EX-4.19 10 d870315dex419.htm EX-4.19 EX-4.19

Exhibit 4.19

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT-NONEXCLUSIVE

COVER PAGE

Patent License Number: A198-11

Serial Number(s) of Licensed Patent(s):

US Patent 8,148,057, entitled, “Immunoassays and Devices for Detection of Anti-Lipoidal Antibodies”, issued 4/3/2012, claiming priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/693,120, filed 6/21/2005, inventor, Arnold Castro.

US Patent Application Serial No. 13/421,681, entitled, “Methods, Immunoassays and Devices for Detection of Anti-Lipoidal Antibodies”, filed 3/15/2012, claiming priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/693,120, filed 6/21/2005, inventors, Arnold Castro and Robert George.

PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US06/024117 entitled, “Methods, Immunoassays and Devices for Detection of Anti-Lipoidal Antibodies”, filed 6/20/2006, and related foreign applications, inventors, Arnold Castro and Robert George.

[CDC Ref. No 1-010-05].

 

Licensee: Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited
IDA Business Park
Southern Cross Road
Bray
Co. Wicklow
Ireland

CRADA Number (if applicable): NCHHSTP-C1D11426-00

Additional Remarks: This royalty rate is for use in Trinity’s dual Trep/Non-Trep Syphilis rapid test. The treponemal (total antibody) + non-treponemal assay essentially is a combination screen and confirmation test. In accordance with fair government practices, this technology is being licensed at the same rates as previous licenses.

Public Benefit (s): Development of a point of care test that can quickly detect both treponomal and nontreponomal antigens.

This Patent License Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement,” consists of this Cover Page, an attached Agreement, a Signature Page, Appendix A (List of Patent(s) or Patent Application(s)), Appendix B (Fields of Use and Territory), Appendix C (Royalties), Appendix D (Modifications), Appendix E (Benchmarks), Appendix F (Commercial Development Plan), and Appendix G (Example Royalty Report). The Parties to this Agreement are:

 

1) The National Institutes of Health (“NIH”), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), or the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), hereinafter singly or collectively referred to as “PHS,” agencies of the United States Public Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”); and

 

2) The person, corporation, or institution identified above and/or on the Signature Page, having offices at the address indicated on the Signature Page, hereinafter referred to as “Licensee.”

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 1 of 19


PHS PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT-NONEXCLUSIVE

PHS and Licensee agree as follows:

 

1. BACKGROUND

 

  1.01 In the course of conducting biomedical and behavioral research, PHS investigators made inventions that may have commercial applicability.

 

  1.02 By assignment of rights from PHS employees and other inventors, HHS, on behalf of the United States Government, owns intellectual property rights claimed in any United States and/or foreign patent applications or patents corresponding to the assigned inventions HHS also owns any tangible embodiments of these inventions actually reduced to practice by PHS.

 

  1.03 The Secretary of HHS has delegated to PHS the authority to enter into this Agreement for the licensing of rights to these inventions under 35 U.S.C. §§200-212, the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, 15 U.S.C. §3710(a), and the regulations governing the licensing of Government-owned inventions, 37 C.F.R. Part 404.

 

  1.04 PHS desires to transfer these inventions to the private sector through commercialization licenses to facilitate the commercial development of products and processes for public use and benefit.

 

  1.05 Licensee desires to acquire commercialization rights to certain of these inventions in order to develop processes, methods, and/or marketable products for public use and benefit.

 

2. DEFINITIONS

 

  2.01 Benchmarks” mean the performance milestones that are set forth in Appendix E.

 

  2.02 Commercial Development Plan” means the written commercialization plan attached as Appendix F.

 

  2.03 First Commercial Sale” means the initial transfer by or on behalf of Licensee of Licensed Products or the initial practice of a Licensed Process by or on behalf of Licensee in exchange for cash or some equivalent to which value can be assigned for the purpose of determining Net Sales.

 

  2.04 Government” means the Government of the United States of America.

 

  2.05 Licensed Fields of Use” means the field(s) of use identified in Appendix B.

 

  2.06 Licensed Patent Rights” shall mean:

 

  a) Patent applications including provisional patent applications and PCT patent applications, and/or patents listed in Appendix A, all divisions and continuations of these applications, all patents issuing from such applications, divisions, and continuations, and any reissues, reexaminations, and extensions of all such patents;

 

  b) to the extent that the following contain one or more claims directed to the invention or inventions disclosed in a) above: i) continuations-in-part of a) above; ii) all divisions and continuations of these continuations-in-part; iii) all patents issuing from such continuations-in-part, divisions, and continuations; and iv) any reissues, reexaminations, and patent term extensions;

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 2 of 19


  c) to the extent that the following contain one or more claims directed to the invention or inventions disclosed in a) above: all counterpart foreign applications and patents to a) and b) above, including those listed in Appendix A.

