DEF 14A 1 v181777_def14a.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Filed by the Registrant
T
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
¨
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
¨
Preliminary Proxy Statement
 
¨
Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (As Permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
 
T
Definitive Proxy Statement
 
¨
Definitive Additional Materials
 
¨
Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12
 
DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 
T
No fee required

¨
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 
(1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:  N/A

 
(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:  N/A

 
(3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 
(4)
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:  N/A

(5)
Total fee paid:  N/A

¨
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

¨
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)
Amount Previously Paid:  N/A

 
(2)
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:  N/A

 
(3)
Filing Party:  N/A

 
(4)
Date Filed:  N/A

 
 

 

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
28 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 1525
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14614
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
Rochester, New York
April 20, 2010
 
The annual meeting of the stockholders of Document Security Systems, Inc. (the "Company"), will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the offices of Document Security Systems, Inc., 28 East Main Street, First Floor Conference Center, Rochester, New York, 14614 for the purposes of:
 
 
1.
Electing seven directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders;
 
 
2.
Considering and voting upon a proposal to ratify Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs PC as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010; and
 
 
3.
Transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
 
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this notice.
 
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 15, 2010, as the record date  for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
 
This year, like many companies, we are taking advantage of the "Notice and Access" method approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission that allows companies to provide proxy materials to stockholders via the Internet. On or about April 22, 2010, we will mail to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials which contains specific instructions on how to access Annual Meeting materials via the Internet, as well as instructions on how to request paper copies. We believe this process should provide a convenient way to access your proxy materials and vote. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (the “Annual Report”) and the proxy statement, along with any amendments to the foregoing materials that are required to be furnished to stockholders, are available online at www.amstock.com/proxyservices/viewmaterial.asp?CoNumber=11989. If you want to receive a paper or email copy of these documents, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. Please make your request for a copy as instructed below on or before May 28, 2010, to facilitate timely delivery.
 
 
By Order of the Board of Directors
   
 
Robert Fagenson
 
Chairman of the Board

 
ii

 


ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING.  WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE.  FOR THOSE STOCKHOLDERS RECEIVING A FULL SET OF PROXY MATERIALS THROUGH THE MAIL, A RETURN ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.    THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THAT THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS IS CONSIDERED A “NON-ROUTINE” MATTER.  ACCORDINGLY, BROKERS, BANKS, AND OTHER NOMINEES ARE NOT PERMITTED TO VOTE ON ELECTION OF DIRECTORS WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE BENEFICIAL OWNER.

 
iii

 

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
28 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 1525
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14614
 
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE COMPANY’S
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON June 10, 2010
 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS
 
Why am I receiving this proxy statement?
 
This proxy statement describes the proposal on which our board of directors would like you, as a stockholder, to vote at the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company, which will take place on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. local time at 28 East Main Street, First Floor Conference Center, Rochester, New York 14614.  It also gives you information on this proposal so that you can make an informed decision.  We intend to mail this proxy statement and accompanying proxy card on or about April 20, 2010 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
 
In this proxy statement, we refer to Document Security Systems, Inc. as the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our.”
 
Who can vote at the annual meeting of stockholders?
 
Stockholders who owned shares of common stock of the Company, par value $.02 per share (“Common Stock”), on April 15, 2010 may attend and vote at the annual meeting.  Each share is entitled to one vote.  There were 17,760,324 shares of Common Stock issued as of April 15, 2010.  All shares of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class. Information about the stockholdings of our directors and executive officers is contained in the section of this proxy statement entitled “Security Ownership of Management” on page three (3) of this proxy statement.
 
What is the proxy card?
 
The proxy card enables you to appoint David Wicker, Secretary of the Company, and/or Patrick White, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as your representative at the annual meeting.  By completing and returning the proxy card, you are authorizing these persons to vote your shares at the annual meeting in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card.  This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the annual meeting.  Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, we suggest that you complete and return your proxy card before the annual meeting date just in case your plans change.  If a proposal comes up for vote at the annual meeting that is not on the proxy card, the proxies will vote your shares, under your proxy, according to their best judgment.
 
What am I voting on?
 
You are being asked to vote on the election of board of directors and the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.  We will also transact any other business that properly comes before the annual meeting.
 
How does the board of directors recommend that I vote?
 
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote “for” the nominees for director and “for” the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.

 
iv

 

What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
 
Most of our stockholders hold their shares in an account at a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder, rather than holding share certificates in their own name.  As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.
 
Stockholder of Record
 
If on April 15, 2010, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, you are a stockholder of record who may vote at the annual meeting, and we are sending these proxy materials directly to you.  As the stockholder of record, you have the right to direct the voting of your shares by returning the enclosed proxy card to us or to vote in person at the annual meeting.  Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted.
 
Beneficial Owner
 
If on April 15, 2010, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm or at a bank or other nominee holder, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held “in street name,” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the annual meeting.  As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker on how to vote your shares and to attend the annual meeting.  However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the annual meeting unless you receive a valid proxy from your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder.  To obtain a valid proxy, you must make a special request of your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder.  If you do not make this request, you can still vote by using the voting instruction card enclosed with this proxy statement; however, you will not be able to vote in person at the annual meeting.
 
How do I Vote?
 
Registered holders may vote:
 
A. By mail (if you received a full-set paper copy of the proxy materials by mail): mark, sign, date and promptly mail the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided;

If we receive your proxy card prior to the annual meeting and if you mark your voting instructions on the proxy card, your shares will be voted:
 
 
as you instruct, and
 
 
according to the best judgment of the proxies if a proposal comes up for a vote at the annual meeting that is not on the proxy card.
 
