As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission November __, 2012/Registration No. _________
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
(Exact name or Registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 8093 | 27-1062556 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification Number) | ||
John Howell President and Chief Executive Officer Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. 1950 Cinnamon Teal Drive Redmond, Oregon 97756 Telephone 916-599-3138 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) |
1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr Redmond, Oregon 97756 Telephone 916-599-3138 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices) |
Copies to: Robert L. Sonfield, Jr., Esq. Sonfield & Sonfield 770 South Post Oak Lane Houston, Texas 77056 Tel: (713) 877-8333 Fax: (713) 877-1547 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective, as determined by the selling stockholders named in the prospectus contained herein.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are being offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. x
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company x |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities To Be Registered | Amount To Be Registered(1)(2)(3) | Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share | Proposed Maximum Total Offering Price(4) | Total Amount of Registration Fee | ||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share | 30,141,400 Shares | $ | 1.00 | $ | 30,141,400 | $ | 4,111.29 |
(1) In accordance with Rule 416(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement shall be deemed to cover an indeterminate number of shares that may become issuable as a result of stock splits, stock dividends, rounding up or similar transactions.
(2) Includes 19,350,000 shares of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. owned by its parent, Arrayit Corporation, as of December 31, 2011, representing 60% of the total number of shares outstanding.
(3) Includes (i) 8,000,000 shares of common stock which may be issued under the investment agreement between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and AEF Master SPV LP, having a total value of $8,000,000, based on an assumed price per share of $1.00, (ii) 125,000 shares issued to AEF Master SPV, LP as payment of commitment and expense fees in connection with the transaction and (iii) 2,666,400 shares as 1/3rd of the number of shares which may be issued for purchase from time to time under the investment agreement.
(4) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on management’s estimate of future bid and asked price in the over-the-counter market.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file an amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling stockholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to completion, dated November __, 2012
Preliminary prospectus
DISTRIBUTION OF 19,350,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
OFFERING UP TO 10,791,400 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
We are furnishing this prospectus to the shareholders of Arrayit Corporation, a Nevada corporation (“Arrayit”). Shareholders of Arrayit will receive one (1) share of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (the “company,” “Diagnostics,” “we,” “our,” and “us”) for approximately every 3.34 shares of Arrayit which they own on the Record Date, which will be established when this S-1 is deemed effective (the “Record Date” and the “Distribution”). Any fractional shares as a result of the Distribution will be rounded up to the nearest whole share. The Distribution is expected to be effected as soon as practicable after the date the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, is declared effective. Proof of issuance of the shares of company common stock will be mailed to the Arrayit stockholders on that date or as soon thereafter as practicable. No fractional shares of company common stock will be issued.
This prospectus also relates to the resale of up to 10,791,400 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, by the selling stockholder, AEF Master SPV, Ltd, (“AEF Master”) 10,666,400 of which AEF Master has agreed to purchase and 125,000 has been issued as a commitment fee pursuant to the investment agreement we entered into with AEF Master on November 2, 2012. Subject to the terms and conditions of the investment agreement, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “Investment Agreement,” we have the right to “put,” or sell, up to $8.0 million of shares of our common stock to AEF Master. This arrangement is sometimes referred to as an “Equity Line.”
We will not receive any proceeds from the resale of these shares of common stock offered by AEF Master. We will, however, receive proceeds from the sale of shares to AEF Master pursuant to the Equity Line. When we put an amount of shares to AEF Master, the per share purchase price that AEF Master will pay to us in respect of such put will be determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the Investment Agreement. Generally, in respect of each put, AEF Master will pay us a per share purchase price equal to 100% of the volume weighted average price, or “VWAP,” of our common stock during the 15 consecutive trading days immediately prior and 5 days immediately after the date AEF Master receives our put notice. In addition, we will issue to AEF Master the number of additional shares equal to 1/3rd of the number of Shares to be issued for purchase as a placement fee.
AEF Master may sell the shares of common stock from time to time at the prevailing market price on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Bulletin Board, or OTCBB, or on an exchange if our shares of common stock become listed for trading on such an exchange, or in negotiated transactions.
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock and our common stock is not listed on any stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market. This Distribution of our common shares is the first public distribution of our shares. It is our intention to seek a market maker to publish quotations for our shares on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board; however, we have no agreement or understanding with any potential market maker. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance to you that a public market for our shares will develop and if so, what the market price of our shares may be. The shares registered in this registration statement will be sold at prevailing market prices or privately negotiated prices.
SHARES OF ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. WE URGE YOU TO READ THE “RISK FACTORS” SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 5, ALONG WITH THE REST OF THIS PROSPECTUS RELATING TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SECURITIES REGISTERED HEREIN.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
No shares of our common stock will be issued to any holder of shares of our parent in any jurisdiction which such issuance would not comply with the laws of that jurisdiction.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOVEMBER __, 2012.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Descriptive Title | Page | |
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY | 1 | |
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA | 4 | |
RISK FACTORS | 4 | |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS | 15 | |
THE SPIN-OFF | 23 | |
THE EQUITY LINE | 27 | |
SELLING STOCKHOLDER | 27 | |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION | 28 | |
DIVIDEND POLICY | 29 | |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 30 | |
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA | 31 | |
UNAUDITED, AUDITED AND SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 31 | |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | 32 | |
APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS | 40 | |
MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK AND RELATED MATTERS | 40 | |
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS | 40 | |
ARRAYIT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH DIAGNOSTICS FOLLOWING THE SPIN-OFF | 41 | |
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET AND DIVIDEND POLICY | 42 | |
CAPITALIZATION | 43 | |
DILUTION | 43 | |
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK | 43 | |
DEFENSES AGAINST HOSTILE TAKEOVERS | 46 | |
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALES | 48 | |
LEGAL MATTERS | 49 | |
EXPERTS | 49 | |
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL | 49 | |
COMMISSION’S POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES | 49 | |
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION | 50 | |
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA | 50 |
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We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained in this prospectus or to which we have referred you herein. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information we have included in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference.
Market and industry data
The market data and certain other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources. Some data is also based on our good faith estimates, which are derived from management’s review of internal data and information, as well as the independent sources listed above.
Trademarks
This prospectus also includes trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies. Our use or display of other companies’ trademarks, service marks or trade names is not intended to and does not imply a relationship with or endorsement or sponsorship of us by such other companies.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains “forward-looking statements” based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Pursuant to Section 27A(b)(2)(D) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 does not apply to statements made in connection with an initial public offering such as this. Forward-looking statements may include statements that relate to, among other things, our:
· | future financial and operating performance and results; |
· | business strategy and budgets; |
· | technology; |
· | financial strategy; |
· | amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures; |
· | competition and government regulations; |
· | operating costs and other expenses; |
· | cash flow and anticipated liquidity; |
· | property acquisitions and sales; and |
· | plans, forecasts, objectives, expectations and intentions. |
All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, the words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward looking statements, please keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the anticipated future results or financial condition expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include but are not limited to:
i |
· | concentration of our customer base and fulfillment of existing customer contracts; |
· | our ability to maintain pricing; |
· | the cyclical nature of the health care industry; |
· | deterioration of the credit markets; |
· | delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals; |
· | our ability to raise additional capital to fund future capital expenditures; |
· | increased vulnerability to adverse economic conditions due to indebtedness; |
· | competition within the health care industry; |
· | asset impairment and other charges; |
· | our limited operating history on which investors will evaluate our business and prospects; |
· | our identifying, making and integrating acquisitions; |
· | our ability to obtain raw materials and specialized equipment; |
· | technological developments or enhancements; |
· | loss of key executives; |
· | management control over stockholder voting; |
· | the ability to employ skilled and qualified workers; |
· | work stoppages and other labor matters; |
· | hazards inherent to the health care industry; |
· | inadequacy of insurance coverage for certain losses or liabilities; |
· | regulations affecting the health care industry; |
· | federal legislation and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to health care; |
· | costs and liabilities associated with environmental, health and safety laws, including any changes in the interpretation or enforcement thereof; and |
· | future legislative and regulatory developments. |
We believe that it is important to communicate our expectations of future performance to our investors. However, events may occur in the future that we are unable to accurately predict, or over which we have no control. We caution you against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements. When considering our forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus which provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Please review the “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus so that you are aware of the various risks associated with your investment.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section and any other cautionary statements that may accompany such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus.
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights certain information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus concerning our business and this offering. Because this is a summary, it may not contain all of the information that may be important to you and to your investment decision. In addition, certain statements contained in this prospectus include forward-looking information that involve many risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed under “Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” on page i. We urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, including the risks of owning our common stock discussed under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4
, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Diagnostics’ financial statements and the notes thereto included in this prospectus. As used in this prospectus, references to “Arrayit” refer to Arrayit Corporation and references to “Diagnostics” refer to Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
About us
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (“Diagnostics”) is a Nevada corporation located at 1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr, Redmond, Oregon 97756, Telephone: 916-599-3138. Diagnostics is presently a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrayit Corporation (“Arrayit”). Our business is based upon the completion of the human genome sequencing project. Genetic research is increasingly focused on identifying the variations of the specific genes in the genome. These variations are what define individual characteristics, including disease states or a statistical propensity for disease. The implications are far-reaching and impact not only the research community, but also the individual patients and the medical providers. Diagnostic tests that detect diseases very early in their progression will provide options for earlier treatments that may improve the patient’s quality of life and prognosis by delaying or preventing disease progression or even death. Medical providers will incur major cost savings by avoiding costly late stage disease treatments.
Relationship between Arrayit and Diagnostics before the spin-off
Diagnostics is a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrayit. After the spin-off, Diagnostics will be an independent public company, any relationship thereafter is limited to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Distribution summarized below and Arrayit’s continuing business relationship. For a more detailed description of these relationships, see the section entitled “Relationship between Diagnostics and Arrayit following the Spin-Off.”
The spin-off
See “The Spin-Off,” beginning on page 22, for a more detailed description of the matters described below.
Reasons for the spin-off | See “The Spin-Off” describing in detail the spin-off, impact on price/market capitalization, spin-off ratio, results of the spin-off, reason for the prospectus and related considerations. No stockholder approval of the spin-off is required, and none is being sought. Neither Arrayit nor Diagnostics are asking you for a proxy. | |
Reason for furnishing this prospectus | We are furnishing this prospectus to provide information to holders of Arrayit who will be issued Diagnostics’ shares in the spin-off. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of Diagnostics’ securities or those of Arrayit. The information contained in this prospectus is believed by us to be accurate as of the date set forth on its cover. Changes may occur after that date, and neither Diagnostics nor Arrayit are required to update the information except in the normal course of our public disclosure obligations and practices. |
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Shares to be issued | Diagnostics will issue to all holders of Arrayit capital stock or the right to acquire capital stock on the effective date of the spin-off a pro rata distribution of 19,350,000 shares of our common stock based on the 64,655,424 issuable or issued and outstanding common shares of Arrayit. | |
Spin-off date | The spin-off date is expected to occur on or about January 15, 2013. Holders of record of Arrayit on the Record Date to be selected will become entitled to receive the our common shares as described above. In addition, their rights as holders of capital stock of Arrayit will continue. | |
Spin-off ratio | Pursuant to our common stock spin-off and associated distributions described above, there will be a dividend to Arrayit holders of our capital stock based on 1 for 3.34 outstanding options and warrants, common and preferred shares of Arrayit. In the case of anyone entitled to receive a fractional share, the number of our shares to be issued shall be rounded up the nearest higher whole number of shares. | |
Securities to be distributed | Based on the information available to us as of December 31, 2011, we believe that 28,027,934 shares of Arrayit common stock will be issued and outstanding on the Record Date. The exact number of shares of our common stock, to be received by Arrayit shareholders in connection with this spin-off will be determined based on the number of shares of Arrayit outstanding on the spin-off date. | |
Our transfer agent will mail an account statement to each registered holder stating the number of shares of our common stock credited to such holder’s account. After the distribution, such holders may request that their shares of our common stock be transferred to a brokerage or other account at any time without charge. For stockholders who own Arrayit shares through a broker or other nominee, their shares of our common stock will be credited to their account by the broker or other nominee. | ||
Certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off | The value of the Diagnostics shares received from the spin-off is taxable to the recipient as a dividend. | |
Secondary market |
There is a limited public market for common shares of Arrayit and trades are reported by the OTC Bulletin Board., however, there is currently no public market for our common stock. Diagnostics intends to apply to qualify its common stock for quotation on the OTCBB or other secondary market for which it qualifies under a symbol yet to be determined. Diagnostics expects that quotation by OTCBB of our common stock will begin on the effective date of the spin-off.
We have not applied to register the shares in any state. An exemption from registration will be relied upon in the states where the shares are distributed and may only be traded in such jurisdictions after compliance with applicable securities laws. There can be no assurances that the shares will be eligible for sale or resale in such jurisdictions. We may apply to register the shares in several states for secondary trading; however we are under no requirement to do so. Rather, we anticipate that we will distribute restricted Diagnostics’ shares to holders of Arrayit common stock that reside in states which do not provide for an exemption from registration for this distribution. |
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Relationship between Diagnostics and Arrayit following the spin-off | Diagnostics and Arrayit have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Distribution in connection with the spin-off. This agreement provides for completion of the spin-off, and will govern the relationship between Diagnostics and Arrayit after the spin-off. For a more detailed description of the agreement, see the section entitled “Relationship between Diagnostics and Arrayit Following the Spin-Off.” | |
The Equity Line
See “The Equity Line” beginning on page 27, for a more detailed description of the matters described below. | ||
Shares to be issued | This prospectus relates to the resale of up to 10,791,400 shares of our common stock by AEF Master SPV LP. AEF Master will acquire our common stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Investment Agreement. | |
The Investment Agreement | The Investment Agreement with AEF Master provides that AEF Master is committed to purchase from us, from time to time, up to $8,000,000 of our common stock over the course of 36 months. We may draw on the facility from time to time, as and when we determine appropriate in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Agreement. The amount that we are entitled to put in any one notice will be determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the Investment Agreement. Generally, in respect to each put, AEF Master will pay us a per share purchase price equal to 100% of the volume weighted average price, or VWAP, of our common stock during the 15 consecutive trading days immediately prior and five days after our put notice. The initial number of shares issuable by us and purchasable by AEF Master under the Investment Agreement is 8,000,000 shares. | |
Selling stockholder | AEF Master is the investor under the Investment Agreement. All investment decisions and control of AEF Master are made and held by its managing member. As a result, Mr. Robert C. Rhodes, the managing member of Rhodes Holdings, makes the investment decisions on behalf of and control American Equity Fund. American Equity Fund has informed us that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and to the best of our knowledge, no other underwriter or person has been engaged to facilitate the sale of shares of the common stock in this offering. | |
Plan of distribution | AEF Master, as selling stockholder of our common stock and any of their donees, pledgees, transferees, assignees and other successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. (See “Plan of Distribution”). | |
Dividend policy | Following this share distribution, neither Arrayit nor Diagnostics anticipate paying any dividends on their respective common stock in the foreseeable future. | |
No appraisal rights | Holders of Arrayit common or preferred shares have no dissenters’ rights or appraisal rights in connection with this distribution of our common shares. |
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Transfer agent and registrar | VStock Transfer, LLC, 77 Spruce Street, Suite 201, Cedarhurst, New York 11516, is our stock transfer company and registrar. Phone: (212) 828-8436, Facsimile: (646) 536-3179. | |
Risk factors | See the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 for a discussion of some of the factors you should carefully consider in connection with this spin-off, including detailed risks related respectively to the spin-off proper, our common stock and our business. |
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
The Summary Financial Information, all of which has been derived from audited and unaudited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, reflects the operations of Arrayit Diagnostics for its limited operating history as of and for the period from inception to June 30, 2012. You should read this summary financial information in conjunction with our plan of operation, financial statements and related notes to the financial statements, each appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”
Consolidated Balance Sheets
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited) and Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
06/30/2012 (unaudited) | 12/31/2011 | 12/31/ 2010 | ||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 24,339 | $ | 9,716 | $ | 32,807 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 1,188,662 | $ | 1,075,194 | $ | 803,311 | ||||||
Total Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) | $ | (1,164,323 | ) | $ | (1,065,478 | ) | $ | (770,504 | ) | |||
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) | $ | 24,339 | $ | 9,716 | $ | 32,807 |
Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited) and the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the Period from June 2, 2009 (Inception) to June 30, 2012 (unaudited)
06/30/2012 (unaudited) | 06/30/2011 (unaudited) | 12/31/2011 | 12/31/2010 | 06/02/2009 (inception) to 06/30/2012 (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | $ | 1,167,286 | $ | 157,107 | $ | 274,090 | $ | 631,361 | $ | (2,458,379 | ) | |||||||||
Operating Loss | $ | (1,167,286 | ) | $ | (157,107 | ) | $ | (274,090 | ) | $ | (631,361 | ) | $ | (2,458,379 | ) | |||||
Interest Expense (Income) | $ | 6,599 | $ | 14,900 | $ | 20,884 | $ | 49,804 | $ | 76,987 | ||||||||||
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest | $ | - | $ | 3,604 | $ | 3,604 | $ | 61,694 | $ | 72,445 | ||||||||||
Loss Per Share | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding | 30,659,435 | 24,875,611 | 25,111,890 | 24,508,356 |
RISK FACTORS
The securities offered herein are highly speculative. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and other information in this prospectus. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business and financial results could be negatively affected to a significant extent.
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Our business is subject to many risk factors; including the following (references to “our,” “we,” “us,” “company” and words of similar meaning in these Risk Factors refer to Diagnostics):
The occurrence of any of the risks or uncertainties described below could significantly and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. In any event, the trading price of Arrayit’s common stock (and Diagnostics, once the market expected to develop, occurs) could decline, and the investor could lose part or all of his investment.
Risks related to this offering and ownership of our common stock
The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
· | technological innovations or new products and services by us or our competitors; |
· | additions or departures of key personnel; |
· | limited availability of freely-tradable “unrestricted” shares of our common stock to satisfy purchase orders; |
· | our ability to execute our business plan; |
· | operating results that fall below expectations; |
· | industry developments; |
· | we have issued warrants and options that may have a dilutive effect for our stockholders; |
· | economic and other external factors; and |
· | period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results. |
In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also significantly affect the market price of our common stock.
There may be a limited market for our securities and we may fail to qualify for an exchange listing. Although we plan on applying for listing of our common stock on the NYSE Amex or a different national exchange if we meet the qualifications, there can be no assurance that we will meet the qualifications or our initial listing application will be granted, when the required listing criteria will be met or when, or if, our application will be granted. Thereafter, there can be no assurance that trading of our common stock on such market will be sustained or desirable. At the present time, we do not qualify for certain of the initial listing requirements of the NYSE Amex or other national exchanges. In the event that our common stock fails to qualify for initial or continued inclusion, our common stock could thereafter only be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or in what are commonly referred to as the “pink sheets.” Under such circumstances, you may find it more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations, for our common stock, and our common stock would become substantially less attractive to certain purchasers, such as financial institutions, hedge funds, and large investors.
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline. If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including shares covered by the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, upon the expiration of any regulatory holding period, under Rule 144, or issued upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
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We do not expect to pay dividends in the future. As a result, any return on investment may be limited to the value of our common stock. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on our earnings, financial condition and other business and economic factors as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates.
We lack a significant operating history focusing on our current business strategy which you can use to evaluate us, making share ownership in our company risky. We lack a long standing operating history focusing on our current business strategy which you can use to evaluate our previous earnings. Therefore, ownership in Diagnostics is risky because we have no significant business history and it is hard to predict what the outcome of our business operations will be in the future.
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly. Failure to meet financial expectations may disappoint securities analysts or investors and result in a decline in our stock price. Our revenues and operating results may fluctuate significantly due in part to factors that are beyond our control and which we cannot predict. The timing of our customers’ orders may fluctuate from quarter to quarter. License revenue may also be unpredictable and may fluctuate due to the timing of payments of non-recurring licensing fees. Because our expenses are largely fixed in the short to medium term, any material shortfall in revenues may cause us to experience material losses.
Because of this difficulty in predicting future performance, our operating results may fall below our own expectations and the expectations of securities analysts or investors in some future quarter or quarters.
In addition to factors that affect the spending levels of our customers, additional factors could cause our operating results to fluctuate, including:
· | competition; |
· | our inability to produce products in sufficient quantities and with appropriate quality; |
· | the frequency of experiments conducted by our customers; |
· | our customers’ inventory of products; |
· | the receipt of relatively large orders with short lead times; and |
· | our customers’ expectations as to how long it takes us to fill future orders. |
Anti-takeover provisions could deter takeover attempts of Diagnostics and limit appreciation. Our articles of incorporation, bylaws and Nevada law contain provisions that may have the impact of delaying or precluding our acquisition without the approval of our board of directors. These provisions may limit the price that investors otherwise might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. In addition to any stockholder rights plan instituted in the future, these provisions include advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals and director nominations and a provision in our bylaws that does not afford stockholders the right to call a special meeting of stockholders. In addition, there are provisions of Nevada law that may also have the effect of precluding an acquisition of Diagnostics without the approval of our board of directors. For more information regarding these provisions, see the sections entitled “Description of Capital Sock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of our Charter and bylaws.”
The market price and trading volume of our common stock may be volatile and may face negative pressure. Before the spin-off, there was a trading market for Arrayit’s common stock but not for the shares of our common stock. Arrayit’s common stock will continue to be traded publicly while our shares issued in the spin-off will trade publicly for the first time following the spin-off. Until and possibly even after, orderly trading markets develop for our stock, there may be significant fluctuations in price. Investors’ interest may not lead to a liquid trading market and the market price of our common stock may be volatile. This may result in short- or long-term negative pressure on the trading price of shares of our common stock—or that of Arrayit. The market price of our common stock may be volatile due to the risks and uncertainties described in this “Risk Factors” section, as well as other factors that may affect the market price, such as:
· changes in general economic or market conditions or trends in the health care industry generally;
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· changes in key personnel;
· entry into new markets;
· changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other companies in the industry, including customers and suppliers;
· investors’ perceptions of our prospects and the prospects of the health care industry;
· fluctuations in quarterly operating results, as well as differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors;
· price and volume fluctuations in the stock market at large which do not relate to our operating performance; and
· comments by securities analysts or government officials, including those with regard to the viability or profitability of the biotechnology sector generally or with regard to our ability to meet market expectations.
The stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.
Furthermore, because our common stock is expected to be traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board, our stock price may be impacted by factors that are unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Additionally, immediately after the effective date of the spin-off, we will have a limited number of shares in our public float, and as a result, there could be extreme fluctuations in the price of our common stock.
Further, because of the limited volume of our shares which trade and our limited public float, we believe that our stock prices (bid, ask and closing prices) will be entirely arbitrary, not related to the actual value of Diagnostics, and not reflect the actual value of our common stock (and in fact reflect a value that is much higher than the actual value of our common stock). Shareholders and potential investors in our common stock should exercise caution before making an investment in Diagnostics, and should not rely on the publicly quoted or traded stock prices in determining our common stock value, but should instead determine the value of our common stock based on the information contained in our public reports, industry information, and those business valuation methods commonly used to value private companies.
The market value of a share of our common stock received in the spin-off might be less than the market value of a share of Arrayit before the spin-off. If the spin-off is completed as currently contemplated, holders of Arrayit shares will, after the spin-off, hold common stock of both Arrayit and Diagnostics. Because the two companies will be independent of each other, thereafter, we cannot assure you that the public market for our common stock will be similar to the public market for that of Arrayit. Ultimately, the value of each share of our common stock will be principally determined in trading markets and could be influenced by many factors, including our operations, the growth and expansion of our business, investors’ expectations of our prospects, our credit worthiness, trends and uncertainties affecting the industries in which we compete, future issuances and repurchases of our common stock and general economic and other conditions. The market value of our common stock could be less than the market value before the spin-off or that of Arrayit’s market value added to that of Diagnostics. In addition, the trading price of our common stock may decline following the spin-off.
Investors may face significant restrictions on the resale of our common stock due to federal regulations of penny stocks. Our common stock will be subject to the requirements of Rule 15(g) 9, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act as long as the price of our common stock is below $5.00 per share. Under such rule, broker-dealers who recommend low-priced securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors must satisfy special sales practice requirements, including a requirement that they make an individualized written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's consent prior to the transaction. The Securities Enforcement Remedies and Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990, also requires additional disclosure in connection with any trades involving a stock defined as a penny stock.
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Generally, the Commission defines a penny stock as any equity security not traded on an exchange or quoted on NASDAQ that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. The required penny stock disclosures include the delivery, prior to any transaction, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with it. Such requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of the securities and the ability of purchasers to sell their securities in the secondary market.
In addition, various state securities laws impose restrictions on transferring “penny stocks” and as a result, investors in the common stock may have their ability to sell their shares of the common stock impaired.
Failure to meet previously announced financial expectations could have an adverse impact on the market price of our common stock. Our ability to achieve announced financial targets is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting its business and the health care industry generally, many of which are beyond our control. These factors may cause actual results to differ materially. We describe a number of these factors throughout this document, including in these Risk Factors. We cannot assure you that we will meet the targets when announced. If we are not able to meet these targets, it could harm the market price of our common stock.
Future sales of our stock could adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise capital in the future. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock could harm the market price of our stock. This also could harm our ability to raise capital in the future. The shares issued in the spin-off are freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) by persons other than “affiliates,” as defined under the Securities Act. Any sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that those sales might occur, could harm the market price of our common stock.
Neither Diagnostics nor Arrayit will solicit the approval of its stockholders for the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock unless this approval is deemed advisable by our board of directors or is required by applicable law, regulation or any applicable stock exchange listing requirements. The issuance of those shares could dilute the value of our outstanding shares of common stock.
State securities laws may limit secondary trading that will restrict the states in which you can sell shares. Secondary trading in our common stock will not be possible in any state until the common stock is qualified for sale under the applicable securities laws of the state or there is confirmation that an exemption, such as listing in certain recognized securities manuals, is available for secondary trading in the state. If we fail to register or qualify, or to obtain or verify an exemption for the secondary trading of, the common stock in any particular state, the common stock could not be offered or sold to, or purchased by, a resident of that state. In the event that a significant number of states refuse to permit secondary trading in our common stock, the liquidity for the common stock could be significantly impacted.
Risk factors relating to our business
We are a development stage company and have engaged only in organizational and regulatory compliance-related activities and have not realized any revenues from our operations. We may not currently have the capital required to execute our plan of operation. Therefore, we will require additional funding and/or a development partner in order to go forward. We cannot assure our investors that we will be able to raise the necessary capital or find the development partners necessary to launch our operations.
Acquisitions, investments or other strategic relationships or alliances, may consume significant resources. Acquisitions, investments and other strategic relationships and alliances, if pursued, may involve significant cash expenditures, debt incurrence, additional operating losses, and expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Acquisitions involve numerous other risks, including:
· | diversion of management time and attention from daily operations; |
· | difficulties integrating acquired businesses, technologies and personnel into our business; |
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· | inability to obtain required regulatory approvals and/or required financing on favorable terms; |
· | entry into new markets in which we have little previous experience; |
· | potential loss of key employees, key contractual relationships or key customers of acquired companies or of Diagnostics; and |
· | assumption of the liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies. |
If these types of transactions are pursued, it may be difficult for us to complete these transactions quickly and to integrate these acquired operations efficiently into our current business operations. Any acquisitions, investments or other strategic relationships and alliances by Diagnostics may ultimately harm our business and financial condition. In addition, future acquisitions may not be as successful as originally anticipated and may result in impairment charges.
Principal stockholders will retain approximately 37% of our voting shares. Prior to the date of this prospectus, Arrayit owned approximately 60% of our shares. After the spin-off, individual officers, directors and shareholders of Arrayit will own 31% of our shares. (See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”). Upon completion of the spin-off, the principal stockholders’ and their affiliates’ total ownership shares in Diagnostics will permit them to retain approximately 37% of the shares. However, voting control of Diagnostics will remain with the present management of Diagnostics because John Howell owns the Series B Preferred Stock that casts the number of votes equal to the total votes of all other shareholders multiplied by two. As a result the holder or holders of the Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to two thirds of the voting power of Diagnostics. Consequently, John Howell will be able to effectively control the outcome on all matters submitted for a vote to our stockholders. Specifically, at least initially, Mr. Howell will be able to elect all of our directors. Such control by Mr. Howell may have the effect of discouraging certain types of transactions involving an actual or potential change of control, including transactions in which holders of shares might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices.
We may require additional financing to implement our business plan and continue developing and marking our environmental compliance systems. We have not generated any revenues since our incorporation in June 2009. We currently believe that we will be able to continue our business operations for approximately the next three months with our current cash on hand. We anticipate the need for approximately $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 in additional funding to support the planned expansion of our operations over the next approximately 12 months. We may choose to raise additional funds in the future through sales of debt and/or equity securities to support our ongoing operations and for expansion. If we are unable to raise additional financing in the future, we may be forced to abandon or curtail our business plan, which would cause the value of our securities, if any, to decrease in value and/or become worthless.
Our auditors have expressed an opinion that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our auditors have expressed an opinion that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern primarily because we had a net loss of $1,173,885 and $291,370 and cash used in operations of $78,871 and $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from our inability to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, our securities will become worthless.
We may have difficulty obtaining future funding sources, if needed, and we may have to accept terms that would adversely affect shareholders. We will need to raise funds from additional financing. We have no commitments for any financing and any financing commitments may result in dilution to our existing stockholders. We may have difficulty obtaining additional funding, and we may have to accept terms that would adversely affect our stockholders. For example, the terms of any future financings may impose restrictions on our right to declare dividends or on the manner in which we conduct our business. Additionally, we may raise funding by issuing convertible notes, which if converted into shares of our common stock would dilute our then shareholders interests. Lending institutions or private investors may impose restrictions on a future decision by us to make capital expenditures, acquisitions or significant asset sales. If we are unable to raise additional funds, we may be forced to curtail or even abandon our business plan.
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We will need to make substantive changes to operate as an entity independent of Arrayit. We were incorporated in Nevada June 2, 2009, to operate as a business unit of Arrayit. However, following the spin-off, Arrayit will have no obligation (beyond that provided in the Agreement and Plan of Distribution) to provide financial, operational or organizational assistance to us. As a consequence, we may not be able to successfully implement the changes necessary to operate independently. We may also incur additional costs relating to operating independently that would cause its available funds to decline materially. We cannot assure that once we become a stand-alone company, we will be profitable.
Spin-off is taxable. The spin-off is taxable to the recipient, as with any dividend. However, since the taxability is dependent, in part, upon our earnings and profits, accumulated or during the current taxable year, it cannot be determined, at this time, whether and to what extent the dividend would be taxable to the recipient. For more information, see the section entitled “The Spin-Off—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Spin-Off.”
Because the spin-off is not a tax-free transaction, Arrayit is subject to tax as if it had sold our common stock in a taxable sale at fair market value and our initial public stockholders—the holders of Arrayit, who receive stock to be issued as a dividend in the spin-off will recognize a taxable dividend related to their Arrayit stock.
For a more detailed discussion, see the section entitled “Relationship between Diagnostics and Arrayit Following the Spin-Off—Agreement between Diagnostics and Arrayit Relating to the Spin-Off.”
Our accounting and management systems and resources may be inadequate. Our accounting and other management systems and resources may not be adequate to meet the financial reporting and other requirements to which we will be subject following the spin-off. If we are unable to achieve and maintain effective internal controls, our operating results and financial condition could be harmed.
Prior to the spin-off, we were not directly subject to reporting and other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). As a result of the spin-off, we will be directly subject to reporting and other obligations under the Exchange Act, including the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”). Sarbanes-Oxley’s reporting and other obligations will place significant demands on its management and administrative and operational resources, including accounting resources.
To comply with these requirements, we may need to upgrade our systems, including information technology, implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures and hire additional legal, accounting and finance staff. If we are unable to upgrade our systems and procedures in a timely and effective fashion, we may not be able to comply with our financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to public companies. In addition, if we are unable to conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports. Any failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could harm our operating results and financial condition.
Our success will depend on our ability to retain our key managers and recruit additional employees. We will rely heavily on two knowledgeable and highly-skilled full-time employee managers, who are currently the full-time employee managers of Arrayit. Either or both of these key employees could leave us and so deprive us of the skill and knowledge essential for performance of our existing and new businesses. Our employees may have additional or different responsibilities following the spin-off as a result of the fact that we will be an independent public company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and other rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. If any of our key employees leave for any reason(s), it could harm our operating results and financial condition. Additionally, we cannot assure our investors that we will be able to offer prospective managers and other key employees’ competitive opportunities with the compensation and benefits packages necessary to attract talented and experienced people to fill key management, professional and technical positions.
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The spin-off agreements require us to assume liabilities and other terms that may be less favorable to registrant. We negotiated and entered into the spin-off agreements as a subsidiary of Arrayit. Had these agreements been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties, their terms might have been more favorable to us. These agreements require Diagnostics to assume and/or indemnify Arrayit for, among other things, all past, present and future liabilities related to our business. The allocation of assets and liabilities between Diagnostics and Arrayit may not reflect the allocation that would have been reached between two unaffiliated parties.
Risks relating to our organization
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders, which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock. Our board of directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our board of directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock. In addition, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing stockholders.
Limitations of liability; indemnification. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that limit the liability of directors for monetary damages and provides for indemnification of officers and directors under certain circumstances. Such provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breaches of fiduciary duty and may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers even though such action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited our stockholders. In addition, a stockholder’s investment in the company may be adversely affected to the extent that costs of settlement and damage awards against our officers or directors are paid by the company pursuant to such provisions.
If we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, our current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reports, which could harm our business and the trading price of our common stock. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to evaluate and report on our internal controls over financial reporting and may in the future require our independent registered public accounting firm to annually attest to our evaluation, as well as issue their own opinion on our internal controls over financial reporting. The process of implementing and maintaining proper internal controls and complying with Section 404 is expensive and time consuming. We cannot be certain that we can attract and retain a sufficient number of independent directors that includes independent members of our audit committee and accomplish the other measures that ensure we will maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. Furthermore, if we are able to rapidly grow our business, the internal controls that we will need may become more complex, and significantly more resources and independent officers and directors may be required to ensure our internal controls remain effective. Failure to implement required controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we or our auditors discover a material weakness in our internal controls, the disclosure of that fact, even if the weakness is quickly remedied, could diminish investors’ confidence in our financial statements and harm our stock price. In addition, non-compliance with Section 404 could subject us to a variety of administrative sanctions, including the suspension of trading, ineligibility for future listing on NYSE Amex or another national securities exchange, and the inability of registered broker-dealers to make a market in our common stock, which may reduce our stock price.
Because we became public by means of a spin-off, we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms. There may be risks associated with us becoming public through a spin-off. Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there is no incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will, in the future, want to conduct any public or private offerings on our behalf.
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Our growth will place significant strains on our resources. Our growth, if any, is expected to place a significant strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources. Furthermore, assuming we receive additional contracts, and obtains additional partners, we will be required to manage multiple relationships with other third parties. These requirements will be exacerbated in the event of further growth of the company or in the number of our contracts, partnerships and employees. There can be no assurance that our systems, procedures or controls will be adequate to support our operations or that we will be able to achieve the rapid execution necessary to successfully offer our services and continue our business plan. Our future operating results, if any, will also depend on our ability to add additional personnel commensurate with the growth of our business, if any. If we are unable to manage growth effectively, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.
Risks related to government regulation and litigation
We and our customers are subject to various government regulations, and we may incur significant expenses to comply with, and experience delays in our product commercialization as a result of, these regulations. The FDA must approve certain in-vitro diagnostic products before they can be marketed in the United States. Certain in-vitro diagnostic products must also be approved by the regulatory agencies of foreign governments or jurisdictions before the product can be sold outside the United States. Commercialization of our and our collaborative partners’ in-vitro diagnostic products outside of the research environment may depend upon successful completion of clinical trials. Clinical development is a long, expensive and uncertain process and we do not know whether we, or any of our collaborative partners, will be permitted to undertake clinical trials of any potential in-vitro diagnostic products. It may take us or our collaborative partners many years to complete any such testing, and failure can occur at any stage. Delays or rejections of potential products may be encountered based on changes in regulatory policy for product approval during the period of product development and regulatory agency review. Moreover, if and when our projects reach clinical trials, we, or our collaborative partners, may decide to discontinue development of any or all of these projects at any time for commercial, scientific or other reasons. Any of the foregoing matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Many of our products are labeled for research only. Even when a product is exempted from FDA clearance or approval, the FDA may impose restrictions as to the types of customers to which we can market and sell our products. Such restrictions may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The FDA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and foreign government regulators are increasingly focused on genetic analysis tools, including the use of arrays that are labeled for research use only by cytogenetics labs, including labs certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (“CLIA”). We cannot predict the extent of the FDA’s future efforts in regulation and policies with respect to the sale and use of arrays for the development of assays by CLIA laboratories, which are referred to as laboratory developed tests (“LDTs”). If new regulations restrict our customers’ development of LDTs using our products labeled for research use only, or if we otherwise are required to obtain FDA premarket clearance or approval prior to commercializing these products, our ability to generate revenue from the sale of our products may be delayed or otherwise adversely affected. Moreover, our failure to comply with governmental rules and regulations related to our products could cause us to incur significant adverse publicity, subject us to investigations and notices of non-compliance or lead to fines or restrictions upon our ability to sell our products.
Medical device laws and regulations are also in effect in many countries, ranging from comprehensive device approval requirements to requests for product data or certifications. The number and scope of these requirements are increasing. We may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals in such countries or may incur significant costs in obtaining or maintaining our foreign regulatory approvals. In addition, the export by us of certain of our products which have not yet been cleared for domestic commercial distribution may be subject to FDA or other export restrictions.
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We may enter into agreements relating to the sale of our products to government entities and, as a result, we are subject to various statutes and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government. A failure to comply with these regulations might result in suspension of these contracts or administrative penalties, and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete for future government grants, contracts and programs.
Healthcare reform and restrictions on reimbursements may limit our returns on molecular diagnostic products that we may develop with our collaborators. We are currently collaborating with our partners to develop diagnostic and therapeutic products. The ability of our collaborators to commercialize such products may depend, in part, on the extent to which reimbursement for the cost of these products will be available under U.S. and foreign regulations that govern reimbursement for clinical testing services by government authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. In the United States, third-party payer price resistance, the trend towards managed health care and legislative proposals to reform health care or government insurance programs could reduce prices for health care products and services, adversely affecting the profits of our customers and collaborative partners and reduce our future royalties.
Risks related to handling of hazardous materials and other regulations governing environmental safety. Our operations are subject to complex and stringent environmental, health, safety and other governmental laws and regulations that both public officials and private individuals may seek to enforce. Our activities that are subject to these regulations include, among other things, our use of hazardous materials and the generation, transportation and storage of waste. We could discover that we or an acquired business is not in material compliance. Existing laws and regulations may also be revised or reinterpreted, or new laws and regulations may become applicable to us, whether retroactively or prospectively, that may have a negative effect on our business and results of operations. It is also impossible to eliminate completely the risk of accidental environmental contamination or injury to individuals. In such an event, we could be liable for any damages that result, which could adversely affect our business.
We may be exposed to liability due to product defects. The risk of product liability claims is inherent in the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of human diagnostic and therapeutic products and we may be subjected to such claims. We may seek to acquire additional insurance for clinical or product liability risks. We may not be able to obtain such insurance or general product liability insurance on acceptable terms or in sufficient amounts. A product liability claim or recall could have a serious adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Ethical, legal and social concerns surrounding the use of genetic information could reduce demand for our products. Genetic testing has raised ethical issues regarding privacy and the appropriate uses of the resulting information. For these reasons, governmental authorities may call for limits on or regulation of the use of genetic testing or prohibit testing for genetic predisposition to certain conditions, particularly for those that have no known cure. Similarly, such concerns may lead individuals to refuse to use genetics tests even if permissible. Any of these scenarios could reduce the potential markets for our molecular diagnostic products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks related to our intellectual property
We may be unable to effectively protect or enforce our intellectual property, which could harm our competitive position. Maintaining a strong patent position is critical to our business. Patent law relating to the scope of claims in the technology fields in which we operate is uncertain, so we cannot be assured the patent rights we have or may obtain will be valuable. Others have filed, and in the future are likely to file, patent applications that are similar or identical to ours or those of our licensors. To determine the priority of inventions, we may have to participate in interference proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could result in substantial costs in legal fees and could substantially affect the scope of our patent protection. We cannot be assured our patent applications will have priority over those filed by others. Also, our intellectual property may be subject to significant administrative and litigation proceedings such as opposition proceedings against our patents in Europe, Asia and other jurisdictions.
Legal actions to enforce our patent rights can be expensive and may involve the diversion of significant management time. In addition, these legal actions could be unsuccessful and could also result in the invalidation of our patents or a finding that they are unenforceable. We may or may not choose to pursue litigation or interferences against those that have infringed on our patents, or used them without authorization, due to the associated expense and time commitment of monitoring these activities. If we fail to protect or to enforce our intellectual property rights successfully, our competitive position could suffer, which could harm our results of operations.