Licensed Patent Rights shall not include b) or c) above to the extent that they contain one or more claims directed to new matter which is not the subject matter disclosed in a) above.

 

  2.07 “Licensed Process(es)” means processes which, in the course of being practiced would, in the absence of this Agreement, infringe one or more claims of the Licensed Patent Rights that have not been held invalid or unenforceable by an unappealed or unappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

  2.08 “Licensed Product(s)” means tangible materials which, in the course of manufacture, use, offer to sell, sale, or importation would, in the absence of this Agreement, infringe one or more claims of the Licensed Patent Rights that have not been held invalid or unenforceable by an unappealed or unappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

  2.09 “Licensed Territory” means the geographical area identified in Appendix B.

 

  2.10 Net Sales means the total gross receipts for sales of Licensed Products or practice of Licensed Processes by or on behalf of Licensee, and from leasing, renting, or otherwise making Licensed Products available to others without sale or other dispositions, whether invoiced or not, less returns and allowances, packing costs, insurance costs, freight out, taxes or excise duties imposed on the transaction (if separately invoiced), and wholesaler and cash discounts in amounts customary in the trade to the extent actually granted. No deductions shall be made for commissions paid to individuals, whether they be with independent sales agencies or regularly employed by Licensee, and on its payroll, or for the cost of collections.

 

  2.11 “Practical Application” means to manufacture in the case of a composition or product, to practice in the case of a process or method, or to operate in the case of a machine or system; and in each case, under such conditions as to establish that the invention is being utilized and that its benefits are to the extent permitted by law or Government regulations available to the public on reasonable terms.

 

3. GRANT OF RIGHTS

 

  3.01 PHS hereby grants and Licensee accepts, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, a nonexclusive license under the Licensed Patent Rights in the Licensed Territory to make and have made, to use and have used, and to sell and have sold, to offer to sell, and to import any Licensed Products in the Licensed Fields of Use and to practice and have practiced any Licensed Processes in the Licensed Fields of Use.

 

  3.02 This Agreement confers no license or rights by implication, estoppel, or otherwise under any patent applications or patents of PHS other than Licensed Patent Rights regardless of whether such patents are dominant or subordinate to Licensed Patent Rights.

 

4. SUBLICENSING

 

  4.01 Licensee has no right to sublicense.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 3 of 19


5. STATUTORY AND PHS REQUIREMENTS AND RESERVED GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

 

  5.01 Prior to the First Commercial Sale, Licensee agrees to provide PHS reasonable quantities of Licensed Products or materials made through the Licensed Processes for PHS research use.

 

  5.02 Licensee agrees that products used or sold in the United States embodying Licensed Products or produced through use of Licensed Processes shall be manufactured substantially in the United States, unless a written waiver is obtained in advance from PHS.

 

6. ROYALTIES AND REIMBURSEMENT

 

  6.01 Licensee agrees to pay to PHS a noncreditable, nonrefundable license issue royalty as set forth in Appendix C within thirty (30) days from the date that this Agreement becomes effective.

 

  6.02 Licensee agrees to pay to PHS a nonrefundable minimum annual royalty as set forth in Appendix C. The minimum annual royalty is due and payable on January 1 of each calendar year and may be credited against any earned royalties due for sales made in that year. The minimum annual royalty due for the first calendar year of this Agreement may be prorated according to the fraction of the calendar year remaining between the effective date of this Agreement and the next subsequent January 1.

 

  6.03 Licensee agrees to pay PHS earned royalties as set forth in Appendix C.

 

  6.04 Licensee agrees to pay PHS benchmark royalties as set forth in Appendix C and Appendix E.

 

  6.05 A patent or patent application licensed under this Agreement shall cease to fall within the Licensed Patent Rights for the purpose of computing the earned royalty and payments in any given country on the earliest of the dates that a) the application has been abandoned and not continued, b) the patent expires or irrevocably lapses, or c) the claim has been held to be invalid or unenforceable by an unappealed or unappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction or administrative agency.

 

  6.06 No multiple royalties shall be payable because any Licensed Products or Licensed Processes are covered by more than one of the Licensed Patent Rights.

 

  6.07 On sales of Licensed Products by Licensee to affiliated parties or on sales made in other than an arm’s-length transaction, the value of the Net Sales attributed under this Article 6 to such a transaction shall be that which would have been received in an arm’s-length transaction, based on sales of like quantity and quality products on or about the time of such transaction.

 

  6.08 With regard to expenses associated with the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of all patent applications and patents included within the Licensed Patent Rights incurred by PHS prior to the effective date of this Agreement, Licensee shall pay to PHS, as an additional royalty, within sixty (60) days of PHS’s submission of a statement, and request for payment to Licensee, an amount equivalent to such patent expenses previously incurred by PHS.