 
If you return a signed card, but do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted:
 
 
for the seven (7) nominees to the board, all of whom are presently serving on the board;
 
 
to approve the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010; and
 
 
according to the best judgment of either Mr. Wicker or Mr. White, if a proposal comes up for a vote at the annual meeting that is not on the proxy card.

 
v

 

B. By Internet: (i) Read the Proxy Statement and have your proxy card at hand; (ii) go to www.voteproxy.com and(iii) Enter the control number provided and follow the simple instructions; or

C. By toll-free telephone: (i) Read the Proxy Statement and have your proxy card at hand; (ii) call 1-800-776-9437; or and (iii) Enter the control number provided and follow the simple instructions.

D. In person at the annual meeting

Beneficial Stockholders.  If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other holder of record, follow the voting instructions you receive from the holder of record to vote your shares.
 
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?
 
You may have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with brokerage firms.  Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
 
What if I change my mind after I return my proxy?
 
You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at the annual meeting.  You may do this by:
 
sending a written notice to the Secretary of the Company stating that you would like to revoke your proxy of a particular date;
 
signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it before the polls close at the annual meeting; or
 
attending the annual meeting and voting in person.
 
Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, you must instruct your broker, bank or other nominee that you wish to change your vote by following the procedures on the voting form provided to you by the broker, bank or other nominee.  If your shares are held in street name, and you wish to attend the annual meeting and vote at the annual meeting, you must bring to the annual meeting a legal proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee holding your shares, confirming your beneficial ownership of the shares and giving you the right to vote your shares.
 
Will my shares be voted if I do not sign and return my proxy card?
 
If your shares are held in street name or in your name and you do not sign and return your proxy card, your shares will not be voted unless you vote in person at the annual meeting.
 
How are votes counted?
 
You may vote “for,” “against,” or “abstain” on each of the election of directors and the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accountants.
 
How many votes are required to elect the nominated persons to the Board of Directors?
 
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote in the election are required to elect each director.

 
vi

 
 
How many votes are required to ratify the Company’s independent registered public accountants?
 
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares of common stock entitled to vote are required to ratify Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2010.
 
How many votes are required to approve other matters that may come before the stockholders at the annual meeting?
 
An affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting is required for approval of all other items being submitted to the stockholders for their consideration.
 
What happens if I don’t indicate how to vote my proxy?
 
If you just sign your proxy card without providing further instructions, your shares will be counted as a “for” vote for the nominees on the proxy card and as a  “for” vote for the ratification of the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.
 
Is my vote kept confidential?
 
Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations identifying stockholders are kept confidential and will not be disclosed except as may be necessary to meet legal requirements.
 
Where do I find the voting results of the annual meeting?
 
We will announce voting results at the annual meeting.
 
Who can help answer my questions?
 
You can contact our corporate headquarters, at (585) 325-3610 or by sending a letter to Investor Relations, Document Security Systems, Inc., 28 East Main Street, Suite 1525, Rochester, New York, 14614, with any questions about proposals described in this proxy statement or how to execute your vote.
 
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 
vii

 

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
28 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 1525
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14614
 
PROXY STATEMENT
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Document Security Systems, Inc. (the “Company”), for use at the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders to be held at the office premises of Document Security Systems, Inc., 28 East Main Street, First Floor Conference Center, Rochester, New York, 14614 on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. and at any adjournments thereof.  Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person, please return your executed proxy in the enclosed envelope and the shares represented thereby will be voted in accordance with your wishes.  This proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy are being first mailed to stockholders on or about April 22, 2010.
 
REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
 
Any stockholder executing a proxy that is solicited hereby has the power to revoke it prior to the voting of the proxy.  Revocation may be made by attending the annual meeting and voting the shares of stock in person, or by delivering to the Secretary of the Company at the principal office of the Company prior to the annual meeting a written notice of revocation or a later-dated, properly executed proxy.  This solicitation of proxies is being made by the Company.  The solicitation is being conducted by mail, and the Company will bear all attendant costs.
 
RECORD DATE
 
Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2010, will be entitled to vote at the meeting.
 
ACTION TO BE TAKEN UNDER PROXY
 
Unless otherwise directed by the giver of the proxy, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy, to-wit, David Wicker and Patrick White, or either one of them who acts, will vote:
 
(1)
FOR the election of the persons named herein as nominees for directors of the Company, for a term expiring at the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders (or until successors are duly elected and qualified);
 
(2)
FOR ratification of Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2010; and
 
(3)
According to their judgment, on the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
 
Should any nominee named herein for election as a director become unavailable for any reason, it is intended that the persons named in the proxy will vote for the election of such other person in his stead as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is not aware of any reason that might cause the nominee to be unavailable.

 
 

 

VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
 
As of April 15, 2010, there were 17,760,324 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, which constitute all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by them.
 
A majority of the outstanding shares present in person or represented by proxy will constitute a quorum at the meeting.  Under New York state law and provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, as amended, the vote required for the election of directors is a majority of the votes of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting of stockholders and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
 
Abstentions from voting and broker non-votes will operate as neither a vote for nor a vote against the nominee for a director.  Votes on all matters will be counted by duly appointed inspectors of election, whose responsibilities are to ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, determine the number of shares represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, count all votes and report the results to the Company.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
As of April 15, 2010, the following persons were known to the Company who may, individually or as a group, be deemed to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock, each having sole voting and dispositive power over such common stock, except as indicated in the footnotes hereto:
 
         
Percentage of
Outstanding
 
Name
 
Common Stock Owned
   
Common Stock Owned (1)
 
             
Robert B. Fagenson
    1,029,000 (2)     5.8 %
c/o Document Security Systems
               
28 Main St. East, Suite 1525
               
Rochester, NY  14614
               
Martin Vegh
    1,000,000 (3)     5.6 %
c/o Document Security Systems
               
28 Main St. East, Suite 1525
               
Rochester, NY  14614
               
 

(1) 
The calculations for these columns are based upon 17,760,324  shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on April 15, 2010, plus the number of shares of Common Stock deemed outstanding pursuant to SEC Rule 13d-3(d)(1). Shares of Company Common Stock subject to options exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2010 are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of the person holding such option but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
 (2)
Includes 29,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days, 100,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Fagenson’s wife and an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock held in trusts for Mr. Fagenson’s two adult children.  Mr. Fagenson disclaims beneficial ownership of the 100,000 shares of common stock held by his wife and the 100,000 shares of common stock held in trusts for Mr. Fagenson’s two adult children.

