EX-10.29 4 d528824dex1029.htm EX-10.29 EX-10.29

Exhibit 10.29

ENERGOUS CORPORATION

2017 Equity Inducement Plan

1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose potential contributions are important to the success of the Company, and any Parents and Subsidiaries that exist now or in the future, by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company’s future performance through the grant of Awards. Capitalized terms not defined elsewhere in the text are defined in Section 21.

2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

2.1 Number of Shares Available. Subject to Section 2.3 and any other applicable provisions hereof, the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to this Plan is 600,000 Shares subject to Awards and Shares issued under this Plan under any Award, will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with subsequent Awards under this Plan to the extent such Shares: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option granted under this Plan but which cease to be subject to the Option for any reason other than exercise of the Option; (b) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price; (c) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that otherwise terminate without such Shares being issued; or (d) are used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy applicable tax withholding obligations with respect to all types of Awards. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.

2.2 Minimum Share Reserve. At all times the Company will reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Shares as will be required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding Awards granted under this Plan and all other outstanding but unvested Awards granted under this Plan.

2.3 Adjustment of Shares. If the number of outstanding Shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, without consideration, then (a) the number of Shares reserved for issuance and future grant under the Plan set forth in Section 2.1 and (b) the Exercise Prices of and number of Shares subject to outstanding Awards, will be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the stockholders of the Company and in compliance with applicable securities laws; provided that fractions of a Share will not be issued.

3. ELIGIBILITY. Awards may be granted only to persons who, at the time of granting of the Award by the Committee: (a) are being hired as an Employee by the Company or any Subsidiary and such Award is a material inducement to such person being hired; (b) are being rehired as an Employee following a bona fide period of interruption of employment with the Company or any Subsidiary; or (c) will become an Employee of the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with a merger or acquisition.

 

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4. ADMINISTRATION.

4.1 Committee Composition; Authority. This Plan will be administered by the Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general purposes, terms and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board, the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan. The Committee will have the authority to:

(a) construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan;

(b) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan or any Award;

(c) select persons to receive Awards;

(d) determine the form and terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may vest and be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Committee will determine;

(e) determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to Awards;

(f) determine the Fair Market Value in good faith, if necessary;

(g) determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination with, in tandem with, or as alternatives to, other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company;

(h) grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions;

(i) determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of Awards;

(j) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement;

(k) determine whether an Award has been earned;

(l) reduce or waive any criteria with respect to Performance Factors;

(m) adjust Performance Factors to take into account changes in law and accounting or tax rules as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships; and

(n) make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan.

 

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4.2 Committee Interpretation and Discretion. Any determination made by the Committee with respect to any Award will be made in its sole discretion at the time of grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of the Plan or Award, at any later time, and such determination will be final and binding on the Company and all persons having an interest in any Award under the Plan. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of the Plan or any Award Agreement will be submitted by the Participant or Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee will be final and binding on the Company and the Participant. The Committee may delegate to one or more executive officers the authority to review and resolve disputes with respect to Awards held by Participants who are not Insiders, and such resolution will be final and binding on the Company and the Participant.

4.3 Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Awards granted to Insiders must be approved by two or more “non-employee directors” (as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act).

4.4 Foreign Award Recipients. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws in other countries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or have employees or other individuals eligible for Awards, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (a) determine which Subsidiaries shall be covered by this Plan; (b) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in this Plan; (c) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to individuals outside the United States to comply with applicable foreign laws; (d) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent the Committee determines such actions to be necessary or advisable (and such subplans and/or modifications shall be attached to this Plan as appendices); provided, however, that no such subplans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in this Plan; and (e) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that the Committee determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act or any other applicable United States securities law, the Code, or any other applicable United States governing statute or law.

4.5 Documentation. The Award Agreement for a given Award, this Plan and any other documents may be delivered to, and accepted by, a Participant or any other person in any manner (including electronic distribution or posting) that meets applicable legal requirements.