 

  6.09 With regard to expenses associated with the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of all patent applications and patents included within the Licensed Patent Rights incurred by PHS on or after the effective date of this Agreement, PHS, at its sole option, may require Licensee:

 

  1. to pay PHS on an annual basis, within sixty (60) days of PHS’s submission of a statement, and request for payment, a royalty amount equivalent to all such patent expenses incurred during the previous calendar year(s); or

 

  2. to pay such expenses directly to the law firm employed by PHS to handle such functions. However, in such event, PHS and not Licensee shall be the client of such law firm.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 4 of 19


  6.10 Licensee may elect to surrender its rights in any country of the Licensed Territory under any Licensed Patent Rights upon ninety (90) days written notice to PHS and owe no payment obligation under Paragraph 6.09 for patent-related expenses incurred in that country after the effective date of such written notice.

 

7. PATENT FILING, PROSECUTION, AND MAINTENANCE

 

  7.01 PHS agrees to take responsibility for the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of any and all patent applications or patents included in the Licensed Patent Rights.

 

  7.02 Pursuant to statute 15 U.S.C. §3710c(a)(l)(A)(i), PHS may use royalty payments as calculated in Appendix C, in whole or in part, to pay some or all of the patent costs of the Licensed Patent Rights.

 

8. RECORD KEEPING

 

  8.01 Licensee agrees to keep accurate and correct records of Licensed Products made, used, sold, or imported and Licensed Processes practiced under this Agreement appropriate to determine the amount of royalties due PHS. Such records shall be retained for at least five (5) years following a given reporting period, and shall be available during normal business hours for inspection at the expense of PHS by an accountant or other designated auditor selected by PHS for the sole purpose of verifying reports and payments hereunder. The accountant or auditor shall only disclose to PHS information relating to the accuracy of reports and payments made under this Agreement. If an inspection shows an underreporting or underpayment in excess of five percent (5%) for any twelve (12) month period, then Licensee shall reimburse PHS for the cost of the inspection at the time Licensee pays the unreported royalties, including any late charges as required by Paragraph 9.08 of this Agreement. All payments required under this Paragraph shall be due within thirty (30) days of the date PHS provides Licensee notice of the payment due.

 

  8.02 Licensee agrees to conduct an audit of sales and royalties conducted by an independent auditor at least every two (2) years if annual sales of the Licensed Product or Licensed Processes are over two (2) million dollars. The audit shall address, at a minimum, the amount of gross sales by or on behalf of Licensee during the audit period, terms of the license as to percentage or fixed royalty to be remitted to the Government, the amount of royalty funds owed to the Government under this Agreement, and whether the royalty amount owed has been paid to the Government and is reflected in the records of the Licensee. The audit shall also indicate the PHS license number, product, and time period being audited. A report certified by the auditor shall be submitted promptly by the auditor directly to PHS on completion. Licensee shall pay for the entire cost of the audit.

 

9. REPORTS ON PROGRESS, BENCHMARKS, SALES, AND PAYMENTS

 

  9.01 Prior to signing this Agreement, Licensee has provided to PHS the Commercial Development Plan at Appendix F, under which Licensee intends to bring the subject matter of the Licensed Patent Rights to the point of Practical Application. This Commercial Development Plan is hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement. Based on this plan, performance Benchmarks are determined as specified in Appendix E.

 

  9.02

Licensee shall provide written annual reports on its product development progress or efforts to commercialize under the Commercial Development Plan for each of the Licensed Fields of Use within sixty (60) days after December 31 of each calendar year. These progress reports shall include, but not be limited to: progress on research and development, status of applications for regulatory approvals, manufacturing, marketing, importing, and sales during the preceding calendar year, as well

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 5 of 19


  as plans for the present calendar year. PHS also encourages these reports to include information on any of Licensee’s public service activities that relate to the Licensed Patent Rights. If reported progress differs from that projected in the Commercial Development Plan and Benchmarks, Licensee shall explain the reasons for such differences. In any such annual report, Licensee may propose amendments to the Commercial Development Plan, acceptance of which by PHS may not be denied unreasonably. Licensee agrees to provide any additional information reasonably required by PHS to evaluate Licensee’s performance under this Agreement. Licensee may amend the Benchmarks at any time upon written consent by PHS. PHS shall not unreasonably withhold approval of any request of Licensee to extend the time periods of this schedule if such request is supported by a reasonable showing by Licensee of diligence in its performance under the Commercial Development Plan and toward bringing the Licensed Products to the point of practical application as defined in 37 CFR 404.3(d). Licensee shall amend the Commercial Development Plan and Benchmarks at the request of PHS to address any Licensed Fields of Use not specifically addressed in the plan originally submitted.

 

  9.03 Licensee shall report to PHS the dates for achieving Benchmarks specified in Appendix C and/or Appendix E and the First Commercial Sale in each country in the Licensed Territory within thirty (30) days of such occurrence.