 
2

 

(3)
Based solely on a Schedule 13G filed by Martin Vegh, filed September 17, 2002, Martin Vegh has sole voting and disposition power over the shares.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
 
The following table represents beneficial ownership of common stock by each director and nominee for election as a director, by each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (see “Executive and Management Compensation” below), and by all current directors, nominees and executive officers as a group (each director, nominee and officer having sole voting and dispositive power over the shares listed opposite his name except as indicated in the footnotes hereto).
 
Unless otherwise noted, the security information is given as of April 15, 2010, and, in the case of percentage ownership, is based on 17,760,324 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
 
         
Percentage of
Outstanding
 
Name
 
Common Stock Owned
   
Common Stock Owned (1)
 
             
Patrick White
    801,600       4.5 %
David Wicker
    248,166 (2)     1.4 %
Philip Jones
    112,333 (3)  
Less than 1
Timothy Ashman
    34,100 (4)  
Less than 1
Robert B. Fagenson
    1,029,000 (5)     5.8 %
Ira A. Greenstein
    39,000 (6)  
Less than 1
Alan E. Harrison
    40,000 (7)  
Less than 1
Robert Bzdick
    735,437       4.1 %
                 
All Executive Officers and Directors (8 persons) as a Group
    3,039,636 (8)     16.8 %
 

(1)
The calculations for these columns are based upon the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on April 15, 2010, plus the number of shares of Common Stock deemed outstanding pursuant to SEC Rule 13d-3(d)(1). Shares of Company Common Stock subject to options exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2010 are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of the person holding such option but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
 
(2)
Includes 83,333 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days.
 
(3)
Includes 88,333 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days and 25,000 shares of restricted stock that vests only upon a change in control of the Company or certain other material events to the Company.
 
(4)
Includes 29,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days.
 
(5)
Includes 29,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days, 100,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Fagenson’s wife and an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock held in trusts for Mr. Fagenson’s two adult children.  Mr. Fagenson disclaims beneficial ownership of the 100,000 shares of common stock held by his wife and the 100,000 shares of common stock held in trusts for Mr. Fagenson’s two adult children.
 
(6)
Includes 29,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days.

 
3

 

(7)
Includes 30,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days.
 
(8)
Includes all shares of common stock and common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options exercisable within 60 days held by the persons listed in the table above.

 
4

 
 
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Based solely on our review of copies of such reports and representations from our executive officers and directors, we believe that our executive officers and directors complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements that arose during the year ended December 31, 2009 except that directors Messrs. Ashman, Greenstein, Fagenson, Wicker and Harrison did not timely file Form 4's for director and non-director option grants awarded during the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Review of Related Person Transactions
 
The Board of Directors adopted a Statement of Policy with respect to Related Person Transactions, which is administered by the Audit Committee.  This policy applies to any transaction or series of transactions in which the Company or a subsidiary is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a Related Person has a direct or indirect material interest.  Under the Policy, Company counsel will determine whether a transaction meets the requirements of a Related Person Transaction requiring review by the Committee.  Transactions that fall within this definition will be referred to the Audit Committee for approval, ratification or other action.  Based on its consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Audit Committee will decide whether or not to approve such transaction and will approve only those transactions that are in the best interests of the Company.
 
Transactions with Related Persons
 
On January 4, 2008, the Company entered into a Credit Facility Agreement with Fagenson and Co., Inc., as agent, a related party to Robert B. Fagenson, the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. Under the Fagenson Credit Agreement, the Company could borrow up to a maximum of $3,000,000 from time to time up to and until January 4, 2010.  Any amount borrowed by the Company pursuant to the Fagenson Credit Agreement has annual interest rate of 2% above LIBOR and is secured by the Common Stock of Plastic Printing Professionals, Inc., (“P3”) the Company's wholly owned subsidiary.  Interest is payable quarterly in arrears and the principal is payable in full at the end of the term under the Fagenson Credit Agreement.  On December 11, 2009, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement with the lenders for the conversion of $2,000,000 of debt owed under the Credit Facility into 1,250,000 shares of Document Security Systems Common Stock.   In addition, the parties amended the Credit Facility to allow for a maximum borrowing of up to $1,000,000 and extended the due date to January 4, 2012.   As of December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding $583,000 under the Fagenson Credit Agreement.    Under the terms of the agreement the Company is required to comply with various covenants.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company was in default of the agreement due to a failure to pay interest when due.  Fagenson and Co. has waived the defaults through January 1, 2011.
 
On January 4, 2008, the Company also entered into a Credit Facility Agreement with Patrick White, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors.  Under the White Credit Agreement, the Company could borrow up to $600,000 from time to time up to and until January 4, 2010.  Any amount borrowed by the Company pursuant to the White Credit Agreement will have an annual interest rate of 2% above LIBOR.  On December 30, 2009, the Company used the proceeds from a $450,000 Convertible Note to pay in full the $450,000 due under the White Credit Agreement.   
 
 
5

 
 
Interest expense for the two revolving notes for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $106,000, of which $152,000 for the Fagenson and Company Note is included in accrued expenses as of December 31, 2009.
 
PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOMINEES
 
The Company’s By-laws, as amended, currently specify that the number of Directors shall be at least three and no more than seven persons, unless otherwise determined by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors.  The Company’s Board of Directors was expanded by an amendment to the Company’s By- Laws by the Board of Directors on March 18, 2010 to seven persons.  The Company’s By-laws provide that any vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled by the remaining members of the Board of Directors.  Proxies solicited by the Company for the election of Directors cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named in the proxy.
 