5. OPTIONS. A stock option is the right, but not the obligation, to purchase Shares in the future. The Committee may grant Options to Participants, which will be nonqualified stock options and will determine the number of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period during which the Option may be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of the Option, subject to the following:

5.1 Option Grant. Each Option granted under this Plan will be a nonqualified stock option. An Option may be, but need not be, awarded or vested upon satisfaction of such Performance Factors (if any) during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the

 

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Participant’s individual Award Agreement. If the Option is being earned upon the satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for each Option; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and (c) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the Option. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Options that are subject to different performance goals and other criteria.

5.2 Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option will be the date on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, or a specified future date. The Award Agreement and a copy of this Plan will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after the granting of the Option.

5.3 Exercise Period. Options may vest and or be exercisable within the times or upon the conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement governing such Option; provided, however, that no Option will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted. The Committee also may provide for Options to become vested and or become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of Shares as the Committee determines.

5.4 Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option will be determined by the Committee when the Option is granted. Payment for the Shares purchased may be made in accordance with Section 7. The Exercise Price of an Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

5.5 Method of Exercise. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives (a) notice of exercise (in such form as the Committee may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (b) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Committee and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 2.3 of the Plan. Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

 

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5.6 Termination. The exercise of an Option will be subject to the following (except as may be otherwise provided in an Award Agreement):

(a) If the Participant is Terminated for any reason except for Cause or the Participant’s death or Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant’s Options only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the Termination Date no later than 90 days after the Termination Date (or such shorter time period or longer time period not exceeding five years as may be determined by the Committee), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

(b) If the Participant is Terminated because of the Participant’s death (or the Participant dies within 90 days after a Termination other than for Cause or because of the Participant’s Disability), then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the Termination Date and must be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative, or authorized assignee, no later than 12 months after the Termination Date (or such shorter time period not less than six months or longer time period not exceeding five years as may be determined by the Committee), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

(c) If the Participant is Terminated because of the Participant’s Disability, then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the Termination Date and must be exercised by the Participant (or the Participant’s legal representative or authorized assignee) no later than 12 months after the Termination Date, but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

(d) If the Participant is Terminated for Cause, then Participant’s Options will expire on such Participant’s Termination Date, or at such later time and on such conditions as are determined by the Committee, but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

5.7 Limitations on Exercise. The Committee may specify a minimum number of Shares that may be purchased on any exercise of an Option, provided that such minimum number will not prevent any Participant from exercising the Option for the full number of Shares for which it is then exercisable.

5.8 Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may modify, extend or renew outstanding Options and authorize the grant of new Options in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant’s rights under any Option previously granted.

6. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.

6.1 Awards of Restricted Stock Units. A Restricted Stock Unit award to a Participant may be settled in cash, or by issuance of those Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock). All RSUs will be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.

6.2 Terms of RSUs. The Committee will determine the terms of an RSU including, without limitation: (a) the number of Shares subject to the RSU; (b) the time or times during which the RSU may be settled; and (c) the consideration to be distributed on settlement, and the effect of the Participant’s Termination on each RSU. An RSU may be, but need not be,

 

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awarded upon satisfaction of such Performance Factors (if any) during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s Award Agreement. If the RSU is being earned upon satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the RSU; (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and (z) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the RSU. Performance Periods may overlap and participants may participate simultaneously with respect to RSUs that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.

6.3 Form and Timing of Settlement. Payment of earned RSUs will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may settle earned RSUs in cash, Shares, or a combination of both. The Committee may also permit a Participant to defer payment under a RSU to a date or dates after the RSU is earned provided the terms of any deferral satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (or its successor) as set forth in the Award Agreement.

6.4 Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may modify, extend or renew outstanding RSUs and authorize the grant of new RSUs in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant’s rights under any RSU previously granted.

6.5 Termination of Participant. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such Participant’s Termination Date (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).

7. PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES.

Payment from a Participant for Shares purchased pursuant to this Plan may be made in cash or by check or, where expressly approved for the Participant by the Committee and where permitted by law (and to the extent not otherwise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement):

(a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant;

(b) by surrender of shares of the Company held by the Participant that have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Award will be exercised or settled;

(c) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered or to be rendered to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company;

(d) by consideration received by the Company pursuant to a broker-assisted and/or same day sale (or other) cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

(e) by any combination of the foregoing; or

(f) by any other method of payment as is permitted by applicable law.