 

  9.04 Licensee shall submit to PHS within sixty (60) days after each calendar half-year ending June 30 and December 31 a royalty report setting forth for the preceding half-year period the amount of the Licensed Products sold or Licensed Processes practiced by or on behalf of Licensee in each country within the Licensed Territory, the Net Sales, and the amount of royalty accordingly due. With each such royalty report, Licensee shall submit payment of the earned royalties due. If no earned royalties are due to PHS for any reporting period, the written report shall so state. The royalty report shall be certified as correct by an authorized officer of Licensee and shall include a detailed listing of all deductions made under Paragraph 2.10 to determine Net Sales made under Article 6 to determine royalties due.

 

  9.05 Royalties due under Article 6 shall be paid in U.S. dollars. For conversion of foreign currency to U.S. dollars, the conversion rate shall be the New York foreign exchange rate quoted in The Wall Street Journal on the day that the payment is due. All checks and bank drafts shall be drawn on United States banks and shall be payable, as appropriate, to “CDC/Technology Transfer” and shall reference the licensing agreement number assigned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All such payments shall be sent to the following address: CDC, Financial Management Office, P.O. Box 15580, Atlanta, GA 30333 or by wire transfer. To ensure timely and accurate payment processing, please be sure to include the invoice number (if applicable), tax ID number, and/or a copy of the invoice with your payment. Also, please send a copy/confirmation of such payment to the following address: CDC, Technology Transfer Office, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MailStop K-79, Atlanta, GA 30341. Any loss of exchange, value, taxes, or other expenses incurred in the transfer or conversion to U.S. dollars shall be paid entirely by Licensee. The royalty report required by Paragraph 9.04 of this Agreement shall accompany each such payment and a copy of such report shall also be mailed to PHS at its address for notices indicated on the Signature Page of this Agreement.

 

  9.06 Licensee shall be solely responsible for determining if any tax on royalty income is owed outside the United States and shall pay any such tax and be responsible for all filings with appropriate agencies of foreign governments.

 

  9.07 Additional royalties may be assessed by PHS on any payment that is more than ninety (90) days overdue at the rate of one percent (1%) per month. This one percent (1%) per month rate may be applied retroactively from the original due date until the date of receipt by PHS of the overdue payment and additional royalties. The payment of additional royalties shall not prevent PHS from exercising any other rights it may have as a consequence of the lateness of any payment.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 6 of 19


  9.08 All plans and reports required by this Article 9 and marked “confidential” by Licensee shall, to the extent permitted by law, be treated by PHS as commercial and financial information obtained from a person and as privileged and confidential, and any proposed disclosure of such records by the PHS under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552 shall be subject to the predisclosure notification requirements of 45 CFR § 5.65(d).

 

10. PERFORMANCE

 

  10.01 Licensee shall use its reasonable best efforts to bring the License Products and Licensed Processes to Practical Application. “Reasonable best efforts” for the purposes of this provision shall include adherence to the Commercial Development Plan at Appendix F and performance of the Benchmarks at Appendix E.

 

  10.02 Upon the First Commercial Sale, until the expiration of this Agreement, Licensee shall use its reasonable best efforts to make Licensed Products and Licensed Processes reasonably accessible to the United States public.

 

11. INFRINGEMENT AND PATENT ENFORCEMENT

 

  11.01 PHS and Licensee agree to notify each other promptly of each infringement or possible infringement of the Licensed Patent Rights, as well as any facts which may affect the validity, scope, or enforceability of the Licensed Patent Rights of which either Party becomes aware.

 

  11.02 In the event that a declaratory judgment action alleging invalidity of any of the Licensed Patent Rights shall be brought against PHS, PHS agrees to notify Licensee that an action alleging invalidity has been brought. PHS does not represent that it will commence legal action to defend against a declaratory action alleging invalidity. Licensee shall take no action to compel the Government either to initiate or to join in any such declaratory judgment action. Should the Government be made a party to any such suit by motion or any other action of Licensee, Licensee shall reimburse the Government for any costs, expenses, or fees which the Government incurs as a result of such motion or other action. Upon Licensee’s payment of all costs incurred by the Government as a result of Licensee’s joinder motion or other action, these actions by Licensee will not be considered a default in the performance of any material obligation under this Agreement.

 

12. NEGATION OF WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

  12.01 PHS offers no warranties other than those specified in Article 1.

 

  12.02 PHS does not warrant the validity of the Licensed Patent Rights and makes no representations whatsoever with regard to the scope of the Licensed Patent Rights, or that the Licensed Patent Rights may be exploited without infringing other patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties.

 

  12.03 PHS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF ANY SUBJECT MATTER DEFINED BY THE CLAIMS OF THE LICENSED PATENT RIGHTS OR TANGIBLE MATERIALS RELATED THERETO.