The following table shows for each nominee and director continuing in office his age, his principal occupation for at least the last five years, his present position with the Company, the year in which he was first elected or appointed as director (each serving continuously since first elected or appointed except as set forth in the footnotes hereto), and his directorships with other companies whose securities are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Each director is elected or nominated to the Board of Directors until the following annual meeting of stockholders.
 
NOMINEES TO BE ELECTED TO SERVE AS DIRECTOR UNTIL
THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING

Name
 
Age
 
Positions
         
Robert B. Fagenson
 
61
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Patrick White
 
57
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
David Wicker
 
50
 
Vice President of Operations and Director
Robert B. Bzdick
 
55
 
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Timothy Ashman
 
67
 
Director
Ira A. Greenstein
 
49
 
Director
Alan E. Harrison
 
60
 
Director

The principal occupation and business experience for each executive officer and director, for at least the past five years, is as follows:
 
Robert B. Fagenson is the Chairman and President of Fagenson & Co., Inc., a New York Stock Exchange member brokerage firm. Mr. Fagenson has been a Member of the New York Stock Exchange since 1973, and formerly served as a Director and Vice Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.  Mr. Fagenson also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Cash Technologies Inc (AMEX:  TQ).  Mr. Fagenson was appointed to our Board of Directors in September 2004, and was named the Chairman of the Board in January 2008.
 
During Mr. Fagenson’s 25 years of experience as a financial investment professional, Mr. Fagenson has experience with numerous public and private companies covering a wide range of industries and markets, including positions as a director of public companies and a national organization of investment professional.   Mr. Fagenson utilizes his wide range of experiences to provide the Company with insight and direction in areas of corporate decision making, including corporate finance, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning and corporate governance and leadership issues.

 
6

 

Patrick White has been Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August 2002, was President of the Company from August 2002 until June 2006 and was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company from August 2002 until January 2008.  A former financial services and printing industry executive, he had previously spent 23 years at Rochester Community Savings Bank, which was later acquired by Charter One Bank.  During his tenure, the bank grew from an $800 million private thrift to a $4 billion publicly held institution. Since 1989, Mr. White acquired and operated four printing companies, updating his original traditional offset printing companies to a state-of-the-art digital imaging operation.  Since 1990, he worked in the research and development of various optical deterrent document security technologies and began marketing security print products in 1994. He holds both a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology.
 
As Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2002, Mr. White has a detailed knowledge of nearly every facet of the Company, including the history and evolution of the Company’s technologies, products and its patent portfolio and patent litigation, the Company’s customers, vendors, and competitors, and the history and trends of the anti-counterfeit and related markets.  Mr. White is responsible for leading the development and achievement of the Company’s strategy.  Mr. White utilizes his financial background to assist in all levels of corporate finance and merger and acquisition activities.  In addition, Mr. White has an active daily role in operations and sales management.
 
David Wicker joined our company as Vice President of Operations in August 2002 and was named a Director in December 2007.  Mr. Wicker serves as a Vice President of Operations of the Company, directing the technical operations behind our patented document security properties.  Mr. Wicker has authored and co-authored several patents and patent applications in the anti-counterfeiting field.  Mr. Wicker is an active member of the Document Security Alliance, NASPO, Center for Indentity Management and Information Protection, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CACP Counterfeiting Coalition.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Wicker consulted for banknote and security printers and developed several security technologies in use worldwide today.

With his 32 years of printing experience, including 22 years specializing in security printing, Mr. Wicker has established himself as an industry expert in the field of anti-counterfeiting.  In addition to his active membership in various anti-counterfeiting organizations and standard setting boards, Mr. Wicker leads a research team that holds several US and international patents that form the basis of several of the Company’s products.    Mr. Wicker is integral to business development efforts, especially in regards to licensing and custom security products and projects, and has relationships at nearly every leading security printer in the country.

 
7

 
 
Robert B. Bzdick joined the Company on February 17, 2010 as President and Chief Operating Officer after the Company’s acquisition of Premier Packaging Corp., for which Mr. Bzdick was the Chief Executive Officer.   Prior to founding Premier Packaging Corp. in 1989, Mr. Bzdick held positions of Controller, Sales Manager, and General Sales Manager at the Rochester, NY division of Boise Cascade, (later Georgia Pacific).  Mr. Bzdick has 29 years of experience in manufacturing and operations management in the printing and packaging industry.
 
Mr. Bzdick brings his considerable packaging and printing industry experience to the Company.  Mr. Bzdick will fill the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Company, a position that will be integral as the Company integrates its production and processes between the Company’s printing, paper and packaging facilities.  In addition, Mr. Bzdick will be actively engaged in a business development role for the Company’s secure packaging initiatives.

Timothy Ashman was appointed to our Board of Directors in January 2004.  Mr. Ashman was employed by HSBC Bank USA, formerly Marine Midland Bank, from 1964 until his retirement as Vice President in 2001.  During his career in banking, he concentrated in branch banking administration, commercial lending, and municipal finance and government banking.  Mr. Ashman is a graduate of the University of Rochester, with a B.A. in Business Administration, and is also a graduate of the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University.  Since his retirement in 2001, he has been a consultant to Raymond Wager, CPA, P.C., a Rochester, New York firm that specializes in auditing school districts, municipalities, and foundations.
 
During his long banking career, Mr. Ashman had considerable exposure to corporate finance statement analysis, especially in regards to the granting of corporate credit and loans.    Mr. Ashman provides valuable insight to the Company, especially in regards to banking, lease and equity financing transactions, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as general financial oversight and management.
 