 

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8. WITHHOLDING TAXES.

8.1 Withholding Generally. Whenever Shares are to be issued in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan, the Company may require the Participant to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable federal, state, local and international withholding tax requirements, or any other tax liability legally due from the Participant, prior to the delivery of Shares pursuant to exercise or settlement of any Award. Whenever payments in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan are to be made in cash, such payment will be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable federal, state, local and international withholding tax requirements.

8.2 Stock Withholding. The Committee, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may require or permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to up to the maximum statutory amount permitted to be withheld, or (iii) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to up to the maximum statutory amount permitted to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.

9. TRANSFERABILITY. Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. If the Committee makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. All Awards will be exercisable: (a) during the Participant’s lifetime only by (i) the Participant, or (ii) the Participant’s guardian or legal representative; and (b) after the Participant’s death, by the legal representative of the Participant’s heirs or legatees.

10. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP; VOTING AND DIVIDENDS. No Participant will have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued to the Participant. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares.

11. CERTIFICATES. All certificates for Shares or other securities delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, including restrictions under any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or quoted.

12. ESCROW. To enforce any restrictions on a Participant’s Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all certificates or book entries representing Shares, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates or book entries.

 

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13. EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS. The Committee may, with the consent of the respective Participants (unless not required pursuant to Sections 5.8 and 6.4 of this Plan) and to the extent permitted by applicable law, pay cash or issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of any, or all, outstanding Awards.

14. SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. An Award will not be effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations of any governmental body, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of grant of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification or listing requirements of any state securities laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.

15. NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY. Nothing in this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to terminate Participant’s employment or other relationship at any time to the extent permitted by applicable law.

16. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS. In the event of a Corporate Transaction any or all outstanding Awards may be assumed or replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption or replacement will be binding on all Participants. In the alternative, the successor corporation may substitute equivalent Awards or provide substantially similar consideration to Participants as was provided to stockholders (after taking into account the existing provisions of the Awards). The successor corporation may also issue, in place of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Participant, substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the event such successor or acquiring corporation (if any) refuses to assume, convert, replace or substitute Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a Corporate Transaction, then notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, such Awards will expire on such transaction at such time and on such conditions as the Board (or, the Committee, if so designated by the Board) will determine; provided the Board (or, the Committee, if so designated by the Board) may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the vesting of such Awards in connection with a Corporate Transaction. In addition, in the event such successor or acquiring corporation (if any) refuses to assume, convert, replace or substitute Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a Corporate Transaction, the Committee will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that such Award will be exercisable for a period

 

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of time determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and such Award will terminate upon the expiration of such period. Awards need not be treated similarly in a Corporate Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 16, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant Awards that provide for acceleration upon a Corporate Transaction or in other events in the specific Award Agreements and/or other contractual relationships with a Participant.

17. TERM OF PLAN AND GOVERNING LAW. Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, this Plan will become effective on the Effective Date and will terminate 10 years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Committee. This Plan and all Awards granted hereunder will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

18. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board or Committee may at any time terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including, without limitation, amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant to this Plan; provided, however, that the Board or Committee will not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend this Plan in any manner that requires such stockholder approval; provided further, that a Participant’s Award will be governed by the version of this Plan then in effect at the time such Award was granted.

19. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Committee, nor any provision of this Plan, will be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board or Committee to adopt such additional compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock awards and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

20. INSIDER TRADING POLICY. Each Participant who receives an Award will comply with any policy adopted by the Company from time to time covering transactions in the Company’s securities by Employees, officers and/or directors of the Company.

21. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, and except as elsewhere defined herein, the following terms will have the following meanings:

Award” means any award under this Plan, including any Option or Restricted Stock Unit.