 

  12.04 PHS does not represent that it will commence legal actions against third parties infringing the Licensed Patent Rights.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 7 of 19


  12.05 Licensee shall indemnify and hold PHS, its employees, students, fellows, agents, and consultants harmless from and against all liability, demands, damages, expenses, and losses, including but not limited to death, personal injury, illness, or property damage in connection with or arising out of a) the use by or on behalf of Licensee, directors, employees, or third parties of any Licensed Patent Rights, or b) the design, manufacture, distribution, or use of any Licensed Products, Licensed Processes or materials by Licensee, or other products or processes developed in connection with or arising out of the Licensed Patent Rights. Licensee agrees to maintain a liability insurance program consistent with sound business practice.

 

13. TERM, TERMINATION, AND MODIFICATION OF RIGHTS

 

  13.01 This Agreement is effective when signed by all parties and shall extend to the expiration of the last to expire of the Licensed Patent Rights unless sooner terminated as provided in this Article 13.

 

  13.02 In the event that Licensee is in default in the performance of any material obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to the obligations listed in Paragraph 13.05, and if the default has not been remedied within ninety (90) days after the date of notice in writing of such default, PHS may terminate this Agreement by written notice, and pursue outstanding amounts owed through procedures provided by the Federal Debt Collection Act.

 

  13.03 In the event that Licensee becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy, has such a petition filed against it, determines to file a petition in bankruptcy, or receives notice of a third party’s intention to file an involuntary petition in bankruptcy, Licensee shall immediately notify PHS in writing. Furthermore, PHS shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately upon Licensee’s receipt of written notice.

 

  13.04 Licensee shall have a unilateral right to terminate this Agreement and/or any licenses in any country by giving PHS sixty (60) days written notice to that effect.

 

  13.05 PHS shall specifically have the right to terminate or modify, at its option, this Agreement, if PHS determines that the Licensee: 1) is not executing the Commercial Development Plan submitted with its request for a license and the Licensee cannot otherwise demonstrate to PHS’s satisfaction that the Licensee has taken, or can be expected to take within a reasonable time, effective steps to achieve practical application of the Licensed Products or Licensed Processes; 2) has not achieved the Benchmarks as may be modified under Paragraph 9.02; 3) has willfully made a false statement of, or willfully omitted, a material fact in the license application or in any report required by the license agreement; 4) has committed a material breach of a covenant or agreement contained in the license; 5) is not keeping Licensed Products or Licensed Processes reasonably available to the public after commercial use commences; 6) cannot reasonably satisfy unmet health and safety needs; or 7) cannot reasonably justify a failure to comply with the domestic production requirement of Paragraph 5.02 unless waived. In making this determination, PHS will take into account the normal course of such commercial development programs conducted with sound and reasonable business practices and judgment and the annual reports submitted by Licensee under Paragraph 9.02. Prior to invoking this right, PHS shall give written notice to Licensee providing Licensee specific notice of, and a ninety (90) day opportunity to respond to, PHS’s concerns as to the previous items 1) to 7). If Licensee fails to alleviate PHS’s concerns as to the previous items 1) to 7) or fails to initiate corrective action to PHS’s satisfaction, PHS may terminate this Agreement.

 

  13.06 PHS reserves the right according to 35 U.S.C. § 209(d)(3) to terminate or modify this Agreement if it is determined that such action is necessary to meet requirements for public use specified by federal regulations issued after the date of the license and such requirements are not reasonably satisfied by Licensee.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 8 of 19


  13.07 Within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice of PHS’s unilateral decision to modify or terminate this Agreement, Licensee may, consistent with the provisions of 37 CFR 404.11, appeal the decision by written submission to the designated PHS official. The decision of the designated PHS official shall be the final agency decision. Licensee may thereafter exercise any and all administrative or judicial remedies that may be available.

 

  13.08 Within ninety (90) days of termination of this Agreement under this Article 13, a final report shall be submitted by Licensee. Any royalty payments, including those incurred but not yet paid (e.g., full minimum annual royalty), and those related to patent expense, due to PHS shall become immediately due and payable upon termination or expiration. Unless otherwise specifically provided for under this Agreement, upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, Licensee shall return all Licensed Products or materials included within the Licensed Patent Rights to PHS or provide PHS with certification of the destruction thereof.

 

14. GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

  14.01 Neither Party may waive or release any of its rights or interests in this Agreement except in writing. The failure of the Government to assert a right hereunder or to insist upon compliance with any term or condition of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that right by the Government or excuse a similar subsequent failure to perform any such term or condition by Licensee.

 

  14.02 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties relating to the subject matter of the Licensed Patent Rights, and all prior negotiations, representations, agreements, and understandings are merged into, extinguished by, and completely expressed by this Agreement.

 

  14.03 The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and in the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable under any controlling body of law, such determination shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

 

  14.04 If either Party desires a modification to this Agreement, the Parties shall, upon reasonable notice of the proposed modification by the Party desiring the change, confer in good faith to determine the desirability of such modification. No modification will be effective until a written amendment is signed by the signatories to this Agreement or their designees.

