fate-ex141_186.htm

You will find attached hereto our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Our Code is a reaffirmation of our commitment to conducting our business ethically and to observing applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Fate Therapeutics, Inc.’s reputation and continued success is dependent upon the conduct of its employees, officers and directors. Each employee, officer and director, as a custodian of our good name, has a personal responsibility to ensure that his or her conduct protects and promotes both the letter of the Code and its spirit of ethical conduct. Your adherence to these ethical principles is fundamental to our future success.

The Code cannot provide definitive answers to all questions. Accordingly, we expect each employee, officer and director to exercise reasonable judgment to determine whether a course of action is consistent with our ethical standards and to seek guidance when appropriate. Your supervisor will often be the person who can provide you with thoughtful, practical guidance in your day-to-day duties. We have also appointed Cindy Tahl as our Compliance Officer, so you should feel free to ask questions or seek guidance from her.

Please read the Code carefully. If you have any questions concerning the Code, please speak with your supervisor or the Compliance Officer. Once you have read the Code and understand it, please sign the enclosed acknowledgment and return it to the Compliance Officer. You may also be asked periodically in succeeding years to confirm in writing that you have complied with the Code.

I entrust these principles and policies to you. Please give them your thoughtful and frequent attention.

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand Fate Therapeutics, Inc.’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) and agree to abide by the provisions of the Code.

Signature

Name (Printed or typed)

Position

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The Board of Directors of Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) established this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (this “Code”) to aid the Company’s directors, officers and employees in making ethical and legal decisions when conducting the Company’s business and performing their day-to-day duties.

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) or a committee of the Board is responsible for administering the Code. The Board of Directors has delegated day-to-day responsibility for administering and interpreting the Code to a Compliance Officer. The Company’s General Counsel has been designated the Company’s Compliance Officer under this Code.

The Company expects its directors, officers and employees to exercise reasonable judgment when conducting the Company’s business. The Company encourages its directors, officers and employees to refer to this Code frequently to ensure that they are acting within both the letter and the spirit of this Code. The Company also understands that this Code will not contain the answer to every situation you may encounter or every concern you may have about conducting the Company’s business ethically and legally. In these situations, or if you otherwise have questions or concerns about this Code, the Company encourages each officer and employee to speak with his or her supervisor (if applicable) or, if you are uncomfortable doing that, with the Compliance Officer under this Code.

This Code has two sections which follow this Introduction. The first section, “Standards of Conduct,” contains the actual guidelines that our directors, officers and employees are expected to adhere to in the conduct of the Company’s business. The second section, “Compliance Procedures,” contains specific information about how this Code functions including who administers this Code, who can provide guidance under this Code and how violations may be reported, investigated and penalized or otherwise subject to disciplinary action or remedial action. This section also contains a discussion about waivers of and amendments to this Code.

The Company’s directors, officers and employees generally have other legal and contractual obligations to the Company. This Code is not intended to reduce or limit the other obligations that you may have to the Company. Instead, the standards in this Code should be viewed as the minimum standards that the Company expects from its directors, officers and employees in the conduct of the Company’s business.

The Company recognizes and respects the right of its directors, officers and employees to engage in outside activities which they may deem proper and desirable, provided that these activities do not impair or interfere with the performance of their duties to the Company or their ability to act in the Company’s best interests. In most, if not all, cases this will mean that our directors, officers and employees must avoid situations that present a potential or actual conflict between their own interests and the Company’s interests.

A “conflict of interest” occurs when a director’s, officer’s or employee’s personal or business interest interferes with the Company’s interests. Conflicts of interest may arise in many situations. For example, conflicts of interest can arise when a director, officer or employee takes an action or has an outside interest, responsibility or obligation that may make it difficult for him or her to perform the responsibilities of his or her position objectively and/or effectively in the Company’s best interests. Conflicts of interest may also occur when a director, officer or employee or his or her immediate family member receives some personal benefit (whether improper or not) as a result of the director’s, officer’s or employee’s position with the Company. Each individual’s situation is different and in evaluating his or her own situation, a director, officer or employee will have to consider many factors.