Award Agreement” means, with respect to each Award, the written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award, which will be in substantially a form (which need not be the same for each Participant) that the Committee has from time to time approved, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Cause” shall be defined as that term is defined in the Participant’s offer letter or other applicable employment agreement; or, if there is no such definition, “Cause” means, as determined by the Company and unless otherwise provided in an applicable Award Agreement: (i) the commission of any act by a Particpant constituting financial dishonesty against the

 

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Company or its Affiliates (which act would be chargeable as a crime under applicable law); (ii) a Participant’s engaging in any other act of dishonesty, fraud, intentional misrepresentation, moral turpitude, illegality or harassment which, as determined in good faith by the Board, would: (A) materially adversely affect the business or the reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates with their respective current or prospective customers, suppliers, lenders and/or other third parties with whom such entity does or might do business; or (B) expose the Company or any of its affiliates to a risk of civil or criminal legal damages, liabilities or penalties; (iii) the repeated failure by a Participant to follow the directives of the chief executive officer of the Company or any of its affiliates or the Board, or (iv) any material misconduct, violation of the Company’s or affiliates’ policies, or willful and deliberate non-performance of duty by the Participant in connection with the business affairs of the Company or its affiliates.

Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, or such other committee of the Board, consisting only of independent members of the Board, to which administration of the Plan, or part of the Plan, has been delegated as permitted by applicable law, or the independent members of the Board acting in lieu of such a committee.

Company” means Energous Corporation, or any successor corporation.

Consultant” means any person, including an advisor or independent contractor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

Corporate Transaction” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) or “group” (two or more persons acting as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding, or disposing of the applicable securities referred to herein) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then-outstanding voting securities; (b) the consummation of the sale or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (c) the consummation of a merger, reorganization, consolidation or similar transaction or series of related transactions of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger, reorganization, consolidation or similar transaction (or series of related transactions) which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least a majority of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger, reorganization, consolidation or similar transaction (or series of related transactions), or (d) any other transaction which qualifies as a “corporate transaction” under Section 424(a) of the Code wherein the stockholders of the Company give up all of their equity interest in the Company (except for the acquisition, sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of the Company).

 

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Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided, however, that the Committee in its discretion may determine whether a total and permanent disability exists in accordance with non-discriminatory and uniform standards adopted by the Committee from time to time, whether temporary or permanent, partial or total, as determined by the Committee.

Effective Date” means the date the Committee adopted the Plan.

Employee” means any person, including officers, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company and who meets the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 3.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exercise Price” means the price at which a holder of an Award may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of an Award.

Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company’s Common Stock determined as follows: (a) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board or the Committee deems reliable; (b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is neither listed nor admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board or the Committee deems reliable; or (c) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Board or the Committee in good faith.

Insider” means an officer of the Company or any other person whose transactions in the Company’s Common Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Option” means an award of an option to purchase Shares pursuant to Section 5.

Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

Participant” means a newly hired Employee who receives an Award under this Plan at the time of his or her employment. The term “Participant” will include individuals who were previously employed by the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, who have undergone a bona fide period of non-employment by the Company. The term “Participant” will also include individuals who become Employees of the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, as the result of a merger or acquisition.

Performance Factors” means the factors selected by the Committee to determine whether performance goals established by the Committee applicable to Awards have been satisfied.

 

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Performance Period” means the period of service determined by the Committee during which years of service or performance is to be measured for the Award.

Plan” means this Energous Corporation 2017 Equity Inducement Plan.

Restricted Stock Unit” or “RSU” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan.

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shares” means shares of the Company’s Common Stock and any successor security, as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.3 or any other applicable provision hereof.

Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

Termination” or “Terminated” means, for purposes of this Plan with respect to a Participant, that the Participant has for any reason ceased to provide services as an employee, officer, director, consultant, independent contractor or advisor to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. An employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide services in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee; provided, that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute or unless provided otherwise pursuant to formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing. In the case of any employee on an approved leave of absence, the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension of vesting of the Award while on leave from the employ of the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may an Award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide services and the effective date on which the Participant ceased to provide services (the “Termination Date”).

 

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ENERGOUS CORPORATION

2017 EQUITY INDUCEMENT PLAN

NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Energous Corporation (the “Company”) 2017 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”).