 

  14.05 The construction, validity, performance, and effect of this Agreement shall be governed by Federal law as applied by the Federal courts in the District of Columbia.

 

  14.06 All notices required or permitted by this Agreement shall be given by prepaid, first class, registered or certified mail properly addressed to the other Party at the address designated on the following Signature Page, or to such other address as may be designated in writing by such other Party. Notices shall be considered timely if such notices are received on or before the established deadline date or sent on or before the deadline date as verifiable by U.S. Postal Service postmark or dated receipt from a commercial carrier. Parties should request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a dated receipt from a commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.

 

  14.07 This Agreement shall not be assigned by Licensee except a) with the prior written consent of PHS, such consent not to be withheld unreasonably; or b) as part of a sale or transfer of substantially the entire business of Licensee relating to operations which concern this Agreement. Licensee shall notify PHS within ten (10) days of any assignment of this Agreement by Licensee, and Licensee shall pay PHS, as an additional royalty, one percent (1%) of the fair market value of any consideration received for any assignment of this Agreement within thirty (30days of such assignment.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 9 of 19


  14.08 Licensee agrees in its use of any PHS-supplied materials to comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines, including PHS and HHS regulations and guidelines. Licensee agrees not to use the materials for research involving human subjects or clinical trials in the United States without complying with 21 CFR Part 50 and 45 CFR Part 46. Licensee agrees not to use the materials for research involving human subjects or clinical trials outside of the United States without notifying PHS, in writing, of such research or trials and complying with the applicable regulations of the appropriate national control authorities. Written notification to PHS of research involving human subjects or clinical trials outside of the United States shall be given no later than sixty (60) days prior to commencement of such research or trials.

 

  14.09 Licensee acknowledges that it is subject to and agrees to abide by the United States laws and regulations (including the Export Administration Act of 1979 and Arms Export Control Act) controlling the export of technical data, computer software, laboratory prototypes, biological material, and other commodities. The transfer of such items may require a license from the cognizant Agency of the U.S. Government or written assurances by Licensee that it shall not export such items to certain foreign countries without prior approval of such agency. PHS neither represents that a license is or is not required or that, if required, it shall be issued.

 

  14.10 Licensee agrees to mark the Licensed Products or their packaging sold in the United States with all applicable U.S. patent numbers and similarly to indicate “Patent Pending” status. All Licensed Products manufactured in, shipped to, or sold in other countries shall be marked in such a manner as to preserve PHS patent rights in such countries.

 

  14.11 By entering into this Agreement, PHS does not directly or indirectly endorse any product or service provided, or to be provided, by Licensee whether directly or indirectly related to this Agreement. Licensee shall not state or imply that this Agreement is an endorsement by the Government, PHS, any other Government organizational unit, or any Government employee. Additionally, Licensee shall not use the names of NIH, CDC, PHS, or HHS or the Government or their employees in any advertising, promotional, or sales literature without the prior written consent of PHS.

 

  14.12 The Parties agree to attempt to settle amicably any controversy or claim arising under this Agreement or a breach of this Agreement, except for appeals of modifications or termination decisions provided for in Article 13. Licensee agrees first to appeal any such unsettled claims or controversies to the designated PHS official, or designee, whose decision shall be considered the final agency decision. Thereafter, Licensee may exercise any administrative or judicial remedies that may be available.

 

  14.13 Nothing relating to the grant of a license, nor the grant itself, shall be construed to confer upon any person any immunity from or defenses under the antitrust laws or from a charge of patent misuse, and the acquisition and use of rights pursuant to 37 CFR Part 404 shall not be immunized from the operation of state or Federal law by reason of the source of the grant.

 

  14.14 Paragraphs 8.01, 9.06-9.08, 12.01-12.05, 13.07, 13.08, and 14.12 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.

SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 10 of 19


PHS PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT-NONEXCLUSIVE

SIGNATURE PAGE

 

For PHS:

/s/ David Holmes

May 22, 2012
Signature of Authorized PHS Official Date

David Holmes, Ph.D.

Director, Division of Laboratory Policy and Practice

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mailing Address for Notices:

Technology Transfer Office

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4770 Buford Highway

Mailstop K-79

Atlanta, Georgia 30341 USA

For Licensee (Upon, information and belief, the undersigned expressly certifies or affirms that the contents of any statements of Licensee made or referred to in this document are truthful and accurate.):

 

by

/s/ Pat Vaughan

14th May 2012
Signature of Authorized Official Date

Pat Vaughan, Ph.D.