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In addition to patent protection, we also rely upon copyright and trade secret protection, as well as non-disclosure agreements with our employees, consultants and third-parties, to protect our confidential and proprietary information. Such measures may not provide adequate protection for our proprietary information.
Litigation or other proceedings or third party claims of intellectual property infringement could require us to spend significant time and money and could prevent us from selling our products or services or impact our stock price. Third parties may in the future assert that we are employing their proprietary technology without authorization. In addition, we are aware of third-party patents that may relate to our technology.
As we enter new markets, we expect that competitors may claim that our products infringe their intellectual property rights as part of business strategies designed to impede our successful entry into those markets. In addition, third parties may have obtained, and may in the future obtain, patents allowing them to claim that the use of our technologies infringes these patents. We could incur substantial costs and divert the attention of our management and technical personnel in defending ourselves against any of these claims. Any adverse ruling or perception of an adverse ruling in defending ourselves against these claims could have a material adverse impact on our stock price, which may be disproportionate to the actual import of the ruling itself. Furthermore, parties making claims against us may be able to obtain injunctive or other relief, which could block our ability to develop, commercialize and sell products, and could result in the award of substantial damages against us. In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us, we may be required to pay damages and obtain one or more licenses from third parties, or be prohibited from selling certain products. In addition, we may be unable to obtain these licenses at a reasonable cost, if at all. We could therefore incur substantial costs related to royalty payments for licenses obtained from third parties, which could negatively affect our gross margins. In addition, we could encounter delays in product introductions while we attempt to develop alternative methods or products. Defense of any lawsuit or failure to obtain any of these licenses on favorable terms could prevent us from commercializing products, and the prohibition of sale of any of our products could materially affect our ability to grow and maintain profitability.
We will incur significant costs as a result of operating as a fully reporting company in connection with Section 404 of The Sarbanes Oxley Act, and our management is required to devote substantial time to compliance initiatives. We anticipate incurring significant legal, accounting and other expenses in connection with our status as a fully reporting public company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC have imposed various new requirements on public companies, including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. As such, our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these new compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure of controls and procedures. In particular, Section 404 will require us to obtain a report from our independent registered public accounting firm attesting to the assessment made by management. Our testing, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Our compliance with Section 404 will require that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. We currently do not have an internal audit group, and we may need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identifies deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
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We have no history as a public company upon which you can assess our prospects and we are subject to the risks associated with any new public company.
As a result of our short history of operations as a public company, there is little historical information regarding our operations upon which you can base your investment decision. In addition, we are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any newly public business enterprise. Additionally, our management has limited experience operating a public company. As such, our company may not be able to continue to meet its continued filing requirements and may be late in its periodic filings, which late filings may cause the company to be delisted from the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board. If this were to happen, any investment in the company could become devalued or worthless.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Arrayit Corporation
Arrayit Corporation owns 19,350,000 of our shares, which represents 60% of the 28,027,934 shares presently outstanding. Arrayit is a Nevada corporation that entered into the life sciences industry in 1996. Arrayit is a leading edge developer, manufacturer and marketer of next-generation life science tools and integrated systems for the large scale analysis of genetic variation, biological function and diagnostics. Using Arrayit’s proprietary technologies, the company provides a comprehensive line of products and services that currently serve the sequencing, genotyping, gene expression and protein analysis markets, and the company expects to enter the market for molecular diagnostics.
Arrayit is a leader in the health care and life sciences industries with its expertise in three key areas: the development and support of microarray tools and components, custom printing and analysis of microarrays for research, and the identification and development of diagnostic microarrays and tools for early detection of treatable disease states. As a result, Arrayit has provided tools and services to thousands of the leading genomic research centers, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, clinical research organizations, government agencies and biotechnology companies worldwide.
The company’s patented tools and trade secrets provide researchers around the world with the performance, throughput, cost effectiveness and flexibility necessary to perform the billions of genetic tests needed to extract valuable medical information. The company believes this information will enable researchers to correlate genetic variation and biological function, which will enhance drug discovery, drug development and clinical research, allowing diseases to be detected earlier and permitting better choices of drugs for individual patients.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
Strategic relationships and licensing arrangements. We have a license with Wayne State University (WSU) that provides for an exclusive right to use patented methods of discovery on a worldwide basis, which patented methods have led to discovery of unique biomarkers for ovarian cancer. These specific markers are included in this license. Additional work has been done related to prostate cancer using the licensed technology. The ovarian cancer and prostate cancer tests for diagnostics use will be marketed upon FDA approval. We are exploring strategic partnership opportunities for diagnostic tests with corporations that have a strong customer base, and a significant sales and marketing presence in the diagnostics industry worldwide.
The resulting diagnostic tests created by the patented methods are sophisticated microarray-based tests that measure the activation of the immune system in response to early stage tumor cell development. Serum is applied to the microarray to allow binding between proteomic biomarkers in the sample and capture agents on the microarray. The microarray is washed and scanned to produce a digital readout for each serum sample, and the data are quantified and analyzed in software to generate the test results. This technology will identify different tumor types and stages, the effectiveness of chemotherapies, biomarker profiles in breast cancer, prostate cancer and other epithelial cancers, the effectiveness of cancer drugs for treatment and prevention, and to benchmark existing tests including CA-125 and PSA.
Regulatory matters. We and our customers are subject to various government regulations, and we may incur significant expenses to comply with, and experience delays in our product commercialization as a result of, these regulations.
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The FDA must approve certain in-vitro diagnostic products before they can be marketed in the U.S. Certain in-vitro diagnostic products must also be approved by the regulatory agencies of foreign governments or jurisdictions before the product can be sold outside the U.S. Commercialization of our and our collaborative partners’ in-vitro diagnostic products outside of the research environment may depend upon successful completion of clinical trials. Clinical development is a long, expensive and uncertain process and we do not know whether we, or any of our collaborative partners, will be permitted to undertake clinical trials of any potential in-vitro diagnostic products. It may take us or our collaborative partners years to complete any such testing, and failure can occur at any stage. Delays or rejections of potential products may be encountered based on changes in regulatory policy for product approval during the period of product development and regulatory agency review. Moreover, if and when our projects reach clinical trials, we or our collaborative partners may decide to discontinue development of any or all of these projects at any time for commercial, scientific or other reasons. Any of the foregoing matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our products may be labeled for research only. Even where a product is exempted from FDA clearance or approval, the FDA may impose restrictions as to the types of customers to which we can market and sell our products. Such restrictions may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The FDA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and foreign government regulators are increasingly focused on genetic analysis tools, including the use of arrays that are labeled for research use only by cytogenetics labs, including labs certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (“CLIA”). We cannot predict the extent of the FDA’s future efforts in regulation and policies with respect to the sale and use of arrays for the development of assays by CLIA laboratories, which are referred to as laboratory developed tests (“LDTs”). If new regulations restrict our customers’ development of LDTs using our products labeled for research use only, or if we otherwise are required to obtain FDA premarket clearance or approval prior to commercializing these products, our ability to generate revenue from the sale of our products may be delayed or otherwise adversely affected. Moreover, our failure to comply with governmental rules and regulations related to our products could cause us to incur significant adverse publicity, or subject us to investigations and notices of non-compliance or lead to fines or restrictions upon our ability to sell our products.
Medical device laws and regulations are also in effect in many countries, ranging from comprehensive device approval requirements to requests for product data or certifications. The number and scope of these requirements are increasing. We may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals in such countries or may incur significant costs in obtaining or maintaining our foreign regulatory approvals. In addition, the export by us of certain of our products which have not yet been cleared for domestic commercial distribution may be subject to FDA or other export restrictions.
We may obtain agreements relating to the sale of our products to government entities and, as a result, we would be subject to various statutes and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government. A failure to comply with these regulations might result in suspension of these contracts or administrative penalties, and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete for future government grants, contracts and programs.
Healthcare reform and restrictions on reimbursement. We are currently collaborating with our partners to develop diagnostic and therapeutic products. The ability of our collaborators to commercialize such products may depend, in part, on the extent to which reimbursement for the cost of these products will be available under U.S. and foreign regulations that govern reimbursement for clinical testing services by government authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. In the U.S., third-party payer price resistance, the trend towards managed health care and legislative proposals to reform health care or reduce government insurance programs could reduce prices for health care products and services adversely affect the profits of our customers and collaborative partners and reduce our future royalties.
Handling of hazardous materials and other regulations governing environmental safety. Our operations are subject to complex and stringent environmental, health, safety and other governmental laws and regulations that both public officials and private individuals may seek to enforce. Our activities that are subject to these regulations include, among other things, our use of hazardous materials and the generation, transportation and storage of waste. We could discover that we or an acquired business is not in material compliance. Existing laws and regulations may also be revised or reinterpreted, or new laws and regulations may become applicable to us, whether retroactively or prospectively, that may have a negative effect on our business and results of operations. It is also impossible to eliminate completely the risk of accidental environmental contamination or injury to individuals. In such an event, we could be liable for any damages that result, which could adversely affect our business.
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Our market opportunity. According to Quest Diagnostics, the largest clinical testing laboratory in the U.S., the laboratory testing market in the United States is a $50 billion dollar market that is 60% controlled by testing performed by hospital-based laboratories. The remaining portion of this market is divided between independent clinical laboratories (35%) and physician office laboratories (POLs) that perform 5% of overall testing. Within the independent clinical laboratory segment, Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp are the two largest national reference labs and control approximately $12.5 billion of this $17.5 billion market segment.
The remaining $5 billion is controlled by other national laboratories and smaller independent regional laboratories. Within this $50 billion market, most of the testing that is performed is for routine lab tests and anatomic pathology tests and services. However, recently there has been a dramatic increase in gene-based and esoteric testing. Esoteric tests include procedures in the areas of molecular diagnostics, protein chemistry, cellular immunology, and advanced microbiology. Commonly ordered esoteric tests include viral and bacterial detection tests, drug therapy monitoring tests, autoimmune panels, and complex cancer evaluations.
The growth of these specialized tests has been made possible through new molecular diagnostic technologies that make it possible to detect diseases earlier, utilize genetic testing for disease predisposition, and advance the use of personalized medicine, such as the tailoring of cancer therapies to those individuals most likely to respond. Esoteric tests typically require highly-skilled technical personnel and generally require more sophisticated technology, equipment or materials. As a result, esoteric tests are generally reimbursed at higher levels than routine tests.
This increase in specialized testing is evidenced by the shift in Quest Diagnostics’ esoteric testing revenues from less than 10% of total revenues to their current level of 20% over the past 9 years. In the case of LabCorp, the second largest clinical testing laboratory in the country, in 2009 esoteric testing accounted for 36% of their annual consolidated revenue, which they expect to grow to 40% within three to five years. In addition to Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, there are approximately 60 commercial laboratories that control the independent clinical laboratory market segment in the United States. There are also approximately 300 genetic testing laboratories in the U.S., with 80% of them affiliated with academic institutions. As a result of these new trends, molecular diagnostic testing that supports personalized medicine is now the fastest growing segment within the overall laboratory testing market.
In addition to the laboratory testing market, there is another market that is comprised of diagnostic instrumentation and test kits that are marketed for the purpose of performing diagnostic testing on human samples, which normally uses blood, urine, or other body fluid specimens.
This market is referred to as the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) market and literally means “within the glass”, as in a test tube. A test that is performed in vitro is one that is done in glass or plastic vessels in the laboratory as opposed to in vivo, which is performed in a living organism. This combination of instrumentation and test kits is generally sold to reference laboratories, hospital clinical laboratories, state and national health testing facilities, and other laboratories that in turn perform the laboratory tests and provide results to physicians and their patients. According to a report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers titled Diagnostics 2009, the worldwide IVD market was $37 billion in 2007 and is expected to grow by 5% per annum to $50 billion in 2012. According to market research by Kalorama Information, the U.S. IVD market is the single largest diagnostics market in the world and represents 43% of the global IVD market. The largest IVD companies in the world are Roche, Abbott, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson (Ortho), Beckman Coulter, bio Mérieux, Inverness Medical, Bio-Rad, Sysmex, and Becton Dickenson.
All of these 10 companies have IVD sales exceeding $1 billion and collectively they represent approximately 85% of the total worldwide IVD market. The fastest growing segment within the IVD market is molecular diagnostics, which is expected to grow by 14% per annum and reach $5 billion in 2012. In the context of this PricewaterhouseCoopers market report, molecular diagnostics includes only those tests that analyze the DNA or RNA of an organism. However, molecular diagnostics is more often widely defined to include tests that analyze other types of molecules as well. In their report, PricewaterhouseCoopers goes on to state that besides the dramatic increase in molecular diagnostics, some of the biggest changes within the diagnostics industry will be the increased use of:
· Early diagnostics. Diagnostic products permitting the detection of a disease at very early stages of its development thus giving more treatment options (e.g. early ovarian and lung cancer detection allowing surgery);
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· Prognostics. Diagnostics that provide a prediction or estimate the risk of developing a particular condition based on phenotypic (e.g. transcriptomic, proteomic or metabolomic) parameters; or genomic (e.g. hereditary or gene based) characteristics;
· Companion diagnostics: Diagnostic products to evaluate an individual patient’s likelihood of benefiting from a particular therapeutic or risk of suffering certain adverse events from a particular therapeutic. Companion diagnostics represent a greater integration between diagnostics and therapeutics;
· Screening tests. Diagnostics performed on people prior to a clinical manifestation of disease – this contrasts with most other medical checks, which are performed when symptoms are already available. Screening typically involves testing a target population for a particular condition as part of a public health strategy; and
· Pharmacogenomic tests. Examine the influence of genetic variation on drug response in patients by correlating gene expression or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a drug’s efficacy or toxicity. The aim of pharmacogenomics is to take into account a patient’s genotype to optimize drug therapy, i.e. to maximize efficacy while minimizing adverse effects;
There are a number of key trends that are having a significant impact on the clinical testing business and represent opportunities for companies that can develop novel diagnostic tests. Clinical laboratory testing is an essential healthcare service and is being favorably impacted by the following:
· Demographics. The growing and aging population is increasing the demand for clinical testing;
· Increased testing. Physicians are increasingly relying on diagnostic testing to help identify disease risk, detect the symptoms of disease earlier, aid in the choice of therapeutic regimen, and monitor patient compliance and to evaluate treatment results;
· Advances in science and technology. Recent medical advances have allowed earlier diagnosis and treatment of diseases and continuing research and development in the area of genomics is expected to yield new, more sophisticated and specialized diagnostic tests. These advances also are spurring interest in, and demand for, personalized or tailored medicine; and
· Prevention and wellness. There is an increased awareness of the benefits of preventative medicine and wellness. Consumers, employers, health plans, and government agencies are increasingly focusing on detecting diseases earlier and providing preventative care that helps avoid disease.
As a result of these significant changes in the laboratory testing and IVD markets, it is evident that there is a significant commercial opportunity for companies that provide products or services that address the new needs of the evolving diagnostics marketplace. This is the market opportunity that Arrayit Diagnostics is addressing through its introduction of diagnostics tests that use patented, patent-pending, and proprietary technology to improve health and reduce the overall cost of healthcare through early detection, prevention, and treatment.
Our solution and strategy
Our solution is to utilize the technology that we have exclusively licensed from WSU to exploit the new opportunities that are evolving in the diagnostics industry. We were created to specifically commercialize microarray-based diagnostic tests and services that are focused on early detection and pre-symptomatic screening. These new tests are based on patented and proprietary technology that is well-suited to be run in a central laboratory utilizing samples that are collected by healthcare providers and sent to our authorized CLIA-certified testing facility for processing.
This approach is similar to the business model that Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Revenues: $470.45 million; market cap: $1.98 billion; NASDAQ:MYGN) has utilized with the seven tests that it markets that determine predisposition to hereditary breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer and melanoma skin cancer. However, whereas Myriad Genetics determines a predisposition to a particular disease, we will market diagnostic tests that can be used to screen for the actual disease itself, in most cases before any symptoms have been observed.
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To achieve this goal of commercializing new diagnostic opportunities, we are leveraging off the strategic relationships that have been established with organizations such as Wayne State University and others to develop unique and high value-added diagnostic tests.
Although the initial focus of Diagnostics is an ovarian cancer and a prostate cancer test, we will explore opportunities for other microarray-based diagnostic tests, including pre-symptomatic screening tests for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other applications that allow early detection. We will also explore companion diagnostic opportunities for pharmaceuticals such as Plavix®, the world’s leading anti-clotting medication that is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb in conjunction with Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals.
With the completion of the human genome sequencing project, genetic research has increased its focus on identifying the variations of the specific genes in the genome. These variations are what define individual characteristics, including disease states or a statistical propensity for disease.
The implications are far-reaching and impact not only the research community, but also individual patients and medical providers. Diagnostic tests that detect diseases very early in their progression will provide options for earlier treatments that may improve the patient’s quality of life and prognosis by delaying or preventing disease progression or even death. Medical providers will incur major cost savings by avoiding costly late stage disease treatments.
As a result of a Technology Transfer Agreement dated July 18, 2009, we have exclusive license rights to all of the trade secrets and protocols, developed by Arrayit, required for the sale and use of the ovarian cancer test. We have collaborated with others to accomplish the opportunity for the following:
· Microarray expertise. The future success of Diagnostics is made possible by leveraging our ability to continually innovate and develop sophisticated microarray based diagnostic products. We rely on the identification of biomarkers and the ability to commercialize them by utilizing a microarray delivery technology. The microarrays manufactured for our tests are considered to be the best in the industry and are 99% pure (versus 70% for competitors) and are the most sensitive on the market.
· Growing menu of screening tests. Our ovarian cancer test will set the standard for early detection and pre-symptomatic screening utilizing a microarray based diagnostic test. We expect to expand this menu of tests to provide other early detection tests for key diseases where adequate diagnostic screening tests do not exist and where early detection can save lives and improve quality of life, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, prostate cancer, and other diseases and medical conditions. We expect that other cancer tests, neurological assays, and areas such as allergy and food intolerance testing will benefit from the efficient patient screening model that are utilized in our tests. Additional markets for consideration that will also benefit from screening tests using our licensed technology are blood typing, parentage testing, forensics, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) analysis, infectious disease diagnosis, food testing, crop testing, and anti-terrorism analysis.
· Ability to leverage strategic relationships. We expect that the relationships that have been established with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Sandia Laboratories, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Parkinson’s Institute, MIT, Stanford University, the NIH, and other prestigious institutions, organizations, and companies around the world will benefit us immensely as we strive to create a world-class diagnostic testing company. We believe that our relationships will allow us to license biomarkers discoveries from these and other research facilities that have the potential to create innovative diagnostic tests. Similar to our relationship with Wayne State University, and the worldwide exclusive licensing and sponsored research agreements that we put in place with them, we believe additional novel diagnostic tests can be developed based on licensing of biomarkers discovered by our academic and scientific collaborators.
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Ovarian cancer
Background. As reported by Dr. W. J. Allard from Medivice Consulting and Dr. R. G. Moore from Women’s and Infants’ Hospital at Brown University, ovarian cancer is diagnosed annually in more than 200,000 women worldwide, with the greatest incidence in the U.S. and Northern Europe, and lowest incidence in Africa and Asia. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is responsible for 5% of all cancer deaths in women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,650 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the US in 2008 and about 15,520 women in the US die every year from the disease. Mammography and cervical cancer screening with Pap smears have led to a shift in the diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer to earlier stages and to pre-invasive disease that are fundamentally curable, leading to a decrease in mortality for these cancers. However, no such tools are available for early detection of ovarian cancer. While the serum CA 125 blood test is effective for monitoring women with ovarian cancer for progression or recurrence, the sensitivity and specificity are both approximately 50%, which is too low for effective screening. Although early detection strategies have not proven successful so far, novel approaches to patient management using biomarkers and statistical algorithms have been suggested. This unmet medical need to improve survival for women with ovarian cancer through better screening strategies will be addressed by our ovarian cancer test.
Current testing methods. As summarized by the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), ovarian cancer is currently diagnosed using the following methods:
· A vaginal-rectal pelvic examination (also called a bimanual exam): This exam allows the ovaries to be examined from many sides. It is recommended that every woman should undergo a rectal and vaginal pelvic examination at her annual checkup with her gynecologist.
· Transvaginal Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the ovaries, and can often reveal if there are masses or irregularities on the surface of the ovaries. It cannot determine if a woman has cancer, but it can show characteristics that give different levels of suspicion.
· CA 125 blood test: This test measures the level of a substance in the blood that may increase when a cancerous tumor is present. This protein is produced by ovarian cancer cells and is elevated in more than 80% of women with advanced ovarian cancers and 50% of those with early-stage cancers. Because CA 125 misses half of early cancers and can be elevated by benign conditions, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) does not endorse using it to screen women at ordinary risk or in the general population.
We believe it important that none of these tests are definitive when used on their own. They are most effective when used in combination with each other. The only way to confirm the presence of ovarian cancer suspected by the above tests is through a surgical biopsy of the tumor tissue.
Our ovarian cancer strategy
Overview. In response to this unmet medical need and unprecedented diagnostic market opportunity, Arrayit initiated an ovarian cancer program in the year 2000, to create a microarray platform that would enable early stage pre-symptomatic screening of ovarian cancer. The goal of this program was to develop a definitive screen that would become the standard of care in the industry. To facilitate this program, Arrayit equipped the laboratory of Michael Tainsky, Ph.D., the director of molecular biology and genetics at Karmanos Cancer Institute and professor of pathology at Wayne State University's School of Medicine with the Arrayit platform to enhance critical basic research in molecular oncology. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Tainsky’s laboratory has performed important basic research in the area of ovarian and other cancers and his laboratory filed early diagnostics patents. Additionally, an exclusive worldwide license with WSU was signed that grants us exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize a novel microarray-based diagnostic test on a planar surface using biomarkers developed by Professors Michael Tainsky of the School of Medicine and Sorin Draghici of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Madhumita Chatterjee, research associate in the School of Medicine.
The ovarian cancer market. Historically, the laboratory test that physicians have utilized to assist in managing ovarian cancer has been the CA 125 test. CA (Cancer Antigen) 125 is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a diagnostic screening assay, but only an aid in monitoring response to therapy for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. CA 125 may also be elevated in other cancers and benign conditions such as endometriosis. Its role in the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is therefore controversial, and it is probably more useful for monitoring patients for recurrence. The FDA restricts the indicated use of CA 125 because it has high rates of false positive results in a normal population and high rates of false negative results in women with cancer. Although doctors now use the CA 125 test to check for ovarian cancer, this assay uses a single biomarker and generally only finds the disease in its later stages. The CA 125 test is an immunoassay test that is routinely offered by clinical laboratories as part of their test menu of tests and services. HealthLinx Limited, an Australian biomarker and diagnostic firm that launched its OvPlex™ test in the UK in early 2010, stated in a March 2010 press release that over 8 million CA 125 tests are performed in the U.S. annually. Laboratories routinely charge about $125 for the CA 125. As an example, the Mayo Clinic charges $147.10 for CA 125 at their Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester, Minnesota. Assuming an average price of $125 and 8 million tests performed annually, the total U.S. market for limited-use ovarian cancer diagnostic tests is estimated to be $1 billion
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A diagnostic procedure that is often used in conjunction with CA 125 testing is the transvaginal ultrasound (TVU), also known as an endovaginal ultrasound, and involves the use of sound waves to delineate internal structures with a transducer placed in the vagina. Transvaginal ultrasound imaging is recommended for ovarian cancer screening in asymptomatic women at high risk for developing ovarian cancer. Women considered at high risk are those with a strong family history of either ovarian or breast cancer (two or more first-degree relatives have or had the disease). Current recommendations suggest that high risk patients should begin TVU and CA 125 screening five years prior to the earliest age of onset of the disease in their family. After initial screening, it is recommended that this be followed by an annual CA 125 measurement and a TVU every two years. According to the New Choice Health website, the national average price for a TVU is currently $525. Therefore, if TVU and CA 125 are run together for high risk patients, the resulting cost is approximately $650. This pricing level further supports the basis that the $583 price per test to the patient for each ovarian cancer test is more cost effective.
The ovarian cancer marketing strategy. Consistent with the business model of Diagnostics to partner with companies with an established presence, a definitive agreement to transfer a portion of the intellectual property related to the WSU patent was entered into with Yarra Dx, Inc. Yarra is led by an ovarian cancer survivor who has established an extensive network of business leaders with the capabilities to greatly expand the scope of the market for Ovarian Cancer test in the medical communities as well as financial markets. This allows us to apply our resources to the development of prostate cancer, a much larger market.
Prostate cancer
Incident frequency in U.S. As reported by the American Cancer Society, an estimated 240,890 new cases of prostate cancer were reported in the US in 2011. Prostate cancer is the most frequently reported cancer in men. With an estimated 33,720 deaths in 2011, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. In early stages of development prostate cancer has no clear symptoms, but if detected early the survival rate approaches 100%.
Current testing methods. Prostate cancer is currently diagnosed using the following methods:
· A rectal digital exam: This exam allows the prostate to be examined for abnormalities by touch.
· Transrectal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the prostate, and can reveal surface irregularities. It can not determine if a man has cancer, but it can show characteristics that give different levels of suspicion.
· PSA blood test: This test measures the level of a substance in the blood that may increase when a cancerous tumor is present. This protein is produced by prostate cancer cells. However, this protein is not always elevated with the presence of cancer and is sometimes elevated in the absence of cancer.
None of these tests are definitive when used on their own. The only way to confirm the presence of prostate cancer suspected by the above tests is through a surgical biopsy of the tumor tissue.
Our prostate cancer strategy. The exclusive rights to the WSU patents apply equally to prostate cancer as to ovarian cancer. The objective is to pursue the further development of a pre-symptomatic prostate cancer test as permitted by the patents.
The prostate cancer market. The laboratory test that physicians have utilized to assist in managing prostate cancer has been the PSA test (prostate specific antigen). PSA is present in all men but can be elevated with the occurrence of prostate cancer. The problem is that PSA can also be elevated by other benign conditions. The incidence of false positive results is about 70%, leading to unnecessary treatment, with potentially debilitating side effects. There are currently about 20 million PSA tests administered annually in the US.
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Prostate Cancer Test (PCT); advertising, marketing, and sales. Our initial sales and marketing efforts will be based on a national awareness campaign that can utilize the extensive contact base that has been developed to date. This will include press releases to all major news outlets, direct mail campaigns, relevant articles to diagnostic, biotechnology and genomic web-based outlets, major trade publications, e-mail newsletters, and scientific trade shows. We will expand its website to offer easy access to patients and their caregivers as well as healthcare providers interested in the PCT test and other future diagnostic tests.
This expanded website will allow patients and caregivers access to extensive patient information regarding Diagnostics; the diagnostic tests offered by us; how to order a test and assistance in locating a doctor that prescribes our tests; links to relevant support groups, foundations, and associations related to the different disease state tests; and information and web links that provides assistance with insurance related issues. Healthcare providers will have access to technical information and clinical data relating to our tests; information about us; access to information appropriate for their patients; and how to order a test.
We expect to develop key strategic relationships with select clinical reference laboratories, genetic testing laboratories, HMO organizations, and other strategic partners to obtain maximum market share. We will assist our strategic partners with a small direct sales force in the United States, where the primary focus will be commercializing the PCT test in the men’s health marketplace. In addition to facilitating the expansion of the number of healthcare providers that recommend and prescribe the PCT test and other future diagnostic tests, we and our strategic partners will manage attendance at health fairs, contact regional laboratories that are candidates to refer testing to us and our partners, and visit individual healthcare providers, giving preference to large group obstetrics and gynecology practices and other groups dealing with women’s health issues.
All sales and marketing activities are initially focused on the U.S. market where we have a direct presence and sales force representation.
The market. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers publication Diagnostics 2009, the global IVD market size of the IVD industry is $37 billion. A market research report by Kalorama Information, states that the U.S. IVD market is the single largest diagnostics market in the world and represents 43% of the global IVD market. According to a December 15, 2009 press release by EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, the 27 countries that make up the EU had a total IVD market of $12 billion in 2008 and therefore represents 32% of the global IVD market. According to EDMA, the five largest markets in Europe are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK and collectively they represent approximately 76% of the total IVD market in the 27 country EU database. We have not included any international sales in the forecast assumptions or projections, although the Company will be exploring appropriate strategic alliances that will allow it to participate in these markets as well.
These potential strategic partners include reference laboratories active in these markets, such as Sonic HealthCare that currently has laboratory operations in Germany, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK. Preference will be given strategic alliances with companies located in the five largest European markets referenced above, which according to EDMA data each represent 7, 6, 5, 4, and 2 percent of the global IVD market respectively. Collectively, these five countries represent approximately 24% of the global IVD market or slightly more than half of the total IVD market in the United States.
Employees. At December 31, 2011, we had one full time employee, and agreements with four consultants. We had no part-time employees. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a union. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Properties. Our corporate offices are located at 1950 Cinnamon Teal Drive, Redmond, Oregon. The temporary corporate headquarters cover 500 square feet and has zero rent until October 1, 2013.
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THE SPIN-OFF
Description of the spin-off
Nineteen million three hundred fifty thousand (19,350,000) shares of our common stock will be distributed by Arrayit to its shareholders (the “Distribution”) as of the “Record Date”. The Record Date will be established when this registration statement is deemed effective. As a result, each holder of record, on the Record Date to be selected, of: (i) Arrayit common stock, (ii) Arrayit convertible preferred stock; and (iii) options or warrants to purchase Arrayit common stock will receive one share of our common stock for every 3.34 shares of: (i) Arrayit common stock, (ii) Arrayit common stock issuable upon conversion of convertible preferred stock; and (iii) Arrayit common stock issuable upon exercise of options or warrants to purchase common stock..
The spin-off is expected to be effective as of 11 AM, Washington time, on the spin-off date estimated to occur on or about January 15, 2013. (Because certain regulatory filings and notices must be made with regard to this spinoff, the Record Date and spin-off date are not precisely knowable). To receive our common stock, you must be a holder of record of Arrayit common stock, convertible preferred stock or warrants to purchase common stock at the close of business on the Record Date to be selected.
The Distribution is expected to be effected as soon as practicable after the date the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, is declared effective. The shares of our common stock will be distributed electronically to the Arrayit stockholders on that date or as soon thereafter as practicable. No fractional shares of our common stock will be issued.
Reasons for the spin-off
We are presently (prior to the spin-off as contemplated herein) a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrayit. We want a new and independent price and capital structure as we move to the OTCBB and become a reporting company, and Arrayit desires to remain an independent publicly reporting and trading entity pursuing its separate business plan.
On December 14, 2011, Arrayit’s board of directors approved the spin-off of Diagnostics into an independent publicly reporting and trading company. The reasons for the spin-off consist principally of the following, all of which are supported by both Diagnostics and Arrayit and their respective management and board of directors.
Impact on price and market capitalization. Arrayit management (and our management concurs) is hereby registering and issuing as a dividend to Arrayit shareholders its ownership interest in us. Management believes that the result of the restructuring will be (i) the operations of Diagnostics are expected to be in an entity trading at a higher price without damaging the market capitalization of Arrayit, and (ii) that Arrayit shareholders should have greater value in owning two separate stocks as Arrayit shareholders will still own all of their Arrayit shares, and Arrayit will remain a reporting, publicly trading company (See “Risk Factors”). In any event, the stock price of Diagnostics may or may not exceed that of Arrayit and, following the spin-off, the combined market value of a shareholder’s stock in Diagnostics and Arrayit may or may not exceed or even equal the current or pre-spin-off market value of their Arrayit stock.
It is possible that the following the spin-off, the combined market value of a shareholder’s stock in Diagnostics and Arrayit will be less than the current or pre-spin-off market value of their Arrayit stock. By way of example, if a current Arrayit common shareholder has 1 million shares and the current price is $0.14 per share, then the theoretical market value of this shareholder’s position is $140,000 (1,000,000 Arrayit shares times $0.14). Pursuant to the spin-off, this shareholder will receive approximately 346,000 shares of our common stock, while retaining the 1 million Arrayit common shares. If, for example, following the spin-off, the Arrayit stock price decreases from the current fourteen cents per share to $.10 per share and our common stock price does not increase to $.04 per share, but instead reaches $.01 per share, then the shareholder’s combined holdings would be worth only $103,460 (1,000,000 Arrayit shares times $.10, or $100,000, plus 346,000 Diagnostics’ shares times $.01, or $3,460).
Enable Arrayit and Diagnostics to use stock more efficiently as an acquisition currency. Our ability to expand through selective acquisitions and partnerships is expected to be important to each company’s continued success. Management believes the spin-off will enable each company to use its own stock more effectively as currency in acquiring, merging and otherwise making strategic investments in or partnering with other companies. We believe we are generally a less desirable acquisition currency due to being a majority owned subsidiary of Arrayit and, specifically, to potential investor’s concerns about holding shares that have no direct claim against its assets and no direct voting rights concerning its governance. As a subsidiary of Arrayit, we have no control over our destiny. As a result of the spinoff, we will control our own destiny. Our shareholders will have a direct claim against our assets (versus indirectly as a shareholder of our parent, Arrayit) and direct voting rights concerning our governance. For these reasons, we expect that, after the spin-off, we will have greater autonomy and control over the use of our equity than we have as a business unit of Arrayit. For more information regarding these limitations, see the section entitled “Relationship between Diagnostics and Arrayit Following the Spin-Off—Agreement between Diagnostics and Arrayit Relating to the Spin-Off.”
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Eliminate some impediments that could discourage a change of control and the payment of a premium for Diagnostics and/or Arrayit shares. The existence of two separate businesses and two classes of common stock with variable votes per share could present complexities that could, in certain circumstances, pose obstacles, financial or otherwise, to an acquiring person, thereby potentially discouraging some change of control transactions. As a result of the spin-off, these complexities and obstacles will be eliminated for both Arrayit and Diagnostics.
Enhance stockholder influence on the outcome of stockholder voting. Under the current structure, holders of Arrayit have absolute voting power over our outstanding common stock. Except in limited circumstances requiring separate class voting, this disproportionate voting power affords holders of Arrayit the ability to control the outcome of stockholder votes - even if the matter involved a divergence or conflict of the interests of the holders of the stock of Diagnostics and Arrayit. The spin-off will vest in our shareholders all of the voting rights associated with our common stock and, as a result, afford our holders enhanced influence over the outcome of our stockholder voting.
Taxable event and related considerations
The Arrayit board of directors considered other factors relating to the spin-off, including the expectation that the spin-off will not qualify as a tax-free exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and will eliminate risk not directly associated with our business. The Arrayit board of directors also considered other potential risks and consequences to Diagnostics and Arrayit associated with the spin-off, including those relating to us that are described in “Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Spin-Off,” but believed that the considerations described above outweighed those risks. Our shareholders are urged to read all of the Risk Factors described in this prospectus.
The restructuring; spin-off ratio
The spin-off is expected to be effective at 11 AM, Washington time, on the spin-off date, estimated to occur on or about January 15, 2012. The spin-off will be affected through an initial stock dividend by us to Arrayit, based on a 1 for 3.34 ratio on outstanding capital stock of Arrayit. Those Diagnostics’ shares will then be issued on a pro rata basis to all Arrayit shareholders. Specifically, each holder of record of Arrayit at the close of business on the Record Date will receive on the spin-off date one share of our common stock for every 3.34 shares of Arrayit held by such Arrayit shareholder. The Record Date will be established when this S-1 is deemed effective.
Arrayit is not seeking stockholder approval of the spin-off, and holders of Arrayit have no appraisal rights in connections with the spin-off from and after the spin-off date.
To be entitled to receive shares of our common stock in the dividend, holders of Arrayit must be stockholders at the close of business on the Record Date. The Record Date will be established when the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is deemed effective.
Distribution of the spin-off shares
As part of the spin-off, we will be adopting a book-entry share transfer and registration system for our common and preferred stock. Instead of receiving physical share certificates, registered holders who currently hold certificates representing Arrayit will receive, for every 3.34 shares of Arrayit held on the spin-off date, one share of our common or preferred stock credited to book-entry accounts established for them by our transfer agent and a pro rata share of our common or preferred shares.
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Our transfer agent will mail an account statement to each registered holder stating the number of shares of our common stock credited to such holder’s account. After the distribution, holders may request that their shares of Diagnostics’ common stock be transferred to a brokerage or other account at any time without charge. For stockholders who own Arrayit shares through a broker or other nominee, their shares of our common stock will be credited to their account by the broker or other nominee.
From and after the spin-off date, holders of Arrayit will become holders of our common stock, and their rights as holders of Arrayit will continue.
John Howell, President of Diagnostics, has been appointed to respond to any shareholder questions about the spin-off. Questions and requests for assistance and additional copies of this prospectus should be directed to Mr. Howell at 916-599-3138.
Results of the spin-off
Upon completion of the spin-off, we will be an independent public company, owning and operating the businesses that currently constitute the business of Diagnostics, and Arrayit will continue its present operations. For a discussion of the post spin-off businesses of Diagnostics, see the section entitled “Arrayit and Diagnostics.” Immediately after the spin-off, we expect we will have approximately 400 beneficial owners of shares of our common stock and 32,205 million shares of common stock outstanding plus additional shares issued to round up each holder to the next highest whole share.
Listing and trading of diagnostics’ common stock
We intend to apply to the OTCBB to quote our common stock. We cannot assure investors as to the price at which our common stock (or that of Arrayit) will trade. The trading prices of our common stock after the spin-off may be less than, equal to, or greater than the trading price of the Arrayit stock before (or after) the spin-off. Shares of our common stock issued in the spin-off will be freely transferable, except for shares received by those who may have a special relationship or are affiliates. Those who may be considered our affiliates after the spin-off generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with Diagnostics. This may include some or all of Diagnostics and Arrayit’s officers and directors. Persons who are our affiliates will be permitted to sell their shares only pursuant to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and/or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemption afforded by Rule 144 hereunder specifically including the permitted number of shares. For more information on trading in shares of our common stock, see the section entitled “Shares Eligible for Future Sales.”
Reason for furnishing this prospectus
We are furnishing this prospectus to provide information to holders of Arrayit who will be issued our shares in the spin-off. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of our securities or those of Arrayit. The information contained in this prospectus is believed by us to be accurate as of the date set forth on its cover. Changes may occur after that date, and neither we nor Arrayit are required to update the information except in the normal course of our public disclosure obligations and practices.
Expenses
The expenses of the spin-off are estimated to be approximately $82,500. These expenses will be borne by us prior to and after the spin-off.
Accounting consequences of the spin-off
Following the spin-off, we will account for our assets and liabilities based on the historical values at which they were carried immediately prior to the spin-off. The financial statements attached to this prospectus include the historical financial information for Diagnostics and the capital structure, and will not change as a result of the spin-off.
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Certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the spin-off. The summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated there under, and interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations by the courts and the Internal Revenue Service, all as they exist as of the date of this document and all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.
We have not requested nor do we intend to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of tax counsel as to the federal income tax consequences of the Spin-Off. However, based on the facts of the proposed transaction, it is the opinion of our management that the transaction will not qualify as a tax free spin off under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As such, we will likely report the transaction as a taxable distribution to which Section 301 applies.
This summary does not discuss all tax considerations that may be relevant to stockholders in light of their particular circumstances, nor does it address the consequences to stockholders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation:
· | non-U.S. persons |
· | insurance companies |
· | dealers or brokers in securities or currencies |
· | tax-exempt organizations |
· | financial institutions |
· | mutual funds |
· | pass through entities and investors in such entities |
· | holders who hold their shares as a hedge or as part of a hedging, straddle, conversion, synthetic security, integrated investment or other-risk reduction transaction |
· | holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax |
· | holders who acquired their shares upon the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation |
In addition, this summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to those Arrayit holders who do not hold their Arrayit shares as a capital asset. Finally, this summary does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal, state and local and any non-U.S. tax consequences of the spin-off.
The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off are that gain or loss will be recognized by (and may be included in the income of) Arrayit holders upon their receipt of shares of our common stock in the spin-off.
Notwithstanding the foregoing discussion, the IRS could assert that the spin-off is taxable without reduction for any cost basis and could further determine that the value is greater than anticipated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were successful in taking this position, our initial public stockholders (the former Arrayit shareholders who were issued our stock in the spin-off) and we could be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. In general, we will not be subject to tax. Arrayit will not be subject to tax, given the current earnings and profits or accumulated earning and profits, and Arrayit’s shareholders would recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares of our common stock received and 2% of the holder’s tax basis in the Arrayit shares held prior to the spin-off.
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Current Treasury regulations require that if you are a holder of Arrayit who receives our stock in the spin-off and, immediately prior to the spin-off, own:
· | at least five percent of the total outstanding stock of Diagnostics, or |
· | securities of Diagnostics with a tax basis of $1,000,000 or more |
then you must attach a statement relating to the spin-off to your federal income tax return for the year in which the spin-off occurs.
The foregoing is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off under current law and is for general information only. The foregoing does not purport to address all U.S. federal income tax consequences or tax consequences that may arise under the tax laws of other jurisdictions or that may apply to particular categories of stockholders. You should consult your tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of the spin-off, including the application of U.S. federal state, local and foreign tax laws, and the effect of possible changes in tax laws that may affect the tax consequences described above.