Ira A. Greenstein is President of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), a provider of wholesale and retail telecommunications services.  Prior to joining IDT in January 2000, Mr. Greenstein was a partner in the law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP from February 1997 to November 1999, where he served as the chairman of the firm’s New York Office’s Business Department.  Concurrent to his tenure at Morrison & Foerster, Mr. Greenstein served as General Counsel and Secretary of Net2Phone, Inc. from January 1999 to November 1999.  Prior to 1997, Mr. Greenstein was an associate in the New York and Toronto offices of Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom LLP.  Mr. Greenstein also served on the Securities Advisory Committee to the Ontario Securities Commission from 1992 through 1996.  From 1991 to 1992, Mr. Greenstein served as counsel to the Ontario Securities Commission. Mr. Greenstein currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the Columbia Law School Center on Corporate Governance.  Mr. Greenstein received a B.S. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Columbia University Law School.  Mr. Greenstein was appointed to our Board of Directors in September 2004.
 
Mr. Greenstein provides the Company with significant public company management experience, particularly in regards to legal and corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning.    In addition, Mr. Greenstein’s extensive legal experience has provided the Company insights and guidance throughout the Company’s patent litigation initiatives.
 
Alan E. Harrison was appointed to our Board of Directors in May 2003.  For more than thirty years, Mr. Harrison has held a variety of positions with IKON Office Solutions, Inc., in Rochester, New York, focusing on color digital printing equipment.  Currently, Mr. Harrison is Sales Manager at United Business Systems.

 
8

 
 
Mr. Harrison has thirty seven years experience with digital copier and printing equipment which provides the Company with valuable industry knowledge of scanning and copying technology trends which the Company utilizes in its research and development and strategic planning initiatives.   In addition, Mr. Harrison has detailed knowledge of the Company’s development, history, customer base and competitive environment from his experience of nearly seven years as a director of the Company.
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE NAMED NOMINEES.

 
9

 
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
Compensation of Directors
 
Each independent director (as defined under Part 1, Section 803of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide) receives $12,000 per year in compensation soon after the end of each fiscal year, so long as the Director attended at least 75% of the Board of Director meetings during such fiscal year, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses. Non-independent members of the Board of Directors do not receive cash compensation in any form, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. In order to attract and retain qualified persons to our board, in January 2004, we established a stock option plan for our non-executive board members. The plan provides for the granting of five-year options to purchase our stock at 100% of fair market value at the date of grant. Under the plan, each non-executive director receives options to acquire 5,000 shares upon becoming a board member and 5,000 shares at the beginning of each year thereafter while serving as a director plus an additional 1,000 shares for each year of service on the Board, up to a maximum of 10,000 shares per year. For joining the Board at a point partially within a year, the stock option award is pro rated.
 
Director Compensation
 
The following table shows 2009 compensation of our independent directors. Employee directors do not receive compensation for their service on the Board of Directors:
 
Name
 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
   
Stock
Awards
   
Option Awards (1)
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
   
Total
 
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
 
(a)
 
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
   
(e)
   
(h)
 
                               
Timothy Ashman
    12,000       -       7,000       -       19,000  
Robert B Fagenson
    3,500       -       7,000       -       10,500  
Ira A. Greenstein
    12,000       -       7,000       -       19,000  
Alan E. Harrison
    12,000       -       7,000       -       19,000  

 
(1)
Represents the total grant date fair value of option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
 
Board of Directors and Committees
 
The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Ashman, Fagenson, Greenstein and Harrison is an independent director (as defined under Section 803 of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide).
 
In fiscal 2009, each of the Company’s directors attended or participated in 75% or more of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors held during the period in which each such director served as a director and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors during the period in which each such director served on such committee.
 
Directors are encouraged to attend the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders, and the Company generally schedules a meeting of the Board of Directors on the same date and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders to encourage director attendance. All of the directors constituting the Board of Directors at the time of the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders attended the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders.

 
10

 
 
Audit Committee
 
The Company has separately designated an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Audit Committee is comprised of Mr. Ashman, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Greenstein, and is responsible for, among other things, the appointment, compensation, removal and oversight of the work of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of the Company, and reviewing related person transactions.  Each of the members of this Committee is an independent director (as defined under Section 803 of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide).  The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our web site, www.documentsecurity.com, and is also available in print to any stockholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary.  Mr. Ashman serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee and, as determined by our Board of Directors, qualifies as a “financial expert” as defined in Item 407 under Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933.
 
Compensation and Management Resources Committee
 
The Compensation and Management Resources Committee consists of Mr. Fagenson, Mr. Greenstein and Mr. Harrison, and is responsible for, among other things, (a) reviewing all compensation arrangements for the executive officers of the Company and (b) administering the Company’s stock option plans.  Each of the members of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee is an independent director (as defined under Section 803 of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide).  The Compensation and Management Resource Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our web site, www.documentsecurity.com, and is also available in print to any stockholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary.  Mr. Harrison serves as Chairman of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee.
 
The purpose of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee is to discharge the Board's responsibilities relating to executive compensation succession planning for the Company's executive team, and to review and make recommendations to the Board regarding employee benefit policies and programs, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans.
 
The duties and responsibilities of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee in accordance with their Charter are as follows: 1. Review and discuss with Management and the Board the objectives, philosophy, structure, cost and administration of the Company's executive compensation and employee benefit policies and programs; 2. No less than annually, review and approve, with respect to the CEO and the other Executive Officers (a) all elements of compensation, (b) incentive targets, (c) any employment agreements, severance agreements and change in control agreements or provisions, in each case as, when and if appropriate, and (d) any special or supplemental benefits; 3. Make recommendations to the Board with respect to the Company's major long-term incentive plans, applicable to directors, executives and/or non-executive employees of the Company and approve (a) individual annual or periodic equity-based awards for the CEO and Other Executive Officers and (b) an annual pool of awards for other employees with guidelines for the administration and allocation of such awards; 4. Recommend to the Board for its approval a succession plan for the CEO, addressing the policies and principles for selecting a successor to the CEO, both in an emergency situation and in the ordinary course of business; 5. Review programs created and maintained by Management for the development and succession of Other Executive Officers and any other individuals identified by Management or the Compensation and Management Resources Committee; 6. Review the establishment, amendment and termination of employee benefits plans, review employee benefit plan operations and administration; and 7. Any other duties or responsibilities expressly delegated to the Compensation and Management Resources Committee by the Board from time to time relating to the Committee's purpose.

