claim
that SUB-LICENSEE may assert against VCJS. SUB-LICENSEE shall not
have the right to set off, compensate or make any deduction from
payments of the Trademark Royalty or the Guaranteed Minimum
Trademark Royalty for any reason whatsoever.
4.2
Marketing Fee . As partial consideration for the license
granted hereunder, SUB-LICENSEE shall be obligated to expend a
certain sum to cover marketing and advertising (the
“Marketing Fee”), which sum shall be a percentage
of Net Sales or a Guaranteed Minimum Marketing Fee, whichever is
greater. The Marketing Fee shall include two components: one
component that SUB-LICENSEE shall pay to VCJS for VCJS to expend on
promotion of all licensed products sub-licensed to bear the
Licensed Property, in its own discretion (the “Pooled
Marketing Fee Component”), and the other component to be
expended directly by SUB-LICENSEE, subject to the approval
procedures set forth in Section 6 (the “Direct Payment
Marketing Fee Component”). The relative percentages of
Net Sales for each of the two components is also set forth in
Schedule A . During each year of the Term, as specified in
Schedule A , SUB-LICENSEE shall expend through a combination
of the Pooled Marketing Fee Component and the Direct Payment
Marketing Fee Component, a Marketing Fee or Guaranteed
Minimum Marketing Fee in the amount recited in Schedule
A , whichever of said amounts is greater. All marketing or
advertising conducted with respect to the Direct Payment Marketing
Fee Component is subject to the approval process under Sections 3.2
and 3.3 above. SUB-LICENSEE shall provide proof of expenditure for
the Direct Payment Marketing Fee Component by using the
Marketing Expenditure Form ( Exhibit G ).
The obligation of SUB-LICENSEE to pay the Marketing Fee or the
Guaranteed Minimum Marketing Fee, as the case may be, is absolute
and independent of the Trademark Royalty, notwithstanding any claim
that SUB-LICENSEE may assert against VCJS. SUB-LICENSEE shall not
have the right to set off, compensate or make any deduction from
payments of the Marketing Fee or the Guaranteed Minimum Marketing
Fee for any reason whatsoever. Any amount that SUB-LICENSEE may
directly spend on marketing and advertising in excess of the amount
required herein shall be used to offset the required Guaranteed
Minimum Marketing Fee for the subsequent year.
4.3
Royalty Basis, Net Sales, Foreign Withholding . The
Trademark Royalty and, if applicable, the Marketing Fee shall be
calculated on the basis of SUB-LICENSEE’s Net Sales (defined
below). The term “Net Sales” shall mean the total of
gross sales of Sub-Licensed Products less only credits to, or
deductions taken by, customers for returns, trade discounts,
rebates, markdowns, payment terms discounts, closeouts
7
and, allowances actually stated on the invoice or granted to the
customer by agreement with SUB-LICENSEE or its distributor, taxes
directly applicable to the sale of such Sub-Licensed Products, and
as otherwise specifically permitted hereunder. The combined total
of allowances, trade discounts and payment discounts shall not
exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total gross sales on a
calendar year basis during the Term of this Agreement and any
shortfalls in any annual period shall be usable to offset any
overages in subsequent periods. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
combination of any dollar shortfall of allowances, trade discounts
and payment discounts in any previous year with any allowances,
trade discounts and payment discounts given in any subsequent year
shall not exceed thirty (30%) of total gross sales in such
subsequent year. Net Sales shall only include sales by SUB-LICENSEE
and its Affiliates to non-Affiliates. For purposes hereof,
“Affiliate” shall mean any business entity controlled
by, controlling or under common control with SUB-LICENSEE with
“control” meaning the right or power to vote a majority
of the outstanding stock, membership interests or equity interests
of the entity being controlled. Net Sales of Sub-Licensed Products
to wholesaler Affiliates shall not exceed 40% of total Net Sales of
Sub-Licensed Products for any Contract Year during the Term of this
Agreement. Prices charged by SUB-LICENSEE to wholesaler Affiliates
shall be at arms length and competitive with pricing charged by
SUB-LICENSEE to non-Affiliate wholesalers. If the Affiliate is a
retailer, then the Trademark Royalty shall be computed based on the
sale by SUB-LICENSEE to such Affiliate, which sale shall be deemed
to be at suggested retail list price less 75% without taking into
account allowances, trade discounts, payment discounts or returns.