Name:                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Address                                                                                                                                                                                            

You (“Participant”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Units) (the “Agreement”).

 

Number of RSUs:

                                                                                                                                                

Date of Grant:

                                                                                                                                                

Vesting Commencement Date:

                                                                                                                                                

Expiration Date:

  The date on which settlement (or forfeiture) of all RSUs granted hereunder occurs, with earlier expiration upon the Termination Date.

Vesting Schedule:

  Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Agreement, the RSUs will vest in accordance with the following schedule:

You acknowledge that the vesting of the RSUs pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing service as an active Employee (or a Consultant, only after you become a Consultant following a period of being an Employee) of the Company. You also understand that this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of both the Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. By signing below or electronically accepting the Agreement, you confirm you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of this Notice, the Agreement and the Plan.

 

PARTICIPANT         ENERGOUS CORPORATION
Signature:  

 

    By:  

 

Print Name:  

 

    Its:  

 

Date:  

 

    Date:  

 

 

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ENERGOUS CORPORATION

2017 EQUITY INDUCEMENT PLAN

AWARD AGREEMENT (RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS)

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Energous Corporation (the “Company”) 2017 Equity Inducement Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Units) (the “Agreement”).

Participant has been granted Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”) and this Agreement.

1. Settlement. Settlement of RSUs shall be made within 30 days following the applicable date of vesting under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice. Settlement of RSUs shall be in Shares or cash.

2. No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, Participant shall have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and shall have no right to dividends or to vote such Shares.

3. Dividend Equivalents. Dividends, if any (whether in cash or Shares), shall not be credited to Participant until he or she has acquired Shares in the Company.

4. No Transfer. The RSUs and any interest therein shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of.

5. Termination. If Participant’s Termination (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later to be found invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), all unvested RSUs shall be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and all rights of Participant to such RSUs shall immediately terminate and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., active services would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any). In case of any dispute as to whether Termination has occurred (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence), the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether such Termination has occurred and the effective date of such Termination.

6. Tax Obligations. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer (the “Employer”) the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant (“Tax-Related Items”), is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the RSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the RSUs, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends and/or any dividend

 

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equivalents; and (2) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant agrees to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:

(i) withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer; or

(ii) withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired upon vesting/settlement of the RSUs either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization); or

(iii) withholding in Shares to be issued upon settlement of the RSUs. If Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, unless determined otherwise by the Committee in advance of a Tax-Related Items withholding event, the method of withholding for the RSUs will be this subsection (iii).

Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding or other withholding rates, including up to maximum applicable rates. If applicable, Participant will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Common Stock equivalent. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested RSUs, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.

Finally, Participant agrees to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of Shares, if Participant fails to comply with Participant’s obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

7. U.S. Tax Consequences. If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, Participant acknowledges that there will be tax consequences upon the vesting and/or settlement of the RSUs or disposition of the Shares, if any, received in connection therewith, and Participant should consult a tax adviser regarding Participant’s tax obligations prior to such vesting, settlement or disposition. Upon vesting of the RSUs, the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the RSUs is subject to

 

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payroll taxes (e.g., FICA), and when the Shares are released following vesting, the Fair Market Value of the Shares is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. Upon disposition of the Shares, any subsequent increase or decrease in value will be treated as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the Shares are held for more than 12 months from the date of settlement. Further, an RSU may be considered a deferral of compensation that may be subject to Section 409A of the Code. Section 409A of the Code imposes special rules to the timing of making and effecting certain amendments of this RSU with respect to distribution of any deferred compensation. You should consult your personal tax advisor for more information on the actual and potential tax consequences of this RSU.