THE EQUITY LINE
Shares to be issued
This prospectus relates to the resale of up to 10,791,400 shares of our common stock by AEF Master SPV LP. AEF Master will acquire our common stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Investment Agreement. The 10,791,400 shares include: (i) 8,000,000 shares issuable by us at an assumed price of $1.00 per share to be purchased by AEF Master under the Investment Agreement, (ii) 125,000 shares issued to AEF Master SPV, LP as payment of commitment and expense fees in connection with the transaction and (iii) 2,666,400 shares as 1/3rd of the number of shares which may be issued for purchase from time to time under the investment agreement.
The Investment Agreement
The Investment Agreement with AEF Master provides that AEF Master is committed to purchase from us, from time to time, up to $8,000,000 of our common stock over the course of 36 months. We may draw on the facility from time to time, as and when we determine appropriate in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Agreement. The amount that we are entitled to put in any one notice will be determined in accordance with a formula set forth in the Investment Agreement. Generally, in respect of each put, AEF Master will pay us a per share purchase price equal to 100% of the volume weighted average price, or VWAP, of our common stock during the 15 consecutive trading days immediately prior and five days after our put notice. The initial number of shares issuable by us and purchasable by AEF Master under the Investment Agreement is 8,000,000 shares.
SELLING STOCKHOLDER
The information provided in the table and discussions below has been obtained from AEF Master, the selling stockholder. The selling stockholder may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, at any time or from time to time since the date on which it provided the information regarding the shares, all or a portion of the shares of common stock beneficially owned in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. As used in this prospectus, “selling stockholder” includes the person or persons listed in the table below, and the donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares received from the named selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, distribution or other transfer.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d) promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Unless otherwise noted, each person or group identified possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares, subject to community property laws where applicable.
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Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to the Offering | Shares offered under this Prospectus(4) | Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Name of Selling Stockholder | Number | Percentage of Class | Number | Percentage of Class(3) | ||||||||||||||||
AEF Master SPV LP. (2) | 125,000 | * | 30,141,400 | 0 | 0 |
*Percentage of shares owned before the offering is less than one percent.
(1) These numbers assume the selling stockholder sells all of its shares being offered pursuant to this prospectus.
(2) AEF Master is the investor under the Investment Agreement. All investment decisions and control of AEF Master are made and held by its investment manager. As a result, Mr. Robert C. Rhodes, the managing member of Rhodes Holdings, makes the investment decisions on behalf of and control American Equity Fund. American Equity Fund has informed us that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and to the best of our knowledge, no other underwriter or person has been engaged to facilitate the sale of shares of the common stock in this offering.
(3) Applicable percentage ownership is based on 32,205,000 shares of common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2012 and on common stock owned by the selling stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities.
(4) Includes (i) 8,000,000 shares of common stock which may be issued under the investment agreement between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and AEF Master SPV LP, having a total value of $8,000,000, based on an assumed price per share of $1.00, (ii) 125,000 shares issued to AEF Master SPV, LP as payment of commitment and expense fees in connection with the transaction and (iii) 2,666,400 shares as 1/3rd of the number of shares which may be issued for purchase from time to time under the investment agreement..
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each selling stockholder of our common stock and any of their donees, pledgees, transferees, assignees and other successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A selling stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
· ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
· block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
· purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
· an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
· privately negotiated transactions;
· settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part;
· broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
· through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
· a combination of any such methods of sale; or
· any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
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The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by any selling stockholder may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA NASD Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with FINRA IM-2440.
In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, who may in turn engage in short sales of our common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. However, the selling stockholders will not sell shares of our common stock short. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of our common stock or interests therein will be considered “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act in connection with such sales and, as such, any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Since the selling stockholders are deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, it will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. In no event shall any broker-dealer receive fees, commissions and markups which, in the aggregate, would exceed eight percent (8%).
We are required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
The selling stockholders are subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act including Rule 172 thereunder. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than this prospectus. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker-dealer acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the selling stockholders.
The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed broker-dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not filed for registration or qualification in any state.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to our common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act).
DIVIDEND POLICY
Following the spin-off, we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future because we expect to retain our earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Any such payment and amount of dividends will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend, among other things, on our financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors that may be considered relevant by our board of directors.
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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The respective Diagnostics and, as applicable, Arrayit boards have separately adopted a written Related Party Transaction Policy for the review, approval and ratification of transactions involving the related parties of Diagnostics. In each case, related parties are directors and nominees for director, executive officers and immediate family members of the foregoing, as well as security holders known to beneficially own more than five percent of our common stock. The policy covers any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or series of transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which Arrayit and/or Diagnostics was, is or will be a participant and the amount exceeds $10,000, and in which a related party has any direct or indirect interest. The policy is administered by the appropriate board acting as a committee of the whole.
In determining whether to approve or ratify a related party transaction, the appropriate board will consider whether or not the transaction is in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of the appropriate company. In making this determination, the appropriate board is required to consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances in light of the following factors and any other factors to the extent deemed pertinent by the committee:
· whether the terms of the Related Party Transaction are fair to the company and on the same basis as would apply if the transaction did not involve a Related Party;
· whether there are business reasons for the company to enter into the Related Party Transaction;
· whether the Related Party Transaction would impair the independence of an outside director, if applicable; and
· whether the Related Party Transaction would present an improper conflict of interests for any director or executive officer of the company, taking into account the size of the transaction, the overall financial position of the director, executive officer or Related Party, the direct or indirect nature of the director's, executive officer's or Related Party's interest in the transaction and the ongoing nature of any proposed relationship, and any other factors the board deems relevant.
The policy contains standing pre-approvals for certain types of transactions which, even though they may fall within the definition of a related party transaction, are deemed to be pre-approved by Diagnostics and/or Arrayit given their nature, size and/or degree of significance to the appropriate company.
In the event Diagnostics and/or Arrayit inadvertently enters into a related party transaction that requires, but has not received, pre-approval under the policy, the transaction will be presented to the appropriate board for review and ratification promptly upon discovery. In such event, the committee will consider whether such transaction should be rescinded or modified and whether any changes in our controls and procedures or other actions are needed.
For a discussion of the potential conflicts of interest between Diagnostics and Arrayit, see “Relationship between Diagnostics and Arrayit Following the Spin-off.”
Arrayit believes that any past transactions with its affiliates have been at prices and on terms no less favorable to us than transactions with independent third parties. We may enter into transactions with its affiliates in the future. We intend to continue to enter into such transactions only at prices and on terms no less favorable to us than transactions with independent third parties. In this context, we will require any director or officer who has a pecuniary interest in a matter being considered to excuse him or herself from any negotiations. In any event, any debt instruments of Diagnostics in the future are expected generally to prohibit us from entering into any such affiliate transaction on other than arm’s-length terms.
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In addition, a majority of the board is (and must continue to be) neither an officer nor have a pecuniary interest (other than as a shareholder or director) in any transactions with us. In turn, commencing immediately, a majority of the independent Board of Directors members (defined as having no pecuniary interest in the transaction under consideration) will be required to approve all matters involving interested parties. Moreover, it is expected that additional independent directors will be added to the board and the independent transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC, will begin serving no later than the initial closing for this Offering, to assure proper issuance of stock to shareholders.
Additional disclosures
Litigation. There has not been any material civil, administrative or criminal proceedings concluded, pending or on appeal against us, or our affiliates or principals.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain financial data for Diagnostics. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and notes thereto. The selected financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 have been derived from our audited and unaudited financial statements that are a part of this prospectus.
Six Months Ended 06/30/2012 (unaudited) | Year Ended 12/31/2011 | Year Ended 12/31/2010 | ||||||||||
Income Statement Data: | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Operating Expenses | 1,167,286 | 274,090 | 631,361 | |||||||||
Loss From Operations | (1,167,286 | ) | (274,090 | ) | (631,361 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense | 6,599 | 20,884 | 49,804 | |||||||||
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests | - | 3,604 | 61,694 | |||||||||
Net Loss | (1,173,885 | ) | (291,370 | ) | (619,471 | ) | ||||||
Net Loss per Share | (0.04 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding | 30,659,435 | 25,111,890 | 24,508,356 | |||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||
Working Capital (Deficit) | (1,167,350 | ) | (1,075,051 | ) | (793,168 | ) | ||||||
Total Assets | 24,339 | 9,716 | 32,807 | |||||||||
Accumulated Deficit | (2,462,921 | ) | (1,289,036 | ) | (997,666 | ) | ||||||
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) | (1,164,323 | ) | (1,065,478 | ) | (770,504 | ) |
Note: The weighted average share of common stock reflects: (1) shares of our common stock issued to Arrayit; and (2) our common shares already held by other shareholders.
UNAUDITED, AUDITED AND SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Unaudited financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2012 and audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are provided in this prospectus. In addition, summary financial data is provided in “Selected Financial Data” above.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Current operational overview
Results of operations:
Six months ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited) and the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010:
Because we are a development stage enterprise, we have not incurred the normal operating expenses we expect to incur once we expand operations. Except as described below, the development stage expenses incurred did not fluctuate significantly during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Management expects development stage expenses to stay fairly consistent during 2012.
Inflation and seasonality:
We do not believe that inflation or seasonality will significantly affect our results of operation.
Liquidity and capital resources
Management believes that its short and long-term needs for working capital, capital expenditures, new facilities and acquisitions will be satisfied by the proceeds of its investment strategy and the funds generated from future operations. Post spin-off, our current liabilities will continue to be covered by the existing assets.
Debt and Contractual Obligations
June 30, 2012 (unaudited) | December 31,2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
NOTES PAYABLE - ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ||||||||||||
Notes payable, interest at 10%, which was due January 22, 2011 and is now past due, secured by 1,000,000 shares out of the Company's common stock, pledged to the private lender without compensation by the Company's Chairman. The terms also called for the issuance of 300,000 warrants issuable for shares of common stock at $0.22 per share. The annual effective interest rate for this loan is estimated to be 243.8% | $ | 76,640 | $ | 72,990 | $ | 66,371 | ||||||
LESS: Unamortized loan fee and discount in connection with the obtaining of the loan | - | - | (8,916 | ) | ||||||||
Notes payable, interest at 10%, which was due August 10, 2010 and is now past due, secured by 200,000 shares out of the Company's common stock, pledged to the private lender without compensation as follows: 100,000 common shares provided by the Company's chief financial officer; 50,000 common shares provided without compensation by a minority shareholder in Arrayit Diagnostics; and a call option call to acquire an additional 50,000 common shares currently held by a minority shareholder in Arrayit Diagnostics. | 61,939 | 58,990 | 53,640 | |||||||||
Notes payable, interest at 10%, due upon demand with no payments currently due, payable to the Company’s Chairman | 25,000 | - | - | |||||||||
Total Notes Payable | $ | 163,579 | $ | 131,980 | $ | 111,095 |
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Royalty obligations
Wayne State University
Under terms of a biomarker license agreement between Wayne State University (“University”) and Diagnostics, effective December 7, 2009 we are obligated to pay the University royalties of 5% of net sales. In addition the license agreement provides for lump sum payments to be made as milestone events are achieved.
There were no revenues generated during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and the fiscal period ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and hence no obligation to pay any royalties to University.
Critical accounting policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and the results of our operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements and the data used to prepare them. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. On an ongoing basis we evaluate our judgments and estimates including those related to bad debts, investments, long-lived intangible assets, and income taxes. We base our estimates and judgments on our historical experience, knowledge of current conditions and our beliefs of what could occur in the future considering available information. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our estimates are guided by observing the following critical accounting policies.
Investments
We account for the purchase of non-marketable equity and debt securities on a cost basis of accounting. Equity securities are classified as non-marketable when at the time of the purchase the equity security does not have readily determinable fair values because the security is not publicly traded and we do not have the ability to easily or readily convert the investment to cash in the open market. Consequently, significant gains or losses may be recognized when equity securities are finally sold. In some cases the size of the potential gain or loss is not easily estimable since there is no readily determinable fair value available. In other cases it may be subject to significant fluctuations in the market before the restrictions on the sale are removed.
We account for the purchase of marketable equity securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investment – Debt and Equity Securities” with any unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. However, those securities may not have the trading volume to support the stock price if the company were to sell all their shares in the open market at once, so the company may have a loss on the sale of marketable securities even though they record marketable equity securities at the current market value. All marketable equity securities totaled $0 at December 31, 2011.
Long-lived intangible assets and goodwill
We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or change in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset.
Income taxes
We account for income taxes using the liability method, which requires the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are adjusted by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
There are no recently issued accounting standards known to have a material impact on our Financial Statements as of December 31, 2011.
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MANAGEMENT
Directors, executive officers and other key employees
Name |
Age | ||
John Howell | 66 | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
John Howell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Oregon State University with graduate studies at the University of San Francisco in Organizational Development and Change. He originally joined Arrayit Corporation in July 2008 as a consultant, but assumed the post of President and CEO of Arrayit Diagnostics upon its formation in June 2009.
With over 30 years experience in the development, creation and management of sales and marketing platforms and internal management systems for businesses in the areas of health care, real estate, high technology and telecommunications. For the past 15 years, he was primarily engaged in the fields of high technology and telecommunications, serving as CEO of Eversys Corporation, a manufacturer of computer equipment for the local area network January 1997-November 1997; Vice President of Sales & Marketing for TeraGlobal Communications, a manufacturer of equipment for the convergence of voice, video and data December 1997-October 1998; Executive Vice President of Rim Semiconductor Corp., a late development stage fabless communications semiconductor company April 2000-September 2002; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kingdom Ventures, Inc., a marketing company for the Christian community October 2002-April 2003; and President of NutraCea, (OTCBB: NTRZ) an international nutraceutical company April 2003-July 2004.
Board of directors
The board is currently composed of John Howell. Our director is elected or appointed to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified.
Executive compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
We have prepared the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis to provide you with information that we believe is helpful to understand our executive compensation policies and decisions as they relate to the 2011 compensation of our named executive officers as identified in our Summary Compensation Table.
Objectives
To attract, retain, and motivate qualified executive officers, we aim to establish wages and salaries that are competitive with those of people employed by similar companies in our operating industries. The base salaries we paid in 2011 were intended to be consistent among executives as well. Through 2011, we took a simple approach to compensating our named executive officer. We sought to avoid complex forms of compensation, such as awards under long-term cash incentive plans, non-qualified defined benefit plans and pension plans, while we are still evolving as a business. We intend that base salaries for our executives reflect the marketplace for similar positions. In February 2009, we established the equity plan, with the goal to provide equity ownership opportunities to our employees and directors so they can have a stake in the success of Diagnostics, just like our stockholders.
Compensation program administration and policies
During 2011, specific salary and bonus levels, as well as the amount and timing of equity grants, were determined on a case-by-case basis through negotiations with our executives. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we entered into employment agreements with Mr. Howell, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of August 15, 2009. In January 2012, we established a Compensation Committee that has general responsibility for executive compensation and benefits, including incentive compensation and equity-based plans.
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Pay elements
As of December 2011, we provided the following pay elements to our executive officers in varying combinations to accomplish our compensation objectives:
· Base salary;
· Equity-based compensation (e.g., stock options and restricted stock grants), with awards to be granted pursuant to the 2009 Plan; and
· Certain modest executive perquisites and benefits.
Our goal is to set each executive’s base salary at a level we believe enables us to hire and retain individuals in a competitive environment and to reward satisfactory individual performance and a satisfactory level of contribution to our overall business goals. We may utilize cash bonuses to reward performance achievements within the past fiscal year. We intend to utilize equity-based compensation under the 2010 Plan to provide long-term rewards for retention and performance.
Each compensation element and its purpose are further described below.
Base salary
Base salary is intended to compensate the executive for the basic market value of the position and the responsibilities of that position relative to other positions in the company. The board considers several factors such as the duties and responsibilities of the position, the individual executive’s experience and qualifications, the executive’s prior salary and competitive salary information in establishing base salaries but did not find it useful to, and did not attempt to, quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to these factors. Our named executive officer’s annual base salaries for fiscal year 2011 were: Mr. Howell $120,000. The base salary for our named executive officer for fiscal year 2012 has not been adjusted from the 2011 base salary.
We will review our base salaries from time to time, and may adjust them based on market trends. We also intend to review the applicable executive’s responsibilities, performance and experience. We do not intend to provide formulaic base salary increases to our executives. If necessary, we may realign base salaries with market levels for the same positions in companies of similar size to us represented in compensation data we review, if we identify significant market changes in our data analysis. Additionally, we may adjust base salaries as warranted throughout the year for promotions or other changes in the scope or breadth of an executive’s role or responsibilities.
In the third quarter of 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Howell, which was effective as of August 15, 2009 with respect to base salary. The material terms of the agreement are described in “—Employment Agreements” below.
Bonus
In addition to base salary, existing executives are eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, the amount of which is determined by the board based on the quality and nature of the executive’s services and the performance of the company during such year. No bonus payments were made in 2010 or 2011.
Equity-based compensation
Our board believes that granting shares of restricted stock and/or stock options to existing executives provides an important incentive to retain executives and rewards them for their performance. Any grants made under the 2009 Plan may be made at the discretion of our board or a committee to be designated by the board. We do not have any practice, policy or program allowing for timing of equity grants in relation to our current stock price or material non-public information. We have not granted any awards under the 2009 Plan to our named executive officers. We made a grant of restricted stock to Mr. Howell outside of the 2009 Plan. The restricted stock grant to Mr. Howell was determined and approved by our board in connection with the negotiation and execution of Mr. Howell’s employment agreement and his appointment as our chief executive officer.
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Executive perquisites and benefits
Our philosophy is to provide executives with limited perquisites. We provide certain executives that have significant travel commitments in fulfilling their roles with a monthly car allowance, or use of a company vehicle when used in connection with the services they provide to us, and a monthly mobile phone allowance.
Payments with respect to severance of employment and/or upon change of control
Through December 31, 2011, we did not have any practice of providing, or obligation to provide, payments to our named executive officers following termination of employment or upon a change in control (or similar event).
Summary compensation table
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the total compensation for services provided to us by the only person who served as our chief executive officer and only executive officer at the end of 2011 and 2010 who received compensation during 2011 and 2010 (such person identified on the table below may be referred to collectively herein as the “named executive officer”).
Name and principal Position | Year | Salary($) | Stock awards($) | Bonus | Option Awards($) | All Other Compensation ($)(3) | Total($) | |||||||||||||||||||
John Howell, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer(1) | Six months ended June 30, 2012 | 60,000 | 60,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 120,000 | 120,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 120,000 | 120,000 |
(1) On August 9, 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. John Howell, the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. The agreement was originally for a term of three years, expiring the 9th day of August, 2012, and was renewed on February 1, 2012 for a term of three years. The agreement provides that Mr. Howell shall be compensated at the rate of $120,000 per year plus a bonus up to a maximum of 100% of salary, payable in cash or stock, based upon the achievement of the performance objectives defined by the Board of Directors. In addition the employment agreement provides to Mr. Howell 3,000 shares of preferred stock, series B. The preferred stock has the following rights and privileges:
a) Super voting rights: Except as otherwise required by law, the shares of the outstanding Preferred series B stock shall have the number of votes equal to the number of votes of all outstanding shares of capital stock plus one additional vote such that the holders of the outstanding shares of Preferred series B shall always constitute a majority of the voting rights of the Corporation..
b) No other rights: The preferred series B shares have no other rights, including but not limited to any conversion rights; no dividend rights;
Outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2011
Our CEO, Mr. John Howell, was granted 450,000 shares of common stock.
Employment agreements
We entered into an employment agreement with our CEO, Mr. John Howell. The agreement provides that Mr. Howell shall be compensated at the rate of $120,000 per year plus a bonus up to a maximum of 100% of salary, payable in cash or stock, based upon the achievement of the performance objectives defined by the Board of Directors.
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Compensation committee interlocks and insider participation
We have adopted the charter for our compensation committee but have not yet appointed any members of the committee.
2009 Directors, officers and consultants stock option, stock warrant and stock award plan
The purpose of our 2009 Plan is to maintain the ability of the company and our subsidiaries to attract and retain highly qualified and experienced directors, employees and consultants and to give such directors, employees and consultants a continued proprietary interest in the success of Diagnostics and our subsidiaries. In addition, the 2009 Plan is intended to encourage ownership of our common stock by the directors, employees and consultants of the company and its affiliates and to provide increased incentive for such persons to render services and to exert maximum effort for the success of our business. The 2009 Plan provides eligible employees and consultants the opportunity to participate in the enhancement of stockholder value by the grants of options (including incentive stock options for employees only), restricted or unrestricted common stock and other awards under the 2009 Plan, including having their bonuses and consulting fees payable in restricted or unrestricted common stock and other awards, or any combination thereof. The number of shares that currently may be issued under the 2009 Plan is 12,000,000 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment in accordance with the adjustment provisions of the 2009 Plan and subject to increases immediately upon the grant of any option, warrant, shares of preferred stock or award. The number of shares of such increase shall be such that immediately after such increase the total number of shares issuable under the 2009 Plan and reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants or conversion of shares of preferred stock will equal approximately 15% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the company.
Compensation policies and practices as they relate to risk management
We reviewed and analyzed our compensation arrangements and determined that our compensation plans do not pose an unreasonable risk to the company.
Compensation of directors
In 2012, we commenced a compensation program for board members whereby each non-employee director is entitled to an annual fee in cash to be determined, as long as the director attends the meetings during each quarter. The board is exploring additional equity compensation for our non-employee directors in consideration of services rendered. We paid no compensation to non-employee directors in 2011.
Board composition
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of the board. The board currently consists of one member, John Howell. Our bylaws provide that our board will consist of a number of directors to be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total directors then in office. In addition, our articles of incorporation provide for a staggered, or classified, board of directors consisting of three classes of directors, each serving a staggered three-year term and with one class being elected at each year’s annual meeting of stockholders. Such articles provide that the Class III director will initially be Mr. Howell, who will serve for terms expiring in 2015.
Committees of the board of directors
Our board has an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee, each of which has the composition and responsibilities described below. Our board may also establish from time to time any other committees that it deems necessary or desirable. The composition of each committee will comply, when required, with the NYSE listing standards and other rules of the SEC and NYSE.
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Audit committee
Our audit committee consists of Mr. Howell. Mr. Howell is not independent within the meaning of applicable SEC rules and NYSE listing standards and is not an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC, in that he is not financially literate under the current listing standards of the NYSE. The audit committee has oversight responsibilities regarding matters including:
· | the integrity of our financial statements and our financial reporting and disclosure practices; |
· | the soundness of our system of internal controls regarding finance and accounting compliance; |
· | the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence; |
· | the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm; |
· | the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm; |
· | our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in connection with the foregoing; |
· | review of related-party transactions in accordance with our written policy as to such transactions (see “Related Party Transactions” on page 29); and |
· | compliance with our Code of Conduct and Ethics. |
We will rely on the phase-in rules of the SEC and NYSE with respect to the independence of our audit committee. These rules permit us to have an audit committee that has at least one member who is independent by the NYSE listing date, at least two members (a majority of whom are independent) within 90 days after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and at least three members (all of whom are independent) within one year thereafter.
Our board has adopted a written charter for our audit committee, which will be available upon completion of this offering on our website. The information on our website is not, and will not be deemed to be part of this prospectus.
Compensation committee
Our compensation committee consists of John Howell. We have determined that Mr. Howell is not independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE. The compensation committee is authorized to assist the board in discharging the board’s responsibilities relating to matters including:
· | review and administration of compensation and benefit policies and programs designed to attract, motivate and retain personnel with the requisite skills and abilities to us to achieve superior operating results; |
· | review and approval annually of goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our chief executive officer, including evaluating the performance of the chief executive officer in light of those goals and objectives and setting of our chief executive officer’s compensation based on such evaluation. Our compensation committee will have sole authority to determine such compensation; |
· | establishment of the compensation of our other executives and the chairman of our board, and recommendation of the compensation of our non-employee directors for approval by majority vote of independent directors, and |
· | issuance of an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in our annual proxy statement, when required. |
We will rely on the phase-in rules of the SEC and NYSE with respect to the independence of our compensation committee. These rules permit us to have a compensation committee that has at least one member who is independent by the later of the date this offering closes or five business days from the NYSE listing date, at least a majority of members who are independent within 90 days of the NYSE listing date and all independent members within one year of the NYSE listing date.
Our board has adopted a written charter for our compensation committee, which will be available upon completion of this offering on our website. The information on our website is not, and will not be deemed to be part of this prospectus. To assist the compensation committee in discharging its responsibilities, the compensation committee may engage a compensation consulting firm or other advisors.
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Nominating and governance committee
Our nominating and governance committee consists of John Howell. We have determined that Mr. Howell is not independent within the meaning of the listing standards of NYSE. The nominating and governance committee is authorized to:
· | recommend to the board nominees for election as directors and committee members; |
· | develop and recommend to the board a set of corporate governance guidelines; |
· | review candidates for nomination for election as directors submitted by directors, officers, employees and stockholders and establish procedures to be followed by stockholders in submitting nominees; |
· | recommend to the board non-nomination or removal from the board or a board committee as appropriate; |
· | review with the board the requisite skills and characteristics for continuation as board members, the selection of new board members and board composition; and |
· | select, retain and evaluate any search firm with respect to the identification of candidates for nomination for election as directors. Our nominating and governance committee shall have the sole authority to approve any such firm’s fees and other retention terms. |
We will rely on the phase-in rules of the SEC and NYSE with respect to the independence of our nominating and governance committee. These rules permit us to have a nominating and governance committee that has at least one member who is independent by the later of the date this offering closes or five business days from the NYSE listing date, at least a majority of members who are independent within 90 days of the NYSE listing date and all independent members within one year of the NYSE listing date.
The committee will assist the board in the selection of nominees for election as directors at each annual meeting of our stockholders and will establish policies and procedures regarding the consideration of director nominations from stockholders. Our board has adopted a written charter for our nominating and governance committee, which will be available upon completion of this offering on our website. The information on our website is not, and will not be deemed to be part of this prospectus.
Corporate governance and limitations on directors’ and officers’ liability
We have also adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Insider Trading Policy, and we intend to adopt other standard policies and procedures relating to matters such as corporate communications.
Our directors and officers are indemnified as provided by general corporation law of the Nevada Revised Statutes, as amended (“NRS”), and our articles of incorporation and indemnification agreements with us.
Under the NRS, director immunity from liability to a company or its stockholders for monetary liabilities applies automatically unless it is specifically limited by a company’s articles of incorporation, which is not the case with our articles of incorporation. Excepted from that immunity are:
· | a willful failure to deal fairly with the company or its stockholders in connection with a matter in which the director has a material conflict of interest; |
· | a violation of criminal law, unless the director had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful; |
· | a transaction from which the director derived an improper personal profit; and |
· | willful misconduct. |
Our articles of incorporation provide that we will indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent required by the NRS, and shall indemnify such individuals to the extent permitted by the NRS. We may purchase and maintain liability insurance, or make other arrangements for such obligations or otherwise, to the extent permitted by the NRS. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers.
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APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
We will not proceeds from the spin-off or from the resale of the shares of common stock offered by the selling stockholders as all of such proceeds will be paid to the selling stockholders.
MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK AND RELATED MATTERS
Market information
There has been no public trading market for the shares of Diagnostics prior to the spin-off. We intend to apply to qualify our common stock for quotation on the OTCBB such that a secondary market will commence on the spin-off date.
Holders
As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately three shareholders of record of our’ common stock and one shareholders of record of our preferred stock.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
Before the spin-off, 60% of the outstanding shares of our common stock is held beneficially and of record by Arrayit and 100% of our preferred stock is held by John Howell, the chief executive officer and sole director. The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date of the spin-off, information concerning expected beneficial ownership of our common stock after giving effect to the spin-off by:
· | each person or entity known to us who will beneficially own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock; |
· | each person who we currently know will be one of our directors or named executive officers at the time of the spin-off; and |
· | as a group, all persons who we currently know will be our directors and executive officers at the time of the spin-off. |
The following information:
· | gives effect to the spin-off as if it had occurred on December 31, 2011, on which date 19,350,000 shares of our common stock were held by Arrayit; and |
· | a pro rata distribution of same held by persons listed in the table below. |
The actual number of shares of common stock outstanding as of the spin-off date may differ to the extent that new Arrayit common or preferred shares are issued or repurchased between December 31, 2011 and the spin-off date and if (while unlikely) the assumed conversion ratio differs from the actual ratio.
Based on information furnished to us by or on behalf of such person or entity, except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, we believe that each person or entity has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock set forth opposite such person’s or entity’s name. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally attributes beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting or investment power with respect to such shares. Shares of our common stock (subject to options that are currently exercisable for shares of our common stock or other securities evidencing the right to receive shares of our common stock that are vested, or that will be exercisable for shares of our common stock or that will vest within 60 days after December 31, 2011), are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding such options or other securities for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Number of Shares of Common Stock (3) | Number of Shares of Preferred Stock | Percent of Class(4) | |||||||||
John Howell(2) | 3,000 | 100 | % | |||||||||
John Howell (2) | 1,761,400 | 5.85 | % | |||||||||
Rene Schena(1) | 4,041,902 | 15.5 | % | |||||||||
Todd J Martinsky(1) | 2,694,570 | 10.3 | %3 | |||||||||
All directors and officers as a group | 5.46 | % | ||||||||||
(1 person) | 1,761,400 | 3,000 |
Notes:
(1) The address of each person, unless otherwise noted, is 524 East Weddell Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089.
(2) The business address of Mr. Howell is 1950 Cinnamon Teal Drive, Redmond, Oregon 97756.
(3) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares subject to options, warrants and convertible securities held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2011 are deemed outstanding. Such shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, each stockholder named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite such stockholder’s name.
(4) Based on a total of 32,205,000 shares of our common stock outstanding exclusive of additional shares issued to round up fractional shares..
(5) The issued and outstanding shares of series B preferred stock, voting as a class, have the number of votes equal to twice the number of votes of all outstanding shares of capital stock such that the holders of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall always constitute two-thirds of the voting rights of the corporation. Except as otherwise required by law or by the articles of incorporation, the holders of shares of common stock and Series B Preferred Stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.
ARRAYIT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH DIAGNOSTICS FOLLOWING THE SPIN-OFF
The specific terms and conditions of the spin-off are governed by an Agreement and Plan of Distribution between Diagnostics and Arrayit.
The material terms of the respective Agreement are described below. Copies of such Agreements have been filed as Exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the summaries of these documents that follow are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of these documents which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Agreements between diagnostics and Arrayit relating to the spin-off
Agreement and Plan of Distribution
The Agreement and Plan of Distribution sets forth the agreements between Diagnostics and Arrayit with respect to the principal corporate transactions required to effect the spin-off, and a number of other agreements governing the relationship between Arrayit and us following the spin-off. The Agreement and Plan of Distribution also provides for a series of preliminary restructuring transactions to affect the transfer to us of all of the assets and liabilities relating to our business. We expect to finalize the transfers called for under the Agreement and Plan of Distribution before the effectiveness of the spin-off. However, we will only complete the spin-off if specified conditions are met. These conditions include:
· | the transfer to us of all of the assets and liabilities attributable to our business; |
· | the SEC declaring effective the Form S-1 Registration Statement of which this prospectus forms a part; |
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· | the reporting of our common stock on the OTCBB or other proprietary trading system; |
· | receipt of material consents and approvals; and |
· | the absence of any injunction or similar order preventing the consummation of the spin-off. |
Even if these conditions are satisfied, other events or circumstances, including litigation, could occur that could affect the timing or terms of the spin-off or our ability or plans to complete the spin-off. As a result of any such events or circumstances, the spin-off may not occur and, if it does occur, it may not occur on the terms or in the manner described, or in the time frame contemplated.
The Separation Agreement
Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Arrayit will transfer, or cause its other subsidiaries to transfer, to us:
· | all assets of Diagnostics attributable to our business; |
· | all other assets of Diagnostics reflected in the most recent balance sheet of Arrayit; |
· | contracts that relate to the business of Diagnostics; and |
· | other specified assets. |
We will also agree to assume, fulfill and/or indemnify Arrayit for:
· | all liabilities of Diagnostics to the extent arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the operations of its business, including its contracts and assets; |
· | all other liabilities reflected in the most recent balance sheet of Arrayit; |
· | any liabilities arising out of, relating to or resulting from, a specified list of litigation (none of which is anticipated); |
· | specified liabilities resulting from the spin-off; |
· | obligations and commitments under specified contracts; and |
· | other specified liabilities. |
In addition, the Separation Agreement includes operating principles that will govern Diagnostics’ and Arrayit’s conduct concerning, and use of, specified instruments and other technologies currently utilized by one or both of Diagnostics and Arrayit.
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Public market
Arrayit, which currently has approximately four hundred common and four preferred shareholders, is a reporting company under Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. There is a public trading market on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board for the shares of Arrayit.
While not currently a reporting company, we will become a Section 15(d) reporting company because of this registered spin-off concurrent with the date of this prospectus. Moreover, this registered spin-off and associated reporting status will permit us to qualify our shares for quotation on the OTCBB (the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board) or other secondary markets for which our common shares may then qualify. (See “Risk Factors”).
Dividend policy
Short-term or long-term operations prospects may not result in generating a profit. Therefore we are not likely to pay immediate dividends and an investment in Diagnostics is thus not suitable for investors seeking current income for financial or tax planning purposes. Future dividends will be paid at the sole discretion of the respective Boards of Directors.
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CAPITALIZATION
The following sets forth the capitalization of Diagnostics as of December 31, 2011 (the date of the audited Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. financials contained in this prospectus):
· | 25,345,000 shares of common stock outstanding. |
· | 3,000 shares of Series B preferred stock. |
· | Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote in connection with the matters requiring shareholder vote and the series B preferred, as a class, is always entitled to two-thirds of the total vote because it is entitled to double the number of other votes outstanding at any time and from time to time. |
DILUTION
The percentage of our equity owned by Arrayit before completion of the spin-off will be owned ratably by the Arrayit shareholders after the spin-off. The spin-off will create no change in the ownership of the other shareholders of Diagnostics immediately before, or after, the spin-off is completed.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
In conjunction with completion of the spin-off, our certificate of incorporation and by-laws will not be amended. Copies of our articles of incorporation and bylaws have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The following information summarizes our articles of incorporation and bylaws as these documents will be in effect at the time of the consummation of the spin-off.
Authorized capital stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares all of which have a par value of $0.001 per share. Of the total shares, 480,000,000 are designated as common stock, 20,000,000 are authorized as preferred stock. Immediately before and after the spin-off, the number of our outstanding shares will remain unchanged at 32,205,000 shares of common stock. There are no other outstanding warrants or any other contract right or shares that vest the right to receive shares of Diagnostics common as part of the spin off.
Common stock of Diagnostics and Arrayit
The holders of Diagnostics, organized in Nevada, have the following rights, powers and privileges.
Voting rights. The holders of our common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share held, on all matters voted on by its stockholders, including elections of directors. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. Generally, all matters to be voted on by our stockholders must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of common stock present or represented by proxy.
Dividends. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends as, when and if dividends are declared by our board of directors out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. It is not the current expectation of us to pay dividends.
Liquidation. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment of liabilities and obligations to creditors, the remaining assets will be distributed ratably among the holders of shares of common stock on a per share basis. If there exists any preferred stock outstanding at such time, holders of the preferred stock are not entitled to distribution and/or liquidation preferences. In either case, we would need to pay the applicable distribution to its holders of preferred stock before distributions are paid to the holders of the associated common stock.
Rights and preferences. Our common stock has no preemptive, redemption, conversion or subscription rights. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that may be designated and issued in the future.
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Preferred stock of Diagnostics
Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors has the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to fix the powers, rights, preferences and privileges of each class or series of preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any class or series, which may be greater than the rights of the holders of the common stock. Any issuance of shares of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock, and the likelihood that the holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control.
We adopted resolutions establishing the terms, designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations of 3,000 shares of the $.001 par value Series B Preferred Stock in a Certificate of Designation and filed it with the State of Nevada. The material terms are as follows:
The shares of series B preferred stock, voting as a class, have the number of votes equal to twice the number of votes of all outstanding shares of capital stock such that the holders of outstanding shares of Series B preferred stock shall always constitute two-thirds of the voting rights of the corporation. Except as otherwise required by law or by the articles of incorporation, the holders of shares of common stock and Series B preferred stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.
Anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of our charter and by-laws
Board of directors. Our articles of incorporation provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors will be fixed from time to time exclusively by a resolution adopted by our board of directors, but will not be less than one nor more than fifteen directors. The current number of directors currently serving is one.
Our certificate of incorporation further provides that, subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, any vacancy on the board of directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the board of directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, and any other vacancy occurring on the respective board of directors may be filled by a majority of the board of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class will hold office for a term that coincides with the remaining term of that class. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors will have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding class or series of preferred stock, any or all of our directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of our then outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
Authorized shares. Our certificate of incorporation provides that we may from time to time issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series, the terms of which will be determined by the respective board of directors, and common stock. We will not solicit approval of our stockholders unless the associated board of directors believes that approval is advisable or is required by stock exchange regulations or the applicable corporation law. This could enable the respective board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management which could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise and thereby protect the continuity of our management. Such additional shares also could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of the company.
Special meetings. Unless the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws provide otherwise, stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting of stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws do not permit stockholders to call a special meeting.
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Restrictions on stockholder action by written consent. Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide that stockholders may effect any action required or permitted to be taken at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders by consent in writing by the stockholders only if the taking of such action by such written consent has expressly been approved in advance by the board of directors. Except as otherwise required by law or by any preferred stock designation, special meetings of stockholders may be called only by our board of directors, our chairman of the board, our president or our secretary. No business other than that stated in the notice of meeting may be transacted at any special meeting. These provisions may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting unless a special meeting is called by the affected board, chairman, president or secretary.
Advance notice procedures. Our by-laws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before an annual meeting of stockholders. These stockholder notice procedures provide that only persons who are nominated by our board of directors, or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving notice and has given timely written notice to our secretary before the meeting at which directors are to be elected, will be eligible for election as directors.
For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, a stockholder’s notice delivered to our secretary must set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting:
· | a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting this business at the annual meeting; |
· | the name and record address of the stockholder; |
· | the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the company which are owned beneficially or of record by the stockholder; |
· | a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal and any material interest of the stockholder in the desired business; and |
· | a representation that the stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting. |
A stockholder’s notice for purposes of nominating directors must also contain additional information about each nominee, including a current resume and curriculum vitae and a statement describing each nominee’s qualifications.
To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to our secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days and not more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. In the event that our annual meeting is to be held on a date that is not within 30 days before or after the anniversary date, the notice must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which the notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever occurs first.
The chairman of the board has the power and the duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting has been made in accordance with the advance notice procedures. If any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with our by-laws, the chairman of the board has the power to declare that the defective proposed business or nomination will not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and will be disregarded.
Business combination statutes. The Nevada General Corporation Law prohibits a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder within three years of the time such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
· | prior to such time the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
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· | upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, exclusive of shares owned by directors who are also officers and by certain employee stock plans; or |
· | at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized by the affirmative vote at a stockholders’ meeting of at least two thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
The term “business combination” is defined to include, among others, transactions between an interested stockholder and a corporation or any direct or indirect majority owned subsidiary thereof; a merger or consolidation; a sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition (including as part of a dissolution) of assets having a total market value equal to 10% or more of either the total market value of all assets of the corporation on a consolidated basis or the total market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation; certain transactions that would increase the interested stockholder’s proportionate share ownership of the stock of any class or series of the corporation or such subsidiary; and any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation or any such subsidiary. In general, and subject to certain exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is any person who is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock (or, in the case of a corporation with classes of voting stock with disparate voting power, 15% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock) of the corporation, and the affiliates and associates of such person. The term “owner” is broadly defined to include any person that individually or with or through such person’s affiliates or associates, among other things, beneficially owns such stock, or has the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement or understanding or upon the exercise of options or other convertible securities or otherwise or has the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement or understanding, or has an agreement or understanding with the beneficial owner of such stock for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of such stock.
The restrictions of the applicable Nevada laws do not apply to corporations that have elected, in the manner provided therein, not to be subject to the applicable law or, with certain exceptions, which do not have a class of voting stock that is listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation and By-laws do not opt out of the applicable Nevada law.
Transfer agent and registrar
VStock Transfer, LLC, 77 Spruce Street, Suite 201, Cedarhurst, New York 11516, is our stock transfer company and registrar. Phone: (212) 828-8436, Facsimile: (646) 536-3179.
DEFENSES AGAINST HOSTILE TAKEOVERS
The following discussion summarizes the reasons for, and the operation and effects of, certain provisions in our articles of incorporation which management has identified as potentially having an anti-takeover effect. It is not intended to be a complete description of all potential anti-takeover effects, and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation. Substantially similar provisions were contained in our Certificate of Incorporation and the reincorporation does not change the nature of the anti-takeover provisions or their effect.
The anti-takeover provisions of our articles of incorporation are designed to minimize the possibility of a sudden acquisition of control of Diagnostics which has not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors. These provisions may tend to make it more difficult to remove the incumbent members of the board of directors. The provisions would not prohibit an acquisition of control of Diagnostics or a tender offer for all of our capital stock. However, to the extent these provisions successfully discourage the acquisition of control of Diagnostics or tender offers for all or part of our capital stock without approval of the board of directors, they may have the effect of preventing an acquisition or tender offer which might be viewed by stockholders to be in their best interests.