Returned units of Sub-Licensed Products shall not exceed seven and
a half percent (7.5%) of the total gross sales per calendar
year during the Term of this Agreement and any shortfalls in any
calendar year period shall be usable to offset any overages in
subsequent periods. . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
combination of any dollar shortfall of returns in any previous year
with any returns in any subsequent year shall not exceed fifteen
(15%) of total gross sales in such subsequent year. Any deduction
claimed by SUB-LICENSEE must be verifiable and actual. If any
amount payable to VCJS is subject to any non-US tax, charge or
duty, SUB-LICENSEE shall furnish to VCJS proof of such payment,
including official proof of receipt of SUB-LICENSEE’s payment
to the government entity imposing such tax, charge or duty. If VCJS
does not receive full and complete U.S. tax credit for any such
tax, charge or duty, then the amount payable by SUB-LICENSEE shall
be increased to provide to VCJS such amount as would be payable to
VCJS in the absence of any such tax, charge, duty or impost.
4.4
Trademark Royalty Advance / Marketing Fee Advance. Upon its
execution of this Agreement SUB-LICENSEE shall pay VCJS (a) a
non-refundable advance (the “ Royalty Advance ”)
creditable against the SUB-LICENSEE’s earned Trademark
Royalty obligation hereunder, including the Guaranteed Minimum
Trademark Royalty, in the amount as specified in Schedule
A.
4.5
Statements and Reports . Together with the payments required
by Sections 4.1 and 4.2, SUB-LICENSEE shall furnish to VCJS, in
hard copy and electronic copy, a complete and accurate statement on
the Statement of Royalties Form (
Exhibit E ) as modified by VCJS from time to time,
showing, for the relevant Royalty Period (a) gross sales of all
Sub-Licensed Products for the applicable Royalty Period, itemized
by SKU (b) Net Sales on which the royalties are based; (c) all
related party sales and employee sales, parking lot, warehouse or
similar sales, and any other unusual sales transactions; (d)
allowed deductions or credits taken against gross sales; and (e)
quantity and dollar amount of Sub-Licensed Products sold to each
customer, broken down by quarter and each
country within the Territory. In addition, not later than thirty
(30) calendar days after the end of each Royalty Period,
SUB-LICENSEE shall send to VCJS a report containing all of the
information required by the Quarterly Sales Report
Form ( Exhibit F) modified by VCJS from
time to time. Failure to deliver
statements and reports in a timely manner as provided by this
Section 4.5 shall constitute a material breach of this
Agreement, for which SUB-LICENSEE will have ten (10) calendar days
to cure such breach.
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4.6
Invoices . Upon the request of VCJS, SUB-LICENSEE shall
submit to VCJS copies, which can be electronic or physical, of
invoices, credit memoranda, price lists, line sheets and customer
lists related to the sale of Sub-Licensed Products.
4 .7
Time of the Essence .
Time is of the essence with respect to timely delivery of
statements and payments as herein provided and SUB-LICENSEE’s
failure to comply shall constitute a material breach of this
Agreement. If such breach is not cured within ten (10) business
days, such breach shall be grounds for immediate termination of
this Agreement by VCJS without further opportunity to cure.
4.8
Interest. Without prejudice to any other rights of VCJS,
SUB-LICENSEE shall pay VCJS interest on all late payments at the
annualized rate of prime as reported in the
Wall Street Journal plus 2% payable on a monthly basis
accruing from the date that is ten (10) days following written
notice that such payment was past due, reduced to the extent
required by any applicable usury laws. Such interest shall accrue
from such due date until the date VCJS receives such late payment,
and shall be a non-recoupable expense.