Any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest should be reported promptly to the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer may notify the Board or a committee thereof as he or she deems appropriate. Actual or potential conflicts of interest involving a director or executive officer other than the Compliance Officer should be disclosed directly to the Compliance Officer. Actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the Compliance Officer should be disclosed directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

The Company seeks to conduct its business in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. No director, officer or employee shall engage in any unlawful activity in conducting the Company’s business or in performing his or her day-to-day company duties, nor shall any director, officer or employee instruct others to do so.

The Company’s assets include its intellectual property rights, Company equipment, physical servers and communication facilities, among other items. Loss, theft and misuse of the Company’s assets has a direct impact on the Company’s business and its financial condition. Employees, officers and directors are expected to protect the Company’s assets that are entrusted to them and to protect the Company’s assets in general. Employees, officers and directors are also expected to take steps to ensure that the Company’s assets are used only for legitimate business purposes.

Employees, officers and directors owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Each employee, officer and director is prohibited from:

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diverting to himself or herself or to others any opportunities that are discovered through the use of the Company’s property or information or as a result of his or her position with the Company unless such opportunity has first been presented to, and rejected by, the Company;

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using the Company’s property or information or his or her position for improper personal gain; or

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competing with the Company.

Confidential information generated and gathered in the Company’s business plays a vital role in the Company’s business, prospects and ability to compete. “Confidential information” includes all non‑public information that might be of use to competitors or other third parties, or harmful to the Company or its customers if disclosed. Directors, officers and employees may not disclose or distribute the Company’s confidential information, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company or required by applicable law, rule or regulation or pursuant to an applicable legal proceeding. Directors, officers and employees shall use confidential information solely for legitimate company purposes. Directors, officers and employees must return all of the Company’s confidential and/or proprietary information in their possession to the Company when they cease to be employed by or to otherwise serve the Company.

Competing vigorously, yet lawfully, with competitors and establishing advantageous, but fair, business relationships with customers and suppliers is a part of the foundation for long-term success. Unlawful and unethical conduct, which may lead to short-term gains, may damage a company’s reputation and long-term business prospects, as well as subject the Company and relevant individuals to criminal and civil liability. Accordingly, it is the Company’s policy that directors, officers and employees must endeavor to deal ethically and lawfully with the Company’s collaborators, customers, suppliers, competitors and employees in all business dealings on the Company’s behalf. No director, officer or employee should take unfair advantage of another person in business dealings on the Company’s behalf through the abuse of privileged or confidential information or through improper manipulation, concealment or misrepresentation of material facts.

It is the policy of the Company to comply with all provisions of the U.S. federal and state and foreign antitrust and unfair competition laws. These laws are designed to promote fair and vigorous competition, unrestricted by anti‑competitive agreements and practices. The antitrust laws generally prohibit competitors from sharing competitively sensitive information (such as pricing) and fixing prices or other terms or conditions of sale, rigging bids, allocating customers and markets, and otherwise agreeing not to compete. To prevent even the appearance of illegality, Company directors, officers and employees should not discuss (orally or in writing) any of these subjects with a competitor without first discussing with the Company’s legal counsel or Compliance Officer. Violations can result in severe penalties against both the Company and individual employees. The antitrust authorities in the U.S. and abroad actively monitor and investigate potential violations of the antitrust laws and injured private parties may sue for treble damages. It is therefore imperative that all Company employees understand and fully comply with both the spirit and the letter of the antitrust laws.

The integrity, reliability and accuracy in all material respects of the Company’s books, records and financial statements is fundamental to the Company’s continued and future business success. Company business records should always be prepared accurately and reliably. No director, officer or employee may cause the Company to enter into a transaction with the intent to document or record it in a deceptive or unlawful manner. In addition, no director, officer or employee may create any false or artificial documentation or book entry for any transaction entered into by the Company. Similarly, officers and employees who have responsibility for accounting and financial reporting matters have a responsibility to accurately record all funds, assets and transactions in all material respects on the Company’s books and records. In addition, sometimes innocuous words can be misconstrued by third parties (such as government regulators), especially when taken out of context. In preparing records, care should be taken to avoid unnecessary comments, including exaggerated or inflammatory statements or disparaging remarks about competition, the competitive process, or competitors. Terms that overstate the Company’s competitive position, such as “dominant” or “monopoly”, or that suggest the Company has operated or is operating in an anticompetitive manner should not be used.