 
11

 

The Compensation and Management Resources Committee may request any officer or employee of the Company or the Company's outside counsel to attend a meeting of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Compensation and Management Resources Committee. The Company's CEO should not attend any portion of a meeting where the CEO's performance or compensation is discussed, unless specifically invited by the Compensation and Management Resources Committee.
 
The Compensation and Management Resources Committee shall have the sole authority to retain and terminate any compensation consultant to be used to assist in the evaluation of director, CEO or Other Executive Officer compensation or employee benefit plans, and shall have sole authority to approve the consultant's fees and other retention terms. The Compensation and Management Resources Committee shall also have the authority to obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other experts, advisors and consultants to assist in carrying out its duties and responsibilities, and shall have the authority to retain and approve the fees and other retention terms for any external experts, advisors or consultants.
 
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Mr. Greenstein and Mr. Harrison, both of whom are independent directors (as defined under Section 803 of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide).  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing the appropriate and effective governance of the Company, including, among other things, (a) nominations to the Board of Directors and making recommendations regarding the size and composition of the Board of Directors and (b) the development and recommendation of appropriate corporate governance principles.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our web site, www.documentsecurity.com, and is also available in print to any stockholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary.  Mr. Harrison serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
 
Code of Ethics
 
A copy of the Code of Ethics for our employees and management, including our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer, is available on the Investors/Corporate Governance section of our web site, www.documentsecurity.com.
 
Risk Oversight
 
Our senior management manages the risks facing the Company under the oversight and supervision of the Board. While the full Board is ultimately responsible for risk oversight at our Company, two of our Board committees assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight function in certain areas of risk. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to risk in the areas of financial reporting and internal controls. Other general business risks such as economic and regulatory risks are monitored by the full Board.
 
Compensation Risk Assessment
 
Our Compensation Committee considered whether our compensation program encouraged excessive risk taking by employees at the expense of long-term Company value. Based upon its assessment, the Compensation Committee does not believe that our compensation program encourages excessive or inappropriate risk-taking. The Compensation Committee believes that the design of our compensation program does not motivate imprudent risk-taking.

 
12

 
 
DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for identifying and selecting qualified candidates for election to the Board of Directors prior to each annual meeting of the stockholders.  A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on the Investors/Charters section of our web site, www.documentsecurity.com.  In addition, stockholders who wish to recommend a candidate for election to the Board of Directors may submit such recommendation to the Chairman of the Committee.  Any recommendation must include name, contact information, background, experience and other pertinent information on the proposed candidate.  The standards for considering nominees to the Board are included in the Corporate Governance Committee Charter.  The Committee is willing to consider candidates recommended by stockholders pursuant to its policies.  In identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the Committee considers each candidate’s qualities, experience, background and skills, as well as other factors, such as the individual’s ethics, integrity and values which the candidate may bring to the Board of Directors.  Any stockholder who desires the Committee to consider one or more candidates for nomination as a director should either by personal delivery or by United States mail, postage prepaid, deliver a written recommendation addressed to the Chairman, Document Security Systems, Inc., Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1525 Rochester, New York 14614, not later than (i) with respect to an election to be held at the 2011 annual meeting of stockholders, February 3, 2011; and (ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to stockholders.  Each written recommendation should set forth: (a) the name and address of the stockholder making the recommendation and of the person or persons recommended; (b) the consent of such person(s) to serve as a director(s) of the Company if nominated and elected; and (c) description of how the person(s) satisfy the criteria for consideration as a candidate referred to above.
 
COMMUNICATION WITH DIRECTORS
 
The Company has established procedures for stockholders or other interested parties to communicate directly with the Board of Directors.  Such parties can contact the Board of Directors by mail at: Document Security Systems Board of Directors, Attention: Robert Fagenson, Chairman of the Board, Document Security Systems, Inc, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1525 Rochester, New York 14614.  All communications made by this means will be received by the Chairman of the Board.
 
COMPENSATION AND MANAGEMENT RESOURCES COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
Other than as otherwise disclosed herein, no current member of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee is now an officer or an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or has any other relationship required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 407(e)(4) under Regulation S-K.  See Transactions with Related Persons.
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate by reference future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following Audit Committee Report and Accounting Fees shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
    
 
13

 
 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
 
The Audit Committee is comprised of three independent directors (as defined under Section 803 of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide). The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors on January 5, 2004, which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our web site, www.documentsecurity.com, and is also available in print to any stockholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary.
 
We have reviewed and discussed with management the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as well as the quarterly unaudited financial statements.
 
We have reviewed and discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the quality and the acceptability of the Company’s financial reporting and internal controls.
 
We have discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit as well as the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.
 
We have discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm such other matters as required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under Professional Standards, the corporate governance standards of the American Stock Exchange and the Audit Committee’s Charter.
 
We have received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by the statement on Auditing Standards No.61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and have discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management and the Company, including the impact of permitted non-audit related services approved by the Committee to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.
 