4.9
Foreign Exchange Rate . All amounts due under this Agreement
shall be payable in U.S. currency by check or wire transfer drawn
on a U.S. bank or in such other manner as VCJS shall specify. If
any sale included in Net Sales was transacted in any currency other
than U.S. currency, the U.S. currency equivalent of such sale, for
all purposes under this Agreement, including the reporting and
payment of the Trademark Royalty hereunder, shall be calculated
using the average rate of exchange in effect during the entire
month in which such sale was transacted, as reported in The Wall
Street Journal.
4.10
Acceptance of Payment Not a Waiver; Manner of Payment
Required. Acceptance by VCJS of any payments under this
Agreement shall not prevent VCJS at any later date from disputing
the amount owed or from demanding more information from
SUB-LICENSEE regarding payments finally due, and shall not
constitute a waiver of any breach of this Agreement by SUB-LICENSEE
if any such breach shall have occurred.
4.11
VCJS Purchases of Sub-Licensed Products . VCJS and WYI shall
have the right to purchase from SUB-LICENSEE a reasonable number of
Sub-Licensed Products for a seventy-five (75%) percent
discount from the Suggested Retail Price in the United States or
SUB-LICENSEE’s lowest wholesale price, whichever is lower, up
to a maximum dollar amount that is no greater than 1% of
SUB-LICENSEE’s Net Sales in any twelve-month period.
5.
BOOKS AND RECORDS; AUDITS
5.1
Duty to Maintain . At all times while this Agreement in
effect, and thereafter until the later to occur of (a) the
completion of three (3) years after the expiration or termination
of this Agreement; and (b) the resolution of any dispute arising
out of or otherwise related to the transactions contemplated
hereby, SUB-LICENSEE shall keep and maintain accurate detailed
books and records to account for all operations within the scope of
this Agreement, including the quarterly production or manufacture,
sale and inventory on hand of the Sub-Licensed Products separately
for each SKU covering all transactions arising out of or otherwise
relating to this Agreement including, without limitation, separate
and appropriate books of account and records sufficient to
reconcile the number of Sub-Licensed Product units manufactured
with the number of Sub-Licensed Product units sold. SUB-LICENSEE
shall maintain its books and records at a location in the United
States of America.
5.2
Periodic Financial Statements . Within one hundred twenty
(120) calendar days after the end of each of its fiscal years
SUB-LICENSEE shall provide VCJS (all in English) with (a) an
annual composite statement , certified by its chief
financial officer, showing the aggregate gross sales, trade
discounts, returns, allowances, payment term discounts and closeout
discounts and any other deduction taken to
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arrive at the Net Sales price of all Sub-Licensed Products sold by
SUB-LICENSEE; and (b) an annual inventory report , certified
by its chief financial officer, including computer reports
summarizing inventory by SKU.
5.3
Access. At all times during the Term and within three (3)
years following its termination or expiration, VCJS shall have the
right, from time to time, time, upon not less than five (5)
business days advance notice and during regular business hours, to
examine and/or audit, and make copies and extracts from the books of account and records, and all other
documents, materials and inventories in the possession of or under
the control of SUB-LICENSEE with respect to the Sub-Licensed
Products, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, inventory
and sales records relating to the Sub-Licensed Products. VCJS shall
have reasonable access for such purposes and for the purpose of
making copies and extracts therefrom and SUB-LICENSEE shall fully
cooperate with VCJS in connection therewith including providing
advance copies and electronic files of information and materials
reasonably requested by VCJS. Any audit
hereunder shall be made by VCJS at its own expense, except as
provided below.
5.4
Audit and Results of Examination. If
the audit reveals that SUB-LICENSEE's reporting and/or record
keeping are not in accord
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