The Company is committed to providing its stockholders with complete and accurate information about its financial condition and results of operations as required by the securities laws of the United States. It is the Company’s policy that the reports and documents it files with or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and its earnings releases and similar public communications made by the Company, include fair, timely and understandable disclosure. Officers and employees who are responsible for these filings and disclosures, including the Company’s principal executive, financial and accounting officers, must use reasonable judgment and perform their responsibilities honestly, ethically and objectively in order to ensure that this disclosure policy is fulfilled. The Company’s senior management are primarily responsible for monitoring the Company’s public disclosure.

Business contributions to political campaigns are strictly regulated by federal, state, provincial and local law in the United States, Canada and other jurisdictions. Accordingly, all political contributions proposed to be made with the Company’s funds must be coordinated through and approved by the Compliance Officer. Directors, officers and employees may not, without the approval of the Compliance Officer, use any of the Company’s funds for political contributions of any kind to any political candidate or holder of any national, state, provincial or local government office. Directors, officers and employees may make personal contributions, but should not represent that he or she is making any such contribution on the Company’s behalf. Similar restrictions on political contributions may apply in other countries. Specific questions should be directed to the Compliance Officer.

The Company does not permit or condone bribes, kickbacks or other improper payments, transfers or receipts. No director, officer or employee should offer, give, solicit or receive any money or other item of value for the purpose of obtaining, retaining or directing business or bestowing or receiving any kind of favored treatment. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) prohibits any U.S. individual or business from authorizing, offering or paying money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any foreign official or employee, political party, or candidate for public office for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining business or for any other business advantage. Violation of the FCPA could subject the Company and its individual directors, officers and employees to serious civil and criminal penalties.

Many countries regulate international trade transactions, such as imports, exports and international financial transactions. In addition, the United States prohibits any cooperation with boycotts against countries friendly to the United States or against firms that may be “blacklisted” by certain groups or countries. It is the Company’s policy to comply with these laws and regulations even if it may result in the loss of some business opportunities. Employees should learn and understand the extent to which U.S. and international trade controls apply to transactions conducted by the Company.

All directors, officers and employees will be supplied with a copy of the Code upon its enactment (or the enactment of any amendment thereto) or upon beginning service at the Company, and thereafter, may be asked to review and sign an acknowledgment regarding the Code on a periodic basis. Updates of the Code will be provided from time to time. A copy of the Code is also available to all directors, officers and employees by requesting one from the human resources department or the Compliance Officer or by accessing the Company’s website at www.fatetherapeutics.com.

The Company’s management, under the supervision of its Board of Directors or a committee thereof or, in the case of accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing or securities law matters, the Audit Committee, shall take reasonable steps from time to time to (i) monitor compliance with the Code, including the establishment of monitoring and auditing systems that are reasonably designed to investigate and detect conduct in violation of the Code and (ii) when appropriate, impose and enforce appropriate disciplinary measures for violations of the Code.

Disciplinary measures for violations of the Code will be determined in the Company’s sole discretion and may include, but are not limited to, counseling, oral or written reprimands, warnings, probation or suspension with or without pay, demotions, reductions in salary, termination of employment or service, and restitution.

The Company’s management shall periodically report to the Board of Directors or a committee thereof on these compliance efforts including, without limitation, periodic reporting of alleged violations of the Code and the actions taken with respect to any such violation.

Be Proactive. Every employee is encouraged to act proactively by asking questions, seeking guidance and reporting suspected violations of the Code and other policies and procedures of the Company, as well as any violation or suspected violation of applicable law, rule or regulation arising in the conduct of the Company’s business or occurring on the Company’s property. If any employee believes that actions have taken place, may be taking place, or may be about to take place that violate or would violate the Code or any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, he or she is obligated to bring the matter to the attention of the Company.