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Tender offers or other non-open market acquisitions of stock are usually made at prices above the prevailing market price. In addition, acquisitions of stock by persons attempting to acquire control through market purchases may cause the market price of the stock to reach levels which are higher than would otherwise be the case. Anti-takeover provisions may discourage such purchases, particularly those of less than all of the outstanding capital stock, and may thereby deprive stockholders of an opportunity to sell their stock at a temporarily higher price. These provisions may therefore decrease the likelihood that a tender offer will be made adversely affect those stockholders who would desire to participate in a tender offer. These provisions may also serve to insulate incumbent management from change and to discourage not only sudden or hostile takeover attempts, but any attempts to acquire control which are not approved by the board of directors, whether or not stockholders deem such transactions to be in their best interests.
Authorized shares of capital stock. Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 20,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock, without any action on the part of the stockholders. Shares of our serial preferred stock with voting rights could be issued and would then represent an additional class of stock required to approve any proposed acquisition. This preferred stock, together with authorized but unissued shares of common stock (the articles of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 480,000,000 shares of common stock), could represent additional capital stock required to be purchased by an acquirer. If the board of directors of Diagnostics determined to issue an additional class of voting preferred stock to a person opposed to a proposed acquisition, such person might be able to prevent the acquisition single-handedly.
Stockholder meetings. Nevada law provides that the annual stockholder meeting may be called by a corporation's board of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorized by a corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws. Our articles of incorporation provide that annual stockholder meetings may be called only by our board of directors or a duly designated committee of the board. Although we believe that this provision will discourage stockholder attempts to disrupt the business of Diagnostics between annual meetings, its effect may be to deter hostile takeovers by making it more difficult for a person or entity to obtain immediate control of us.
Classified board of directors and removal of directors. Our articles of incorporation provide that the board of directors is to be divided into three classes which shall be as nearly equal in number as possible. The directors in each class serve for terms of three years, with the terms of one class expiring each year. Each class currently consists of approximately one-third of the number of directors. Each director will serve until his successor is elected and qualified. A classified board of directors could make it more difficult for stockholders, including those holding a majority of our outstanding stock, to force an immediate change in the composition of a majority of the board of directors. Since the terms of only one-third of the incumbent directors expire each year, it requires at least two annual elections for the stockholders to change a majority, whereas a majority of a non-classified board may be changed in one year. The provision for a staggered board of directors affects every election of directors and is not triggered by the occurrence of a particular event such as a hostile takeover. Thus a staggered board of directors makes it more difficult for stockholders to change the majority of directors even when the reason for the change would be unrelated to a takeover.
Restriction of maximum number of directors and filling vacancies on the board of directors. Nevada law requires that the board of directors of a corporation consist of one or more members and that the number of directors shall be set by or in the manner described in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws. Our articles of incorporation provides that the number of directors (exclusive of directors, if any, to be elected by the holders of preferred stock) shall not be less than one or more than 15, as shall be provided from time to time in accordance with the bylaws. The power to determine the number of directors within these numerical limitations is vested in the board of directors and requires the concurrence of at least two-thirds of the entire board of directors. The effect of such provisions may be to prevent a person or entity from quickly acquiring control of Diagnostics through an increase in the number of the directors and election of nominees to fill the newly created vacancies.
Advance notice requirements for nomination of directors and proposal of new business at annual stockholder meetings. Our articles of incorporation provide that any stockholder desiring to make a nomination for the election of directors or a proposal for new business at a stockholder meeting must submit written notice not less than 30 or more than 60 days in advance of the meeting provided. This advance notice requirement may give management time to solicit its own proxies in an attempt to defeat any dissident slate of nominations. Similarly, adequate advance notice of stockholder proposals will give management time to study such proposals and to determine whether to recommend to the stockholders that such proposals be adopted. In certain instances, such provisions could make it more difficult to oppose management's nominees or proposals, even if the stockholders believe such nominees or proposals are in their interests. These provisions may tend to discourage persons from bringing up matters disclosed in the proxy materials furnished to the stockholders and could inhibit the ability of stockholders to bring up new business in response to recent developments.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALES
After completion of the spin-off, there will be 32,205,000 Diagnostics’ shares of common stock outstanding plus and additional shares issued to round up fractional shares, based upon the number of shares of common and preferred shares outstanding on June 30, 2012. 19,350,000 of these shares will be freely transferable without restriction under the Securities Act except for 12,103,900 shares that are owned by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, which includes the directors and significant stockholders of Arrayit who become affiliates of us. Shares of our common stock held by affiliates may not be sold unless they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration, including an exemption contained in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Further, as described below, we plan to file a registration statement to cover the shares issued under our equity incentive plans.
Rule 144
In general, Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as in effect on the date of this prospectus, authorizes a person who is one of our affiliates, or who is selling shares on behalf of one of our affiliates, and has beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell, within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
· one percent of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 301,414 if all the shares in this offering are sold; and
· the average weekly trading volume of our common stock during the four-calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.
Approximately 30,141,400 shares of common stock will be outstanding upon completion of the spin-off and sale by the AEF Master, the selling shareholder. Of these shares, all of the shares distributed in the spin-off will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless acquired by our “affiliates” as that term is defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The remaining 12,855,000 shares of common stock outstanding after this offering will be “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration, including the exemptions provided by Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below. The remaining shares of common stock held by our existing stockholders upon completion of this spin-off will be available for sale in the public market taking into account the provisions of Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act.
Shares received by our affiliates in the spin-off or upon exercise of stock options or upon vesting of other equity-linked awards may be “controlled securities” rather than “restricted securities.” “Controlled securities” are subject to the same volume limitations as “restricted securities” but are not subject to holding period requirements.
A person or persons whose shares are aggregated who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate, would be entitled to sell those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliated person, who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate, would be entitled to sell those shares without restriction.
Rule 701
Rule 701 under the Securities Act, as in effect on the date of this prospectus, permits resale of shares in reliance upon Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions of Rule 144, including the holding period requirement. Most of our employees, executive officers or directors who purchased shares under a written compensatory plan or contract may be entitled to rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701, but all holders of Rule 701 shares are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling their shares.
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Equity plans
As soon as practicable after the completion of this offering, we are eligible to file a Form S-8 registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares of our common stock subject to options reserved for issuance under the 2009 Plan. Such registration statement will become effective immediately upon filing, and shares covered by that registration statement will thereupon be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates and any lock-up agreements. For a more complete discussion of our stock plans, see “Management—Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby has been passed upon for us by Sonfield & Sonfield, Houston, Texas.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. for the period from inception, June 2, 2009, through December 31, 2011, included elsewhere in this Prospectus have been audited by Moss, Krusick & Associates, LLC, independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon its authority as experts in accounting and auditing. With respect to the unaudited financial statements of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. as of June 30, 2012 and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and the period from inception through June 30, 2012, included elsewhere in this Prospectus, such statements have not been audited by Moss, Krusick & Associates, LLC and that firm does not express an opinion on them.
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
No expert or counsel named in this prospectus as having prepared or certified any part of this prospectus or having given an opinion upon the validity of the securities being registered or upon other legal matters in connection with the registration or offering of our common stock was employed on a contingency basis or had, or is to receive, in connection with the offering, a substantial interest, directly or indirectly, in the registrant or any of its parents or subsidiaries. Nor was any such person connected with the registrant or any of its parents, subsidiaries as a promoter, managing or principal underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or employee.
COMMISSION’S POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
The Nevada Revised Statutes authorizes indemnification of a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company against expenses incurred in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she is named a party by reason of his or her having acted or served in such capacity, except for liabilities arising from his or her own misconduct or negligence in performance of his or her duty. In addition, even a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company who was found liable for misconduct or negligence in the performance of his or her duty may obtain such indemnification if, in view of all the circumstances in the case, a court of competent jurisdiction determines such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the Nevada Revised Statutes, our Amended and Restated Bylaws or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. No pending material litigation or proceeding involving our directors, executive officers, employees or other agents as to which indemnification is being sought exists, and we are not aware of any pending or threatened material litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any of our directors or executive officers.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the shares of our common stock being registered hereunder. This prospectus, which forms a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto, to which reference is hereby made. You should refer to the Registration Statement, including its exhibits and schedules, for further information about Arrayit, its common stock and our stock being spun-off pursuant to this prospectus. From and after the effective date of the spin-off, we will become subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Accordingly, we will file annual, quarterly and other reports and other information with the SEC. Arrayit is required to file annual, quarterly and other information with the SEC, and such reports and other information may contain important information about us. For so long as Diagnostics has been operating, the results of our operations have been included in Arrayit’s consolidated financial statements.
You may read and copy the Registration Statement and the reports and other information we may in the future file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at Station Place, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. You may also receive copies of these documents upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Room. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our future SEC filings will also be available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the Internet world-wide website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Information on in our website does not form a part of this prospectus.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any distribution of securities made hereunder shall imply that there has been no change in the information set forth herein or in our affairs since the date hereof.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any distribution of securities made hereunder shall imply that there has been no change in the information set forth herein or in our affairs since the date hereof.
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA
We obtained the industry, market and competitive position data in this prospectus from our own internal estimates and research as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that they have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, we have not independently verified market and industry data from third-party sources. While we believe our internal company research is reliable and the market definitions are appropriate, neither such research nor these definitions have been verified by any independent source.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Financial Statements required by Article 8 of Regulation S-X are stated in U.S. dollars and are prepared in accordance with Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The following financial statements Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., Inc. are filed as part of this Prospectus.
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ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a development stage company)
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page | ||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | F-2 | |||
Balance Sheets | F-3 | |||
Statements of Operations | F-4 | |||
Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit) | F-5 | |||
Statements of Cash Flows | F-6 | |||
Notes to Financial Statements | F-7 |
F-1 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (a development stage company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the years then ended and for the period from inception (June 2, 2009) through December 31, 2011. Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the period from inception (June 2, 2009) through December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered operating losses and has accumulated deficits and negative cash flows from operations which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Moss, Krusick & Associates, LLC
Winter Park, Florida
November 9, 2012
F-2 |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a development stage company)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and 2010
June 30, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
$2012 (unaudited) | $2011 | $2010 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Cash and equivalents | 21,312 | 143 | 143 | |||||||||
Deferred development costs | - | - | 10,000 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 21,312 | 143 | 10,143 | |||||||||
Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation of $36,245, $29,700 and $16,609, respectively) | 3,027 | 9,572 | 22,663 | |||||||||
Other assets, net | - | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 24,339 | $ | 9,716 | $ | 32,807 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 499,546 | $ | 417,677 | $ | 187,239 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | |||||||||
Due to Arrayit Corporation and subsidiaries | 505,537 | 505,537 | 484,977 | |||||||||
Notes payable, current portion (net of debt discount of $0, $0 and $8,916, respectively) | 163,579 | 131,980 | 111,095 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 1,188,662 | 1,075,194 | 803,311 | |||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||||||||||
Preferred series B stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 3,000 issued and outstanding | 3 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 480,000,000 shares authorized, 32,205,000, 25,345,000 and 24,750,000 issued and outstanding | 30,205 | 25,345 | 24,750 | |||||||||
Additional paid in capital | 1,266,390 | 198,210 | - | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit during development stage | (2,462,921 | ) | (1,289,036 | ) | (997,666 | ) | ||||||
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) | (1,164,323 | ) | (1,065,478 | ) | (972,913 | ) | ||||||
Non-controlling interests | ||||||||||||
Royalty interests | - | - | 285,000 | |||||||||
Less: Subscription receivable | - | - | (13,750 | ) | ||||||||
Interest in subsidiary's accumulated deficit | - | - | (68,841 | ) | ||||||||
Total non-controlling interests | - | - | 202,409 | |||||||||
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) | (1,164,323 | ) | (1,065,478 | ) | (770,504 | ) | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) | $ | 24,339 | $ | 9,716 | $ | 32,807 |
F-3 |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a development stage company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Periods from Inception, June 2, 2009, to June 30, 2012
June 2, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | (inception) to | ||||||||||||||||||
June 30, | December 31, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2011 | 2010 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consulting | 1,000,000 | - | - | - | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Salaries | 88,120 | 80,594 | 155,594 | 316,881 | 880,424 | |||||||||||||||
Research and development | 25,000 | 67,984 | 95,823 | 166,747 | 317,570 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 6,546 | 6,546 | 13,091 | 16,609 | 36,246 | |||||||||||||||
Office and general | 7,073 | 898 | 6,497 | 18,492 | 34,875 | |||||||||||||||
Professional fees | 18,300 | 1,085 | 3,085 | 30,544 | 69,929 | |||||||||||||||
Travel and entertainment | 22,247 | - | - | - | 22,247 | |||||||||||||||
Public relations | - | - | - | 82,088 | 97,088 | |||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses: | 1,167,286 | 157,107 | 274,090 | 631,361 | 2,458,379 | |||||||||||||||
Operating loss | (1,167,286 | ) | (157,107 | ) | (274,090 | ) | (631,361 | ) | (2,458,379 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest expense | 6,599 | 14,900 | 20,884 | 49,804 | 76,987 | |||||||||||||||
Loss before non controlling interest | (1,173,885 | ) | (172,007 | ) | (294,974 | ) | (681,165 | ) | (2,535,366 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss attributable to non controlling interests | - | 3,604 | 3,604 | 61,694 | 72,445 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | (1,173,885 | ) | (168,403 | ) | (291,370 | ) | (619,471 | ) | (2,462,921 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss per share | (0.04 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding | 30,659,435 | 24,875,611 | 25,111,890 | 24,508,356 |
F-4 |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a development stage company)
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
For the Periods from Inception, June 2, 2009, to June 30, 2012
CONTROLLING INTERESTS | NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Series B | Common Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of
Issued Shares | Amount | Number of Issued Shares | Amount | Additional
Paid-in Capital | Accumulated
Deficit During Development Stage | Total | Royalty
Interest | Subscription Receivable | Interest in
Subsidiaries' Accumulated Deficit During Development Stage | Total Non- Controlling Interest | Total Equity (Deficit) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 2, 2009 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued for services | 3,000 | 3 | - | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued for technology transfer | - | - | 24,300,000 | 24,300 | - | - | 24,300 | - | - | - | - | 24,300 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Royalty Interest | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 285,000 | (13,750 | ) | - | 271,250 | 271,250 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the period June 2, 2009 to December 31, 2009 | - | - | - | - | - | (378,195 | ) | (378,195 | ) | - | - | (7,147 | ) | (7,147 | ) | (385,342 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2009 | 3,000 | 3 | 24,300,000 | 24,300 | - | (378,195 | ) | (353,892 | ) | 285,000 | (13,750 | ) | (7,147 | ) | 264,103 | (89,789 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued for services | - | - | 450,000 | 450 | - | - | 450 | - | - | - | - | 450 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the fiscal year 2010 | - | - | - | - | - | (619,471 | ) | (619,471 | ) | - | - | (61,694 | ) | (61,694 | ) | (681,165 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | 3,000 | 3 | 24,750,000 | 24,750 | - | (997,666 | ) | (972,913 | ) | 285,000 | (13,750 | ) | (68,841 | ) | 202,409 | (770,504 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of Subsidiary interest | - | - | 595,000 | 595 | 198,210 | - | 198,805 | (285,000 | ) | 13,750 | 72,445 | (198,805 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the fiscal year 2011 | - | - | - | - | - | (291,370 | ) | (291,370 | ) | - | - | (3,604 | ) | (3,604 | ) | (294,974 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2011 | 3,000 | $ | 3 | 25,345,000 | $ | 25,345 | $ | 198,210 | $ | (1,289,036 | ) | $ | (1,065,478 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (1,065,478 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued for services (unaudited) | - | - | 5,000,000 | 5,000 | 995,000 | - | 1,000,000 | - | - | - | - | 1,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued for cash (unaudited) | - | - | 375,200 | 375 | 74,665 | 75,040 | 75,040 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Anti-dilution shares (unaudited) | 1,484,800 | 1,485 | (1,485 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the six months ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited) | - | - | - | - | - | (1,173,885 | ) | (1,173,885 | ) | - | - | - | - | (1,173,885 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2012 (unaudited) | 3,000 | $ | 3 | 30,205,000 | $ | 32,205 | $ | 1,266,390 | $ | (2,462,921 | ) | $ | (1,164,323 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (1,164,323 | ) |
F-5 |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a development stage company)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the Period from Inception, June 2, 2009, to June 30, 2012
For the Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Years Ended | from June 2, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||
June 30, | December 31, | (Inception) to | ||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2011 | 2010 | June 30, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (1,173,885 | ) | $ | (172,007 | ) | $ | (294,974 | ) | $ | (681,165 | ) | $ | (2,535,366 | ) | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 6,545 | 6,546 | 13,091 | 16,609 | 36,245 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | - | - | - | 12,500 | 12,500 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of debt discount | - | 8,916 | 8,916 | 32,692 | 41,608 | |||||||||||||||
Stock compensation | 1,000,000 | - | - | - | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Stock options of parent issued for compensation - related party | - | - | - | 85,250 | 338,639 | |||||||||||||||
Stock of parent issue to officer for salary - related party | - | - | - | 123,337 | 173,337 | |||||||||||||||
Other | - | 20,560 | 20,560 | 5,973 | 26,533 | |||||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Increase) decrease in deferred development costs - related party | - | 10,000 | 10,000 | 100,900 | - | |||||||||||||||
Interest accrued on notes payable | 6,600 | 5,984 | 11,969 | 4,611 | 23,180 | |||||||||||||||
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 81,869 | 120,001 | 230,438 | 181,798 | 519,546 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash used by operating activities | (78,871 | ) | - | - | (117,495 | ) | (363,778 | ) | ||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | - | - | - | - | (39,272 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net cash used by investing activities | - | - | - | - | (39,272 | ) | ||||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of stock | 75,040 | - | - | - | 75,040 | |||||||||||||||
Payment of deferred offering costs | - | - | - | - | (12,500 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from royalty interests | - | - | - | - | 271,250 | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuances of notes payable | 25,000 | - | - | 115,400 | 140,400 | |||||||||||||||
Related party advances | - | - | - | - | (49,828 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 100,040 | - | - | 115,400 | 424,362 | |||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | 21,169 | - | - | (2,095 | ) | 21,312 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period | 143 | 143 | 143 | 2,238 | - | |||||||||||||||
Cash and equivalents, end of period | $ | 21,312 | $ | 143 | $ | 143 | $ | 143 | $ | 21,312 | ||||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Significant non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to parent for technology rights - related party | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 24,300 | ||||||||||
Common stock issued for services | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 450 | $ | 450 | ||||||||||
Preferred stock issued for services | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3 | ||||||||||
Subscription receivable | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 13,750 | ||||||||||
Beneficial conversion feature | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 41,608 | $ | 41,608 | ||||||||||
Common stock issued for subsidiary interest | $ | - | $ | 595 | $ | 595 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiary interest | $ | - | $ | 198,210 | $ | 198,210 | $ | - | $ | 198,805 | ||||||||||
Anti-dilution shares | $ | 1,485 | $ | 198,210 | $ | 198,210 | $ | - | $ | 1,485 |
F-6 |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a development stage company)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011
NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND GOING CONCERN
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (the “Company”) develops medical tests and markets these tests to the medical community. The Company was incorporated on June 2, 2009 under the laws of the State of Nevada. Arrayit Corporation is its controlling parent, holding 61% of the issued, outstanding and voting shares.
On December 12, 2011, Arrayit Corporation signed an Agreement and Plan of Distribution with its subsidiary, Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., whereby 19,350,000 shares of common stock of Arrayit Diagnostics owned by Arrayit Corporation will be distributed ratably to the shareholders of Arrayit Corporation on the record date which will be upon successful completion of the Form S-1 registration statement by Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company were prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception. At June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had accumulated deficits of $2,462,921, $1,289,036 and $997,666, respectively. The Company currently concentrates its resources on developing clinical protein biomarker diagnostic products and services, and it does not expect to generate substantial revenue until certain diagnostic tests are cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration and commercialized. Management believes that current available resources will not be sufficient to fund the Company’s planned expenditures over the next twelve months. The Company’s ability to continue to meet its obligations and to achieve its business objectives is dependent upon, among other things, raising additional capital or generating sufficient revenue in excess of costs. At such time as the Company requires additional funding, the Company will seek to raise such additional funding from various possible sources, including the public equity market, private financings, sales of assets, collaborative arrangements and debt. If the Company raises additional capital through the issuance of equity securities or securities convertible into equity, stockholders will experience dilution, and such securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the holders of common stock or convertible senior notes. If the Company raises additional funds by issuing debt, the Company may be subject to limitations on its operations, through debt covenants or other restrictions. If the Company obtains additional funds through arrangements with collaborators or strategic partners, the Company may be required to relinquish its rights to certain technologies or products that it might otherwise seek to retain. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise additional funds, or raise them on acceptable terms. If the Company is unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms, it may be unable to execute its business plan, the Company could be required to delay or reduce the scope of its operations, and the Company may not be able to pay off its obligations, if and when they come due. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability or classification of recorded assets and liabilities or other adjustments that may be necessary should the Company not be able to continue as a going concern.
The Company’s inability to operate profitably and to generate cash flows consistently from operations and its reliance on external funding either from loans or from equity, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
F-7 |
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
Through May 23, 2011, Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company include the following majority-owned subsidiaries for all or a portion of the periods indicated, each of which has been consolidated since the date the Company acquired majority-voting control (collectively, the “Consolidated Subsidiaries”):
|
Date of Incorporation |
Business of Entity |
Ownership |
Parent:
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. |
June 2, 2009 |
Develops medical tests and through its partially owned subsidiaries markets these tests to the medical community. incorporating the technology and equipment developed by Arrayit Corporation | 78.2% owned by Arrayit Corporation |
Subsidiary:
Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. |
June 16, 2009 |
Markets a test for Ovarian Cancer incorporating the technology and equipment developed by Arrayit Corporation | 80% owned by Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. |
Arrayit Diagnostics (Parkinson), Inc. |
October 15, 2009 |
Markets a test for Parkinson’s Disease incorporating the technology and equipment developed by Arrayit Corporation | 80% owned by Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. |
F-8 |
On May 23, 2011, the Company acquired the outstanding 20% non-controlling interest in Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., recognizing no gain or loss on the transaction. Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. was then collapsed into the Company.
Also on May 23, 2011, the Company acquired the outstanding 20% non-controlling interest in Arrayit Diagnostics (Parkinson), Inc., also recognizing no gain or loss on the transaction, and distributed the now 100% owned subsidiary directly to Arrayit Corporation. As part of the exchange, Parkinson’s name was changed to Arrayit Scientific Solutions, Inc.
In connection with these May 23, 2011 transactions, amounts that were previously presented as non-controlling interests were recorded as additional paid-in capital as of December 31, 2011. Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2011, 595,000 shares of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. stock were issued as consideration for the non-controlling interests.
On December 12, 2011, Arrayit Corporation signed an Agreement and Plan of Distribution with its subsidiary, Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., whereby 19,350,000 shares of common stock of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (78.2% of the total outstanding) owned by Arrayit Corporation will be distributed ratably to the shareholders of Arrayit Corporation on the record date which will be upon successful completion of the Form S-1 registration statement by Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
Financial Reporting:
The Company prepares its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Revenues and expenses are reported on the accrual basis, which means that income is recognized as it is earned and expenses are recognized as they are incurred.
Management acknowledges that it is solely responsible for adopting sound accounting practices, establishing and maintaining a system of internal accounting control and preventing and detecting fraud. The Company's system of internal accounting control is designed to assure, among other items, that 1) recorded transactions are valid; 2) valid transactions are recorded; and 3) transactions are recorded in the proper period in a timely manner to produce financial statements which present fairly the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the respective periods being presented.
Development Stage Company:
The Company is in the development stage in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC). The Company has not generated any revenues since inception.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the financial statements taken as a whole, the actual amounts of such estimates, when known, will vary from these estimates. If actual results significantly differ from the Company’s estimates, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially impacted. The Company’s significant estimates include those related to stock compensation and awards.
F-9 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
The Company considers all highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less when acquired, to be cash equivalents.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets consists of a microarray scanner purchased from Arrayit Corporation for $39,272 in 2009. Fixed assets are being recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment are determined using the straight-line method over the three year estimated useful life of the asset.
Income Taxes:
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under the asset and liability method of ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recorded and deducted from deferred tax assets when the deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized based on currently available evidence. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Fair Value Measurements:
U.S. GAAP for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.
At June 30, 2012, the Company has no instruments that require additional disclosure. The carrying amounts of the Company’s short-term financial instruments, including cash and equivalents and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short period to maturity for these instruments.
Revenue Recognition:
Overview
The Company will recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. In instances where final acceptance of the product or system is required, revenue is deferred until all the acceptance criteria have been met.
F-10 |
Product Sales
Product sales will include sales of probe arrays, reagents and related instrumentation. Probe array, reagent and instrumentation revenues are recognized when earned, which is generally upon shipment and transfer of title to the customer and fulfilment of any significant post-delivery obligations. Accruals are provided for anticipated warranty expenses at the time the associated revenue is recognized.
Services
Services revenue will be comprised of equipment service revenue; revenue from custom probe array design fees; and scientific services revenue, which includes associated consumables.
Diagnostic Revenue
Revenue from medical testing and scientific services will be recognized upon shipment of the reported results.
Other Income
The Company recognizes interest income as earned.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes:
The FASB has issued guidance on Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. Management has concluded that the Company has taken no uncertain tax positions that require adjustment to the financial statements to comply with the provisions of this guidance.
Non-Controlling Interest:
The Company accounted for the non-controlling interest in its two subsidiaries, prior to May 23, 2011, under FASB ASC 810-10-45-16, Non-controlling Interest in a Subsidiary. This standard defines a non-controlling interest, previously called a minority interest, as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. The standard requires, among other items, that a non-controlling interest be included in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity separate from the parent's equity; consolidated net income to be reported at amounts inclusive of both the parent's and non-controlling interest’s shares and, separately, the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and non-controlling interest all on the consolidated statement of operations; and if a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained non-controlling equity investment in the former subsidiary be measured at fair value and a gain or loss be recognized in net income based on such fair value. Additionally, the standard defines a non-controlling interest as a financial instrument issued by a subsidiary that is classified as equity in the subsidiary's financial statements. A financial instrument issued by a subsidiary that is classified as a liability in the subsidiary's financial statements based on the guidance in other standards is not a controlling interest because it is not an ownership interest.
Royalty interests that entitle the holder to participate in future earnings and are not repayable are classified as non-controlling interests.
Deferred Offering Costs:
The Company may incur legal and accounting fees, as well as due diligence fees related to the preparation of any pending financing. Such costs may initially be deferred until the offering is completed, at which time they will be recorded as a reduction of gross proceeds from the offering, or expensed to operations if the offering is unsuccessful. Other start-up costs are expensed as incurred.
F-11 |
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:
In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the current option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statements of changes in stockholder’s equity and requires entities to present comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments do not change the components of other comprehensive income. The new disclosure requirements was effective for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and had no impact on the financial statements.
The Company continually assesses any new accounting pronouncements to determine their applicability to the Company. Where it is determined that a new accounting pronouncement affects the Company’s financial reporting, the Company undertakes a study to determine the consequence of the change to its financial statements and assures that there are proper controls in place to ascertain that the Company’s financials properly reflect the change.
NOTE 3 – OTHER ASSETS, NET
Pursuant to a, perpetual, non-exclusive, “Technology Assignment Agreement” entered into as of July 18, 2009 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (the Company) and Arrayit Corporation (the Parent), the Parent assigned to the Company an exclusive, worldwide interest in all trade secrets and protocols required for the production and use of the Ovarian Cancer biomarker panel for the early stage (pre-symptomatic) screen and detection of Ovarian Cancer and monitoring of early and late state Ovarian Cancer in human Patients. The Assignment is carried at a nominal value of $1.00.
NOTE 4 – DEFERRED DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Deferred development costs included $110,900 paid to the Company’s parent, Arrayit Corporation, in 2009 to complete the development of the Ovarian Cancer tests. The Company evaluated the progress to date and determined that the development is complete, and expensed the deferred development costs to research and development expenditures. Amounts expensed to research and development for deferred development costs totalled $10,000 in 2011 and $100,900 in 2010.
F-12 |
NOTE 5 – NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable consisted of the following at the following dates:
June 30, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
NOTES PAYABLE - ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ||||||||||||
Note payable to WEM Equity Capital, with interest at 10%, due January 22, 2011 and now past due, secured by 1,000,000 shares of Company's common stock. The terms also called for Arrayit Corporation to issue 300,000 warrants for shares of common stock of Arrayit Corporation at $0.22 per share, expires February 15, 2013. | $ | 76,640 | $ | 72,990 | $ | 66,371 | ||||||
LESS: Unamortized loan fee and discount in connection with the obtaining of the loan | - | - | (8,916 | ) | ||||||||
Note payable to Juggernaut Financial Group, LLC, interest at 10%, due August 10, 2010 and is now past due, secured by 200,000 shares of the Company's common stock, pledged by Company shareholders. | 61,939 | 58,990 | 53,640 | |||||||||
Note payable to Chief Executive Officer of the Company, annual interest of 10%, due on demand. | 25,000 | - | - | |||||||||
Total Notes Payable | $ | 163,579 | $ | 131,980 | $ | 111,095 |
NOTE 6 – ROYALTY OBLIGATIONS
(a) | Advisory Agreement |
Under paragraph 2 (b) of an advisory agreement dated August 11, 2009 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and a limited liability partnership, controlled by parties that were also shareholders in Arrayit Corporation, there was a contractual obligation to pay a Royalty of Twenty percent (20%) of the net sales of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., and its subsidiaries. “Net Sales” means the gross selling price by the Company and sub-licensees for the sale of any product or products, less trade discounts allowed, credits for claims or allowances, commissions, refunds, returns and recalls.
The term of the advisory agreement was five years. The royalties and ownership provisions were in perpetuity.
The entitlement to royalties under the advisory agreement was decreased by obligation to pay royalties to other advisors and investors. With respect to the revenue generated by Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. as described in (b) below the Company was obligated to pay a 0.95% royalty to purchasers of royalty interests, thereby reducing the Company’s obligation to the advisor by a similar amount, resulting in a net royalty obligation to the advisor of 19.05% on revenue generated by the Ovarian subsidiary.
During the periods ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited), December 31, 2011 and 2010 there were no revenues earned and hence no obligation to pay any royalties.
F-13 |
On March 5, 2012, the 20% royalty interests were exchanged for 385,000 common shares of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
(b) Royalty Interests – ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS (OVARIAN), INC.
Third party investors, who were not related parties with the Parent Company, purchased royalty interests in the amount of $285,000 in Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., in return for a zero decimal nine five percent (0.95%) royalty on net sales of the Ovarian test. Amounts received with respect to these royalty interests were shown as Non-Controlling Interests on the Balance Sheet, as there are no terms of repayment of the royalty interests.
During the periods ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited), December 31, 2011 and 2010 there were no revenues earned and hence no obligation to pay any royalties.
On March 5, 2012, the 0.95% royalty interests were exchanged for 210,000 common shares of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
(c) Wayne State University – ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS (OVARIAN), INC.
Under terms of a biomarker license agreement between Wayne State University (“WSU”) and the Company, effective December 7, 2009, the Company is obligated to pay WSU royalties of 5% of net sales and a minimum yearly royalty starting in 2011. The royalty expense for the period ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited) was $25,000 and $50,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. The following is a schedule of the future minimum royalty payments for the next five years that are expected to be paid under the license agreement as of December 31, 2011:
2012 | $ | 50,000 | ||
2013 | 150,000 | |||
2014 | 150,000 | |||
2015 | 300,000 | |||
2016 | 300,000 | |||
$ | 950,000 |
The license agreement can be terminated by either party. The Company has the right to terminate the license agreement for any reason with 120 days’ notice to WSU.
(d) The Parkinson’s Institute – ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS (PARKINSON’S), INC.
Pursuant to an agreement dated February 9, 2009 between TeleChem International (doing business as Arrayit), a wholly owned subsidiary of Arrayit Corporation and The Parkinson's Institute, a California Corporation, Arrayit Diagnostics (Parkinson’s), Inc. was obligated to make payments of 5% of gross earnings generated from Research derived from the biological specimens from Parkinson's disease patients and control patients provided by the Parkinson's Institute.
There were no revenues generated from June 2, 2009 (inception) through June 30, 2012 and hence not obligated to pay any amounts to the Parkinson’s Institute.
F-14 |
On May 23, 2011, the Company acquired the outstanding 20% non-controlling interest in Arrayit Diagnostics (Parkinson), Inc., also recognizing no gain or loss on the transaction, and distributed the then 100% owned subsidiary directly to Arrayit Corporation.
NOTE 7 – SHARE CAPITAL
The Company is authorized to issue a total of 500,000,000 shares of stock, including 480,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
In 2009, the Company issued 3,000 series B preferred shares to its President and CEO. The 3,000 issued and outstanding shares of series B preferred stock, voting as a class, have the number of votes equal to twice the number of votes of all outstanding shares of capital stock such that the holders of outstanding shares of Series B preferred stock shall always constitute a two-thirds of the voting rights of the corporation.
In June 2009, the Company issued 1,000 common shares to its Parent as compensation for the Technology Assignment, more fully described in Note 3.
In June 2009, the Company issued 250 common shares pursuant to paragraph 2 (a) of an advisory agreement dated August 11, 2009 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (the Company’s parent company) and a limited liability partnership, not affiliated with the company or its parent. This advisory agreement created a contractual obligation to issue Twenty percent (20%) of the fully diluted equity (the “Equity”) of the Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., and its subsidiaries, which includes the Company, which shall be fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of its execution of the Agreement. On July 15, 2010, the Company issued an additional 25 common shares to the limited liability partnership.
On July 15, 2010, the Company issued 100 common shares to its President and CEO.
On July 15, 2010, the Company issued a stock dividend which included a 6000:1 common stock split. On May 23, 2011, the Company issued another stock dividend which included an additional 3:1 common stock split. Additionally, 500,000 shares were surrendered on May 23, 2011. These transactions have been accounted for retroactively within the financial statements.
On May 15, 2012 the Company issued 1,484,800 common shares to Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP (Recap), in compliance with an anti-dilution clause contained in the 2009 consulting agreement with Recap. This clause was terminated on June 30, 2012.
As a result of these transactions, there were 3,000 preferred shares outstanding and 32,205,000 common shares outstanding at June 30, 2012.
NOTE 8 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company follows FASB ASC 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation" and ASC 505, “Equity”, to account for its stock options and similar equity instruments issued. Accordingly, compensation costs attributable to stock options or similar equity instruments granted are measured at the fair value at the grant date, and expensed over the expected vesting period. ASC 718 and ASC 505 require excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash inflow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid.
Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited) included $1,000,000 of stock based compensation arising from the granting of 5,000,000 shares of common stock. Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 includes $450 in compensation arising from the granting of 450,000 shares of common stock.
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Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 and for the period from June 2, 2009 (inception) to June 30, 2012 include $208,587 and $511,976, respectively, in stock and stock option based compensation expense relating to stock and options issued by Arrayit Corporation, the Company’s parent. These amounts were recorded at fair value based upon the trading price of the parent company’s stock on the date of grant and Black-Scholes option pricing models as determined by the parent.
NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The amounts due of $505,537 to Arrayit Corporation and its subsidiaries are non-interest bearing, unsecured, and have no specific terms of repayment. The amounts arose from stock compensation to the Company’s President satisfied by share issuances and options of Arrayit Corporation.
Fixed assets with a cost of $39,272 were purchased from Arrayit Corporation at third party arms length pricing, less accumulated depreciation.
Development costs of $110,900 were paid to Arrayit Corporation to further develop the pre-symptomatic Ovarian Cancer test. The Company evaluated the progress to date and determined that the development is complete, and expensed the deferred development costs to research and development expenditures.
Premises are provided at no cost to the
Company by a stockholder.
NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES
At June 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had net operating loss (NOL) carry-forwards available to offset future taxable income of approximately $2,462,921, $1,289,036 and 997,666, respectively. The utilization of the NOL carry-forwards is dependent upon the tax laws in effect at the time the NOL carry-forwards can be utilized. A valuation allowance of approximately $985,000 at June 30, 2012, $515,000 at December 31, 2011 and $399,000 at December 31, 2010 has been recorded against the deferred tax asset (tax benefit of the NOL) due to the uncertainty surrounding its realization caused by the Company’s recurring losses. The valuation allowance changed by approximately $470,000, $117,000 and $248,000 during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The NOL carry-forwards will expire in 2019.
NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management evaluated subsequent events through August 20, 2012, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution * |
The expenses relating to the registration of the securities will be borne by registrant. Such expenses are estimated to be as follows: The following table sets forth an itemized statement of all cash expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered:
SEC registration fee | $ | 4,111 | ||
Blue sky fees and expenses* | 14,500 | |||
Printing and related expenses* | 1,500 | |||
Legal fees | 42,500 | |||
Accounting fees and expenses | 20,000 | |||
Transfer Agent fees* | 3,000 | |||
Miscellaneous* | 1,500 | |||
TOTAL | $ | 87,111 | ||
*Estimated. |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes 78.7502 to 78.752 (the “NRS”), we must indemnify directors and officers for any expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by any director or officer in connection with any actions or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, brought against such director or officer because of his or her status as a director or officer, to the extent that the director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of the action or proceeding. The NRS permits a corporation to indemnify a director or officer, even in the absence of an agreement to do so, for expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any action or proceeding (i) if such officer or director (a) acted in good faith and in a manner in which he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, (b) is not liable pursuant to Section 78.138 of the NRS (fiduciary duties), and (c) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, or (ii) with respect to an action by or in the right of the corporation, if such director or officer (a) acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and (b) is not liable pursuant to Section 8.138 of the NRS (fiduciary duties), except that indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which a person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court determines upon application that the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.
The NRS also prohibits indemnification of a director or officer if a final adjudication establishes that the director’s or officer’s acts or omissions involved intentional misconduct, fraud, or a knowing violation of the law and were material to the cause of action. Despite the foregoing limitations on indemnification, the NRS may permit a director or officer to apply to the court for approval of indemnification even if the director or officer is adjudged to have committed intentional misconduct, fraud, or a knowing violation of the law. The NRS further provides that a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance for directors and officers against liabilities incurred while acting in such capacities regardless of whether the corporation has the authority to indemnify such persons under the NRS. Any discretionary indemnification under the NRS must be authorized upon a determination that such indemnification is proper: (i) by the stockholders, (ii) by a majority of a quorum of disinterested directors, or (iii) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion authorized by a majority vote of a quorum of directors consisting of disinterested directors or by independent legal counsel in a written opinion if a quorum of disinterested directors cannot be obtained.
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Article XII of the company’s articles of incorporation provide for the indemnification of a present or former director or officer, or person who is or was serving at the request of the company as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise (including an employee benefit plan) to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law. Such indemnification shall include expenses, including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually incurred by him in any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative because such individual is or was a director or officer. Additionally, the company will advance any and all such expenses to the individual upon request.
The company’s bylaws are silent with respect to indemnification.
The company has entered into an indemnification agreement with each of its directors and officers. The agreement provides that the company will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the director and/or officer to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law.
The company also maintains insurance for the benefit of its directors and officers against liability in their respective capacities as directors and officers. The directors and officers are not required to pay any premium in respect of this insurance. The policy contains various industry exclusions and no claims have been made thereunder to date.
See page 49 for a description of the SEC’s position regarding such indemnification provisions.