VP of R&D

 

Official and Mailing Address for Notices: Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited
IDA Business Park
Southern Cross Road
Bray
Co. Wicklow
Ireland

Any false or misleading statements made, presented, or submitted to the Government, including any relevant omissions, under this Agreement and during the course of negotiation of this Agreement are subject to all applicable civil and criminal statutes including Federal statutes 31 U.S.C. §§ 3801-3812 (civil liability) and 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (criminal liability including fine(s) and/or imprisonment).

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 11 of 19


APPENDIX A—Patent(s) or Patent Application(s)

Patent(s) or Patent Application(s):

US Patent 8,148,057, entitled, “Immunoassays and Devices for Detection of Anti-Lipoidal Antibodies”, issued 4/3/2012, claiming priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/693,120, filed 6/21/2005, inventor, Arnold Castro.

US Patent Application Serial No. 13/421,681, entitled, “Methods, Immunoassays and Devices for Detection of Anti-Lipoidal Antibodies”, filed 3/15/2012, claiming priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/693,120, filed 6/21/2005, inventors, Arnold Castro and Robert George.

PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US06/024117 entitled, “Methods, Immunoassays and Devices for Detection of Anti-Lipoidal Antibodies”, filed 6/20/2006, and related foreign applications, inventors, Arnold Castro and Robert George. |CDC Ref. No. 1-010-05|.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 12 of 19


APPENDIX B—Licensed Field(s) of Use and Territory

Licensed Field(s) of Use:

For in vitro diagnostic use in Licensee’s dual Trep/Non-Trep Syphilis rapid test.

Licensed Territory:

In all countries where claims of the Licensed Patent Rights exist.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 13 of 19


APPENDIX C—Royalties

Royalties:

Licensee agrees to pay to PHS a noncreditable, nonrefundable license issue royalty in the amount of five thousand ($5,000) dollars.

Licensee agrees to pay to PHS a nonrefundable minimum annual royalty of Five Thousand ($5,000) dollars; the first such payment will be due January 1, 2013.

Licensee agrees to pay PHS earned royalties on Net Sales by or on behalf of Licensee of five percent (5%).

Royalty will be reduced to two and a half percent (2.5%) of Net Sales on Licensed Products sold in countries classified as low-income and lower-middle-income economies by the World Bank (www.worldbank.org). Classification will be reassessed at the beginning of each calendar year.

Licensee shall be entitled to a one-half percent (0.5%) credit against the earned royalty rate for each percent (1%) of royalty Licensee must pay to third party licensors for the manufacture and sale of Licensed Products. Said reduction, however, shall not reduce the royalty rate for Net Sales of Licensed Products to below two and one-half percent (2.5%) in high-income and middle-income economies and the royalty will not be reduced below one and a quarter percent (1.25%) in low-income and lower-middle-income economies.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 14 of 19


APPENDIX D—Modifications

PHS and Licensee agree to the following modifications to the Articles and Paragraphs of this Agreement:

6.08 Deleted.

6.09 Deleted.

6.10 Deleted.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 15 of 19


APPENDIX E—Benchmarks and Performance

Licensee agrees to the following Benchmarks for its performance under this Agreement and, within thirty (30) days of achieving a Benchmark, shall notify PHS that the Benchmark has been achieved.

None.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 16 of 19


APPENDIX F—Commercial Development Plan

Licensee shall expend reasonable efforts and resources to carry out the development and marketing plan submitted with Licensee’s application for a license and to bring the Licensed Patent Rights to the point of practical application as defined in Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 404.3(d). Licensee shall offer Licensed Products for sale within eighteen (18) months of the Effective Date of this Agreement unless this period is extended by mutual agreement of the parties. PHS shall not unreasonably withhold approval of any request by Licensee to extend this period if such request is supported by evidence of reasonable efforts by Licensee to bring the Licensed Patent Rights to practical application, including any reasonable and diligent application for regulatory approvals required by any Government agency.

The research involves development of a visually read, qualitative immunochromatographic test for detecting both Treponemal and non-Treponemal antibodies on the same device. With this configuration the assay will simultaneously screen for the presence of anti-cardiolipin antibodies and confirm the results by the detection of antibodies to T. pallidum. The test results could be obtained in 15 to 20 minutes in point of care settings and patients can be counseled as to whether they have active infection that would require treatment.

The design of the rapid lateral flow test device will be used with whole blood or serum/plasma samples.

This assay will be unique in its ability to simultaneously test for both non-Treponemal and Treponemal antibodies. If successful, this test will provide testing opportunities where current test methods could not be performed. It will allow patients to be advised of infection status and to be treated in a single visit to a clinic.

Proposed components:

 

Configuration:     Lateral Flow device.
Control line: Possibly anti-Human 1g or other blood marker
Trep line: R17 proteins or equivalent.
Non-Trep: Modified cardiolipin molecule
Cardiolipin/Lecithin/Cholesterol
Time: 15 - 20 minutes for POC.
Sample: Whole blood, serum/plasma 5 -20 ul for POC

Methods:

First phase: Development of non-Treponemal test.