8. Acknowledgement of Nature of the Grant. The Company and Participant agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and hereby accepts the RSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice. Participant further acknowledges, understands and agrees that:

(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

(b) the grant of the RSUs is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of RSUs, or benefits in lieu of RSUs, even if RSUs have been granted in the past;

(c) all decisions with respect to future RSUs or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d) the RSU grant and Participant’s participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or services contract with the Company, the Employer, its Parent, Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company, the Employer, its Parent, Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, as applicable, to terminate Participant’s employment or service relationship (if any) for any reason;

(e) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(f) the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g) the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

(h) the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;

 

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(i) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the RSUs resulting from Participant’s Termination (for any reason whatsoever whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the RSUs to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company, its Parent, any of its Subsidiaries, affiliates or the Employer, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases the Company, its Parent, Subsidiaries and affiliates and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim; and

(j) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the RSUs and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the RSUs or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any Corporate Transaction affecting the Shares of the Company.

9. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant is hereby advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.

10. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Agreement and any other RSU grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company, its Parent, Subsidiaries and affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.

Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all RSUs or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.

Participant understands that Data will be transferred to a designated Plan broker or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting his or her

 

5


local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, its designated Plan broker, and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, Participant’s employment status and/or career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Participant RSUs or other Awards or administer or maintain such Awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.

11. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. Participant acknowledges that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by Participant or any other Plan participant.

12. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, unless there is an available exemption from any registration, qualification or other legal requirement applicable to the Shares, the Company shall not be required to deliver any Shares issuable upon settlement of the RSU prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of the Shares under any local, state, federal or foreign securities or exchange control law or under rulings or regulations of the U.S. SEC or of any other governmental regulatory body, or prior to obtaining any approval or other clearance from any local, state, federal or foreign governmental agency, which registration, qualification or approval the Company shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with the SEC or any state or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Participant agrees that the Company shall have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and the Agreement without Participant’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares.

 

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13. Governing Law and Venue; Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (a) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (b) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of any action, lawsuit or other proceedings brought to enforce this Agreement, relating to it, or arising from it, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of San Jose, California, or the federal courts for the United States for the Northern District of California, and no other courts, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.

14. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the RSUs and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.

By the signature on, or electronic acceptance of, the Notice by each of the Participant and the Company’s representative, Participant and the Company agree that this RSU is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address.

 

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ENERGOUS CORPORATION

2017 EQUITY INDUCEMENT PLAN |

NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION AWARD

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Energous Corporation (the “Company”) 2017 Equity Inducement Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice”).

Name:                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Address                                                                                                                                                                                            

You (“Participant”) have been granted an option to purchase Shares of Common Stock of the Company under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Agreement”).

 

Date of Grant:                                                                                     
Vesting Commencement Date:                                                                                     
Exercise Price per Share:                                                                                     
Total Number of Shares:                                                                                     
Type of Option:               Non-Qualified Stock Option                      
Expiration Date:                                                                                     
Post-Termination Exercise Period:   Termination for Cause = None
  Voluntary Termination = 90 days
  Termination without Cause = 90 days
  Disability = 12 Months
  Death = 12 Months
Vesting Schedule:   Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Agreement, the Option will vest and may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:

You acknowledge that the vesting of the Options pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing service as an active Employee of the Company. You also understand that this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of both the Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. By signing below or electronically accepting the Agreement, you confirm you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of this Notice, the Agreement and the Plan.

 

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PARTICIPANT         ENERGOUS CORPORATION
Signature:  

 

    By:  

 

Print Name:  

 

    Its:  

 

Date:  

 

    Date:  

 

 

2


ENERGOUS CORPORATION

2017 EQUITY INDUCEMENT PLAN

STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Energous Corporation (the “Company”) 2017 Equity Inducement Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Agreement”).

Participant has been granted an option to purchase Shares (the “Option”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice”) and this Agreement.

1. Vesting Rights. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement, this Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the schedule set forth in the Notice. In the event Participant’s Termination (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that Participant is no longer actively providing services and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., active services would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any); the Committee shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of his or her Option grant (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence).

2. Termination Period.

(a) General Rule. Except as provided below, and subject to the Plan, this Option may be exercised for 90 days after Participant’s Termination with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.

(b) Death; Disability. Unless provided otherwise in the Notice, upon Participant’s Termination by reason of his or her Disability or death, or if a Participant dies within 90 days of the Termination Date, this Option may be exercised for twelve months, provided that in no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.