Item 15. | Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities |
During the three years preceding the filing of this registration statement, we issued and sold the following securities that were not registered under the Securities Act:
On January 4, 2012, we issued for $10,000 cash, 50,000 shares of common stock to Bettina Mackenbach in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On January 4, 2012, we issued for $10,000 cash, 50,000 shares of common stock to Jukka Tolonen in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On January 9, 2012, we issued for $25,000 cash, 125,000 shares of common stock to Helena Wahala in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On January 18, 2012, we issued 1,000,000 shares to Issuers Capital Advisors in consideration for their services as investment advisors in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On January 18, 2012, we issued 1,000,000 shares to Dr. Eric Zuckerman in consideration for his services as a consultant to form and chair a scientific advisory board in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On January 18, 2012, we issued 500,000 shares to Gregg Linn in consideration for his services as a consultant to assist in the accounting setup and compliance with SEC regulations in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On January 18, 2012, we issued 500,000 shares to Steven Scott in consideration for his services as a consultant to assist in the formation of the public entity and compliance with SEC regulations in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On February 1, 2012, we issued 1,000,000 shares to Tamarin Fuller in consideration for her services in public relations and the development of the corporate structure of officers and directors in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On February 1, 2012, we issued 1,000,000 shares to John Howell in consideration for his services as CEO, President and Chairman of the Board in the form of an employment agreement for a 3 year period. This agreement replaces and extends the original employment agreement that was set to expire in August of 2012. These shares were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
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On March 5, 2012, we issued a total of 210,000 shares to the following persons in the following amounts in consideration of the royalty previously issued by Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. At the time the royalty was issued, Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. was a wholly owned subsidiary of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. However, effective May 23, 2011, Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. was merged with and into Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.:
John R. Lester | 25,000 | |||
John Wiesner | 50,000 | |||
Timothy Phelan | 50,000 | |||
Jerry W. Neel Jr. | 50,000 | |||
Dr. Sylvin Mayford Griffin | 10,000 | |||
Palmer and Talley Melton | 25,000 | |||
TOTAL | 210,000 |
The shares were issued in reliance upon the exemptions from registration in Section 3(a)(9) and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On March 5, 2012, we issued 385,000 shares to Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP in consideration for the 20% royalty they had in Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and the sale of the OvaDx pre-symptomatic ovarian cancer diagnostic test. This payment cancels any and all royalty interest that Recap held in Arrayit Diagnostics and any of its subsidiaries. On May 23, 2011 Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., a subsidiary of Arrayit Diagnostics, was merged into Arrayit Diagnostics. Arrayit Diagnostics (Parkinsons’), Inc. was removed as a subsidiary of Arrayit Diagnostics and renamed Arrayit Scientific Solutions, Inc. These shares were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On April 2, 2012, we issued for $10,000 cash, 50,000 shares of common stock to Craig Musick in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On April 17, 2012, we issued for $5,000 cash, 25,000 shares of common stock to Bettina Mackenbach in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On May 1, 2012, we issued for $10,000 cash, 50,000 shares of common stock to Craig Musick in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On May 15, 2012 we issued 1,484,800 shares to Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP, in compliance with the anti-dilution clause contained in the original consulting agreement with that entity, as a result of the issuance of additional shares to investors and consultants. These shares were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Regulation S and Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On June 25, 2012, we issued for $5,000 cash, 25,000 shares of common stock to Gerald Bridge in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On September 18, 2012, we issued for $6,000 cash, 30,000 shares of common stock to Michael Montante in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
On October 15, 2012 we issued for $50,000 cash, 200,000 shares of common stock to Brierpatch, LTD in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
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Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Index to Financial Statements — Included in prospectus
(a)(2) |
Included Separately from prospectus: Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. (See Exhibits 23.2 and 23.3 below.) |
Other than the Financial Data Schedule, no schedules are included for the reason that all required information is contained in the financial statements included in the prospectus.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules. Schedules not listed above have been omitted because the information to be set forth therein is not material, not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(c) Exhibits:
2.1 | Agreement and Plan of Distribution between the Registrant and Arrayit Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Item 9.01(b) to the Form 8-K filed under file no. 33-119586, December 14, 2011. | ||
3.1 | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Registrant | ||
3.2 | Bylaws of Registrant | ||
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate of Registrant | ||
4.2 | Form of Preferred Stock Certificate | ||
4.3 | Plan and Agreement of Merger, dated May 23, 2011, merging Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. with and into Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | ||
5.1 | Opinion of Counsel as to the Legality of the Shares Being Spun Off | ||
10.1 | Technology Assignment Agreement dated as of July 18, 2009 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Arrayit Corporation. | ||
10.2 | United States Patent No.6,101,946 dated August 15, 2000 assigned to TeleChem International Inc. (now a wholly owned subsidiary of Arrayit Corporation) | ||
10.3 | Exclusive Services Agreement effective September 10, 2009 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Arrayit Corporation | ||
10.4 | 2009 Directors, Officers and Consultants Stock Option, Stock Warrant and Stock Award Plan | ||
10.5 | Advisory Agreement, effective January 18, 2012 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Dr. Eric Zuckerman | ||
10.6 | Advisory Agreement, effective January 18, 2012 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Gregg Linn. | ||
10.7 | Consulting Agreement, effective May 27, 2010 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Issuers Capital Advisors LLC. | ||
10.8 | Employment Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2009 between Arrayit Diagnostics and John Howell | ||
10.9 | Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2012 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and John Howell | ||
10.10 | Investment Advisory Agreement, effective August 11, 2009 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP. | ||
10.11 | Advisory Agreement, effective January 18, 2012 between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Steven Scott | ||
10.12 | License Agreement , effective December 7, 2009, between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Wayne State University | ||
10.13 | Sponsored Research Agreement, effective December 7, 2009, between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Wayne State University. |
II-4 |
10.14 | Royalty Conversion Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2012, among Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., Arrayit Corporation and Ovarian Cancer Testing, LLP | ||
10.15 | Royalty Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2012, among Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., and Recap Marketing and Consulting LLP | ||
10.16 ** | Transfer Agent and Registrar Agreement between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., and VStock Transfer, LLC | ||
10.17 | Merger of Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. into Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. dated as of May 23, 2011 | ||
10.18 | Form of Stock Options Agreement | ||
10.19 | Form of Warrant Agreement between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Brad Fleming | ||
10.20 | Form of Indemnification Agreement between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and John Howell | ||
14.1 | Code of Ethics | ||
23.1 * | Consent of Sonfield & Sonfield (Included in Exhibit 5.1) | ||
23.2 * | Consent of Moss, Krusick & Associates, LLC , Independent Public Accounting Firm |
* filed herewith
** to be filed by amendment
Item 17. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the Undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Redmond, Oregon, on the 9th day of November 2012.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registrant’s Form S-1 Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in their respective capacity as officer and/or director of the Registrant on the date indicated.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | ||
/s/ John Howell | ||
John Howell, Chairman, President, CEO, Principal Executive Officer as well as Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (the "Distribution Agreement") dated as of December 12,2011 by and between Arrayit Corporation, a Nevada corporation ("Parent") and Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("Diagnostics").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Parent, is the owner of 19,350,000 shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share, of Diagnostics that represents 78.18 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Diagnostics;
WHEREAS, the Parent's board of directors has decided to currently focus its business on its core competency of designing, manufacturing and selling microarray related instruments, tools, consumables and tests; and
WHEREAS, in order to focus the business of Parent, the board of directors has decided to complete a Distribution (as hereinafter defined) of the shares of common stock of Diagnostics to the shareholders of Parent has soon as practicable.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and of other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Parent and Diagnostics hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 General. As used in this Distribution Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):
Action: shall mean any action, suit, claim, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any court, any governmental or other regulatory or administrative agency, body or commission or any arbitration tribunal.
Affiliate: an Affiliate of any Person shall mean any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Commission: shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Diagnostics Common Stock, shall mean the common stock, $.001 par value of Diagnostics.
Distribution: the distribution on the Distribution Date to holders of record of shares of Parent Common Stock and unissued shares of Parent Common Stock per conversion agreements related to options, warrants and Preferred Stock as of the Distribution Record Date of the Diagnostics Common Stock owned by Parent as determined by dividing the fully diluted share count of the Parent by the number of Diagnostics common shares held by the Parent, being 19,350,000. One whole share of Diagnostics common stock to be distributed for the number of shares held of the Parent, divided by the above quotient.
Distribution Agreement: This Agreement and Plan of Distribution, as amended or supplemented from time
to time.
Distribution Date: The date or dates selected by Parent to distribute the Distribution Shares, which shall occur not later than the first business day after the Effective Date, as the date on which the Distribution shall be effected.
Distribution Record Date: shall mean such date as may hereafter be determined by Parent's Board of Directors as the record date for determining the stockholders of Parent entitled to receive the Distribution Shares.
Distribution Shares: shall mean the shares of capital Stock, par value $.001 per share, of Diagnostics to be distributed by Diagnostics as contemplated by this Distribution Agreement, being 19,350,000. The Distribution Shares shall consist of; (i) the number of common shares equal to the number of shares of common stock of Parent outstanding on the Distribution Record Date, divided by the ratio of fully diluted Parent shares divided by 19,350,000. (ii) the number of Series A preferred shares equal to the number of shares of Series A preferred stock of Parent outstanding on the Distribution Record Date, divided by the ratio of fully diluted Parent snares divided by 19,350,000; and (iii) the number of Series C preferred shares equal to the number of shares of Series C preferred stock of Parent outstanding on the Distribution Record Date, divided by the ratio of fully diluted Parent shares divided by 19,350,000; and (iv) the number of option and warrant shares equal to the number of option and warrant shares of Parent on the Distribution Record Date, divided by the ratio of fully diluted Parent shares divided by 19,350,000.
Agreement and Plan of Distribution(rev 4)
Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
Effective Date: The date on which the Distribution contemplated by this Distribution Agreement is authorized to commence pursuant to the Securities Act.
Effective Time: The time on the Effective Date when the Distribution of the Distribution Shares contemplated by this Distribution Agreement is authorized to commence pursuant to the Securities Act.
FINRA: shall mean the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Indemnifiable Losses: shall mean any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, penalties, fines, demands, awards and judgments, including reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and any and all out-of-pocket expenses) whatsoever reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing for or defending against any Actions or potential Actions and which are incurred by any Indemnitee (as hereinafter defined).
Person: shall mean and include an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an association, a company, an unincorporated organization, a government or any department, political subdivision or agency thereof.
Parent Common Stock: shall mean the common stock, $.001 par value, of Parent
Prospectus: The prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the distribution of any portion of the Distribution Shares covered by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all documents incorporated by reference in such prospectus. If the prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or Rule 424(c) of the Securities Act shall differ from the Prospectus, the term "Prospectus" shall also include the prospectus filed pursuant to such Rule.
Registration Statement: Any registration statement of Diagnostics which covers any of the Distribution Shares pursuant to the provisions of this Distribution Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all documents incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement.
Rules and Regulations: The rules and regulations of the Commission.
Securities Act: shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
Transfer Agent: shall mean Standard Registrar and Transfer Company, Inc., and its successors and assigns.
Section 1.2 References. References to a "Schedule" or an "Exhibit" are, unless otherwise specified, to one of the Schedules or Exhibits attached to this Distribution Agreement, and references to a "Section" are, unless otherwise specified, to one of the Sections of this Distribution Agreement.
ARTICLE II
CERTAIN COVENANTS
Section 2.1 Directors and Officers of Diagnostics. On the Distribution Date, the parties hereto shall use their best efforts to cause: (i) the election to the Board of Directors of Diagnostics of the individuals to be identified in the Prospectus as directors of Diagnostics, effective upon the Effective Date, and (ii) the directors of Diagnostics to elect as officers of Diagnostics the individuals to be identified in the Prospectus as the officers of Diagnostics, effective upon the Effective Date.
Section 2.2 FINRA Qualification. Diagnostics shall use its best efforts to qualify the Distribution Shares for quotation on the Electronic Bulletin Board operated by the FINRA.
Section 2.3 Best Efforts Undertaking of Diagnostics. Diagnostics hereby expressly covenants and agrees to use its best efforts to effect the Distribution of the Distribution Shares on an expedited basis following the execution of this Distribution Agreement.
Agreement and Plan of Distribution(rev 4)
2 |
ARTICLE III
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 3.1 Indemnification by Diagnostics. From and after the Distribution Date, except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Distribution Agreement, Diagnostics shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Parent, its successors and permitted assigns and its directors, officers, stockholders, employees, representatives, Affiliates, agents and associates (collectively hereinafter, the "Indemnitees") from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of any of the Indemnitees related in any way to or otherwise arising in connection with: (a) the operation of the business of Diagnostics; (b) the breach by Diagnostics at any time of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Diagnostics provided in this Distribution Agreement; and (c) any claims relating to the Prospectus or the Registration Statement.
Section 3.2 Procedures for Indemnification.
(a) If a claim or demand is made against an Indemnitee by any person who is not a party to this Distribution Agreement (a "Third Party Claim") as to which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Distribution Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify Diagnostics in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third Party Claim promptly (and in any event within 20 business days) after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such notification within such 20 business day period shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent to which Diagnostics shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that Diagnostics shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period in which the Indemnitee failed to give such notice). Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to Diagnostics promptly (and in any event within 20 business days) after the Indemnitee's receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim.
(b) If a Third Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee, Diagnostics shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses and acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee therefor, to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by Diagnostics; provided that such counsel is not reasonably objected to by the Indemnitee. Should Diagnostics so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, Diagnostics shall not be liable to the Indemnitee for legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof. If Diagnostics assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by Diagnostics, it being understood that Diagnostics shall control such defense. Diagnostics shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee (i) for any period during which Diagnostics has failed to assume the defense thereof (other than during the 20 business day period prior to the time the Indemnitee shall have given notice of the Third Party Claim as provided above) or (ii) in the event the Indemnitee reasonably determines, based on the advice of its counsel that there shall exist a conflict of interest between the Indemnitee and Diagnostics or that there are defenses available to the Indemnitee that are not available to Diagnostics, the effect of which shall be to make it impractical for the Indemnitee and Diagnostics to be jointly represented by the same counsel, in which case Diagnostics shall be liable for the fees and expenses of one counsel for all Indemnitees in any single or series of related Actions. If Diagnostics so elects to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee shall cooperate with Diagnostics in the defense or prosecution thereof.
(c) If Diagnostics acknowledges in writing liability for indemnification of a Third Party Claim, then in no event will the Indemnitee admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third Party Claim without Diagnostics' prior written consent; provided, however, that the Indemnitee shall have the right to settle, compromise or discharge such Third Party Claim without the consent of Diagnostics if the Indemnitee releases Diagnostics from its indemnification obligations hereunder with respect to such Third Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or discharge would not otherwise adversely affect Diagnostics. If Diagnostics acknowledges in writing liability for indemnification of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of a Third Party Claim that Diagnostics may recommend that by its terms (i) obligates Diagnostics to pay the full amount of the liability in connection with such Third Party Claim, (ii) releases the Indemnitee completely in connection with such Third Party Claim and (iii) would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnitee; provided, however, that the Indemnitee may refuse to agree to any such settlement, compromise or discharge and may assume the defense of such Third Party Claim if the Indemnitee agrees (A) that Diagnostics' indemnification obligation with respect to such Third Party Claim shall not exceed the amount that would have been required to be paid by or on behalf of Diagnostics in connection with such settlement, compromise or discharge and (B) to assume all costs and expenses thereafter incurred in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claim (other than those contemplated by subclause (A) herein above).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Diagnostics shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim (and shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the Indemnitee in defending such Third Party Claim) if the Third Party Claim seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief or relief other than money damages against the Indemnitee which the Indemnitee reasonably determines, based on the advice of its counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable or other relief portion of the Third Party Claim can be so separated from the claim for money damages, Diagnostics shall be entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.
Section 3.3 Indemnification Payments. Any indemnification required by this Article III shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or the Indemnifiable Losses are incurred.
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Section 3.4 Survival of Indemnification Obligations. The obligations of Diagnostics under this Article III shall survive indefinitely the execution and delivery of this Distribution Agreement.
ARTICLE IV THE
DISTRIBUTION
Section 4.1 Issuance and Distribution of the Distribution Shares.
(a) Diagnostics shall, on or prior to the Distribution Date, authorize the issuance of the Distribution Shares in such number and such class as shall be required to effect the Distribution contemplated by this Distribution Agreement.
(b) Diagnostics shall deliver to the Transfer Agent on or prior to the Distribution Date the share certificates representing the Distribution Shares and shall instruct the Transfer Agent to distribute, on or as soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, such Distribution Shares to holders of record of shares of capital stock of Parent on the Distribution Record Date as further contemplated by the Prospectus and this Distribution Agreement. Diagnostics shall provide all share certificates that the Transfer Agent shall require in order to effect the Distribution.
(c) Diagnostics hereby represents and warrants that at the Distribution Date, the representations and warranties of Diagnostics herein contained and the statements contained in all certificates theretofore or simultaneously delivered by Diagnostics to Parent pursuant to this Distribution Agreement, shall in all respects be true and correct.
(d) Diagnostics shall give irrevocable instructions to the Transfer Agent to deliver to Parent (at Diagnostics' expense) for a period of three years from the Distribution Date, daily advice sheets showing any transfers of Distribution Shares and from time to time during such period a complete stockholders' list will be furnished by Diagnostics when requested by Parent.
Section 4.2 Conditions to the Distribution. Diagnostics' obligation to effect the Distribution hereunder shall be subject to the accuracy as of the date hereof and as of the Distribution Date, of the representations and warranties on the part of Diagnostics herein contained, to the performance by Diagnostics of all its agreements herein contained, to the fulfillment of or compliance by Diagnostics with all covenants and conditions hereof, and to the following additional conditions:
(a) On or prior to the Distribution Date, no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission or be pending; any request for additional information on the part of the Commission (to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Commission; and neither the Registration Statement nor any amendment thereto shall have been filed to which counsel to Parent shall have reasonably objected, in writing.
(b) As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, the common stock included in the Distribution Shares shall have (i) been authorized for quotation on the NASDAQ Stock Market or the Electronic Bulletin Board and at least one FINRA member firm shall have agreed to make a market in the common stock that is a part of the Distribution Shares, or (ii) been approved for listing on a regional, national or international exchange.
(c) Between the date hereof and the Distribution Date, Diagnostics shall not have sustained any loss on account of fire, explosion, flood, accident, calamity or other cause, of such character as materially adversely affects its business or property, whether or not such loss is covered by insurance.
(d) Between the date hereof and the Distribution Date there shall be no material litigation instituted or to the knowledge of Diagnostics threatened against Diagnostics and there shall be no proceeding instituted or to the knowledge of Diagnostics threatened against Diagnostics before or by any federal or state commission, regulatory body or administrative agency or other governmental body, domestic or foreign, wherein an unfavorable ruling, decision or finding would materially adversely affect the business, franchises, licenses, permits, operations or financial condition or income of Diagnostics.
(e) Except as contemplated herein or as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, during the period subsequent to the Effective Date and prior to the Distribution Date, (i) Diagnostics shall have conducted its business in the usual and ordinary manner as the same was being conducted on the date of the initial filing of the Registration Statement and (ii) except in the ordinary course of its business, Diagnostics shall not have incurred any liabilities or obligations (direct or contingent), or disposed of any of its assets, or entered into any material transaction or suffered or experienced any substantially adverse change in its condition, financial or otherwise. On the Distribution Date, the capital stock and surplus accounts of Diagnostics shall be substantially as great as at its last financial report without considering the proceeds from the Distribution of the Distribution Shares.
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(f) The authorization of the Distribution Shares, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and all corporate proceedings and other legal matters incident thereto and to this Distribution Agreement, shall be reasonably satisfactory in all material respects to counsel to Parent.
(g) Counsel to Diagnostics shall have furnished to Parent its opinion, dated the first Distribution Date, addressed to Parent, or its counsel to the effect that:
(i) Diagnostics has been duly incorporated and is a validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation with full corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and to carry on its business as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and has an authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus; Diagnostics is duly licensed or qualified as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which by reason of maintaining an office in such jurisdiction or by owning or leasing real property in such jurisdiction it is required to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the business, properties or operations of Diagnostics.
(ii) The Distribution Shares and the outstanding capital stock of Diagnostics conform to the statements concerning them in the Registration Statement and Prospectus; the outstanding capital stock of Diagnostics has been duly and validly issued and is fully-paid and non-assessable and is not subject to any pre-emptive rights or any other rights of third Persons; the Distribution Shares have been duly and validly authorized are duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to any pre-emptive rights or any other rights of third Persons.
(iii) No consents, approvals, authorizations or orders of any governmental authorities are necessary for the valid Distribution of the Distribution Shares hereunder, except such as may be required under the Securities Act or state securities laws.
(iv) The Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and, to the best knowledge of such counsel, no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or contemplated under the Securities Act, and the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and each amendment thereof and supplement thereto, comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations (except that no opinion need be expressed as to financial statements and financial data contained in the Registration Statement or Prospectus), and nothing has come to the attention of such counsel which would lead such counsel to believe that either the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any such amendment or supplement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and such counsel is familiar with all contracts referred to in the Registration Statement or in the Prospectus and such contracts are sufficiently summarized or disclosed therein, or filed as exhibits thereto, as required, and such counsel does not know of any other contracts required to be summarized or disclosed or filed, and such counsel does not know of any legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which Diagnostics is a party, or in which property of Diagnostics is the subject, of a character required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which are not disclosed and properly described therein.
(v) Based upon Diagnostics' representations, Diagnostics (a) owns the real and personal properties shown in the Prospectus as being owned by it by good and marketable title, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and equities of record, except for those expressly referred to in the Prospectus, and except for those which do not in the reasonable opinion of such counsel materially affect the use or value of such assets, and except for the lien of current taxes not due, or (b) holds by valid lease its properties as shown in the Prospectus, and to the best knowledge of such counsel is not in violation of any applicable laws, ordinances and regulations applicable thereto.
(vi) The Distribution Agreement has been duly authorized and executed by Diagnostics and is a valid and binding agreement of Diagnostics, enforceable against Diagnostics in accordance with its terms, except that no opinion need be given regarding rights of indemnification under the Distribution Agreement and enforceability under laws affecting creditors' rights.
(vii) To the best knowledge of such counsel, the representations and warranties of Diagnostics contained in the Distribution Agreement are true and correct.
Such opinion shall also cover such other matters incident to the transactions contemplated by this Distribution Agreement as Parent shall reasonably request.
At any Distribution Date, subsequent to the first Distribution Date, Diagnostics shall have furnished to Parent the opinion of such counsel, dated such Distribution Date and confirming in all respects, as of such Distribution Date, the opinion given by such counsel on the first Distribution Date pursuant to this Section 4.2 (h).
(h) Diagnostics shall have furnished to Parent a certificate of the President and the Treasurer of Diagnostics, dated as of the first Distribution Date, to the effect that:
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(i) The representations and warranties of Diagnostics in this Distribution Agreement are true and correct at and as of such Distribution Date, and Diagnostics has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the first Distribution Date;
(ii) The Registration Statement has become effective and no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, and, to the best knowledge of the respective signers, no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or is threatened by the Commission;
(iii) The respective signers have each carefully examined the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto, and to the best of their knowledge, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto and all statements contained therein are true and correct, and neither the Registration Statement nor the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto includes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and, since the Effective Date, there has occurred no event required to be set forth in an amended or supplemented Prospectus which has not been so set forth; and
(iv) Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus since the respective dates as of which or periods for which information is given in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and prior to the date of such certificate (A) there has not been any materially adverse change, financial or otherwise, in the affairs or condition of Diagnostics and (B) Diagnostics has not incurred any material liabilities, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions, otherwise than in the ordinary course of business.
At any Distribution Date, subsequent to the first Distribution Date, Diagnostics shall have furnished to Parent a letter from the President and Treasurer of Diagnostics, confirming in all respects, as of such Distribution Date, the opinions given by such President and Treasurer on the first Distribution Date pursuant to this Section 4.2(i).
(i) Diagnostics shall have furnished to Parent at or prior to the Distribution Date, such other certificates, additional to those specifically mentioned herein, as Parent may have reasonably requested as to: (i) the accuracy and completeness of any statement in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto; (ii) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Diagnostics herein; (iii) the performance by Diagnostics of its obligations hereunder; or (iv) the fulfillment of the conditions concurrent and precedent to its obligations hereunder, which are required to be performed or fulfilled on or prior to the Distribution Date.
All the opinions, letters, certificates and evidence mentioned above or elsewhere in this Distribution Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance satisfactory to counsel to Parent, whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Parent reserves the right to waive any of the conditions herein set forth.
ARTICLE V REGISTRATION OF DIAGNOSTIC
SHARES
Section 5.1 Registration Procedures. Diagnostics shall use its best efforts to effect such registrations to permit the Distribution of the Distribution Shares in accordance with the terms of this Distribution Agreement, and pursuant thereto Diagnostics will as expeditiously as possible:
(a) Prepare and file with the Commission, as soon as practicable, a Registration Statement or Registration Statements relating to the applicable registration on any appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form shall be available for the Distribution of the Distribution Shares in accordance with the terms of this Distribution Agreement, and shall include all financial statements required by the Commission to be filed therewith, and use its best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective; provided, however, that before filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, including documents incorporated by reference after the initial filing of the Registration Statement, Diagnostics will furnish to Parent copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, and Diagnostics will not file any registration Statement or amendment thereto or any Prospectus or any supplement thereto (including such documents incorporated by reference) to which Parent shall reasonably object;
(b) Prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the applicable period, or such shorter period which will terminate when all Distribution Shares covered by such Registration Statement have been distributed; and cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;
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(c) Notify Parent promptly, and (if requested by Parent) confirm such advice in writing (i) when the Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information, (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iv) of the receipt by Diagnostics of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Distribution Shares for distribution in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and (v) of the happening of any event which makes any statement made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference untrue or which requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference in order to make the statements therein not misleading;
(d) Make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement at the earliest possible moment;
(e) If requested by Parent, promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as Parent requests to be included therein relating to the Distribution of the Distribution Shares and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;
(f) Furnish to Parent, without charge, at least one copy of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits (including those incorporated by reference);
(g) Deliver to Parent without charge as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as Parent may reasonably request;
(h) Prior to any public offering of Distribution Shares, register or qualify or cooperate with Parent and its counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of such Distribution Shares covered by the Registration Statement; provided, however, that Diagnostics will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;
(i) Effect
the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Distribution Shares to be
distributed, which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends; and enable such Distribution Shares to be in
such denominations and registered in such names as Parent may request at least two business days prior to any
distribution of Distribution Shares to the stockholders of Parent;
(j) Use its best efforts to cause the Distribution Shares covered by the applicable Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the consummation of the Distribution of such Distribution Shares;
(k) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by subparagraph 5.1 (c)(v) above, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the stockholders of Parent, the Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(1) Use its best efforts to cause all Distribution Shares covered by the Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by Diagnostics are then listed if requested by
Parent or, if not listed, to become listed or qualified for quotation on the NASDAQ Stock Market or the Electronic Bulletin Board;
(m) Provide a CUSIP number for all Distribution Shares, not later than the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement;
(n) Make generally available to its security holders earnings statements satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, no later than 45 days after the end of any 12-month period (or 90 days, if such period is a fiscal year) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Distribution Shares are distributed.
Parent may require Diagnostics to furnish to Parent such information regarding the Distribution of the Distribution Shares as Parent may from time to time reasonably request in writing.
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Section 5.2 Registration Expenses; Certain Related Expenses. All expenses incident to Diagnostics' performance of or compliance with this Distribution Agreement, including without limitation all registration and filing fees, fees with respect to filings require to made with FINRA, fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky registrations or qualifications of the Distribution Shares and determination of their eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as Parent may reasonably designate), printing expenses, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, and fees and disbursements of counsel for Diagnostics and of all independent certified public accountants of Diagnostics, securities acts liability insurance if Diagnostics so desires and fees and expenses of other Persons retained by Diagnostics (all such expenses being herein called "Registration Expenses") will be borne by Diagnostics, regardless of whether the Registration Statement becomes effective, except as otherwise required by applicable laws. Diagnostics will, in any event, pay its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the securities to be registered on any securities exchange or qualified for quotation by the NASDAQ Stock Market on the Electronic Bulletin Board and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by Diagnostics.
ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES OF DIAGNOSTICS
Section 6.1 Organization and Qualification. Diagnostics is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada, and has all requisite authority and power (corporate and other), licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to carry on its business, to own, hold and operate its properties and assets and to enter into this Distribution Agreement. Diagnostics is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions where the nature of the property owned or leased by it, or the nature of the business conducted by it, make such qualification necessary and the absence of such qualification would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of Diagnostics. True and complete copies of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and the minute books of Diagnostics have previously been delivered or made available to Parent.
Section 6.2 Authorization and Validity of this Distribution Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by Diagnostics of this Distribution Agreement are within Diagnostics' corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, do not require from the Board of Directors or stockholders of Diagnostics any consent or approval that has not been validly and lawfully obtained, require no authorization, consent, approval, license, exemption of or filing or registration with any court or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality of government, do not and will not violate or contravene (i) any provision of law; (ii) any rule or regulation of any agency or government, domestic or foreign; (iii) any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award; or (iv) any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of Diagnostics, do not and will not violate or be in conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by (or give any party any right to terminate or accelerate upon notice or lapse of time or both), any indenture, license, franchise, loan or credit agreement, note, deed of trust, mortgage, security agreement or other agreement, lease or instrument, commitment or arrangement to which Diagnostics is a party, or by which Diagnostics or any of its properties, assets or rights is bound or affected, do not and will not result in the creation or imposition of any lien or other security interest and do not and will not require the consent, approval or authorization
of any other party to any agreements, licenses, leases, permits, franchises, rights and other obligations of Diagnostics.
Section 6.3 inding Obligation. This Distribution Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Diagnostics and is enforceable against Diagnostics in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.
Section 6.4 Capitalization of the Company. The authorized capital stock of Diagnostics, as of the date of this Distribution Agreement, consists of 480,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share and 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share, of which 3,000 shares of series B preferred stock are issued and outstanding. There are no warrants, options, subscriptions or other rights or preferences (including conversion or preemptive rights) outstanding to acquire capital stock of Diagnostics, or notes, securities or other instruments convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock of Diagnostics, nor any agreements or understandings with respect to the issuance thereof.
Section 6.5 Duly Issued. Upon issuance by Diagnostics of the Distribution Shares, such shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and will vest in their holders legal and valid title to the Distribution Shares, free and clear of all liens, security interests, restrictions, options, proxies, voting trusts or other encumbrances.
Section 6.6 Representations Not Waived. The representations and warranties of Diagnostics contained herein will not be affected or deemed waived by reason of any investigation made by or on behalf of Parent and/or its representatives or agents or by reason of the fact that Parent and/or its representatives or agents knew or should have known that any such representation or warranty is or might be inaccurate in any respect.
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Section 6.7 Disclosure. No representation or warranty of Diagnostics contained in this Distribution Agreement and no information appearing in any writing furnished by Diagnostics to Parent pursuant hereto contains any untrue statement of material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements herein or therein not misleading.
ARTICLE VII
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 7.1 Disputes. In the event of a controversy, dispute or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance, nonperformance, validity or breach of this Distribution Agreement or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to this Distribution Agreement, including, without limitation, any claim based on contract, tort, statute or constitution (singly, an "Distribution Agreement Dispute" and collectively, "Distribution Agreement Disputes"), the party asserting the Distribution Agreement Dispute shall give written notice to the other party of the existence and nature of such Distribution Agreement Dispute. Thereafter, the general counsels (or other designated representatives) of the respective parties shall negotiate in good faith for a period of no less than 60 days after the date of the notice in an attempt to settle such Distribution Agreement Dispute. If after such 60 calendar day period such representatives are unable to settle such Distribution Agreement Dispute, any party hereto may commence arbitration by giving written notice to any other party hereto that such Distribution Agreement Dispute has been referred to the American Arbitration Association for arbitration in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
Section 7.2 Arbitration in Accordance with American Arbitration Association Rules. All Distribution Agreement Disputes shall be settled by arbitration in San Jose, CA, before a single arbitrator in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (the "Rules"). The arbitrator shall be selected by the mutual agreement of all parties, but if they do not so agree within twenty (20) days after the date of the notice of arbitration referred to above, the selection shall be made pursuant to the Rules from the panels of arbitrators maintained by the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator shall be an individual with substantial professional experience with regard to resolving or settling sophisticated commercial disputes.
Section 7.3 Final and Binding Awards. Any award rendered by the arbitrator shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto; provided, however, that any such award shall be accompanied by a written
opinion of the arbitrator giving the reasons for the award. This provision for arbitration shall be specifically enforceable by the parties and the decision of the arbitrator in accordance therewith shall be final and binding, and there shall be no right of appeal therefrom. The parties agree to comply with any award made in any such arbitration proceedings that has become final in accordance with the Rules, and agree to the entry of a judgment in any jurisdiction upon any award rendered in such proceedings becoming final under the Rules.
Section 7.4 Costs of Arbitration. In the award, the arbitrator shall allocate, in his or her discretion, among the parties to the arbitration all costs of the arbitration, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of the arbitrator and reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expert witness expenses of the parties. Absent such an allocation by the arbitrator, each party shall pay its own expenses of arbitration, and the expenses of the arbitrator shall be equally shared.
Section 7.5 Settlement by Mutual Distribution Agreement. Nothing contained in this Article VII shall prevent the parties hereto from settling any Distribution Agreement Dispute by mutual agreement at any time.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.1 No Inconsistent Agreements. Diagnostics will not, on or after the date of this Distribution Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with this Distribution Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. In the event Diagnostics has previously entered into any agreement with respect to its securities granting any registration rights to any Person, the rights granted to Parent hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of Diagnostics' securities under any such agreements.
Section 8.2 Survival of Obligations. The obligations of the parties under Articles VII and VIII of this Distribution Agreement shall survive the termination for any reason of this Distribution Agreement (whether such termination is by Diagnostics, by Parent, upon the expiration of this Distribution Agreement or otherwise).
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Section 8.3 Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions or part of the provisions contained in this Distribution Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall be deemed not to affect any other provision or part of a provision of this Distribution Agreement, but this Distribution Agreement shall be reformed and construed in such jurisdiction as if such provision or part of a provision held to be invalid or illegal or unenforceable had never been contained herein and such provision or part reformed so that it would be valid, legal and enforceable in such jurisdiction to the maximum extent possible. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, Diagnostics and Parent each intend that the covenants contained in Articles IV and V of this Distribution Agreement shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each county of the State of Texas and one for each and every other state, territory or jurisdiction of the United States and any foreign country set forth therein. If, in any judicial proceeding, a court shall refuse to enforce any of such separate covenants, then such unenforceable covenants shall be deemed eliminated from the provisions hereof for the purpose of such proceedings to the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants to be enforced in such proceedings. If, in any judicial proceeding, a court shall refuse to enforce any one or more of such separate covenants because the total time thereof is deemed to be excessive or unreasonable, then it is the intent of the parties hereto that such covenants, which would otherwise be unenforceable due to such excessive or unreasonable period of time, be enforced for such lesser period of time as shall be deemed reasonable and not excessive by such court.
Section 8.4 Entire Distribution Agreement, Amendment. This Distribution Agreement contains the entire agreement between Diagnostics and Parent with respect to the subject matter hereof and supplants in its entirety. This Distribution Agreement may not be amended, waived, changed, modified or discharged except by an instrument in writing executed by or on behalf of the party against whom any amendment, waiver, change, modification or discharge is sought.
Section 8.5 Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, postage prepaid, telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery as follows:
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To Diagnostics: | To Parent: | |
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. 1950 | Arrayit Corporation 524 | |
Cinnamon Teal Drive | East Weddell Driv | |
Redmond OR 97756 Attn: | Sunnyvale, CA 94089 | |
John Howell, President | Attn: Rene Schena, CEO |
With an additional copy by like means to: | With an additional copy by like means to: | |
Sonfield & Sonfield | Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP | |
770 South Post Oak Lane | 2029 Century Park East, Suite 2100 | |
Houston, Texas 77056 | Los Angeles CA 90067 | |
Attn: Robert L. Sonfield, Jr., Esq. | Attn: Karol K. Denniston, Esq. |
and/or to such other persons and addresses as any party shall have specified in writing to the other.
All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five business days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next business day if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.
Section 8.6 Assignability. This Distribution Agreement shall be assignable by either party on the express consent of the other and shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the successors and assigns of the parties.
Section 8.7 Governing Law. This Distribution Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Nevada.
Section 8.8 Waiver and Further Distribution Agreement. Any waiver of any breach of any term or condition of this Distribution Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach of such term or condition or any other term or condition, nor shall any failure to enforce any provision hereof operate as a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof. Each of the parties hereto agrees to execute all such further instruments and documents and to take all such further action as the other party may reasonably require in order to effectuate the terms and purposes of this Distribution Agreement.
Section 8.9 Headings of No Effect. The paragraph headings contained in this Distribution Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Distribution Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Distribution Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers as of the date first above written.
ARRAYIT CORPORATION | ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ||||
By: | /s/ Rene Schena | By: | /s/ John Howell | ||
Rene Schena | John Howell | ||||
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | President and CEO |
Agreement and Plan of Distribution(rev 4)
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AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
V
090201
ROSS MILLER
Secretary of Stat*
204 North Carson Street. Suite 1
Carson City, Nevada 89701-4520
(775) 6W-5708
Website: www.nvsos.oov
Certificate of Amendment
USE BLACK WK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT
Certificate of Amendment to
Articles of Incorporation For
Nevada Profit Corporations (Pursuant to NRS 78.385 and
78.390 - After Issuance of Stock)
1. Name of corporation:
(PURSUANT TO NRS 78.385 AND 78.390)
Filed in the office of | Document Number 20110456875-79 | |
Ross Miller Secretary of State State of Nevada | Filing Date and Time 06/20/2011 8:00 AM | |
Entity Number E0295252009-7 |
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
2. The articles have been amended as follows: (provide article numbers, if available)
Article V-Capital Stock
E. Series B Preferred Stock. (1) There shall be a series of Preferred Stock designated as "Series B Preferred Stock," and the number of shares constituting such series shall be 3,000. Such series is referred to herein as the "Series B Preferred Stock." (See Exhibit A attached hereto).
3. The vote by which the stockholders holding shares in the corporation entitling them to exercise a least a majority of the voting power, or such greater proportion of the voting power as may be required in the case of a vote by classes or series, or as may be required by the provisions of the articles of incorporation* have voted in favor of the amendment is:
(must not bo fetor than 90 days after the certificate Is filed)
4. Effective date of filing: (optional) 5/23/11
5. Signature: (required)
Signature: (required
Signature of Officer
•if any proposed amendment would alter or change any preference or any relative or other right given to any class or series of outstanding shares, then the amendment must be approved by the vote, in addition to the affirmative vote otherwise required, of the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting, power of each dass or series arfodod by the amendrnent regardless to limitations or restrictions on trie voting power thereof.
IMPORTANT: Failure to Include any of the above Information and submit with the proper fees may cause this filing to be rejected. This fotm must Pe accompankKl by appropriate foos Nt^Smsr^^S^ft^P^U^i
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EXHIBIT A TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
ARRAYIT
DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a Nevada corporation)
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of the Corporation is Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. (hereinafter, the "Corporation").
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED OFFICE
AND AGENT
The name of the Corporation's resident agent in the State of Nevada is Inc. Plan of Nevada, Inc., and the street address of the said resident agent where process may be served on the Corporation is 613 Saddle River Court, Henderson, Nevada 89015. The mailing address and the street address of the said resident agent are identical.
ARTICLE III
POWERS
The purpose for which the Corporation is organized is to transact all lawful business for which corporations may be incorporated pursuant to the laws of the State of Nevada. The Corporation shall have all the powers of a corporation organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada.
ARTICLE IV
TERM
The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL STOCK
A. Number and Designation. The total number of shares of all classes that this Corporation shall have authority to issue shall be 500,000,000, of which 480,000,000 shall be shares of common stock, par value $0,001 per share ("Common Stock"), and 20,000,000 shall be shares of preferred stock, par value $0,001 per share ("Preferred Stock"). The shares may be issued by the Corporation from time to time as approved by the board of directors of the Corporation without the approval of the stockholders except as otherwise provided in this Article V or the rules of a national securities exchange if applicable. The consideration for subscriptions to, or the purchase of, the capital stock to be issued by a corporation shall be paid in such form and in such manner as the board of directors shall determine. The board of directors may authorize capital stock to be issued for consideration consisting of cash, any tangible or intangible property or any benefit to the corporation, or any combination thereof. In the absence of actual fraud in the transaction, the judgment of the directors as to the value of such consideration shall be conclusive. The capital stock so issued shall be deemed to be fully paid and nonassessable stock upon receipt by the corporation of such consideration. In the case of a stock dividend, the part of the surplus of the Corporation which is transferred to stated capital upon the issuance of shares as a stock dividend shall be deemed to be the consideration for their issuance.
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A description of the different classes and series (if any) of the Corporation's capital stock, and a statement of the relative powers, designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each class and series (if any) of capital stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, are as follows:
B. Undesignated Common Stock. Shares of Common Stock not at the time designated as shares of a particular series pursuant to this Article (V)(B) or any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation may be issued from time to time in one or more additional series or without any distinctive designation. The board of directors may determine, in whole or in part, the preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative rights or privileges of any such series before the issuance of any shares of that series. The board of directors shall determine the number of shares constituting each series of Common Stock and each series shall have a distinguishing designation.
C. Common Stock. Except as provided in these Articles or the designation of any series or class of capital stock, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share held by such holders.
Whenever there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class or series of stock having preference over the Common Stock as to the payment of dividends, the full amount of dividends and sinking fund or retirement fund or other retirement payments, if any, to which such holders are respectively entitled in preference to the Common Stock, then dividends may be paid on the Common Stock, and on any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith as to dividends, out of any assets legally available for the payment of dividends, but only when and as declared by the board of directors of the Corporation.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class having preference over the Common Stock in any such event, the full preferential amounts to which they are respectively entitled, the holders of the Common Stock and of any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith, in whole or in part, as to distribution of assets shall be entitled, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Corporation, to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution, in cash or in kind.
Each share of undesignated Common Stock shall have the same relative powers, preferences and rights as, and shall be identical in all respects with, all the other shares of Common Stock of the Corporation.
D. Serial Preferred Stock. Shares of Preferred Stock not at the time designated as shares of a particular series pursuant to this Article (V)(D) or any other provision of these Articles of Incorporation may be issued from time to time in one or more additional series. The board of directors may determine, in whole or in part, the preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative rights or privileges of any such series before the issuance of any shares of that series. The board of directors shall determine the number of shares constituting each series of Preferred Stock and each series shall have a distinguishing designation. Each share of each series of serial preferred stock shall have the same relative powers, preferences and rights as, and shall be identical in all respects with, all the other shares of the Corporation of the same series, except the times from which dividends on shares which may be issued from time to time of any such series may begin to accrue.