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Timothy Ashman, Audit Committee Chairman
Alan E. Harrison
Ira A. Greenstein
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
The persons who are serving as executive officers of the Company as of April 15, 2010 are Patrick White, Chief Executive Officer, Robert Bzdick, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Philip Jones, Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table sets forth the compensation earned by our named executive officers, or NEOs, for services rendered to us for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
14

 
 
Name and Principal
Position
 
Year
 
Salary
   
Bonus
   
Stock Awards
   
Option 
Awards
   
All Other
Compen-
sation
   
Total
 
       
($)
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
   
($)
 
                         
(2)
   
(1)
       
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
   
(d)
   
(e)
   
(f)
   
(i)
   
(j)
 
Patrick White,
Chief Executive Officer
 
2009
    200,129       -       -       -       35,190       235,319  
 
                                                   
   
2008
    199,650       -       -        -       30,435       230,085  
                                                     
Philip Jones
Chief Financial Officer
 
2009
    113,100       -       -       20,500       -       133,600  
                                                     
   
2008
    120,000       -       -        -       -       120,000  
                                                     
Peter Ettinger (3)
                                                   
President
 
2009
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                     
   
2008
    72,250       -       212,000       -       -       284,250  

(1)
The All Other Compensation column represents the value perquisites for interest payments on notes provided by Executive to the Company, club fees, and automobile expenses.

(2)
Represents the total grant date fair value of option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

(3)
In May 2008, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement with its former President that, among other things, accelerated the vesting of 33,333 shares of restricted common stock of the Company that were previously awarded to the former President pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan so that such shares vested in equal monthly installments during the immediately following ten months.  The Separation Agreement further provided that if the former President did not realize at least $212,000 in gross proceeds from the sale of such 33,333 shares of restricted stock upon their vesting, then the Company would pay the former President the amount that such proceeds is less than $212,000 in cash or additional shares of common stock of the Company.  As of June 30, 2009, all 33,333 shares had vested generating gross proceeds of approximately $99,000.  The Company has agreed to issue up to 30,000 shares of stock to pay the remaining amount due of $113,000.  As of December 31, 2009, $74,000 remains due under the agreement and is recorded in accrued expenses as of December 31, 2009.  Any remaining amounts due under the agreement after the shares are issued, if any, can be paid in cash or additional shares.
 
 
15

 
Employment Agreements
 
Effective June 10, 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Patrick White, who serves as our Chief Executive Officer.  The agreement was negotiated and approved by the Compensation and Management Resources Committee of the Board of Directors. The agreement is for a term of five years, with an annual base salary of $150,000, with automatic increases at the rate of not less than 10% per year.  Under the agreement, Mr. White also was granted 30,000 stock options, which expired unexercised.  In the event that Mr. White is terminated without cause or his duties are materially changed without his consent or there is a change of control of the Company, he will be entitled to 18 months salary.  The agreement also provides for non-competition and non-disclosure by Mr. White in favor of the Company.  Mr. White waived his annual salary increase in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Agreement provides for successive automatic one year renewal  terms,  provided that neither party gives notice of termination within sixty (60) days of then current term of the  Agreement.  The original term of the Agreement expired June 4, 2009 but was automatically renewed for a one (1) year term ending June 9, 2010.
 
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
 
The table below reflects the amount of compensation payable to each of the Named Executives in the event of a change in control or possible change in control under the Employment Agreements.

Name
 
Change in Control
   
Severance
 
  
 
($)
   
($)
 
             
Patrick White
  $ 299,475     $ 299,475  
Philip Jones
    312,500 (1)     -  
 
(1)
Amount based on grant date fair value of 25,000 shares of restricted stock that vest only upon a change in control of the Company or certain other material events to the Company.

2009 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
The following grants of plan-based awards table provides information about stock and option awards and equity incentive plan awards grantor to our NEO’s during the year ended December 31, 2009.

Name
 
Grant Date
   
All Other Option
Awards:
   
Exercise or Base
Price of Option
Awards
   
Grant Date
 
(a)
 
(b)
   
Number of Shares
Underlying
Options
   
($/Sh)
   
Fair Value of 
Stock and Option
Awards
 
         
(#)
   
(k)
   
($)
 
         
(j)
         
(l)
 
                               
Philip Jones
 
2/12/2009
      50,000       4.00     $ 0.41  

 
16

 
 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
 
The following table summarizes the equity awards we have made to our Named Executive Officers, which are outstanding as of December 31, 2009:
 
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
   
Number of 
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
   
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unearned
Equity
Awards
   
Option
Exercise
Price
 
Option
Expiration
Date
   
(#)
   
(#)
   
(#)
   
($)
   
   
Exercisable
   
Un-exercisable
                  
(a)
 
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
   
(e)
 
(f)
                                 
Philip Jones
    30,000       -       -       6.00  
7/14/2010
      25,000               -       6.00  
5/2/2012
              50,000 (1)             4.00  
2/11/2014
                      25,000 (2)          

(1)
Vest pro-ratably on 02/12/2010, 02/12/2011, and 02/12/2012, respectively.
(2)
Vests only upon a change in control of the Company or certain other material events to the Company.

Pension Benefits and Deferred Compensation Plans
 
The Company does not provide pension benefits or deferred compensation plans.
 
 
17

 
 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
 
The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2009 with respect to our equity compensation plans.
 
   
Restricted
stock to be
issued
upon
vesting
   
Number of
securities
to be issued
upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
   
Weighted
average
exercise price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
   
Number of
securities
remaining
available
for future
issuance (under
equity
compensation
Plans (excluding
securities
    reflected in
column (a & b))
 
Plan Category
 
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
   
(d)
 
                         
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
                       
2004 Employee Stock Option Plan
    85,000       639,000     $ 6.29       840,981  
2004 Non-Executive Director Plan
            132,000       6.74       68,000  
                                 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                               
Contractual warrant grants for services
            411,760       6.17       -  
                                 
Total
    85,000       1,182,760     $ 6.30       908,981  

 
18

 
 
 PROPOSAL NO. 2 —
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF FREED MAXICK & BATTAGLIA, CPAs, PC
AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2010

The Company’s stockholders are being asked to ratify the Board of Directors’ appointment of Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010.
 
In the event that the ratification of this selection is not approved by a majority of the votes cast by holders of shares of Common Stock voting at the 2010 annual stockholders meeting in person or by proxy, management will review its future selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
 
A representative of Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC is expected to be present at the 2010 annual stockholders meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so. It is also expected that such representative will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
Audit Fees
 
Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the review of financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and for services that are normally provided by the auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC, for audit and review services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $152,000 and $148,400, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company was not required to have an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting.
 