(c) Cause. Upon Participant’s Termination for Cause, the Option shall expire on such date of Participant’s Termination Date.

(d) Measurement Date. In the event of Participant’s Termination (whether or not in breach of local labor laws), Participant’s right to exercise the Option after Termination, if any, will be measured by the date of termination of Participant’s active services and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any).

 

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3. Grant of Option. The Participant named in the Notice has been granted an Option for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice (the “Exercise Price”). In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

4. Exercise of Option.

(a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of Participant’s death, Disability, Termination for Cause or other Termination, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement.

(b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice (the “Exercise Notice”), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.

(c) No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of securities law and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the Shares are then listed. Assuming such compliance, for tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the Participant on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

5. Method of Payment. Unless provided otherwise by the Company, in its sole discretion, payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Participant:

(a) cash;

(b) check;

(c) a “broker-assisted” or “same-day sale” (as described in Section 7(d) of the Plan); or

(d) other method authorized by the Company.

 

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6. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by the Participant unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Participant.

7. Term of Option. This Option shall in any event expire on the expiration date set forth in the Notice, which date is 10 years after the Date of Grant.

8. Tax Obligations. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant (“Tax-Related Items”), is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Option, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

Prior to the relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant agrees to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy the obligations with regard to all Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:

(a) withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer; or

(b) withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired at exercise of the Option either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization) without further consent.

Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding or other withholding rates, including up to maximum applicable rates. If applicable, Participant will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Common Stock equivalent.

 

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Finally, Participant agrees to pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of Shares if Participant fails to comply with his or her obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.

9. Acknowledgement of Nature of the Grant. The Company and Participant agree that the Option is granted under and governed by this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions and hereby accepts the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice. Participant further acknowledges, understands and agrees that:

(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or Terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

(b) the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Options, or benefits in lieu of Options, even if Options have been granted in the past;

(c) all decisions with respect to future Option or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d) the Option grant and Participant’s participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company, the Employer or any Parent, Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, as applicable, to terminate Participant’s employment or service relationship (if any);

(e) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(f) the Option and any Shares acquired under the Plan are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g) the Option and any Shares acquired under the Plan and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

 

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(h) the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(i) if the underlying Shares do not increase in value, the Option will have no value;

(j) if Participant exercises the Option and acquires Shares, the value of such Shares of may increase or decrease in value, even below the Exercise Price;

(k) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Option resulting from Participant’s Termination (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Option to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company, its Parent, or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or the Employer, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases the Company, its Parent, Subsidiaries and affiliates and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agree to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim;

(l) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Option and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Option or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any Corporate Transaction affecting the Shares; and

10. No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant is hereby advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.

11. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Agreement and any other Option grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Parent, Subsidiaries and affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.

Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Options or any

 

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other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.

Participant understands that Data will be transferred to a designated Plan broker or such other stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipient’s country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, its designed Plan broker and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purposes of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her employment status or service and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Participant Options or other Awards or administer or maintain such Awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.

12. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between the parties. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. Participant acknowledges that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by Participant or any other Plan participant.

13. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, unless there is an available exemption from any registration, qualification or other legal

 

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requirement applicable to the Shares, the Company shall not be required to deliver any Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of the Shares under any local, state, federal or foreign securities or exchange control law or under rulings or regulations of the U.S. SEC or of any other governmental regulatory body, or prior to obtaining any approval or other clearance from any local, state, federal or foreign governmental agency, which registration, qualification or approval the Company shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with the SEC or any state or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Participant agrees that the Company shall have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and the Agreement without Participant’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares.

14. Governing Law and Venue; Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. The Option grant and the provisions of this Agreement are governed by, and subject to, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of law provisions. For purposes of any action, lawsuit or other proceedings brought to enforce this Agreement, relating to it, or arising from it, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of San Mateo County, California, or the federal courts for the United States for the Northern District of California, and no other courts, where this grant is made and/or to be performed.

15. Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the Option and on any Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.

By the signature on, or electronic acceptance of, the Notice by each of the Participant and the Company’s representative, Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Notice, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and the Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated on the Notice.

 

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