E. Series B Preferred Stock. (1) There shall be a series of Preferred Stock designated as "Series B Preferred Stock," and the number of shares constituting such series shall be 3,000. Such series is referred to herein as the "Series B Preferred Stock."
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(2) Stated Capital. The amount to be represented in stated capital at all times for each share of Series B Preferred Stock shall be $.001.
(3) Rank. All shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall rank subordinate and junior to all of the Corporation's Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), now or hereafter issued, as to distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary.
(4) Dividends. No dividend shall be declared or paid on the Series B Preferred Stock.
(5) No Liquidation Participation. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Corporation, the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any of the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders. A liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Corporation, as such terms are used in this Section 5 of Article (V)(E), shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any merger of the Corporation with or into one or more corporations or other entities, any acquisition or exchange of the outstanding shares of one or more classes or series of the Corporation, or any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or a part of the assets of the Corporation.
(6) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise required by law, the shares of outstanding Series B Preferred Stock shall have the number of votes equal to the number of votes of all other outstanding shares of capital stock multiplied by two, such that the holders of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall always constitute two-thirds of the voting power of the Corporation. Except as otherwise required by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, the holders of shares of Common Stock and Series B Preferred Stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.
(7) No Redemption. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock are not redeemable.
(8) Outstanding Shares. For purposes of the Articles of Incorporation, all shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be deemed outstanding except from the date of registration of transfer, all shares of Series B Preferred Stock held of record by the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation.
(9) Preemptive Rights. The Series B Preferred Stock is not entitled to any preemptive or subscription rights in respect of any securities of the Corporation.
ARTICLE VI
PREEMPTIVE
RIGHTS
No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any class or series, or any unissued bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock or carrying any right to purchase stock may be issued pursuant to resolution of the board of directors of the Corporation to such persons, firms, corporations or associations, whether or not holders thereof, and upon such terms as may be deemed advisable by the board of directors in the exercise of its sole discretion.
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ARTICLE VII
REPURCHASE OF
SHARES
The Corporation may from time to time, pursuant to authorization by the board of directors of the Corporation and without action by the stockholders, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of any class, bonds, debentures, notes, scrip, warrants, obligations, evidences or indebtedness, or other securities of the Corporation in such manner, upon such terms, and in such amounts as the board of directors shall determine; subject, however, to such limitations or restrictions, if any, as are contained in the express terms of any class of shares of the Corporation outstanding at the time of the purchase or acquisition in question or as are imposed by law.
ARTICLE VIII
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS; CUMULATIVE VOTING
A. No action that is required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be effected by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting of stockholders, unless the action to be effected by written consent of stockholders and the taking of such action by such written consent have expressly been approved in advance by the board of directors of the Corporation.
B. Special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the board of directors of the Corporation, or by a committee of the board of directors which has been duly designated by the board of directors and whose powers and authorities, as provided in a resolution of the board of directors or in the bylaws of the Corporation, include the power and authority to call such meetings but such special meetings may not be called by another person or persons.
C. There shall be no cumulative voting by stockholders of any class or series in the election of directors of the Corporation.
D. Meetings of stockholders may be held at such place as the bylaws may provide.
ARTICLE IX
NOTICE FOR NOMINATIONS AND
PROPOSALS
A. Nominations for the election of directors and proposals for any new business to be taken up at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be made by the board of directors of the Corporation or by any stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. In order for a stockholder of the Corporation to make any such nominations and/or proposals at an annual meeting or such proposals at a special meeting, he or she shall give notice thereof in writing, delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation of not less than thirty days or more than sixty days prior to any such meeting; provided, however, that if less than forty days' notice of the meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders. Each such notice given by a stockholder with respect to nominations for the election of directors shall set forth (1) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice, (2) the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee, and (3) the number of shares of stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by each such nominee. In addition, the stockholder making such nomination shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation.
B. Each such notice given by a stockholder to the Secretary with respect to business proposals to bring before a meeting shall set forth in writing as to each matter: (1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (2) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such business; (3) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder; and (4) any material interest of the stockholder in such business. Notwithstanding anything in these Articles to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at the meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article.
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C. The Chairman of the annual or special meeting of stockholders may, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to such meeting that a nomination or proposal was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and, if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination or proposal shall be disregarded and laid over for action at the next succeeding adjourned, special or annual meeting of the stockholders taking place thirty days or more thereafter. This provision shall not require the holding of any adjourned or special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of considering such defective nomination or proposal.
ARTICLE X
DIRECTORS
A. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be such number, not less than one nor more than 15 (exclusive of directors, if any, to be elected by holders of preferred stock of the Corporation), as shall be provided from time to time in a resolution adopted by the board of directors, provided that no decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director, and provided further that no action shall be taken to decrease or increase the number of directors from time to time unless at least two-thirds of the directors then in office shall concur in said action. Exclusive of directors, if any, elected by holders of preferred stock, vacancies in the board of directors of the Corporation, however caused, and newly created directorships shall be filled by a vote of two-thirds of the directors then in office, whether or not a quorum, and any director so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of the class to which the director has been chosen expires and when the director's successor is elected and qualified. The board of directors shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of Section B of this Article X.
B. The board of directors of the Corporation (other than directors which may be elected by the holders of preferred stock) shall be divided into three classes of directors which shall be designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The members of each class shall be elected for a term of three years and until their successors are elected and qualified. Such classes shall be as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the entire board of directors shall permit, exclusive of directors, if any, elected by holders of preferred stock, with the terms of office of all members of one class expiring each year. Should the number of directors not be equally divisible by three, the excess director or directors shall be assigned to Classes I or II as follows: (1) if there shall be an excess of one directorship over the number equally divisible by three, such extra directorship shall be classified in Class I; and (2) if there be an excess of two directorships over a number equally divisible by three, one shall be classified in Class I and the other in Class II. At the first meeting of the board of directors of the Corporation, directors of Class I shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders, directors of Class II shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual meeting of stockholders and directors of Class III shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting thereafter. Thereafter, at each succeeding annual meeting, directors of each class shall be elected for three-year terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the director whose term shall expire at any annual meeting shall continue to serve until such time as his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified unless his position on the board of directors shall have been abolished by action taken to reduce the size of the board of directors prior to said meeting.
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C. Should the number of directors of the Corporation be reduced, the directorship(s) eliminated shall be allocated among classes as appropriate so that the number of directors in each class is as specified in the position(s) to be abolished. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Should the number of directors of the Corporation be increased, other than directors which may be elected by the holders of preferred stock, the additional directorships shall be allocated among classes as appropriate so that the number of directors in each class is as specified in the immediately preceding paragraph.
D. Whenever the holders of any one or more series of preferred stock of the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a class, to elect one or more directors of the Corporation, the board of directors shall include said directors so elected in addition to the number of directors fixed as provided in this Article X. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and except as otherwise may be required by law, whenever the holders of any one or more series of preferred stock of the Corporation elect one or more directors of the Corporation, the terms of the director or directors elected by such holders shall expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of stockholders.
E. In furtherance, but not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the board of directors is expressly authorized to do the following:
(1) Designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation and such number of natural persons who are not directors as the board of directors shall designate, which to the extent provided in the Resolution, or in the by-laws of the Corporation, shall have and may exercise the powers of the board of directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation.
(2) Call special meetings of the stockholders only by the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors that is delegated the power to call special meetings by the board of directors.
(3) Change the name of the Corporation at any time and from time to time to any name authorized by Nevada Revised Statutes 78.039.
ARTICLE XI
REMOVAL OF
DIRECTORS
Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles or the bylaws of the Corporation, any director or one or more of the incumbent directors of the Corporation may be removed, at any time, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class). Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more series of preferred stock of the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a class, to elect one or more directors of the Corporation, the preceding provisions of this Article XI shall not apply with respect to the director or directors elected by such holders of preferred stock.
ARTICLE XII
ACQUISITION OF
CAPITAL STOCK
A. For the purpose of this Article:
(1) The term "Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor statute.
(2) The term "acting in concert" shall mean (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement, and (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interest in the Corporation's outstanding shares of capitol stock for a common purpose, pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.
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(3) The term "acquire," "acquisition" or "acquiring" with respect to the acquisition of any security of the Corporation shall refer to the acquisition of such security by any means whatsoever, including without limitation, an acquisition of such security by gift, by operation of law, by will or by intestacy, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.
(4) The term "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute.
(5) The term "Common Stock" means all Common Stock of the Corporation and any other securities issued by the Corporation which are treated as common stock for purposes of Section 382 of the Code.
(6) The term "Fair Market Value" of the Common Stock shall mean the average of the daily closing prices of the Common Stock for 15 consecutive trading days commencing 20 trading days before the date of such computation. The closing price is the last reported sale price on the principal securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or, if the Common Stock is not listed on any national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as reported on OTC Markets, Inc. In the absence of such a quotation, the Corporation shall determine the current market price on a reasonable and appropriate basis of the average of the daily closing prices for 15 consecutive trading days commencing 20 trading days before the date of such computation.
(7) The term "own," "owing," "ownership" or "owning" refer to the ownership of securities within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code after taking into account the attribution rules of Section 382(1)(3) of the Code and the regulations promulgated hereunder.
(8) The term "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity and shall include any group composed of such person and any other person with whom such person or any Affiliate or Associate (as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Act) of such person has any agreement, arrangement or understanding, directly or indirectly, for the purposes of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of Common Stock, and any other person who is a member of such group.
(9) The term "Transfer Agent" shall mean the transfer agent with respect to the Common Stock nominated and appointed by the board of directors from time to time.
B. Acquisition of Control Shares.
(1) If, at any time during the ten years from the effective date of these Articles, any Person shall acquire the beneficial ownership (as determined pursuant to Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Act) of more than 20% of any class of Common Stock, then the record holders of Common Stock beneficially owned by such acquiring Person shall have only the voting rights set forth in this paragraph B on any matter requiring their vote or consent. With respect to each vote in excess of 20% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock which such record holders would otherwise be entitled to cast without giving effect to this paragraph B, the record holders in the aggregate shall be entitled to cast only one-hundredth of a vote. A Person who is a record owner of shares of Common Stock that are beneficially owned simultaneously by more than one person shall have, with respect to such shares, the right to cast the least number of votes that such person would be entitled to cast under this paragraph B by virtue of such shares being so beneficially owned by any of such acquiring Persons. The effect of the reduction in voting power required by this paragraph B shall be given effect in determination the presence of a quorum for purposes of convening a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation.
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(2) The limitation on voting rights prescribed by this paragraph B shall terminate and be of no force and effect as of the earliest to occur of: (i) the date that any person becomes the beneficial owner of shares of stock representing at least 75% of the total number of votes entitled to be cast in respect of all outstanding shares of stock, before giving effect to the reduction in votes prescribed by this paragraph B; or (ii) the date (the "Reference Date") one day prior to the date on which, as a result of such limitation of voting rights, the Common Stock will be delisted from any exchange (including by ceasing to be temporarily or provisionally authorized for listing with) the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), the American Stock Exchange (the "NYSE Amex"), or the NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ"); provided, however, that (a) such termination shall not occur until the earlier of (x) the 90th day after the Reference Date or (y) the first day on or after a Reference Date that there is not pending a proceeding under the rules of the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or the NASDAQ or any other administrative or judicial proceeding challenging such delisting or removal of authorization of the Common Stock, an application for listing of the Common stock with the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ, or an appeal with respect to any such application, and (b) such termination shall not occur by virtue of such delisting or lack of authorization if on or prior to the earlier of the 90th day after the Reference Date or the day on which no proceeding, application or appeal of the type described in (y) above is pending, the Common Stock is approved for listing or continued listing on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ (including any such approval or authorization which is temporary or provisional). Nothing contained herein shall be construed so as to prevent the Common Stock from continuing to be listed with the NYSE, NYSE Amex or NASDAQ in the event that the NYSE, NYSE Amex or NASDAQ, as the case may be, adopts a rule or is governed by an order, decree, ruling or regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission which provides in whole or in part that companies having Common Stock with differential voting rights listed on the NYSE, the NYSE Amex or NASDAQ may continue to be so listed.
C. The restrictions contained in this Article XII shall not apply to (1) any underwriter or member of an underwriting or selling group involving a public sale or resale of securities of the Corporation or a subsidiary thereof; provided, however, that upon completion of the sale or resale of such securities, no such underwriter or member of such selling group is a beneficial owner of more than 4.9% of any class of equity security of the Corporation, (2) any revocable proxy granted pursuant to a proxy solicitation in compliance with section 14 of the Act by a stockholder of the Corporation or (3) any employee benefit plans of the Corporation. In addition, the Continuing Directors of the Corporation, the officers and employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, the directors of subsidiaries of the Corporation, the employee benefit plans of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, entities organized or established by the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof pursuant to the terms of such plans and trustees and fiduciaries with respect to such plans acting in such capacity shall not be deemed to be a group with respect to their beneficial ownership of voting stock of the Corporation solely by virtue of their being directors, officers or employees of the Corporation or a subsidiary thereof or by virtue of the Continuing Directors of the Corporation, the officers and employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and the directors of subsidiaries of the Corporation being fiduciaries or beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no director, officer or employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or group of any of them shall be exempt from the provisions of this Article XII should any such person or group become a beneficial owner of more than 20% of any class of equity security of the Corporation.
D. A majority of the Continuing Directors, as defined in Article XIII, shall have the power to construe and apply the provisions of paragraphs B, C and D of this Article XII and to make all determinations necessary or desirable to implement such provisions, including but not limited to matters with respect to (1) the number of shares beneficially owned by any person, (2) whether a person has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with another as to the matters referred to in the definition of beneficial ownership, (3) the application of any other definition or operative provision of this Article XII to the given facts or (4) any other matter relating to the applicability or effect of paragraphs B, C and D of this Article XII. Any constructions, applications, or determinations made by the Continuing Directors pursuant to paragraphs B, C and D of this Article XII in good faith and on the basis of such information and assistance as was then reasonably available for such purpose shall be conclusive and binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders.
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E. If any provision of this Article XII or any application of any such provision is determined to be invalid by any federal or state court having jurisdiction over the issues, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected and other applications of such provision shall be affected only to the extent necessary to comply with the determination of such court.
ARTICLE XIII
APPROVAL OF CERTAIN BUSINESS
COMBINATIONS
The stockholder vote required to approve Business Combinations (as hereinafter defined) shall be as set forth in this section.
A. (1) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article XIII, and in addition to any other vote required by law, the affirmative vote required by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) at least two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon (and, if any class or series of shares is entitled to vote thereon separately the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each such class or series), and (ii) at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon, not including shares deemed beneficially owned by a Related Person (as hereinafter defined), shall be required in order to authorize (a) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation with or into a Related person (as hereinafter defined); (b) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition, including without limitation, a mortgage or pledge, of all or any Substantial Part (as hereinafter defined) of the assets of the Corporation (including without limitation any voting securities of a subsidiary) or of a subsidiary, to a Related Person; (c) any merger or consolidation of a Related Person with or into the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation; (d) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or any Substantial Part of the assets of a Related Person to the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation; (e) the issuance of any securities of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation to a Related Person other than on a pro rata basis to all holders of capital stock of the Corporation of the same class or classes held by the Related person, pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend or distribution or warrants or rights, and other than in connection with the exercise or conversion of securities exercisable for or convertible into securities of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries which securities have been distributed pro rata to all holders of capital stock of the Corporation; (f) the acquisition by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation of any securities of a Related Person; (g) any reclassification of the common stock of the Corporation, or any recapitalization involving the common stock of the Corporation or any similar transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving a Related Person) that has the effect directly or indirectly, of increasing by more than 1% the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of the Corporation or any subsidiary that are directly or indirectly owned by any Related Person; and (h) any agreement, contract or other arrangement providing for any of the transactions described in this Article XIII.
(2) Such affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, any provision of law, or any agreement with any regulatory agency or national securities exchange which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote; provided, however, that in no instance shall the provisions of this Article XIII require the vote of greater than 85% of the voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon for the approval of a Business Combination.
(3) The term "Business Combination" as used in this Article XIII shall mean any transaction which is referred to in any one or more of subparagraphs A(l)(a) through (h) above.
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B. The provisions of paragraph A shall not be applicable to any particular Business Combination, and such Business Combination shall require only such affirmative vote as is required by any other provision of these Articles, any provision of law, or any agreement with any regulatory agency or national securities exchange, if the Business Combination shall have been approved in advance by a two-thirds vote of the Continuing Directors (as hereinafter defined; provided, however, that such approval shall only be effective if obtained at a meeting at which a continuing Director Quorum (as hereinafter defined) is present.
C. For the purposes of this Article XIII the following definitions apply:
(1) The term "Related Person" shall mean and include (i) any individual, corporation, partnership or other person or entity which together with its "affiliates" or "associates" (as those terms are defined in the Act) "beneficially owns" (as that there is defined in the Act) in the aggregate 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Corporation; and (ii) any "affiliate" or "associate" (as those terms are defined in the Act) of any such individual, Corporation, partnership or other person or entity; provided, however, that the term "Related Person" shall not include the Corporation, any subsidiary of the Corporation, any employee benefit plan, employee stock plan of the Corporation or of any subsidiary of the Corporation, or any trust established by the Corporation in connection with the foregoing, or any person or entity organized, appointed, established or holding shares of capital stock of the Corporation for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan, nor shall such term encompass shares of capital stock of the Corporation held by any of the foregoing (whether or not held in a fiduciary capacity or otherwise). Without limitation, any shares of the common stock of the Corporation which any Related Person has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise or conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, shall be deemed "beneficially owned" by such Related Person.
(2) The term "Substantial Part" shall mean more than 25% of the total assets of the entity at issue, as of the end of its most recent fiscal year ending prior to the time the determination is made.
(3) The term "Continuing Director" shall mean any member of the board of directors of the Corporation who is unaffiliated with and who is not the Related Person and was a member of the board prior to the time that the Related Person became a Related Person, and any successor of a Continuing Director who is unaffiliated with and who is not the Related Person and is recommended to succeed a Continuing Director by a majority of Continuing Directors then on the board.
(4) The term "Continuing Director Quorum" shall mean two-thirds of the Continuing Directors capable of exercising the powers conferred on them.
ARTICLE XIV
EVALUATION OF BUSINESS
COMBINATIONS
In connection with the exercise of its judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the Corporation and of the stockholders, when evaluating a Business Combination (as defined in Article XIII) or a tender or exchange offer, the board of directors of the Corporation shall, in addition to considering the adequacy of the amount to be paid in connection with any such transaction, consider all of the following factors and any other factors which it deems relevant; (A) the social and economic effects of the transaction on the Corporation and its subsidiaries, employees and customers, creditors and other elements of the communities in which the Corporation and its subsidiaries operate or are located; (B) the business and financial condition and earnings prospects of the acquiring person or entity, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the acquisition and other likely financial obligations of the acquiring person or entity and the possible effect of such conditions upon the Corporation and its subsidiaries and the other elements of the communities in which the Corporation and its subsidiaries operate or are located; and (C) the competence, experience, and integrity of the acquiring person or entity and its or their management.
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ARTICLE XV
INDEMNIFICATION
Any person who was or is a party or is or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (whether or not by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, incorporator, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, incorporator, employee, partner, trustee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise (including an employee benefit plan), shall be entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation to the full extent then permitted by law against expenses (including counsel fees and disbursements), judgments, fines (including excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan), and amounts paid in settlement incurred by him in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding and, if so requested, the Corporation shall advance (within two business days of such request) any and all such expenses to the person indemnified; provided, however, that (i) the foregoing obligation of the Company shall not apply to a claim that was commenced by the person indemnified without the prior approval of the Board of Directors. Such right of indemnification shall inure whether or not the claim asserted is based on matters which antedate the adoption of this Article XV. Such right of indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, incorporator, employee, partner, trustee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs and personal representatives of such a person. The indemnification provided by this Article XV shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which may be provided now or in the future under any provision currently in effect or hereafter adopted of the bylaws, by any agreement, by vote of stockholders, by resolution of disinterested directors, by provisions of law, or otherwise.
ARTICLE XVI
LIMITATIONS ON DIRECTORS'
LIABILITY
No director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except: (A) for acts or omissions that involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law; or (B) the payment of distributions in violation of Nevada Revised Statutes Sec.78.300. If the General Corporation law of the State of Nevada is amended after the date of filing of these Articles to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada, as so amended. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE XVII
AMENDMENT OF
BYLAWS
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the board of directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to adopt, repeal, alter, amend and rescind the bylaws of the Corporation by a vote of two-thirds of the board of directors. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles or the bylaws of the Corporation, and in addition to any affirmative vote required by law (and notwithstanding the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law), the bylaws shall be adopted, repealed, altered, amended or rescinded by the stockholders of the Corporation only by the vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose (provided that notice of such proposed adoption, repeal, alteration, amendment or rescission is included in the notice of such meeting), or, as set forth above, by the board of directors.
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ARTICLE XVIII
SPECIAL
PROVISIONS
A. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, renounces any interest or expectancy of the Corporation and its subsidiaries in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities that are from time to time presented to any of the officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, partners or their respective affiliates and subsidiaries (other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries), even if the opportunity is one that the Corporation or its subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so and such person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to the Corporation and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, shall not be liable to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries for breach of any fiduciary or other duty, as a director or officer or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such person pursues or acquires such business opportunity, directs such business opportunity to another person or fails to present such business opportunity, or information regarding such business opportunity, to the Corporation or its subsidiaries unless, in the case of any such person who is a director or officer of the Corporation, such business opportunity is expressly offered to such director or officer in writing solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation. Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XVIII. Neither the alteration, amendment or repeal of this Article XVIII nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article XVIII shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article XVIII in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article XVIII, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption.
B. As provided by Nevada Revised Statutes 78.140, without repeating the section in full here, the same is adopted and no contract or other transaction between this Corporation and any of its officers, agents or directors shall be deemed void or voidable solely for that reason. The balance of the provisions of the code section cited, as it now exists, allowing such transactions, is hereby incorporated into this Article as though more fully set forth, and such Article shall be read and interpreted to provide the greatest latitude in its application.
C. As provided by Nevada Revised Statutes 78.207, without repeating the section in full here, the board of directors shall have the authority to change the number of shares of any class or series, if any, of authorized stock by increasing or decreasing the number of authorized shares of the class or series and correspondingly increasing or decreasing the number of issued and outstanding shares of the same class or series held by each stockholder of record at the effective date and time of the change by a resolution adopted by the board of directors, without obtaining the approval of the stockholders.
D. If a proposed increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of any class or series would adversely alter or change any preference or any relative or other right given to any other class or series of outstanding shares, then the decrease must be approved by the vote, in addition to any vote required, of the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power of each class or series whose preference or rights are adversely affected by the increase or decrease, regardless of limitations or restrictions on the voting power thereof. The increase or decrease does not have to be approved by the vote of the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power in each class or series whose preference or rights are not adversely affected by the increase or decrease.
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ARTICLE XIX
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION
Subject to the provisions hereof, the Corporation has the right to repeal, alter, amend or rescind any provision contained in these Articles only if the same is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as a single class), and all rights conferred on stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
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THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS FOR THE. SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK FILED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR SOLD UNLESS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION.
Number 001 | 3,000_ Shares |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEVADA
This Certifies that JOHN HOWELL is the owner o IHREL IIlOUiS.-»NO (j.OX i \ 0
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK, $.001 PAR VALUE, OF
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. transferable on the books of the Company by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed.
Witness the manual signatures of the Company's duly authorized officers.
p^gmi^^
Dated:
John Howell, President | NEVADA |
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
(Please print or typewrite name and address, including postal zip code, of assignee)
the within Certificate, and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing
Attorney to transfer said Certificate on the books of the Certificate Registrar, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
Signature Guaranteed:
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as it appears upon the face of the within Certificate in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or any change whatever. Such signature must be guaranteed by a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange or a commercial bank or trust company.
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC
(a Nevada corporation)
STATEMENT OF
CONSENT OF
SOLE DIRECTOR
May 23, 2011
This STATEMENT OF CONSENT OF SOLE DIRECTOR when executed by the sole Director of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Section 78.315 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, will become effective as of the 23rd day of May, 2011 and will have the same force and effect as if the sole Director was present and acting at a meeting duly noticed and held for the purpose of adopting the Resolutions and taking the Corporate action hereinafter set forth.
INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING
RESOLVED that the number of outstanding common shares of the Corporation effective May 23, 2011 be increased from 8,250,000 to 24,750,000 in order to effectuate what is generally referred to as a "forward split" and that additional certificates representing ownership of shares of Common Stock be issued to the shareholder to reflect such additional shares;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper officers of this Corporation be, and each hereby is, authorized, empowered and directed, to notify each of the shareholders of the Corporation of the above and foregoing action and take such other or further action as may be required to carry out the above and foregoing resolutions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon issuance thereof, each of said shares of common stock of the Corporation be, and each such share hereby is, vested in the above named entity as the owner thereof as fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock of the Corporation.
ADOPTION OF AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The business to come before the Director is the adoption of an Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, and thereupon, after reading a form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation it is
RESOLVED, the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation in the form and substance as presented to and read by the Director be, in the same hereby is, approved and adopted as the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of such Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation be filed in the office of the Secretary of State of Nevada in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statutes;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of said Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation be properly affixed in the Minute Books of the Corporation as a part of its permanent records and as an exhibit to this Statement of Consent; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of said Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation be kept at the principal offices the Corporation and available for inspection by any shareholder of the Corporation at any reasonable time for a proper purpose during normal office hours.
ISSUANCE OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation designate and authorize for issuance 3,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. John Howell offered to accept such shares in consideration of his services as sole officer and director of the Corporation. Therefore, it is
RESOLVED that the proper officers of this Corporation be, and each hereby is, authorized, empowered and directed, to prepare, execute and deliver to, or upon the order of, the above named person, a certificate or certificates evidencing the ownership of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon issuance thereof, each of said shares of Series B Preferred Stock of the Corporation be, and each such share hereby is, vested in the above named person as the owner thereof as fully paid and non-assessable shares of Series B Preferred Stock of the Corporation.
ADOPTION OF AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
The business to come before the Director is the adoption of an Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation, and thereupon, after reading a form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation it is
RESOLVED, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation in the form and substance as presented to and read by the Director be, in the same hereby is, approved and adopted as the Amended and Restated Bylaws of this Corporation;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of such Amended and Restated Bylaws be filed in the office of the Secretary of State of Nevada in accordance with the Nevada Revised Statutes;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of said Amended and Restated Bylaws be properly affixed in the Minute Books of the Corporation as a part of its permanent records and as an exhibit to this Statement of Consent; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of said Amended and Restated Bylaws be kept at the principal offices the Corporation and available for inspection by any shareholder of the Corporation at any reasonable time for a proper purpose during normal office hours.
ADOPTION OF PLAN AND
AGREEMENT OF MERGER WITH
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS (OVARIAN),
INC.
RESOLVED that the Corporation enter into a Plan and Agreement of Merger with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian),Inc, upon the terms and for the consideration specified in the Plan and Agreement of Merger delivered to the Director; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the Corporation be and hereby is, authorized to execute and deliver the Plan and Agreement of Merger and such other documents and instruments and do all acts and things to effectuate the intent of the foregoing resolution.
APPOINTMENT OF TRANSFER AGENT
RESOLVED, that Standard Registrar and Transfer Co., Inc. hereby is appointed transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock of the Corporation; and
RESOLVED, that the resolutions in the form required by Standard Registrar and Transfer Co., Inc., appointing Standard Registrar and Transfer Co., Inc. as the transfer agent and registrar for certain of the Corporation's securities hereby are incorporated herein by references and, as so incorporated by reference, are adopted in all respects, and the President of the Corporation is authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to prepare, execute, and deliver any document as he with the advice of counsel may deem necessary or desirable to complete such appointment, the execution and delivery of any such document by such officer to be conclusive evidence that he deemed such document to be necessary or desirable.
REGISTRATION OF OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
RESOLVED, that a registration statement on Form 10 (the "Registration Statement") covering the registration under the Securities Act of 1934 of all issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be prepared; and that the President, with the full authority to act without any others hereby is, authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to execute the Registration in form and substance, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation with the advice of counsel deemed sufficient, the execution by such officer to be conclusive evidence that he deemed such Registration Statement to be adequate and proper, and to execute any amendment to the Registration Statement, to procure all necessary signatures thereon, and to file the Registration Statement and any amendment when so executed (together with appropriate exhibits thereto) with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all actions taken and transactions entered into by the Corporation and its officers, directors, stockholders, and duly authorized agents on its behalf since its incorporation, including election of directors, appointment of officers, issuances of stock, grant of options, and acts or failures to act concerning all matters referred to in the foregoing resolutions or in the Registration Statement, hereby are ratified, confirmed, and approved in all respects; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President, hereby is, authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to execute and deliver any and all contracts, deeds, and writings of any nature and to do any other act or thing that may be necessary or desirable to carry out the foregoing.
EXECUTED by the sate Director as of the date first written above.
/s/ John Howell
John
Howell, Sole
Director
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
A Nevada Corporation
Bylaws
ARTICLE I
Principal Executive Office
The principal office of the Corporation shall be located 12000 Westheimer Road Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77077-6531. The Board of Directors shall have the power and discretion to change from time to time the location of the principal office of the Corporation.
ARTICLE II
Stockholders
SECTION 1. Place of Meetings. All annual and special meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place within or without the State of Nevad as the board of directors may determine and as designated in the notice of such meeting.
SECTION 2. Annual Meeting. A meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for the election of directors and for the transaction of any other business of the Corporation shall be held annually at such date and time as the board of directors may determine.
SECTION 3. Special Meetings. Special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the board of directors of the Corporation, or by a committee of the board of directors which as been duly designated by the board of directors and whose powers and authorities, as provided in a resolution of the board of directors or in the By Laws of the Corporation, include the power and authority to call such meetings but such special meetings may not be called by another person or persons.
SECTION 4. Conduct of Meetings. Annual and special meetings shall be conducted in accordance with these By Laws or as otherwise prescribed by the board of directors. The chairman or the chief executive officer of the Corporation shall preside at such meetings.
SECTION 5. Notice of Meeting. Written notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be mailed by the secretary or the officer performing his duties, not less than ten days nor more than fifty days before the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the stock transfer books or records of the Corporation as of the record date prescribed in Section 6, with postage thereon prepaid. If a stockholder be present at a meeting, or in writing waive notice thereof before or after the meeting, notice of the meeting to such stockholder shall be unnecessary. When any stockholders’ meeting, either annual or special, is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. It shall not be necessary to give any notice of the time and place of any meeting adjourned for less than thirty days or of the business to be transacted at such adjourned meeting, other than an announcement at the meeting at which such adjournment is taken.
SECTION 6. Fixing of Record Date. For the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders, or any adjournment thereof, or stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose, the board of directors shall fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of stockholders. Such date in any case shall be not more than sixty days, and in case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days prior to the date on which the particular action, requiring such determination of stockholders, is to be taken.
When a determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof.
3.2 Amended & Restated By Laws (AD)
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SECTION 7. Voting Lists. The officer or agent having charge of the stock transfer books for shares of the Corporation shall make, at least ten days before each meeting of stockholders, a complete record of the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, with the address of and the number of shares held by each. The record, for a period of ten days before such meeting, shall be kept on file at the principal executive office of the Corporation, whether within or outside the State of Texas, and shall be subject to inspection by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting at any time during usual business hours. Such record shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting during the whole time of the meeting. The original stock transfer books shall be prima facie evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine such record or transfer books or to vote at any meeting of stockholders.
SECTION 15. Quorum. One-fourth of the outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. If less than one-fourth of the outstanding shares are represented at a meeting, a majority of the shares so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. The stockholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.
SECTION 9. Proxies. At all meetings of stockholders, a stockholder may vote by proxy executed in writing by the stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney in fact. Proxies solicited on behalf of the management shall be voted as directed by the stockholder or, in the absence of such direction, as determined by a majority of the board of directors. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its execution unless otherwise provided in the proxy.
SECTION 10. Voting. At each election for directors every stockholder entitled to vote at such election shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held. Unless otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation, by statute, or by these By Laws, a majority of those votes cast by stockholders at a lawful meeting shall be sufficient to pass on a transaction or matter, except in the election of directors, which election shall be determined by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
SECTION 11. Voting of Shares in the Name of Two or More Persons. When ownership of stock stands in the name of two or more persons, in the absence of written directions to the Corporation to the contrary, at any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation any one or more of such stockholders may cast, in person or by proxy, all votes to which such ownership is entitled. In the event an attempt is made to cast conflicting votes, in person or by proxy, by the several persons in whose name shares of stock stand, the vote or votes to which these persons are entitled shall be cast as directed by a majority of those holding such stock and present in person or by proxy at such meeting, but no votes shall be cast for such stock if a majority cannot agree.
SECTION 12. Voting of Shares by Certain Holders. Shares standing in the name of another corporation may be voted by any officer, agent or proxy as the By Laws of such corporation may prescribe, or, in the absence of such provision, as the board of directors of such corporation may determine. Shares held by an administrator, executor, guardian or conservator may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy, without a transfer of such shares into his name. Shares standing in the name of a trustee may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy, but no trustee shall be entitled to vote shares held by him without a transfer of such shares into his name. Shares standing in the name of a receiver may be voted by such receiver, and shares held by or under the control of a receiver may be voted by such receiver without the transfer thereof into his name if authority to do so is contained in an appropriate order of the court or other public authority by which such receiver was appointed.
A stockholder whose shares are pledged shall be entitled to vote such shares until the shares have been transferred into the name of the pledgee and thereafter the pledgee shall be entitled to vote the shares so transferred. Neither treasury shares of its own stock held by the Corporation, nor shares held by another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote for the election of directors of such other corporation are held by the Corporation, shall be voted at any meeting or counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time for purposes of any meeting.
3.2 Amended & Restated By Laws (AD)
2 |
SECTION 13. Inspectors of Election. In advance of any meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the board or the board of directors may appoint any persons, other than nominees for office, as inspectors of election to act at such meeting or any adjournment thereof. The number of inspectors shall be either one or three. If the board of directors so appoints either one or three inspectors, that appointment shall not be altered at the meeting. If inspectors of election are not so appointed, the chairman of the board may make such appointment at the meeting. In case any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the chairman of the board or the president.
Unless otherwise prescribed by applicable law, the duties of such inspectors shall include: determining the number of shares of stock and the voting power of each share, the shares of stock represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies; receiving votes, ballots or consents; hearing and determining all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote; counting and tabulating all votes or consents; determining the result; and such acts as may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders.
SECTION 14. Nominating Committee. The board of directors or a committee appointed by the board of directors shall act as nominating committee for selecting the management nominees for election as directors. Except in the case of a nominee substituted as a result of the death or other incapacity of a management nominee, the nominating committee shall deliver written nominations to the secretary at least twenty days prior to the date of the annual meeting. Provided such committee makes such nominations, no nominations for directors except those made by the nominating committee shall be voted upon at the annual meeting unless other nominations by stockholders are made in writing and delivered to the secretary of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.
SECTION 15. New Business. Any new business to be taken up at the annual meeting shall be stated in writing and filed with the secretary of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval or disapproval at the annual meeting of reports of officers, directors and committees, but in connection with such reports no new business shall be acted upon at such annual meeting unless stated and filed as provided in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE III
Board of Directors
SECTION 1. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be under the direction of its board of directors. The chairman shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors.
SECTION 2. Number, Term and Election. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be such number, not less than one nor more than 15 (exclusive of directors, if any, to be elected by holders of preferred stock of the Corporation), as shall be provided from time to time in a resolution adopted by the board of directors, provided that no decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director, and provided further that no action shall be taken to decrease or increase the number of directors from time to time unless at least two-thirds of the directors then in office shall concur in said action. Exclusive of directors, if any, elected by holders of preferred stock, vacancies in the board of directors of the Corporation, however caused, and newly created directorships shall be filled by a vote of two-thirds of the directors then in office, whether or not a quorum, and any director so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of the class to which the director has been chosen expires and when the director’s successor is elected and qualified. The board of directors shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this Article III.
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SECTION 3. Classified Board. The board of directors of the Corporation (other than directors which may be elected by the holders of preferred stock), shall be divided into three classes of directors which shall be designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The members of each class shall be elected for a term of three years and until their successors are elected and qualified. Such classes shall be as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the entire board of directors shall permit, exclusive of directors, if any, elected by holders of preferred stock, with the terms of office of all members of one class expiring each year. Should the number of directors not be equally divisible by three, the excess director or directors shall be assigned to Classes I or II as follows: (1) if there shall be an excess of one directorship over the number equally divisible by three, such extra directorship shall be classified in Class I; and (2) if there be an excess of two directorships over a number equally divisible by three, one shall be classified in Class I and the other in Class II. At the organizational meeting of the Corporation, directors of Class I shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders, directors of Class II shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual meeting of stockholders and directors of Class III shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting thereafter. Thereafter, at each succeeding annual meeting, directors of each class shall be elected for three year terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the director whose term shall expire at any annual meeting shall continue to serve until such time as his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified unless his position on the board of directors shall have been abolished by action taken to reduce the size of the board of directors prior to said meeting.
Should the number of directors of the Corporation be reduced, the directorship(s) eliminated shall be allocated among classes as appropriate so that the number of directors in each class is as specified in the position(s) to be abolished. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Should the number of directors of the Corporation be increased, other than directors which may be elected by the holders of preferred stock, the additional directorships shall be allocated among classes as appropriate so that the number of directors in each class is as specified in the immediately preceding paragraph.
Whenever the holders of any one or more series of preferred stock of the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a class, to elect one or more directors of the Corporation, the board of directors shall include said directors so elected and not be in addition to the number of directors fixed as provided in this Article III. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and except as otherwise may be required By Law, whenever the holders of any one or more series of preferred stock of the Corporation elect one or more directors of the Corporation, the terms of the director or directors elected by such holders shall expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of stockholders.
SECTION 4. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the board of directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be determined by resolution of the board of directors without other notice than such resolution.
SECTION 5. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by or at the request of the chairman, the chief executive officer or one-third of the directors. The person calling the special meetings of the board of directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the board of directors called by such persons.
Members of the board of the directors may participate in special meetings by means of telephone conference or similar communications equipment by which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Such participation shall constitute presence in person.
SECTION 6. Notice. Written notice of any special meeting shall be given to each director at least two days previous thereto delivered personally or by telegram or at least seven days previous thereto delivered by mail at the address at which the director is most likely to be reached. Such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid if mailed or when delivered to the telegraph company if sent by telegram. Any director may waive notice of any meeting by a writing filed with the secretary. The attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.
SECTION 7. Quorum. A majority of the number of directors fixed by Section 2 shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the board of directors, but if less than such majority is present at a meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time. Notice of any adjourned meeting shall be given in the same manner as prescribed by Section 5 of this Article III.
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SECTION 15. Manner of Acting. The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors, unless a greater number is prescribed by these By Laws, the Articles of Incorporation, or the Nevada Revised Statutes.
SECTION 9. Action Without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the board of directors at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the directors.
SECTION 10. Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by sending a written notice of such resignation to the home office of the Corporation addressed to the chairman. Unless otherwise specified therein such resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the chairman.
SECTION 11. Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring on the board of directors shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors then in office or by election at an annual meeting or at a special meeting of the stockholders held for that purpose. The term of such director shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.
SECTION 12. Removal of Directors. Any director or the entire board of directors may be removed only in accordance with the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.
SECTION 13. Compensation. Directors, as such, may receive compensation for service on the board of directors. Members of either standing or special committees may be allowed such compensation as the board of directors may determine.
SECTION 14. Age Limitation. No person 80 years or more of age shall be eligible for election, reelection, appointment or reappointment to the board of the Corporation. No director shall serve as such beyond the annual meeting of the Corporation immediately following the director becoming 80 years of age. This age limitation does not apply to an advisory director.
ARTICLE IV
Committees of the Board of Directors
The board of directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole board, designate one or more committees, as they may determine to be necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the business of the Corporation, and may prescribe the duties, constitution and procedures thereof. Each committee shall consist of one or more directors of the Corporation appointed by the chairman. The chairman may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.
The chairman shall have power at any time to change the members of, to fill vacancies in, and to discharge any committee of the board. Any member of any such committee may resign at any time by giving notice to the Corporation; provided, however, that notice to the board, the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the chairman of such committee, or the secretary shall be deemed to constitute notice to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any member of any such committee may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the authorized number of directors at any meeting of the board called for that purpose.
ARTICLE V
Officers
SECTION 1. Positions. The officers of the Corporation shall be a chairman, a president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary and a treasurer, each of whom shall be elected by the board of directors. The board of directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or senior vice president. The board of directors may also elect or authorize the appointment of such other officers as the business of the Corporation may require. The officers shall have such authority and perform such duties as the board of directors may from time to time authorize or determine. In the absence of action by the board of directors, the officers shall have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices.