Audit Related Fees
 
The aggregate fees billed for other related services by our principal accountant, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC, that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $32,400  and $16,000, respectively.
 
Tax Fees
 
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC, for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $0 and $1,150, respectively.
 
All Other Fees
 
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC, for due diligence related services during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $0 and $0, respectively.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Company's Audit Committee Charter requires that the Audit Committee establish policies and procedures for pre-approval of all audit or permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent auditors. Our Audit Committee, approved, in advance, all work performed by our principal accountant, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC.

 
19

 

The affirmative vote of the majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting is required for ratification of the appointment of Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF FREED MAXICK & BATTAGLIA, CPAs, PC AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2010.
 

 
20

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT
 
For those stockholders that received the full set of the proxy materials in the mail,  a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (the "Annual Report") accompanies this proxy statement.  For those stockholders that received only the Notice, this Proxy Statement, our Annual Report, any amendments to the foregoing materials that are required to be furnished to stockholders, and the proxy card or voting instruction form are available at www.amstock.com/proxyservices/viewmaterial.asp?CoNumber=11989. The Notice contains instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet and vote online. These materials contain detailed information about the meeting, the proposals to be considered, our Board's nominees for directors and other information concerning the Company.
 
If you received only the Notice and would like to receive a copy of the printed proxy materials, we will deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a written copy of the Proxy Statement, the Annual Report, proxy card with voting instructions, and any amendments to the foregoing materials that are required to be furnished to stockholders. A stockholder who wishes to receive written copies of the proxy materials, now or in the future, may obtain one, without charge, by calling 1-800-579-1639 toll-free, e-mailing  sendmaterial@proxyvote.com, or submitting a request online at www.proxyvote.com.
 
FUTURE PROPOSALS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
All proposals of security holders intended to be presented at the 2011 annual meeting of stockholders must be received by the Company not later than December 18, 2010.  Under SEC rules, you must have held for one year at least 2,000 shares or 1% of our outstanding stock in order to submit a proposal.  Stockholders must submit such proposals in writing to Document Security Systems, Inc., Attention: Robert Fagenson, Chairman of the Board, at 28 East Main Street, Rochester, New York, 14614.
 
HOUSE HOLDING OF MATERIALS
 
In some instances, only one copy of this proxy, the Annual Report, and/or the Notice of Internet Availability, as applicable, is being delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address, unless the Company has received instructions from one or more of the stockholders to continue to deliver multiple copies.  We will deliver promptly upon oral or written request a separate copy of the proxy statement to any stockholder at your address.  If you wish to receive a separate copy of the proxy statement, the Annual Report, and/or the Notice of Internet Availability, as applicable, you may call us at (585) 325-3610, or send a written request to Investor Relations, Document Security Systems, Inc., 28 East Main Street, Suite 1525, Rochester, New York 14614.  If you have received only one copy of the proxy statement, the Annual Report, and/or the Notice of Internet Availability, as applicable,  and wish to receive a separate copy for each stockholder in the future, you may call us at the telephone number or write us at the address listed above.  Alternatively, stockholders sharing an address who now receive multiple copies of the proxy statement, the Annual Report, and/or the Notice of Internet Availability, as applicable, may request delivery of a single copy, also by calling us at the number or writing to us at the address listed above.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
The Company will pay the cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form.  In addition to solicitation by mail, certain officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit the return of proxies by telephone, telegram or personal interview and may request brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward soliciting material to their principals and will agree to reimburse them for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

 
21

 
 
OTHER BUSINESS
 
The Board of Directors knows of no business to be brought before the annual meeting other than as set forth above.  If other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the solicited proxy to vote the proxy on such matters in accordance with their judgment.
 
Stockholders are urged to vote according to the instructions provided without delay.
 
A COPY OF THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL 2008 FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (INCLUDING RELATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES) IS AVAILABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO INVESTOR RELATIONS, DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC., 28 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 1525, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14614.
 
 
By Order of the Board of Directors
   
 
Robert Fagenson
 
Chairman of the Board

Rochester, New York
April 20, 2010

 
22

 
 
DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
June 10, 2010
 
PROXY
 
The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick White and David Wicker and each of them, proxies, with full powers of substitution to each to vote all shares of Common Stock of DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. owned by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 10, 2010 and at any adjournments thereof, hereby revoking any proxy heretofore given. The undersigned instructs such proxies to vote as follows:
 
 
I
Election of Directors
 
Set forth below are the names of nominees who will be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders.
 
 
FOR all Nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary below)
 
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
to vote for all nominees listed below
 
(Instruction: Please check appropriate box. To withhold authority for any individual nominee, strike a line through the nominee’s name in the list below.)
 
 
Patrick White
David Wicker
Robert B. Bzdick
 
         
 
Timothy Ashman
Robert B. Fagenson
Ira A. Greenstein
Alan E. Harrison
 
 
     II           Proposal to Ratify the appointment of Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs, PC, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.
 
¨   For             ¨  Against          ¨  Abstain
 
AND TO VOTE UPON ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
 
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
 
Either of the proxies, who shall be present and acting, shall have and may exercise all the powers hereby granted.
 
IF NO OTHER ELECTION IS MADE, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR: (i) THE ELECTION OF SEVEN DIRECTORS and (ii) THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF FREED MAXICK & BATTAGLIA, CPAs, PC, AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2010.
 
Said proxies will use their discretion with respect to any other matters which properly come before the meeting.
 
Dated: ______________________, 2010
 
   
_______________________________
 
Signature
 

 
23

 

_______________________________
 
Print Name
 

(Please date and sign exactly as accounts.
Each joint owner should sign. Executors,
administrators, trustees, etc. should also
so indicate when signing.)
 
The proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors. Please sign and return in the enclosed envelope.

 
24