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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Commitments

 

Advertising Sponsorship Agreement

 

The Company entered into an advertising sponsorship agreement. The sponsorship fee is $14 million for 2023, subject to certain termination provisions. The contract terminates on December 31, 2023.

 

Contingencies

 

Litigation Matters

 

The Company is involved in litigation arising from other matters in the ordinary course of business. The Company is regularly subject to claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings involving labor and employment, commercial disputes, and other matters. Such claims, suits, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings could result in fines, civil penalties, or other adverse consequences.

 

Certain of these outstanding matters include speculative, substantial or indeterminate monetary amounts. The Company records a liability when it believes that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the Company determines that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, the Company discloses the reasonably possible loss. The Company evaluates developments in its legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued, and the matters and related reasonably possible losses disclosed, and makes adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both likelihood of there being and the estimated amount of a loss related to such matters.

 

With respect to the Company’s other outstanding matters, based on the Company’s current knowledge, the Company believes that the amount or range of reasonably possible loss will not, either individually or in aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the outcome of such matters is inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties. 

 

As of December 31, 2022 the Company has accrued $3.2 million as a loss contingency related to litigation matters.

 

Blockchain Mining Supply and Services, Ltd.

 

On November 28, 2018, Blockchain Mining Supply and Services, Ltd. (“Blockchain Mining”) a vendor who sold computers to one of the Company’s subsidiaries, filed a Complaint (the “Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company and the Company’s subsidiary, Digital Farms, Inc.

(f/k/a Super Crypto Mining, Inc.), in an action captioned Blockchain Mining Supply and Services, Ltd. v. Super Crypto Mining, Inc. and DPW Holdings, Inc., Case No. 18-cv-11099.

 

The Complaint asserts claims for breach of contract and promissory estoppel against the Company and its subsidiary arising from the subsidiary’s alleged failure to honor its obligations under the purchase agreement. The Complaint seeks monetary damages in excess of $1.4 million, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

Based on the Company’s assessment of the facts underlying the claims, the uncertainty of litigation, and the preliminary stage of the case, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss that may result from this action. Notwithstanding, the Company has established a $1.3 million reserve, the amount of the unpaid portion of the purchase agreement, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. An unfavorable outcome may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

Ding Gu (a/k/a Frank Gu) and Xiaodan Wang Litigation

 

On January 17, 2020, Ding Gu (a/k/a Frank Gu) (“Gu”) and Xiaodan Wang (“Wang” and with “Gu” collectively, “Plaintiffs”), filed a Complaint (the “Complaint”) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York against the Company and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Milton C. Ault, III, in an action captioned Ding Gu (a/k/a Frank Gu) and Xiaodan Wang v. DPW Holdings, Inc. and Milton C. Ault III (a/k/a Milton Todd Ault III a/k/a Todd Ault), Index No. 650438/2020.

 

The Complaint asserts causes of action for declaratory judgment, specific performance, breach of contract, conversion, attorneys’ fees, permanent injunction, enforcement of Guaranty, unjust enrichment, money had and received, and fraud arising from: (i) a series of transactions entered into between Gu and the Company, as well as Gu and Ault, in or about May 2019; and (ii) a term sheet entered into between Plaintiffs and the Company, in or about July 2019. The Complaint seeks, among other things, monetary damages in excess of $1.1 million, plus a decree of specific performance directing the Company to deliver unrestricted shares of common stock to Gu, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. 

On or about November 28, 2022, the Company and Plaintiffs entered into a stipulation of settlement, which was further amended by the Company and Plaintiffs, by amendments dated, January 12, 2023, February 2, 2023, and February 23, 2023.

 

On or about December 12, 2022, Plaintiffs and Mr. Ault entered into a stipulation of discontinuance, pursuant to which, among other things, Plaintiffs dismissed all claims asserted against Mr. Ault in the action, with prejudice.

 

SEC Subpoena

 

The Company and certain affiliates and related parties have received several subpoenas from the SEC for the production of documents and testimony. The Company is fully cooperating with this non-public, fact-finding inquiry and management believes that the Company has operated its business in compliance with all applicable laws. The subpoenas expressly provide that the inquiry is not to be construed as an indication by the SEC or its staff that any violations of the federal securities laws have occurred, nor should they be considered a reflection upon any person, entity or security. However, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of this matter. The Company recorded a $1.0 million loss contingency related to this matter.