The first phase of research is focusing on the development of the assay for the reagin or non-Treponemal antibodies.

Traditionally, non-Treponemal assays detect antibodies reactive to cardiolipin present in a mixture containing cholesterol and lecithin (VDRL antigen). This antigen is not easily bound to nitrocellulose membranes devices and it is disrupted and released from the membrane by detergents frequently used as blocking agents. In the cardiolipin molecular structure there are no other reactive groups that can readily link cardiolipin to proteins, latex particles, or to nitrocelullose. The long fatty acid ester groups in cardiolipin imparts a high degree of hydrophobicity to the molecule and makes it difficult to bind cardiolipin to polar surfaces such as nitrocellulose or ELISA plates.

 

1. The first objective of this research is to investigate methods to attach the micelle produced when an alcoholic preparation of cardiolipin, lecithin and cholesterol is diluted 1:10 in buffered saline. The micelle is (CDC method) enabling it to bind to nitrocellulose CDC is initiating a patent application for a proprietary method of modifying the VDRL antigen. “Methods, Immunoassays and Devices for Detection of Anti-Lipoidal Antibodies” U.S. Patent Application No. 11/993,213. – Training by CDC complete and development ongoing at Trinity Biotech

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 17 of 19


2. CDC will instruct Trinity in the preparation of the micelle antigen using the CDC invention “Composition and Methods for Detecting Syphilis Using Synthetic Antigens. U.S. Patent Application No. 10/009,698. - Training by CDC complete and development ongoing at Trinity Biotech

 

3. Investigate the modified antigen for its ability to detect all stages of syphilis infections with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity.

 

4. Work is currently underway at Trinity Biotech (since 2011) to apply the nitrocellulose bound cardiolipin and latex bound cardiolipin into a lateral flow assay to detect non-treponemal antibodies. Prototypes were generated in Q1 2012 and further refinement continues into Q2 and Q3 2012.

Second phase: Development of Treponemal test.

Concurrently, and independent of the CDC technology, the second phase of research is focusing on the development of a sensitive and specific assay for Treponemal antibodies. There is substantial published data available which is related to the attachment of antigens of protein in nature to nitrocellulose. This assay is based on T. pallidum recombinant antigens, Tp17 and possibly Tp47. Prototypes have been developed Q1 2012 and are soon to enter verification and validation Q2 2012.

Third phase:

 

Third phase:     Combining the Treponemal and non-Treponemal antigens on the same device for the dual POC test. This work is due to start in Q3 2012 and continue for approximately 6 months.

Fourth phase:

 

Fourth phase:     Conduct medium scale test studies using stored sera from CDC serum bank with both documented and non-documented cases of syphilis in Q4 2012.

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

LOGO
Page 18 of 19


APPENDIX G – EXAMPLE ROYALTY REPORT

Required royalty report information includes:

 

    CDC TTO license reference number (A198-11)

 

    Reporting period

 

    Catalog number and units sold of each Licensed Product (Please separate items by country)

 

    Gross Sales per catalog number per country

 

    Total Gross Sales (Summarized by country)

 

    Itemized deductions from Gross Sales

 

    Earned Royalty Rate and associated calculations

 

    Gross Earned Royalty

 

    Adjustments for Minimum Annual Royalty (MAR) and other creditable payments made

 

    Net Earned Royalty due

** In addition, a sample product and/or product packaging is to be sent on the first report and each time the product packaging is re-designed. **

Example:

A198-11: Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited: Reporting Period: January 2012 through December 2012

 

Country

  

Product Name

  

Catalog/Item #

  

Units Sold

  

Item Price (US$)

  

Gross Sales (US$)

Australia

   A    123ABC    250    100.00    62,500

Australia

   A    456DEF    32    75.00    16,500

Australia

   A    789GHI    25    50.00    15,625
        

 

     

 

TOTAL

307 94,625
        

 

     

 

Country

  

Product Name

  

Catalog/Item #

  

Units Sold

  

Item Price (US$)

  

Gross Sales (US$)

USA

   B    010JKL    0    79.00    0

TOTAL

         0       0

Country

  

Product Name

  

Catalog/Item #

  

Units Sold

  

Item Price (US$)

  

Gross Sales (US$)

United Kingdom

   C    011MNO    57    80.00    57,125

United Kingdom

   C    012PQR    12    25.00    1,500

TOTAL

         62       58,625

 

Grand Total Gross Sales

     153,250   

Less Deductions:

  

Freight

     3,000   

Returns

     7,000   

Total Net Sales:

     143,250   

Royalty Rate

     8

Royalty Due

     11,460   

Less Creditable Payments

     10,000   

Net Royalty Due:

     1,460   

Sample product packaging included? Y or N

 

Trinity Biotech Manufacturing Limited (1-010-05)

Patent License Agreement - Non-Exclusive #A198-11

 

   LOGO
Page 19 of 19