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SECTION 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the board of directors at the first meeting of the board of directors held after each annual meeting of the stockholders. If the election of officers is not held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as possible. Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Election or appointment of an officer, employee or agent shall not of itself create contract rights. The board of directors may authorize the Corporation to enter into an employment contract with any officer in accordance with state law; but no such contract shall impair the right of the board of directors to remove any officer at any time in accordance with Section 3 of this Article V.
SECTION 3. Removal. Any officer may be removed by vote of two-thirds of the board of directors whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Corporation will be served thereby, but such removal, other than for cause, shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.
SECTION 4. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the board of directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
SECTION 5. Remuneration. The remuneration of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the board of directors, and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he is also a director of the Corporation.
SECTION 6. Age Limitation. No person 150 or more years of age shall be eligible for election, reelection, appointment or reappointment as an officer of the Corporation. No officer shall serve beyond the annual meeting of the Corporation immediately following the officer becoming 150 or more years of age.
ARTICLE VI
Contracts, Loans, Checks and Deposits
SECTION 1. Contracts. To the extent permitted by applicable law, and except as otherwise prescribed by the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or these By Laws with respect to certificates for shares, the board of directors or the executive committee may authorize any officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
SECTION 2. Loans. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by the board of directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
SECTION 3. Checks, Drafts, Etc. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by one or more officers,
employees or agents of the Corporation in such manner, including in facsimile form, as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the board of directors.
SECTION 4. Deposits. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in any of its duly authorized depositories as the board of directors may select.
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ARTICLE VII
Certificates for Shares and Their Transfer
SECTION 1. Certificates for Shares. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates signed by the chairman of the board of directors or the president or a vice president and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer or the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation, and may be sealed with the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof. Any or all of the signatures upon a certificate may be facsimiles if the certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent, or registered by a registrar, other than the Corporation itself or an employee of the Corporation. If any officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon such certificate shall have ceased to be such officer before the certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer at the date of its issue.
SECTION 2. Form of Share Certificates. All certificates representing shares issued by the Corporation shall set forth upon the face or back that the Corporation will furnish to any stockholder upon request and without charge a full statement of the designations, preferences, limitations, and relative rights of the shares of each class authorized to be issued, the variations in the relative rights and preferences between the shares of each such series so far as the same have been fixed and determined, and the authority of the board of directors to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of subsequent series.
Each certificate representing shares shall state upon the face thereof: that the Corporation is organized under the laws of the State of Nevad; the name of the person to whom issued; the number and class of shares, the designation of the series, if any, which such certificate represents; the par value of each share represented by such certificate, or a statement that the shares are without par value. Other matters in regard to the form of the certificates shall be determined by the board of directors.
SECTION 3. Payment for Shares. No certificate shall be issued for any share until such share is fully paid.
SECTION 4. Form of Payment for Shares. The consideration for the issuance of shares shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.
SECTION 5. Transfer of Shares. Transfer of shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be made only on its stock transfer books. Authority for such transfer shall be given only to the holder of record thereof or by his legal representative, who shall furnish proper evidence of such authority, or by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Corporation. Such transfer shall be made only on surrender for cancellation of the certificate for such shares. The person in whose name shares of capital stock stand on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed by the Corporation to be the owner thereof for all purposes.
SECTION 6. Lost Certificates. The board of directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the board of directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
ARTICLE VIII
Fiscal Year; Annual Audit
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on the last day of December of each year. The Corporation shall be subject to an annual audit as of the end of its fiscal year by independent public accountants appointed by and responsible to the board of directors.
ARTICLE IX
Dividends
Dividends upon the stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the board of directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in the Corporation’s own stock.
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ARTICLE X
Corporation Seal
The corporate seal of the Corporation shall be in such form as the board of directors shall prescribe.
ARTICLE XI
Amendments
In accordance with the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, these By Laws may be repealed, altered, amended or rescinded by the stockholders of the Corporation only by vote of not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class). In addition, the board of directors may repeal, alter, amend or rescind these By Laws by vote of two-thirds of the board of directors at a legal meeting held in accordance with the provisions of these By Laws.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of May, 2011.
CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY
I hereby certify that I am the Secretary of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and that the foregoing Bylaws, consisting of 9 pages, constitute the Bylaws of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. as duly adopted by resolution of the sole director of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. dated this 23rd day of May, 2011.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 23rd day of May, 2011.
/s/ John Howell | |
John Howell, Secretary |
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THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR SOLD UNLESS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION.
Number ___ | _______ Shares |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF nevada
This Certifies that ________________________________
is the owner of _________________________________
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF common stock, $.001 PAR VALUE, OF
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. transferable on the books of the Company by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed.
Witness the original signatures of the Company’s duly authorized officers.
Dated: ___________________
/s/ John Howell | ![]() |
/s/ John Howell |
John Howell, President | John Howell, Secretary |
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
(Please print or typewrite name and address, including postal zip code, of assignee)
the within Certificate, and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing
Attorney to transfer said Certificate on the books of the Certificate Registrar, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
Signature Guaranteed: | |
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as it appears upon the face of the within Certificate in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or any change whatever. Such signature must be guaranteed by a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange or a commercial bank or trust company.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR SOLD UNLESS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION.
Number ___ | _______ Shares |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF nevada
This Certifies that ________________________________
is the owner of _________________________________
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF SERIES B PREFERRED stock, $.001 PAR VALUE, OF
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. transferable on the books of the Company by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed.
Witness the original signatures of the Company’s duly authorized officers.
Dated: ___________________
/s/ John Howell |
![]() |
/s/ John Howell |
John Howell, President | John Howell, Secretary |
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
(Please print or typewrite name and address, including postal zip code, of assignee)
the within Certificate, and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing
Attorney to transfer said Certificate on the books of the Certificate Registrar, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
Signature Guaranteed: | |
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as it appears upon the face of the within Certificate in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or any change whatever. Such signature must be guaranteed by a member firm of the New York Stock Exchange or a commercial bank or trust company.
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
MERGING
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS (OVARIAN),INC.
INTO
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. *****
THIS PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER is entered into as of the 23rd day of May 2011 by and between Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., a Nevada corporation ("Ovarian") and Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation for the purpose of merging Ovarian with and into Diagnostics.
WHEREAS, Diagnostics owns all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Ovarian;
WHEREAS, the laws of the State of Nevada permit the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary corporation of said State into a parent corporation organized and existing under the laws of another State.
WHEREAS, Diagnostic, Ovarian and the respective boards of directors thereof declare it advisable and to the advantage, welfare, and best interests of said corporations and their respective stockholders to merge Ovarian with and into Diagnostics pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreement of the parties hereto hereby determine and agree as follows.
1. Ovarian shall, pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes, be merged with and into Diagnostics, which shall be the surviving corporation from and after the effective time of the merger and which is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "surviving corporation", and which shall continue to exist as said surviving corporation under its present name pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes. The separate existence of Ovarian, which is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "terminating corporation", shall cease at said effective time in accordance with the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
2. The present Articles of Incorporation of the surviving corporation will be the Articles of Incorporation of the surviving corporation and will continue in full force and effect until changed, altered, or amended as therein provided and in the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
3. The present bylaws of the surviving corporation will be the bylaws of said surviving corporation and will continue in full force and effect until changed, altered, or amended as therein provided and in the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
4. The directors and officers in office of the surviving corporation at the effective time of the merger shall be the members of the Board of Directors and the officers of the surviving corporation, all of whom shall hold their directorships and offices until the election and qualification of their respective successors or until their tenure is otherwise terminated in accordance with the by-laws of the surviving corporation.
5. The surviving corporation may sue in any court with jurisdiction to cause any stockholder of the terminating corporation to tender certificates representing shares owned by such stockholder to be tendered to the surviving corporation for exchange. Stockholders of the terminating corporation shall have no rights to notices, distributions or voting with respect to the surviving corporation unless the certificates representing shares of the terminating corporation are tendered to the surviving corporation for exchange.
6. The Board of Directors and the proper officers of the terminating corporation and of the surviving corporation are hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to do any and all acts and things, and to make, execute, deliver, file, and record any and all instruments, papers, and documents which shall be or become necessary, proper, or convenient to carry out or put into effect any of the provisions of this Plan and Agreement of Merger or of the merger herein provided for.
7. The effective time of this Plan and Agreement of Merger, and the time at which the merger herein agreed shall become effective a certificate of merger meeting the requirements of the Nevada Revised Statutes, is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Diagnostic and Ovarian have caused this Plan and Agreement of Merger to be executed on behalf of each as the date first above written.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ John Howell | |
John Howell, President | ||
Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. | ||
By: | /s/ John Howell | |
John Howell, President |
Exhibit 5.1
Sonfield & Sonfield
A Professional Corporation
LEON SONFIELD (1865-1934) GEORGE M. SONFIELD (1899-1967) ROBERT L. SONFIELD (1893-1972) ____________________
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, JR. (1914-1988)
|
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
770 SOUTH POST OAK LANE HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056-1937 www.sonfield.com
Telecopier
(713) 877-1547 |
ROBERT L. SONFIELD, JR. Managing Director robert@sonfield.com
JENNIFER ABNEY Legal Assistant jennifer@sonfield.com |
November 5, 2012
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
1950 Cinnamon Teal Drive
Redmond, Oregon 97756
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-1
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the registration of 30,141,400 shares of the Company's common stock, $.001 par value per share, consisting of: (i) 19,475,000 outstanding shares of common stock, and (ii) 10,666,400 shares of common stock issuable under the terms of an investment agreement.
As such counsel, we have participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials and other instruments and have conducted such other investigations of fact and law as we have deemed relevant and necessary to form a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. In conducting such examination, we have assumed (i) that all signatures are genuine, (ii) that all documents and instruments submitted to us as copies conform with the originals, and (iii) the due execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are a prerequisite to the effectiveness thereof. As to any facts material to this opinion, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and certificates of public officials and have not independently verified such facts.
Based solely upon the foregoing, it is our opinion (i) the outstanding shares to be distributed to the shareholders of the Company’ parent have been validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; and (ii) the shares of common stock sold by the shareholders as described in the Registration Statement have been duly authorized and reserved and, when issued in accordance with the terms of the investment agreement against payment therefore, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Our opinion expressed above is limited to the laws of the Revised Statutes of the State of Nevada and the federal laws of the United States of America.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus constituting part of the Registration Statement relating to the registration of the shares. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Sonfield & Sonfield
Sonfield & Sonfield
TECHNOLOGY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered as of July 18th, 2009, between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Company”), and Arrayit Corporation, a Nevada corporation (“Developer”).
1. Assignment. The Developer hereby assigns to the Company, exclusively throughout the world, all right, title, and interest (choate or inchoate) in (i) the subject matter referred to in Exhibit A (“Technology”), (ii) all precursors, portions and work in progress with respect thereto and all inventions, works of authorship, mask works, technology, information, know-how, materials, and tools relating thereto or to the development, support, or maintenance thereof and (iii) all copyrights, patent rights, trade secret rights, trademark rights, mask works rights, sui generis database rights, and all other intellectual and industrial property rights of any sort and all business, contract rights, causes of action, and goodwill in, incorporated or embodied in, used to develop, or related to any of the foregoing (collectively “Intellectual Property”).
2. Consideration. In consideration of the assignment of the intellectual Property, the Company agrees to issue to the Developer 80% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of capital stock (the “Shares”) existing as of the date hereof. The Shares shall be the only consideration required of the Company with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
3. Further Assurances; Moral Rights; Competition; Marketing.
3.1 The Developer agrees to assist the Company in every legal way to evidence, record, and perfect the assignment set forth in Section 1 and to apply for and obtain recordation of and from time to time enforce, maintain, and defend the assigned rights.
3.2 To the extent allowed by law, the assignment of the Intellectual Property in Section 1 includes all rights of integrity, disclosure, and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights,” “artist’s rights,” “droit moral” or the like (collectively “Moral Rights”). To the extent the Developer retains any such Moral Rights under applicable law, the Developer hereby ratifies and consents to, and provides all necessary ratifications and consents to, any action that may be taken with respect to such Moral Rights by or authorized by Company and the Developer agrees not to assert any Moral Rights with respect thereto. The Developer will confirm any such ratifications, consents, and agreements from time to time as requested by Company. The Developer also agrees not to sue or challenge in any manner, the validity of the assignment set forth in this Agreement and the Company’s rights to the Intellectual Property set forth hereunder.
4. Warranty. The Developer represents and warrants to the Company that the Developer: (i) is the sole owner (other than the Company) of all rights, title, and interest in the Intellectual Property and the Technology; (ii) has not assigned, transferred, licensed, pledged, or otherwise encumbered any Intellectual Property or the Technology or agreed to do so, other than to the Company’s lenders in the normal course of business; (iii) has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to make the assignment as provided in Section 1; (iv) is not aware of any violation, infringement, or misappropriation of any third party’s rights (or any claim thereof) by the Intellectual Property or the Technology; (v) was not acting within the scope of employment by any third party when conceiving, creating, or otherwise performing any activity with respect to anything purportedly assigned in Section 1; (vi) is not aware of any questions or challenges with respect to the patentability or validity of any claims of any existing patents or patent applications relating to the Intellectual Property; (vii) has been granted the opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from representatives of the Company concerning the terms and conditions of the Shares and to obtain any additional information concerning the Company or the Shares that the Developer deems necessary in connection with his decision to assign the Intellectual Property; (viii) is capable of evaluating the risks of owning the Shares; (ix) is an “Accredited Investor” within the meaning of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Federal Securities Act; and (x) has adequate means of providing for his current financial needs, including possible future personal financial contingencies.
5. Miscellaneous. This Agreement is not assignable or transferable by the Developer without the prior written consent of the Company; any attempt to do so shall be void. The terms and provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns. Any notice, report, approval, or consent required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or mailed by first-class, registered or certified U.S. mail, postage prepaid to the respective addresses of the parties as set forth below (or such other address as a party may designate by ten (10) days’ notice). No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, on the part of either party, any privilege, any power, or any rights hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or power hereunder preclude further exercise of any other right hereunder. If any provision of mis Agreement shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in, and shall be construed pursuant to the laws of the State of Texas and the United States without regard to conflicts of law provisions thereof. The prevailing party in any action to enforce this Agreement shall be entitled to recover costs and expenses including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees. The terms of this Agreement are confidential to the Company and no press release or other written or oral disclosure of any nature regarding the compensation terms of this Agreement shall be made by the Developer without the Company’s prior written approval; however, approval for such disclosure shall be deemed given to the extent such disclosure is required to comply with governmental rules. Any waivers or amendments shall be effective only if made in writing and signed by a representative of the respective parties authorized to bind the parties. Both parties agree that this Agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of the mutual understanding of the parties and supersedes and cancels all previous written and oral agreements and communications relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
1 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first indicated above.
ARRAYIT CORPORATION | ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Rene’ A. Sehena | By: | /s/ John Howell | |
Rene’ A. Sehena, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | John Howell, President |
2 |
EXHIBIT A TO TECHNOLOGY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
TECHNOLOGY CONTRIBUTED BY DEVELOPER
Developer assigns to Company all of the trade secrets and protocols required for the production and use the ovarian cancer biomarker panel for early stage (pre-symptomatic) screening and detection of ovarian cancer and monitoring of early and late stage ovarian cancer in human patients, including printed microarray substrates containing ovarian biomarkers; hardware required for ovarian biomarker microarray use; reagents required for microarray processing, washing and staining; data quantification and reporting software for reference laboratory, point-of-care, and site-of-care use; pre-packaged kits for reference laboratory, point-of-care and site-of-care use; and any improvements or modifications to the ovarian test made by Developer.
This assignment does not imply any assignment of U.S. Patents 6,101,946 or 6,913,879 or their issued or pending foreign equivalents owned by Developer.
This assignment does not limit Developer from using identical or similar trade secrets and protocols for disease tests other than ovarian cancer.
Under the terms of this assignment, it is understood that Company will license biomarkers from third parties and make them available to Developer for printing.
3 |
United States Patent | 6,101,946 |
Martinsky | August 15, 2000 |
Microarray printing device including printing pins with flat tips and exterior channel and method of manufacture
Abstract
The invention herein describes a device for fabricating microarrays of biochemical substances, consisting of a holder and one or more printing pins. The holder contains apertures with regular spacing that define the location of one or more printing pins during the printing process. The tip of each printing pin contains a sample channel that holds a predetermined volume of biological or chemical sample and a point that is machined to precision with an electronic discharge machine (EDM). The device can be attached to a motion control system for precise and automated movement in three dimensions. The flat tips of the pins are immersed in a biochemical sample such that a predefined volume of sample fills the sample channel of each pin. The holder and pins are then moved in proximity to a printing substrate whereby direct contact between the flat tips of the pins and the surface results in the transfer of a small amount of the sample onto the solid surface. The holder and pins are mass produced at high precision to ensure that the printed elements in the resultant microarray contains approximately the same quantity of sample. In one preferred embodiment, the device is employed to manufacture arrays of nucleic acids or derivatives thereof.
Inventors: | Martinsky; Richard S (San Jose, CA) |
Assignee: | TeleChem International Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
Appl. No.: | 09/191,935 |
Filed: | November 13, 1998 |
Current U.S. Class: | 101/494 ; 222/420; 422/100; 422/50; 422/920; 435/283.1 |
Current International Class: | B01J 19/00 (20060101); B01L 3/02 (20060101); B01L 3/00 (20060101); B01L 003/02 () |
Field of Search: | 101/494 400/118.2 422/50,920,100 435/283.1 222/420 |
United States Patent | 6,913,879 |
Schena | July 5, 2005 |
Microarray method of genotyping multiple samples at multiple LOCI
Abstract
A method for genotyping multiple samples at multiple genetic loci in a single assay is provided. Microarrays of genomic segments representing discrete loci are formed and hybridized with mixtures of synthetic oligonucleotides that are complementary to the genomic segments. Genotyping information is derived by reading the microarray signals. The method can be used to characterize samples from diverse biological sources and for a variety of applications.
Inventors: | Schena; Mark A. (Los Altos, CA) |
Assignee: | TeleChem International Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
Appl. No.: | 09/613,006 |
Filed: | July 10, 2000 |
Current U.S. Class: | 435/6 ; 435/287.2; 435/91.1; 435/91.2; 536/23.1; 536/24.3; 536/24.31; 536/24.33 |
Current International Class: | C12Q 1/68 (20060101); C12Q 001/68 (); C12P 019/34 (); C12M 001/36 (); C07H 021/04 () |
Field of Search: | 435/6,287.2,91.1,91.2 536/24.3,23.1,24.31,24.33,24.32 |
EXCLUSIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This EXCLUSIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), effective September 10,2009 (the "Effective Date"), is entered into by and among Arrayit Corporation, 524 East Weddell Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089 ("Arrayit"), on the one hand, and Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation having its principal office at 12000 Westheimer Road Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77077-6531 ("Arrayit Diagnostics"), on behalf of itself, its majority owned subsidiary, Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. ("Arrayit Ovarian") as well as majority owned subsidiaries to be formed in the future, on the other hand (the "Agreement"). Each of Arrayit, Arrayit Diagnostics and future majority owned subsidiaries, are referred to herein individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties".
WHEREAS, Arrayit manufactures the world's most widely used microarray printing technology consisting of Professional, 946, Stealth and ChipMaker® pins and printheads. Arrayit's patented printing technology allows the high-speed manufacture of DNA, protein, antibody, lipid, carbohydrate and many other types of microarrays for research and diagnostic applications including gene expression, genotyping, protein profiling and many more;
WHEREAS, Arrayit holds the key microarray diagnostics patent, issued in 2005, that provides for 100,000 patients to be screened for a health condition in a single, simple laboratory test;
WHEREAS, Arrayit Diagnostics holds a worldwide exclusive license for the use of technology in the field of planar surface diagnostic microarray applications (excluding, for example, traditional plate ELISA and solution bead applications) and access to the specific antigens and antigen sequence information for the early detection of multiple disease states;
WHEREAS, Arrayit Diagnostics is engaged in developing and commercialization of innovative microarray based diagnostic tests for diagnosis and monitoring of serious diseases and medical conditions and desires to utilize the services of Arrayit to manufacture and provide Arrayit Diagnostics with a commercial supply of Diagnostic Products, as defined below; and
WHEREAS, Arrayit Diagnostics has requested that Arrayit supply it with Diagnostic Products and Arrayit is willing to supply Diagnostic Products on the terms and conditions set forth below.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and promises contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Definitions. In addition to the capitalized terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below.
1.1. "Applicable Laws" means all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of any governmental or quasi-governmental body applicable to the performance by each Party of its obligations hereunder, or any aspect thereof, as the context requires under this Agreement, including, without limitation all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations;.
1.2. "Arrayit Supplied Raw Materials" means all raw materials used in the production of the Diagnostic Product other than the Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials.
1.3. "Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials" means the isolated panel of genetic biomarkers that definitively provide the identity required for the production of the Diagnostic Product to be supplied pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
1.5. "Certificate of Analysis" means a certificate in a form reasonably acceptable to Arrayit Diagnostics certifying that a batch of Diagnostic Product meets the Specifications and such other specific requirements as contained in the Quality Agreement.
1.6. "Diagnostic Product" means a microarray based test for identification and monitoring of disease as more fully described in Exhibit A as supplemented from time to time to add Diagnostic Product for a specific disease state.
1.7. "FDA" means the United States Food and Drug Administration, and any successor agency thereto.
1.8. "Regulatory Agency" means the FDA and any other governmental regulatory authority or agency involved in regulating any aspect of the development, manufacture, market approval, sale, distribution, packaging or use of the Diagnostic Product.
2. Supply of Diagnostic Product.
2.1. Obligation to Supply. Pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, Arrayit shall supply Arrayit Diagnostics with the goods, services and technology necessary to produce a microarray based test for identification and monitoring of ovarian cancer and any such other products that may be developed as more fully described in Exhibit A, (the "Diagnostic Product") in such quantities as Arrayit Diagnostics may order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.
2.2. Specification of Diagnostic Product. The Diagnostic Product shall be produced in accordance with all Applicable Laws and utilizing using biomarkers licensed to Arrayit Diagnostics and as summarized in Exhibit B (the "Biomarkers"). All Diagnostic Product supplied hereunder shall be tested by Arrayit to ensure that it meets the release specifications set forth in Exhibit C (the "Specifications"). During the term of this Agreement, the Parties may modify the Biomarkers or the Specifications by mutual written agreement. A material change to the Biomarkers or the Specifications may be subject to a corresponding change in the price of the Diagnostic Product, as agreed to by the Parties in writing.
2.3. Exclusive Supplier. Arrayit Diagnostics agrees that, during the term of this Agreement, subject to the conditions below, Arrayit shall be Arrayit Diagnostics' exclusive supplier of Diagnostic Product Such obligation shall be conditioned on Arrayit being able to supply sufficient quantities of Diagnostic Product, meeting all then applicable requirements of any Regulatory Agency to allow the Diagnostic Product to be used as a diagnostic product, and otherwise satisfying all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
3. Order Process.
3.1. Forecasts. Arrayit Diagnostics shall provide Arrayit, not less often than quarter annually; a Rolling Forecast of the quantity and pricing of Diagnostic Product expected to be provided by Arrayit and sold by Arrayit Diagnostics for the next succeeding year.
3.2. Purchase Orders. Together with the delivery of each Rolling Forecast, Arrayit Diagnostics shall issue a binding purchase order (a "Purchase Order") for the supply of Diagnostic Product to satisfy the Roiling Forecast for the next calendar quarter. Such Purchase Order shall specify reasonable delivery dates and instructions for shipping and packaging the Diagnostic Product. If there is any inconsistency between any of the terms and conditions of a Purchase Order and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall prevail.
3.3. Acceptance Procedures. Within 10 days after receiving a Purchase Order from Arrayit Diagnostics, Arrayit shall give written notice to Arrayit Diagnostics specifying whether or not Arrayit has accepted such Purchase Order; provided that Arrayit shall be obligated to accept the Purchase Order if the amount to be purchased does not exceed the amount included for such period in the most recent previous Rolling Forecast provided to Arrayit, and Arrayit Diagnostics' accounts payable to Arrayit are current.
3.4. Changes to Purchase Orders. If Arrayit Diagnostics requests a change to a Purchase Order (a "Change Order") after such Purchase Order is accepted by Arrayit, Arrayit Diagnostics shall inform Arrayit about such Change Order as soon as possible. Arrayit shall use commercially reasonable efforts to accommodate such Change Order.
4. Supply Price.
4.1. Price Generally. Arrayit Diagnostics shall purchase the Diagnostic Product at the price set forth on Exhibit D (the "Price") as the price may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of this Section 4 or pursuant to Section 5.5. The Parties acknowledge that, subject to any amounts payable pursuant to Section 4.2, such Price is the total compensation payable for the performance of all of Arrayit's obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the cost of labor, facilities, the Arrayit Supplied Raw Materials including those listed in Exhibit E, reagents, solvents, analysis, packaging materials, incoming inspection and testing of all raw material and components, waste disposal, reports, packaging of product, preparation of finished Diagnostic Product for shipment, testing of final product and shipping of final Diagnostic Product, recovery of Arrayit's research and development costs, and Arrayit's reasonable profit margin. Reasonable margin shall be determined in accordance with standard industry practice. The Price does not include the purchase of the Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials. Arrayit Diagnostics shall be responsible for providing Arrayit with the Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials at Arrayit Diagnostics' expense.
4.2. Payment of Taxes. Arrayit Diagnostics shall reimburse Arrayit or its affiliates for any federal, state or local excise or other tax, assessment, license fee or other charge or increase thereof, which Arrayit or its affiliates may be required to pay based on the sale, transportation or use of the Diagnostic Product. In no event shall Arrayit Diagnostics be required to reimburse Arrayit or its affiliates for taxes based on Arrayit or its affiliates income or franchise fees.
4.3. Payment Procedures, (a) Arrayit Diagnostics shall pay to Arrayit for the Diagnostic Product supplied hereunder in United States currency by wire transfer to a bank account designated by Arrayit no later than thirty (30) days after the date of presentation of an invoice in an approved format and (b) Arrayit Diagnostics shall pay to Arrayit Corporation, in advance of the work to be completed, for the development work in accordance with agreed milestones.
5. Manufacture.
5.1. Quality Agreement. Within four (4) months after the Effective Date of this Agreement, Arrayit and Arrayit Diagnostics will enter into a Quality Agreement (the "Quality Agreement"), which will further define the specific, task level, responsibilities of each Party, consistent with the terms of this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the Quality Agreement and this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern and control.
5.2. Manufacture Obligations. Arrayit shall be responsible for the manufacture of the Diagnostic Product to be supplied pursuant to this Agreement and shall cause the Diagnostic Product to be manufactured and supplied in accordance with the Applicable Laws, the Specifications and the Quality Agreement, and pursuant to the Biomarkers. Arrayit shall be responsible for the procurement, proper quality and documentation of the quality of all materials (other than the Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials,) equipment and facilities used for the preparation and analysis of the Diagnostic Product.
5.3. Supply of Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials. Arrayit Diagnostics shall be responsible to provide, at its expense, the Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials in sufficient quantity and with sufficient lead time to allow Arrayit to manufacture Diagnostic Product as requested in a Purchase Order. Arrayit shall be solely responsible for risk of loss of Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials after they are delivered to Arrayit's facility.
5.4. Validation Processes. Arrayit shall be responsible for the performance of ail process validation associated with the manufacturing process and as required by the Quality Agreement. All costs and expenses relating to all process validation associated with the manufacturing process and as required by the Quality Agreement shall be included in the Price. Prior to releasing the Diagnostic Product, Arrayit shall have performed or shall have had performed quality control testing on samples of each batch of Diagnostic Product to determine whether it meets the Specifications and other warranties set forth in Section 15 hereof. In the event that Arrayit Diagnostics wishes to perform additional validation testing, at its expense, to confirm the validation performed by Arrayit, for no additional consideration, Arrayit shall provide Arrayit Diagnostics with reasonable assistance in such efforts, such as responding to inquiries or investigation questions.
5.5. Manufacturing Changes.
(a) Manufacturing process and control changes that affect the Diagnostic Product, regardless of whether they are reportable to the FDA, will be reported by Arrayit to Arrayit Diagnostics prior to implementation by Arrayit Any such changes shall require Arrayit Diagnostics' prior written approval, provided that, if such changes are not reportable to the FDA or EMEA, such approval will not be unreasonably withheld and if such changes do require notice to, or any filing with, the FDA or EMEA, such approval may be granted or withheld in Arrayit Diagnostics' sole discretion.
(b) Arrayit Diagnostics shall promptly advise Arrayit in writing of any new standards, procedures or specifications related to the Diagnostic Product or the manufacturing process required by the applicable Regulatory Agencies and Arrayit will use its best efforts to implement such requirements.
6. Compliance with Forecasts; Shipping Dates and Delivery.
6.1. Delivery. Diagnostic Product will be packaged in accordance with the specifications reasonably required by Arrayit Diagnostics. Title and risk of loss shall pass to Arrayit Diagnostics upon delivery, as defined above, provided Arrayit shall provide reasonable cooperation to ensure that delivery is coordinated with the pick-up of such Diagnostic Product by the common carrier designated by Arrayit Diagnostics. Diagnostic Product shall be delivered free and clear of any security interest, lien, or other encumbrance.
6.2. Delivery Date. Arrayit shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to Arrayit Diagnostics the Diagnostic Product identified in each Purchase Order by the delivery date specified in the Purchase Order, subject to the coordination with the common carrier as described in Section 6.1. If Arrayit anticipates any delay to the scheduled delivery date as included in a Purchase Order, Arrayit will notify Arrayit Diagnostics as soon as possible, shall use commercially reasonable efforts (best efforts if such delay is due to circumstances within Arrayit's control) to deliver Diagnostic Product not later than the scheduled delivery date or as soon as possible thereafter. All expenses for efforts to deliver Diagnostic Product in as timely a manner as possible shall be included within the Price.
7. Documentation Associated with Shipments.
7.1. Five (5) days prior to each delivery of Diagnostic Product, Arrayit shall send to Arrayit Diagnostics by facsimile a copy of the detailed packing list indicating gross and net weights, invoice, airway bill number and flight details.
7.2. Arrayit shall send with each shipment of Diagnostic Product a pro forma invoice or comparable document to be agreed upon with Arrayit Diagnostics containing at least Arrayit Diagnostics' material description and code, Arrayit Diagnostics' purchase order number, Diagnostic Product batch number, manufacturing date, unit of measure and total quantity delivered. Each delivery of Diagnostic Product shall also be accompanied by a batch identifier and a Certificate of Analysis verifying that the Diagnostic Product meets the Specifications.
8. Rejection.
8.1. Promptly upon receipt of each delivery of Diagnostic Product, and no later than 10 days after receipt of each delivery of Diagnostic Product, Arrayit Diagnostics shall perform appropriate inspection procedures designed to determine whether such Diagnostic Product conforms at the time of delivery to the applicable Specifications. If the Diagnostic Product supplied to Arrayit Diagnostics under this Agreement fails to conform to the Specifications, Arrayit Diagnostics shall so notify Arrayit promptly after its discovery of such non-conformity, and Arrayit Diagnostics shall concurrently present reasonable evidence to Arrayit of such non-conformity. If Arrayit Diagnostics notifies Arrayit that Diagnostic Product is non-conforming and Arrayit does not dispute such determination, Arrayit shall promptly supply Arrayit Diagnostics with replacement Diagnostic Product or, at Arrayit's election, have the non-conforming batch of the Diagnostic Product reprocessed, so long as such reprocessing has been previously approved by the FDA and EMEA, at Arrayit's cost and expense.
8.2. In the event that it is determined, based on the above procedures, that the allegedly non-conforming Diagnostic Product was conforming, then Arrayit Diagnostics shall pay Arrayit the applicable Price for any such Diagnostic Product. In the event that it is determined, based on the above procedures, that any Diagnostic Product delivered to Arrayit Diagnostics does not meet the Specifications, Arrayit shall replace promptly, at no additional expense to Arrayit Diagnostics, such non-conforming Diagnostic Product with new Diagnostic Product that does conform with the Specifications thereof, and shall bear all costs of shipment of such new Diagnostic Product. Arrayit shall give Arrayit Diagnostics written instructions as to how Arrayit Diagnostics should, at Arrayit's expense, handle any non-conforming Diagnostic Product, and such instructions shall comply with all Applicable Laws.
9. Ownership and Licenses.
9.1. All information received from Arrayit Diagnostics or obtained as a result of Arrayit's performance hereunder, including, but not limited to, batch records, results, data, reports, final reports, laboratory work sheets, methods, Diagnostic Product information, process information, improvements and the like ("Arrayit Diagnostics Information"), shall be the sole property of Arrayit Diagnostics.
9.1 (a) Arrayit Diagnostics grants a non-exclusive license to the Diagnostic Product information for use by Arrayit Corporation for its own research and development purposes.
9.2. Any new technology or process, not directly relating to the Diagnostic Product, developed by Arrayit under this Agreement, remains the property of Arrayit ("Arrayit Discoveries"). Arrayit shall have the sole right to file, prosecute and maintain patent applications and patents with respect to new technology or process, not directly relating to the Diagnostic Product, developed by Arrayit under this Agreement or any Purchase Order hereunder.
10. Confidentiality. Each Party shall abide by the terms and conditions of that certain Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement effective June 30,2009 (the "NDA"), attached hereto as Exhibit F and incorporated herein by this reference, provided that the purpose stated under the NDA shall include the performance of each Party's obligations under this Agreement.
11. Term. This Agreement shall be effective on the Effective Date and shall continue for five (5) years thereafter. Arrayit Diagnostics may, at its election, extend the term of this agreement for an additional five (5) year period by providing at least six (6) months prior notice of such extension to Arrayit. Thereafter, unless either Party notifies the other of its election not to renew this Agreement at least twelve (12) months prior to the expiration of the term, this Agreement shall automatically, without further action of the Parties, renew for successive two (2) year periods.
12. Indemnification.
12.1. Arrayit Diagnostics shall indemnify and hold harmless Arrayit, its directors, officers and employees (collectively, the "Arrayit Indemnitees"), from and against any and all liability, damage, loss, cost (including reasonable attorneys' fees) and expense resulting from claims of any kind and character by any third Party (including, without limitation, employees or agents of Arrayit Diagnostics) with respect to the manufacture, storage, or use of Diagnostic Product supplied by Arrayit to Arrayit Diagnostics pursuant to this Agreement and/or the Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials supplied to Arrayit so long as such Arrayit Diagnostics Supplied Raw Materials are processed, stored and used in accordance with the instructions provided by Arrayit Diagnostics, as required by law and in accordance with good business practices. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Arrayit shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 13.1 for any claim based in whole or in part on Arrayit's negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations hereunder.
12.2. Arrayit shall indemnify and hold harmless, Arrayit Diagnostics, its directors, officers and employees (collectively, the "Arrayit Diagnostics Indemnitees"), from and against any and all liability, damage, loss, cost (including reasonable attorneys' fees) and expense resulting from claims of any kind and character by any third Parry (including, without limitation, employees or agents of Arrayit) arising out of or in connection with Arrayit's negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Arrayit Diagnostics shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 13.2 for any claim based in whole or in part on Arrayit Diagnostics' negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations hereunder.
13. Limitation of Liability. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY TERMS OR CONDITIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT OR WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE THERETO.
14. Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
14.1. General. Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that:
(a) it has full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions
hereof; and
(b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Party does not conflict with any agreement, instrument or understanding, oral or written, to which it is a Party or by which it may be bound, nor does it violate any material law or regulation of any court, governmental body or administrative or other agency having jurisdiction over it
14.2. No Conflict Each Party covenants that it will not grant any right to any third Party that would conflict with the rights granted to the other Party or its obligations hereunder.
15. Successors and Assigns; Parties in Interest.
16.1. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the respective permitted successors and assigns of each of the Parties hereto (if any). No person who is not a Party shall have any rights hereunder as a third-party beneficiary or otherwise.
16.2. Neither this Agreement nor the rights and obligations of either Party shall be assigned without the prior written consent of the other Parry, which consent may be given or withheld in such party's sole and absolute discretion, except to a successor by merger or sale of substantially all of its business to which this Agreement relates.
17. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it is invalid or in conflict with any law of any relevant jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining provisions shall be not affected, and the Parties shall negotiate a substitute provision that, to the extent possible, accomplishes the original business purpose.
18. Independent Contractors. Each Party shall act as an independent contractor and shall not bind nor attempt to bind the other Party to any contract, or any performance of obligations outside of this Agreement Nothing contained or done under this Agreement shall be interpreted as constituting either Party the agent of the other in any sense of the term whatsoever unless expressly so stated. Each Party shall be responsible for all taxes and payments concerning such Party, its employees or its sales representatives. This Agreement does not create or evidence any joint venture or partnership of the Parties.
19. Amendment No modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of each Party. This Agreement may not be amended by a Purchase Order. No waiver of any right or remedy hereunder shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Party to be bound, nor shall any waiver in once instance constitute a waiver of the same or any other right or remedy in any other instance.
20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada, U.S.A. without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law provisions thereof, and any legal action or other legal proceeding relating to this Agreement or the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement may be brought or otherwise commenced solely and exclusively in the state or federal court located in Nevada.
21. Attorneys' Fees. If any legal action or other legal proceeding relating to this Agreement the transactions contemplated hereby or the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement is brought by one Party against the other Party, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements (in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing Party may be entitled).
22. Headings. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall be of no force or effect in construing or interpreting any of the provisions of this Agreement.
23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement is the entire agreement between Arrayit Diagnostics and Arrayit regarding the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any prior agreements between the Parties hereto with the exception of the NDA. This Agreement becomes effective and binding on both Parties only when signed by each
Party below. Each Party acknowledges that there are no other understandings that relate to the matters covered herein or which are inconsistent with any provisions of this Agreement.
24. Notices. Any notice required, contemplated or permitted to be given herein shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given to either Party for all of the purposes hereof if given by telephone, confirmed facsimile transmission, telex or cable and confirmed by registered mail, or dispatched by a major national express courier service, postage prepaid and return receipt requested addressed as follows:
If to Arrayit Diagnostics:
12000 Westheimer Rd
Ste 340 Houston,
TX 77077-6531
Attn: John Howell, CEO
Facsimile No.: (713)462-1980
If to Arrayit:
Arrayit Corporation
524 East Weddell
Drive Sunnyvale,
CA 94089
Attn: Rene' A. Schena, CEO
Facsimile No.: (408) 744-1711
or to such other address as either of the Parties shall designate by notice given as herein required. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered upon receipt if delivered by hand, three business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, or when transmitted with electronic confirmation of receipt, if transmitted by facsimile (if such transmission is on a business day; otherwise, on the next day following such transmission).
25. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any photocopy, facsimile or electronic reproduction of the executed Agreement shall constitute an original.
26. Further Assurances. From and after the Effective Date, each Party shall execute and deliver such documents and take such other actions, as such other Party may reasonably request, for the purpose of carrying out or evidencing any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Executed by the parties hereto as of the date first above written.
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ARRAYIT | ||||
By: | /s/ John Howell | By: | /s/ Rene’ A. Schena | ||
John Howell,CEO | Rene’ A. Schena, CEO |
Attachments:
Exhibit A: Diagnostic Product
Exhibit B: Biomarkers
Exhibit C: Diagnostic Product Specifications
Exhibit D: Price
Exhibit E: Arrayit Supplied Raw Materials
Exhibit F: Non-Disclosure Agreement
EXHIBIT A
DIAGNOSTIC PRODUCT
A microarray based test for the detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer.
EXHIBIT B
BIOMARKERS
Biomarkers will be described in the definitive agreement with Wayne State University.
EXHIBIT C
DIAGNOSTIC PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Pre-printed microarray substrates containing ovarian biomarkers; hardware required for ovarian biomarker microarray use; reagents required for microarray processing, washing and staining; data quantification and reporting software for reference laboratory; pre-packaged kits for reference laboratory; and any improvements or modifications to the ovarian test made by Arrayit.
EXHIBIT D
PRICE
Non-Recurring | Price (US | |||||||
Item | Expense | Dollars)* | ||||||
Clean Room (Class 100) | Yes | $ | 200,000 | |||||
New Laboratory Equipment | Yes | $ | 830,000 | |||||
CLIA Certification | Yes | $ | 150,000 | |||||
FDA Approval | Yes | $ | 50,000 | |||||
Kit Development | Yes | $ | 320,000 | |||||
Kit Manufacturing (Year One) | ||||||||
- Test Kits | No | $ | 1,085,736 | |||||
- Lab Processing | No | $ | 173,283 | |||||
- Shipping | No | $ | 138,540 |
EXHIBIT E
ARRAYIT SUPPLIED RAW MATERIALS
Pre-printed microarray substrates containing ovarian biomarkers; hardware required for ovarian biomarker microarray use; reagents required for microarray processing, washing and staining; data quantification and reporting software for reference laboratory use; pre-packaged kits for reference laboratory use; and any improvements or modifications to the ovarian test made by Arrayit.