Seeking Guidance. The best starting point for an officer or employee seeking advice on ethics‑related issues or reporting potential violations of the Code will usually be his or her supervisor. However, if the conduct in question involves his or her supervisor, if the employee has reported the conduct in question to his or her supervisor and does not believe that he or she has dealt with it properly, or if the officer or employee does not feel that he or she can discuss the matter with his or her supervisor, the employee may raise the matter with the Compliance Officer.

Communication Alternatives. Any officer or employee may communicate with the Compliance Officer by any of the following methods:

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In writing (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under “Reporting; Anonymity; Retaliation”), addressed to the Compliance Officer, either by facsimile to 858-876-3907 or by U.S. mail to c/o Fate Therapeutics, Inc., 3535 General Atomics Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121;

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By e‑mail to compliance@fatetherapeutics.com (anonymity cannot be maintained); or

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By phoning the employee feedback line (the “Feedback Line”) which the Company has established for receipt of questions and reports of potential violations of the Code. The Feedback Line may be reached at 866-375-6631 and calls may be made anonymously as set forth below under “Reporting; Anonymity; Retaliation”.

Reporting Accounting, Securities Law and Similar Concerns. Any concerns or questions regarding any potential violations of the Code, any company policy or procedure or applicable law, rules or regulations that involves accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing or securities law (including FCPA) matters will be directed to the Audit Committee or a designee of the Audit Committee in accordance with the procedures established by the Audit Committee for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. Officers and employees may also communicate directly with the Audit Committee or its designee regarding such matters by the following methods (which may be done anonymously as set forth below under “Anonymity”):

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in writing to: Chairperson of the Audit Committee c/o Fate Therapeutics, Inc., 3535 General Atomics Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121; or

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by phoning the Feedback Line.

Officers and employees may use the above methods to communicate anonymously with the Audit Committee.

Cooperation. Employees are expected to cooperate with the Company in any investigation of a potential violation of the Code, any other company policy or procedure, or any applicable law, rule or regulation.

Director Communications. In addition to the foregoing methods, a director may also communicate concerns or seek advice with respect to this Code by contacting the Board through its Chairperson or the Audit Committee.

When reporting suspected violations of the Code, the Company prefers that officers and employees identify themselves to facilitate the Company’s ability to take appropriate steps to address the report, including conducting any appropriate investigation. However, the Company also recognizes that some people may feel more comfortable reporting a suspected violation anonymously.

If an officer or employee wishes to remain anonymous, he or she may do so, and the Company will use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the reporting person subject to applicable law, rule or regulation or to any applicable legal proceedings. In the event the report is made anonymously, however, the Company may not have sufficient information to look into or otherwise investigate or evaluate the allegations. Accordingly, persons who make reports anonymously should provide as much detail as reasonably necessary to permit the Company to evaluate the matter(s) set forth in the anonymous report and, if appropriate, commence and conduct an appropriate investigation.

The Company expressly forbids any retaliation against any officer or employee who, acting in good faith on the basis of a reasonable belief, reports suspected misconduct. Specifically, the Company will not discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass or in any other manner discriminate against, such an officer or employee in the terms and conditions of his or her employment. Any person who participates in any such retaliation is subject to disciplinary action, including termination.

No waiver of any provisions of the Code for the benefit of a director or an executive officer (which includes, without limitation, for purposes of this Code, the Company’s principal executive, financial and accounting officers) shall be effective unless (i) approved by the Board or, if permitted, a committee thereof , and (ii) if applicable, such waiver is promptly disclosed to the Company’s stockholders in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws and/or the rules and regulations of the exchange or system on which the Company’s shares are traded or quoted, as the case may be.

Any waivers of the Code for other employees may be made by the Compliance Officer, the Board or, if permitted, a committee thereof.

All amendments to the Code must be approved by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof and, if applicable, must be promptly disclosed to the Company’s stockholders in accordance with applicable United States securities laws and/or the rules and regulations of the exchange or system on which the Company’s shares are traded or quoted, as the case may be.