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
2009 DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND CONSULTANTS
STOCK OPTION, STOCK WARRANT AND STOCK AWARD PLAN
SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN. The purpose of the 2009 Directors,
Officers and Consultants Stock Option, Stock Warrant and Stock Award Plan ("Plan") is to maintain the ability of Arrayit
Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company") and its subsidiaries to attract and retain highly qualified and
experienced directors, employees and consultants and to give such directors, employees and consultants a continued proprietary
interest in the success of the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition the Plan is intended to encourage ownership of common
stock, $.001 par value ("Common Stock"), of the Company by the directors, employees and consultants of the Company and
its Affiliates (as defined below) and to provide increased incentive for such persons to render services and to exert maximum effort
for the success of the Company's business. The Plan provides eligible employees and consultants the opportunity to participate
in the enhancement of shareholder value by the grants of warrants, options, restricted common or convertible preferred stock, unrestricted
common or convertible preferred stock and other awards under this Plan and to have their bonuses and/or consulting fees payable
in warrants, restricted common or convertible preferred stock, unrestricted common or convertible preferred stock and other awards,
or any combination thereof. In addition, the Company expects that the Plan will further strengthen the identification of the directors,
employees and consultants with the stockholders. Certain options and warrants to be granted under this Plan are intended to qualify
as Incentive Stock Options ("ISOs") pursuant to Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"),
while other options and warrants and preferred stock granted under this Plan will be nonqualified options or warrants which are
not intended to qualify as ISOs ("Nonqualified Options"), either or both as provided in the agreements evidencing the
options or warrants described in Section 5 hereof and shares of preferred stock. As provided in the designation described in Section
7. Employees, consultants and directors who participate or become eligible to participate in this Plan from time to time are referred
to collectively herein as "Participants". As used in this Plan, the term "Affiliates" means any "parent
corporation" of the Company and any "subsidiary corporation" of the Company within the meaning of Code Sections
424(e) and (f), respectively.
SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) Composition of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). When acting in such capacity the Board is herein referred to as the "Committee," which shall also designate the Chairman of the Committee. If the Company is governed by Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), no director shall serve as a member of the Committee unless he or she is a "disinterested person" within the meaning of such Rule 16b-3.
(b) Committee Action. The Committee shall hold its meetings at such times and places as it may determine. A majority of its members shall constitute a quorum, and all determinations of the Committee shall be made by not less than a majority of its members. Any decision or determination reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the members shall be fully as effective as if it had been made by a majority vote of its members at a meeting duly called and held. The Committee may designate the Secretary of the Company or other Company employees to assist the Committee in the administration of the Plan, and may grant authority to such persons to execute award agreements or other documents on behalf of the Committee and the Company. Any duly constituted committee of the Board satisfying the qualifications of this Section 2 may be appointed as the Committee.
(c) Committee Expenses. All expenses and liabilities incurred by the Committee in the administration of the Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Committee may employ attorneys, consultants, accountants or other persons.
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SECTION 3. STOCK RESERVED FOR THE PLAN. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5(d)(xiii) hereof, the aggregate number of shares that may be optioned, subject to conversion or issued under the Plan is 12,000,000 shares of Common Stock, warrants, options, preferred stock or any combination thereof. The shares subject to the Plan shall consist of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock and such number of shares shall be and is hereby reserved for sale for such purpose. Any of such shares which may remain unsold and which are not subject to issuance upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants or conversion of outstanding shares of preferred stock at the termination of the Plan shall cease to be reserved for the purpose of the Plan, but until termination of the Plan or the termination of the last of the options or warrants granted under the Plan, whichever last occurs, the Company shall at all times reserve a sufficient number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan. Should any option or warrant expire or be cancelled prior to its exercise in full, the shares theretofore subject to such option or warrant may again be made subject to an option, warrant or shares of convertible preferred stock under the Plan.
Immediately upon the grant of any option, warrant, shares of preferred stock or award, the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued or optioned under the Plan will be increased. The number of shares of such increase shall be an amount such that immediately after such increase the total number of shares issuable under the Plan and reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants or conversion of shares of preferred stock will equal 15% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company. Such increase in the number of shares subject to the Plan shall occur without the necessity of any further corporate action of any kind or character.
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY. The Participants shall include directors, employees, including officers, of the Company and its divisions and subsidiaries, and consultants and attorneys who provide bona fide services to the Company. Participants are eligible to be granted warrants, options, restricted common or convertible preferred stock, unrestricted common or convertible preferred stock and other awards under this Plan and to have their bonuses and/or consulting fees payable in warrants, restricted common or convertible preferred stock, unrestricted common or convertible preferred stock and other awards. A Participant who has been granted an option, warrant or preferred stock hereunder may be granted an additional option, warrant options, warrants or preferred stock, if the Committee shall so determine.
SECTION 5. GRANT OF OPTIONS OR WARRANTS.
(a) Committee Discretion. The Committee shall have sole and absolute discretionary authority (i) to determine, authorize, and designate those persons pursuant to this Plan who are to receive warrants, options, restricted common or convertible preferred stock, or unrestricted common or convertible preferred stock under the Plan, (ii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by such grant or such options or warrants and the terms thereof, (iii) to determine the type of Common Stock granted: restricted common or convertible preferred stock, unrestricted common or convertible preferred stock or a combination of restricted and unrestricted common or convertible preferred stock, and (iv) to determine the type of option or warrant granted: ISO, Nonqualified Option or a combination of ISO and Nonqualified Options. The Committee shall thereupon grant options or warrants in accordance with such determinations as evidenced by a written option or warrant agreement. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have discretionary authority to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to interpret the Plan, to prescribe and amend the terms of the option or warrant agreements (which need not be identical) and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
(b) Stockholder Approval. All ISOs granted under this Plan are subject to, and may not be exercised before, the approval of this Plan by the stockholders prior to the first anniversary date of the Board meeting held to approve the Plan, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company present, or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote thereat, or by written consent in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, provided that if such approval by the stockholders of the Company is not forthcoming, all options or warrants and stock awards previously granted under this Plan other than ISOs shall be valid in all respects.
(c) Limitation on Incentive Stock Options and Warrants. The aggregate fair market value (determined in accordance with Section 5(d)(ii) of this Plan at the time the option or warrant is granted) of the Common Stock with respect to which ISOs may be exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year under all such plans of the Company and its Affiliates shall not exceed $3,000,000.
(d) Terms and Conditions. Each option or warrant granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an agreement, in a form approved by the Committee, which shall be subject to the following express terms and conditions and to such other terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate:
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(i) Option or Warrant Period. The Committee shall promptly notify the Participant of the option or warrant grant and a written agreement shall promptly be executed and delivered by and on behalf of the Company and the Participant, provided that the option or warrant grant shall expire if a written agreement is not signed by said Participant (or his agent or attorney) and returned to the Company within 60 days from date of receipt by the Participant of such agreement. The date of grant shall be the date the option or warrant is actually granted by the Committee, even though the written agreement may be executed and delivered by the Company and the Participant after that date. Each option or warrant agreement shall specify the period for which the option or warrant thereunder is granted (which in no event shall exceed ten years from the date of grant) and shall provide that the option or warrant shall expire at the end of such period. If the original term of an option or warrant is less than ten years from the date of grant, the option or warrant may be amended prior to its expiration, with the approval of the Committee and the Participant, to extend the term so that the term as amended is not more than ten years from the date of grant. However, in the case of an ISO granted to an individual who, at the time of grant, owns stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its Affiliate ("Ten Percent Stockholder"), such period shall not exceed five years from the date of grant.
(ii) Option or Warrant Price. The purchase price of each share of Common Stock subject to each option or warrant granted pursuant to the Plan shall be determined by the Committee at the time the option or warrant is granted and, in the case of ISOs, shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the option or warrant is granted, as determined by the Committee. In the case of an ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, the option or warrant price shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the option or warrant is granted. The purchase price of each share of Common Stock subject to a Nonqualified Option or Warrant under this Plan shall be determined by the Committee prior to granting the option or warrant. The Committee shall set the purchase price for each share subject to a Nonqualified Option or Warrant at either the fair market value of each share on the date the option or warrant is granted, or at such other price as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine.
At the time a determination of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock is required to be made hereunder, the determination of its fair market value shall be made by the Committee in such manner as it deems appropriate.
(iii) Exercise Period. The Committee may provide in the option or warrant agreement that an option or warrant may be exercised in whole, immediately, or is to be exercisable in increments. In addition, the Committee may provide that the exercise of all or part of an option or warrant is subject to specified performance by the Participant.
(iv) Procedure for Exercise. Options or warrants shall be exercised
in the manner specified in the option or warrant agreement. The notice of exercise shall specify the address to which the certificates
for such shares are to be mailed. A Participant shall be deemed to be a stockholder with respect to shares covered by an option
or warrant on the date specified in the option or warrant agreement . As promptly as practicable, the Company shall deliver to
the Participant or other holder of the warrant, certificates for the number of shares with respect to which such option or warrant
has been so exercised, issued in the holder's name or such other name as holder directs; provided, however, that such delivery
shall be deemed effected for all purposes when a stock transfer agent of the Company shall have deposited such certificates with
a carrier for overnight delivery, addressed to the holder at the address specified pursuant to this
Section 6(d).
(v) Termination of Employment. If an executive officer to whom an option or warrant is granted ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than death or disability, any option or warrant which is exercisable on the date of such termination of employment may be exercised during a period beginning on such date and ending at the time set forth in the option or warrant agreement; provided, however, that if a Participant's employment is terminated because of the Participant's theft or embezzlement from the Company, disclosure of trade secrets of the Company or the commission of a willful, felonious act while in the employment of the Company (such reasons shall hereinafter be collectively referred to as "for cause"), then any option or warrant or unexercised portion thereof granted to said Participant shall expire upon such termination of employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no ISO may be exercised later than three months after an employee's termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability.
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(vi) Disability or Death of Participant. In the event of the determination of disability or death of a Participant under the Plan while he or she is employed by the Company, the options or warrants previously granted to him may be exercised (to the extent he or she would have been entitled to do so at the date of the determination of disability or death) at any time and from time to time, within a period beginning on the date of such determination of disability or death and ending at the time set forth in the option or warrant agreement, by the former employee, the guardian of his estate, the executor or administrator of his estate or by the person or persons to whom his rights under the option or warrant shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution, but in no event may the option or warrant be exercised after its expiration under the terms of the option or warrant agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no ISO may be exercised later than one year after the determination of disability or death. A Participant shall be deemed to be disabled if, in the opinion of a physician selected by the Committee, he or she is incapable of performing services for the Company of the kind he or she was performing at the time the disability occurred by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or to be of long, continued and indefinite duration. The date of determination of disability for purposes hereof shall be the date of such determination by such physician.
(vii) Assignability. An option or warrant shall be assignable or otherwise transferable, in whole or in part, by a Participant as provided in the option, warrant or designation of the series of preferred stock.
(viii) Incentive Stock Options. Each option or warrant agreement may contain such terms and provisions as the Committee may determine to be necessary or desirable in order to qualify an option or warrant designated as an incentive stock option.
(ix) Restricted Stock Awards. Awards of restricted stock under this Plan shall be subject to all the applicable provisions of this Plan, including the following terms and conditions, and to such other terms and conditions not inconsistent therewith, as the Committee shall determine:
(A) Awards of restricted stock may be in addition to or in lieu of option or warrant grants. Awards may be conditioned on the attainment of particular performance goals based on criteria established by the Committee at the time of each award of restricted stock. During a period set forth in the agreement (the "Restriction Period"), the recipient shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, or otherwise encumber the shares of restricted stock; except that such shares may be used, if the agreement permits, to pay the option or warrant price pursuant to any option or warrant granted under this Plan, provided an equal number of shares delivered to the Participant shall carry the same restrictions as the shares so used. Shares of restricted stock shall become free of all restrictions if during the Restriction Period, (i) the recipient dies, (ii) the recipient's directorship, employment, or consultancy terminates by reason of permanent disability, as determined by the Committee, (iii) the recipient retires after attaining both 59 1/2 years of age and five years of continuous service with the Company and/or a division or subsidiary, or (iv) if provided in the agreement, there is a "change in control" of the Company (as defined in such agreement). The Committee may require medical evidence of permanent disability, including medical examinations by physicians selected by it. Unless and to the extent otherwise provided in the agreement, shares of restricted stock shall be forfeited and revert to the Company upon the recipient's termination of directorship, employment or consultancy during the Restriction Period for any reason other than death, permanent disability, as determined by the Committee, retirement after attaining both 59 1/2 years of age and five years of continuous service with the Company and/or a subsidiary or division, or, to the extent provided in the agreement, a "change in control" of the Company (as defined in such agreement), except to the extent the Committee, in its sole discretion, finds that such forfeiture might not be in the best interests of the Company and, therefore, waives all or part of the application of this provision to the restricted stock held by such recipient. Certificates for restricted stock shall be registered in the name of the recipient but shall be imprinted with the appropriate legend and returned to the Company by the recipient, together with a stock power endorsed in blank by the recipient. The recipient shall be entitled to vote shares of restricted stock and shall be entitled to all dividends paid thereon, except that dividends paid in Common Stock or other property shall also be subject to the same restrictions.
(B) Restricted Stock shall become free of the foregoing restrictions upon expiration of the applicable Restriction Period and the Company shall then deliver to the recipient Common Stock certificates evidencing such stock. Restricted stock and any Common Stock received upon the expiration of the restriction period shall be subject to such other transfer restrictions and/or legend requirements as are specified in the applicable agreement.
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(x) Bonuses and Past Salaries and Fees Payable in Unrestricted Stock.
(A) In lieu of cash bonuses otherwise payable under the Company's or applicable division's or subsidiary's compensation practices to employees and consultants eligible to participate in this Plan, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine that such bonuses shall be payable in unrestricted Common Stock or partly in unrestricted Common Stock and partly in cash. Such bonuses shall be in consideration of services previously performed and as an incentive toward future services and shall consist of shares of unrestricted Common Stock subject to such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion. The number of shares of unrestricted Common Stock payable in lieu of a bonus otherwise payable shall be determined by dividing such bonus amount by the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the date the bonus is payable, with fair market value determined as of such date in accordance with Section 5(d)(ii).
(B) In lieu of salaries and fees otherwise payable by the Company to employees, attorneys and consultants eligible to participate in this Plan that were incurred for services rendered during, prior or after the year of 2009, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine that such unpaid salaries and fees shall be payable in unrestricted Common Stock or partly in unrestricted Common Stock and partly in cash. Such awards shall be in consideration of services previously performed and as an incentive toward future services and shall consist of shares of unrestricted Common Stock subject to such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion. The number of shares of unrestricted Common Stock payable in lieu of a salaries and fees otherwise payable shall be determined by dividing each calendar month's of unpaid salary or fee amount by the average trading value of the Common Stock for the calendar month during which the subject services were provided.
(xi) No Rights as Stockholder. No Participant shall have any
rights as a stockholder with respect to shares covered by an option or warrant until the option or warrant is exercised as provided
in clause
(d) above.
(xii) Extraordinary Corporate Transactions. The existence of outstanding options or warrants shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations, exchanges, or other changes in the Company's capital structure or its business, or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issuance of Common Stock or other securities or subscription rights thereto, or any issuance of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Common Stock or the rights thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise. If the Company recapitalizes or otherwise changes its capital structure, or merges, consolidates, sells all of its assets or dissolves (each of the foregoing a "Fundamental Change"), then thereafter upon any exercise of an option or warrant theretofore granted the Participant shall be entitled to purchase under such option or warrant, in lieu of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which option or warrant shall then be exercisable, the number and class of shares of stock and securities to which the Participant would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the Fundamental Change if, immediately prior to such Fundamental Change, the Participant had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such option or warrant is then exercisable. If (i) the Company shall not be the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of another entity), (ii) the Company sells all or substantially all of its assets to any other person or entity (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary), (iii) any person or entity (including a "group" as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) acquires or gains ownership or control of (including, without limitation, power to vote) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (iv) the Company is to be dissolved and liquidated, or (v) as a result of or in connection with a contested election of directors, the persons who were directors of the Company before such election shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board (each such event in clauses (i) through (v) above is referred to herein as a "Corporate Change"), the Committee, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which all or a portion of a Participant's option or warrants may be exercised for a limited period of time before or after a specified date.
(xiii) Changes in Company's Capital Structure. If the outstanding shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or both, for which the option or warrant is then exercisable at any time be changed or exchanged by declaration of a stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, or reorganization, the number and kind of shares of Common Stock or other securities which are subject to the Plan or subject to any options or warrants theretofore granted, and the option or warrant prices, shall be adjusted only as provided in the option or warrant.
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(xiv) Acceleration of Options and Warrants. Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, (i) the issuance by the Company of shares of stock or any class of securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, (ii) the payment of a dividend in property other than Common Stock or (iii) the occurrence of any similar transaction, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to options or warrants theretofore granted or the purchase price per share, unless the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, that an adjustment is necessary to provide equitable treatment to Participant. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which any option or warrant may be exercised, including, but not limited to, upon the occurrence of the events specified in this Section 5, and is authorized at any time (with the consent of the Participant) to purchase options or warrants pursuant to Section 6.
SECTION 6. RELINQUISHMENT OF OPTIONS OR WARRANTS.
(a) The Committee, in granting options or warrants hereunder, shall have discretion to determine whether or not options or warrants shall include a right of relinquishment as hereinafter provided by this Section 6. The Committee shall also have discretion to determine whether an option or warrant agreement evidencing an option or warrant initially granted by the Committee without a right of relinquishment shall be amended or supplemented to include such a right of relinquishment. Neither the Committee nor the Company shall be under any obligation or incur any liability to any person by reason of the Committee's refusal to grant or include a right of relinquishment in any option or warrant granted hereunder or in any option or warrant agreement evidencing the same. Subject to the Committee's determination in any case that the grant by it of a right of relinquishment is consistent with Section 1 hereof, any option or warrant granted under this Plan, and the option or warrant agreement evidencing such option or warrant, may provide:
(i) That the Participant, or his or her heirs or other legal representatives to the extent entitled to exercise the option or warrant under the terms thereof, in lieu of purchasing the entire number of shares subject to purchase thereunder, shall have the right to relinquish all or any part of the then unexercised portion of the option or warrant (to the extent then exercisable) for a number of shares of Common Stock to be determined in accordance with the following provisions of this clause (i):
(A) The written notice of exercise of such right of relinquishment shall state the percentage of the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such relinquishment (as defined below) that the Participant elects to receive;
(B) The number of shares of Common Stock, if any, issuable pursuant
to such relinquishment shall be the number of such shares, rounded to the next greater number of full shares, as shall be equal
to the quotient obtained by dividing
(i) the Appreciated Value by (ii) the purchase price for each of such shares specified in such option or warrant;
(C) For the purpose of this clause (C), "Appreciated Value" means the excess, if any, of (x) the total current market value of the shares of Common Stock covered by the option or warrant or the portion thereof to be relinquished over (y) the total purchase price for such shares specified in such option or warrant;
(ii) That such right of relinquishment may be exercised only
upon receipt by the Company of a written notice of such relinquishment which shall be dated the date of election to make such relinquishment;
and that, for the purposes of this Plan, such date of election shall be deemed to be the date when such notice is sent by registered
or certified mail, or when receipt is acknowledged by the Company, if mailed by other than registered or certified mail or if delivered
by hand or by any telegraphic communications equipment of the sender or otherwise delivered; provided, that, in the event the method
just described for determining such date of election shall not be or remain consistent with the provisions of Section 16(b) of
the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder, as presently existing or as may be hereafter
amended, which regulations exempt from the operation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act in whole or in part any such relinquishment
transaction, then such date of election shall be determined by such other method consistent with
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder as the Committee shall in its discretion select and apply;
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(iii) That the "current market value" of a share of Common Stock on a particular date shall be deemed to be its fair market value on that date as determined in accordance with Paragraph 5(d)(ii); and
(iv) That the option or warrant, or any portion thereof, may be relinquished only to the extent that (A) it is exercisable on the date written notice of relinquishment is received by the Company, and (B) the holder of such option or warrant pays, or makes provision satisfactory to the Company for the payment of, any taxes which the Company is obligated to collect with respect to such relinquishment.
(b) The Committee shall have sole discretion to consent to or disapprove, and neither the Committee nor the Company shall be under any liability by reason of the Committee's disapproval of, any election by a holder of preferred stock to relinquish such preferred stock in whole or in part as provided in Paragraph 7(a), except that no such consent to or approval of a relinquishment shall be required under the following circumstances. Each Participant who is subject to the short-swing profits recapture provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act ("Covered Participant") shall not be entitled to receive shares of Common Stock when options or warrants are relinquished during any window period commencing on the third business day following the Company's release of a quarterly or annual summary statement of sales and earnings and ending on the twelfth business day following such release ("Window Period"). A Covered Participant shall be entitled to receive shares of Common Stock upon the relinquishment of options or warrants outside a Window Period.
(c) The Committee, in granting options or warrants hereunder, shall have discretion to determine the terms upon which such options or warrants shall be relinquishable, subject to the applicable provisions of this Plan, and including such provisions as are deemed advisable to permit the exemption from the operation from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act of any such relinquishment transaction, and options or warrants outstanding, and option agreements evidencing such options, may be amended, if necessary, to permit such exemption. If options or warrants are relinquished, such option or warrant shall be deemed to have been exercised to the extent of the number of shares of Common Stock covered by the option or warrant or part thereof which is relinquished, and no further options or warrants may be granted covering such shares of Common Stock.
(d) Any options or warrants or any right to relinquish the same to the Company as contemplated by this Paragraph 6 shall be assignable by the Participant, provided the transaction complies with any applicable securities laws.
(e) Except as provided in Section 6(f) below, no right of relinquishment may be exercised within the first six months after the initial award of any option or warrant containing, or the amendment or supplementation of any existing option or warrant agreement adding, the right of relinquishment.
(f) No right of relinquishment may be exercised after the initial award of any option or warrant containing, or the amendment or supplementation of any existing option or warrant agreement adding the right of relinquishment, unless such right of relinquishment is effective upon the Participant's death, disability or termination of his relationship with the Company for a reason other than "for cause."
SECTION 7. GRANT OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK.
(a) Committee Discretion. The Committee shall have sole and absolute discretionary authority (i) to determine, authorize, and designate those persons pursuant to this Plan who are to receive restricted preferred stock, or unrestricted preferred stock under the Plan, and (ii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of such shares of preferred stock and the terms thereof. The Committee shall thereupon grant shares of preferred stock in accordance with such determinations as evidenced by a written preferred stock designation. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have discretionary authority to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to interpret the Plan, to prescribe and amend the terms of the preferred stock designation (which need not be identical) and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
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(b) Terms and Conditions. Each series of preferred stock granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a designation in the form for filing with the Secretary of State of the state of incorporation of the Company, containing such terms as approved by the Committee, which shall be subject to the following express terms and conditions and to such other terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate:
(i) Conversion Ratio. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of each share of preferred stock granted pursuant to the Plan shall be determined by the Committee at the time the preferred stock is granted. The conversion ration may be determined by reference to the fair market value of each share of Common Stock on the date the preferred stock is granted, or at such other price as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine.
At the time a determination of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock is required to be made hereunder, the determination of its fair market value shall be made in accordance with Paragraph 5(d)(ii).
(ii) Conversion Period. The Committee may provide in the preferred stock agreement that an preferred stock may be converted in whole, immediately, or is to be convertible in increments. In addition, the Committee may provide that the conversion of all or part of an preferred stock is subject to specified performance by the Participant.
(iii) Procedure for Conversion. Shares of preferred stock shall
be converted in the manner specified in the preferred stock designation. The notice of conversion shall specify the address to
which the certificates for such shares are to be mailed. A Participant shall be deemed to be a stockholder with respect to shares
covered by preferred stock on the date specified in the preferred stock agreement. As promptly as practicable, the Company shall deliver to the Participant or other holder of the warrant, certificates for the
number of shares with respect to which such preferred stock has been so converted, issued in the holder's name or such other name
as holder directs; provided, however, that such delivery shall be deemed effected for all purposes when a stock transfer agent
of the Company shall have deposited such certificates with a carrier for overnight delivery, addressed to the holder at the address
specified pursuant to this
Section 6(d).
(iv) Termination of Employment. If an executive officer to whom preferred stock is granted ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than death or disability, any preferred stock which is convertible on the date of such termination of employment may be converted during a period beginning on such date and ending at the time set forth in the preferred stock agreement; provided, however, that if a Participant's employment is terminated because of the Participant's theft or embezzlement from the Company, disclosure of trade secrets of the Company or the commission of a willful, felonious act while in the employment of the Company (such reasons shall hereinafter be collectively referred to as "for cause"), then any preferred stock or unconverted portion thereof granted to said Participant shall expire upon such termination of employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no ISO may be converted later than three months after an employee's termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability.
(v) Disability or Death of Participant. In the event of the determination of disability or death of a Participant under the Plan while he or she is employed by the Company, the preferred stock previously granted to him may be converted (to the extent he or she would have been entitled to do so at the date of the determination of disability or death) at any time and from time to time, within a period beginning on the date of such determination of disability or death and ending at the time set forth in the preferred stock agreement, by the former employee, the guardian of his estate, the executor or administrator of his estate or by the person or persons to whom his rights under the preferred stock shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution, but in no event may the preferred stock be converted after its expiration under the terms of the preferred stock agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no ISO may be converted later than one year after the determination of disability or death. A Participant shall be deemed to be disabled if, in the opinion of a physician selected by the Committee, he or she is incapable of performing services for the Company of the kind he or she was performing at the time the disability occurred by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or to be of long, continued and indefinite duration. The date of determination of disability for purposes hereof shall be the date of such determination by such physician.
(vi) Assignability. Preferred stock shall be assignable or otherwise transferable, in whole or in part, by a Participant.
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(vii) Restricted Stock Awards. Awards of restricted preferred stock under this Plan shall be subject to all the applicable provisions of this Plan, including the following terms and conditions, and to such other terms and conditions not inconsistent therewith, as the Committee shall determine:
(A) Awards of restricted preferred stock may be in addition to or in lieu of preferred stock grants. Awards may be conditioned on the attainment of particular performance goals based on criteria established by the Committee at the time of each award of restricted preferred stock. During a period set forth in the agreement (the "Restriction Period"), the recipient shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, or otherwise encumber the shares of restricted preferred stock. Shares of restricted preferred stock shall become free of all restrictions if during the Restriction Period, (i) the recipient dies, (ii) the recipient's directorship, employment, or consultancy terminates by reason of permanent disability, as determined by the Committee, (iii) the recipient retires after attaining both 59 1/2 years of age and five years of continuous service with the Company and/or a division or subsidiary, or (iv) if provided in the agreement, there is a "change in control" of the Company (as defined in such agreement). The Committee may require medical evidence of permanent disability, including medical examinations by physicians selected by it. Unless and to the extent otherwise provided in the agreement, shares of restricted preferred stock shall be forfeited and revert to the Company upon the recipient's termination of directorship, employment or consultancy during the Restriction Period for any reason other than death, permanent disability, as determined by the Committee, retirement after attaining both 59 1/2 years of age and five years of continuous service with the Company and/or a subsidiary or division, or, to the extent provided in the agreement, a "change in control" of the Company (as defined in such agreement), except to the extent the Committee, in its sole discretion, finds that such forfeiture might not be in the best interests of the Company and, therefore, waives all or part of the application of this provision to the restricted preferred stock held by such recipient. Certificates for restricted preferred stock shall be registered in the name of the recipient but shall be imprinted with the appropriate legend and returned to the Company by the recipient, together with a preferred stock power endorsed in blank by the recipient. The recipient shall be entitled to vote shares of restricted preferred stock and shall be entitled to all dividends paid thereon, except that dividends paid in Common Stock or other property shall also be subject to the same restrictions.
(B) Restricted preferred stock shall become free of the foregoing restrictions upon expiration of the applicable Restriction Period and the Company shall then deliver to the recipient Common Stock certificates evidencing such stock. Restricted preferred stock and any Common Stock received upon the expiration of the restriction period shall be subject to such other transfer restrictions and/or legend requirements as are specified in the applicable agreement.
(x) Bonuses and Past Salaries and Fees Payable in Unrestricted Preferred stock.
(A) In lieu of cash bonuses otherwise payable under the Company's or applicable division's or subsidiary's compensation practices to employees and consultants eligible to participate in this Plan, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine that such bonuses shall be payable in unrestricted Common Stock or partly in unrestricted Common Stock and partly in cash. Such bonuses shall be in consideration of services previously performed and as an incentive toward future services and shall consist of shares of unrestricted Common Stock subject to such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion. The number of shares of unrestricted Common Stock payable in lieu of a bonus otherwise payable shall be determined by dividing such bonus amount by the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the date the bonus is payable, with fair market value determined as of such date in accordance with Section 5(d)(ii).
(B) In lieu of salaries and fees otherwise payable by the Company to employees, attorneys and consultants eligible to participate in this Plan that were incurred for services rendered during, prior or after the year of 2009, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine that such unpaid salaries and fees shall be payable in unrestricted Common Stock or partly in unrestricted Common Stock and partly in cash. Such awards shall be in consideration of services previously performed and as an incentive toward future services and shall consist of shares of unrestricted Common Stock subject to such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion. The number of shares of unrestricted Common Stock payable in lieu of a salaries and fees otherwise payable shall be determined by dividing each calendar month's of unpaid salary or fee amount by the average trading value of the Common Stock for the calendar month during which the subject services were provided.
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(xi) No Rights as Stockholder. No Participant shall have any
rights as a stockholder with respect to shares covered by an preferred stock until the preferred stock is converted as provided
in clause
(b)(iii) above.
(xii) Extraordinary Corporate Transactions. The existence of outstanding preferred stock shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations, exchanges, or other changes in the Company's capital structure or its business, or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issuance of Common Stock or other securities or subscription rights thereto, or any issuance of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Common Stock or the rights thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise. If the Company recapitalizes or otherwise changes its capital structure, or merges, consolidates, sells all of its assets or dissolves (each of the foregoing a "Fundamental Change"), then thereafter upon any conversion of preferred stock theretofore granted the Participant shall be entitled to the number of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of such preferred stock, in lieu of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which preferred stock shall then be convertible, the number and class of shares of stock and securities to which the Participant would have been entitled pursuant to the terms of the Fundamental Change if, immediately prior to such Fundamental Change, the Participant had been the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such preferred stock is then convertible. If (i) the Company shall not be the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of another entity), (ii) the Company sells all or substantially all of its assets to any other person or entity (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary), (iii) any person or entity (including a "group" as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) acquires or gains ownership or control of (including, without limitation, power to vote) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (iv) the Company is to be dissolved and liquidated, or (v) as a result of or in connection with a contested election of directors, the persons who were directors of the Company before such election shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board (each such event in clauses (i) through (v) above is referred to herein as a "Corporate Change"), the Committee, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which all or a portion of a Participant's shares of preferred stock may be converted for a limited period of time before or after a specified date.
(xiii) Changes in Company's Capital Structure. If the outstanding shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or both, for which the preferred stock is then convertible at any time be changed or exchanged by declaration of a stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, or reorganization, the number and kind of shares of Common Stock or other securities which are subject to the Plan or subject to any preferred stock theretofore granted, and the conversion ratio, shall be adjusted only as provided in the designation of the preferred stock.
(xiv) Acceleration of Conversion of Preferred Stock. Except as hereinbefore expressly provided, (i) the issuance by the Company of shares of stock or any class of securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the conversion of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, (ii) the payment of a dividend in property other than Common Stock or (iii) the occurrence of any similar transaction, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to preferred stock theretofore granted, unless the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, that an adjustment is necessary to provide equitable treatment to Participant. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which any preferred stock may be converted, including, but not limited to, upon the occurrence of the events specified in this Section 7(xiv).
SECTION 8. AMENDMENTS OR TERMINATION. The Board may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment or alteration shall be made which would impair the rights of any Participant, without his consent, under any option, warrant or preferred stock theretofore granted.
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SECTION 9. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS. The Plan, the grant and exercise of options or warrants and grant and conversion of preferred stock thereunder, and the obligation of the Company to sell and deliver shares under such options, warrants or preferred stock, shall be subject to all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Common Stock prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of such shares under any federal or state law or issuance of any ruling or regulation of any government body which the Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable. Any adjustments provided for in subparagraphs 5(d)(xii), (xiii) and (xiv) shall be subject to any shareholder action required by the corporate law of the state of incorporation of the Company.
SECTION 10. PURCHASE FOR INVESTMENT. Unless the options, warrants, shares of convertible preferred stock and shares of Common Stock covered by this Plan have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Company has determined that such registration is unnecessary, each person acquiring or exercising an option or warrant under this Plan or converting shares of preferred stock may be required by the Company to give a representation in writing that he or she is acquiring such option or warrant or such shares for his own account for investment and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, the distribution of any part thereof.
SECTION 11. TAXES.
(a) The Company may make such provisions as it may deem appropriate for the withholding of any taxes which it determines is required in connection with any options, warrants or preferred stock granted under this Plan.
(b) Notwithstanding the terms of Paragraph 11 (a), any Participant may pay all or any portion of the taxes required to be withheld by the Company or paid by him or her in connection with the exercise of a nonqualified option or warrant or conversion of preferred stock by electing to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock, or by delivering previously owned shares of Common Stock, having a fair market value, determined in accordance with Paragraph 5(d)(ii), equal to the amount required to be withheld or paid. A Participant must make the foregoing election on or before the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is determined ("Tax Date"). All such elections are irrevocable and subject to disapproval by the Committee. Elections by Covered Participants are subject to the following additional restrictions: (i) such election may not be made within six months of the grant of an option or warrant, provided that this limitation shall not apply in the event of death or disability, and (ii) such election must be made either six months or more prior to the Tax Date or in a Window Period. Where the Tax Date in respect of an option or warrant is deferred until six months after exercise and the Covered Participant elects share withholding, the full amount of shares of Common Stock will be issued or transferred to him upon exercise of the option or warrant, but he or she shall be unconditionally obligated to tender back to the Company the number of shares necessary to discharge the Company's withholding obligation or his estimated tax obligation on the Tax Date.
SECTION 12. REPLACEMENT OF OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND PREFERRED STOCK. The Committee from time to time may permit a Participant under the Plan to surrender for cancellation any unexercised outstanding option or warrant or unconverted Preferred stock and receive from the Company in exchange an option, warrant or preferred stock for such number of shares of Common Stock as may be designated by the Committee. The Committee may, with the consent of the holder of any outstanding option, warrant or preferred stock, amend such option, warrant or preferred stock, including reducing the exercise price of any option or warrant to not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of the amendment, increasing the conversion ratio of any preferred stock and extending the exercise or conversion term of and warrant, option or preferred stock.
SECTION 13. NO RIGHT TO COMPANY EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in this Plan or as a result of any option or warrant granted pursuant to this Plan shall confer on any individual any right to continue in the employ of the Company or interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate an individual's employment at any time. The option, warrant or preferred stock agreements may contain such provisions as the Committee may approve with reference to the effect of approved leaves of absence.
SECTION 14. LIABILITY OF COMPANY. The Company and any Affiliate which is in existence or hereafter comes into existence shall not be liable to a Participant or other persons as to:
(a) The Non-Issuance of Shares. The non-issuance or sale of shares as to which the Company has been unable to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any shares hereunder; and
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(b) Tax Consequences. Any tax consequence expected, but not realized, by any Participant or other person due to the exercise of any option or warrant or the conversion of any preferred stock granted hereunder.
SECTION 15. EFFECTIVENESS AND EXPIRATION OF PLAN. The Plan shall be effective on the date the Board adopts the Plan. The Plan shall expire ten years after the date the Board approves the Plan and thereafter no option, warrant or preferred stock shall be granted pursuant to the Plan.
SECTION 16. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption by the Board nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including without limitation, the granting of restricted stock or stock options, warrants or preferred stock otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
SECTION 17. GOVERNING LAW. This Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of incorporation of the Company and applicable federal law.
SECTION 18. CASHLESS EXERCISE. The Committee also may allow cashless exercises as permitted under Federal Reserve Board's Regulation T, subject to applicable securities law restrictions. or by any other means which the Committee determines to be consistent with the Plan's purpose and applicable law. The proceeds from such a payment shall be added to the general funds of the Company and shall be used for general corporate purposes.
ADOPTED as of the 21st day of February, 2009 by unanimous consent of the Board of Directors.
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Advisory Agreement
This Advisory Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of January 18, 2012, (the “Effective Date”) by and between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation, (the “Company”), whose address is 1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr, Redmond, Oregon 97756, on its own behalf on the one hand and Dr. Eric Zuckerman on the other hand, a Michigan resident, (the “Advisor”), whose address is 20210 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48152.
Recitals
A. The Company wishes to engage the services of the Advisor to exclusively advise and consult with the Company on certain business and financial matters as set forth in this Agreement.
B. The Advisor has extensive experience in medicine and more particularly in the area of diagnosis of disease and is affiliated with others is similar disciplines. As a result, the Advisor has the expertise to advise and assist the Company in selecting appropriate members for a medical advisory board, and in evaluating businesses that may be likely candidates to strategically partner with the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
C. The Company wishes to engage the services of the Advisor as an independent contractor to exclusively advise and consult with it with respect to (i) developing a medical advisory board, (ii) exploring strategic alliances, partnering opportunities and other cooperative ventures, (iii) evaluating possible acquisition and strategic partnering candidates, and marketing opportunities for the Company, (iv) the Company’s business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans, (v) the Company’s merger and acquisition strategies, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions; (vi) the Company’s employee relations; and (vii) the Company’s marketing strategy; and (viii) selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
D. The Advisor is willing to accept such engagement, on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement, including the payment of fees and other good and valuable consideration contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Engagement.
1.1. Engagement. The Company hereby engage the Advisor to perform the Corporate Undertakings, as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.4, for the Term as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.2, and the Advisor hereby accepts this engagement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement
1.2. Term. The term of the Advisor’s engagement under this Agreement shall be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending at the expiration of two years from and after the date hereof unless terminated as provided in paragraph 4 below (the “Term”), or unless extended by mutual consent.
1.3. Relationship. The relationship between the Company and the Advisor created by this Agreement is that of independent contractor, and the Advisor is not and shall not be deemed to be an employee of the Company for any purpose.
1.4. Corporate Undertakings. The Company will not engage in any of the following activities without a prior evaluation and affirmative recommendation of Advisor, solely for the Company’s benefit and not for the benefit of any third party:
(a) Development of a medical advisory board for the Company.
(b) Strategic alliances, strategic partnering and other cooperative ventures within and without the Company’s present industry segment.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. & Dr. Eric Zuckerman | Page 2 Advisory Agreement |
(c) Acquisition and marketing strategies.
(d) Business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans.
(e) Merger and acquisition opportunities, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions.
(f) Selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities
(h) Advising, consult and consent with the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) and executive officers with respect to any of the above described matters.
1.5. No Capital Raising Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include (i) soliciting the offer or sale of securities in any capital-raising transaction, or (ii) to directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for any of the Company’s securities.
1.6. No Investment Advisory or Brokerage Services; No Legal Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include requiring the Advisor to engage in any activities for which an investment advisor’s registration or license is required under the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or under any other applicable federal or state law; or for which a “broker’s” or “dealer’s” registration or license is required under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or under any other applicable federal or state law. Advisor’s work on this engagement shall not constitute the rendering of legal advice, or the providing of legal services, to the Company. Accordingly, Advisor shall not express any legal opinions with respect to any matters affecting the Company. Advisor’s work on this engagement shall not consist of effecting transactions in the Company’s securities and Advisor shall not provide any securities broker-dealer services to the Company.
1.7. Location. The Company and the Advisor intend that the Corporate Undertakings shall be rendered primarily from the Advisor’s offices in Livonia, Michigan and may be rendered by telephone and e-mail communication. The Advisor understands and acknowledges it may be necessary to travel to perform the Corporate Undertakings, and that the Advisor shall be required to do so at its own expense (the Advisor’s Fee having been agreed to in consideration thereof). The Advisor shall be reasonably available by telephone to consult with the Board at regular and special meetings thereof.
1.8. Time; Non-exclusive. The Advisor shall devote as much time to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings as is reasonably necessary, but the Advisor shall not be required to devote any fixed number of hours or days to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings. The Company recognizes that the Advisor has and will continue to have other clients and business, and agrees that this engagement is non-exclusive.
1.9. Support Staff and Facilities. The Advisor shall furnish its own support staff, office, telephone, and other facilities and equipment necessary to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings, and the Company shall not be required to provide the Advisor with any such staff, facilities or equipment.
1.10. Confidentiality. The Advisor shall not disclose any non-public, confidential or proprietary information, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company’s products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, or employee information, unless required to do so by applicable law or pursuant to an effective non-disclosure agreement.
2. Advisor’s Fees and Expenses.
2.1. The Advisor’s Fee. The Advisor agrees to accept compensation for its services under this Agreement in the form of an equity interest in the Company. Therefore, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Advisor, as a fee for its Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement (the “Advisor’s Fee”):
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. & Dr. Eric Zuckerman | Page 3 Advisory Agreement |
(a) One Million common shares (1,000,000) of the Company (Equity), which shall be fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of its execution of this Agreement and the payment of $10. The Company shall issue certificates or other evidence representing the Equity in the name or names specified from time to time by the Advisor in writing to the Company.
(b) The Company shall issue instructions to its management to issue certificates representing the Equity, as directed by the Advisor, with the right to be included in the next registration statement, to Advisor. The Company warrants that the Equity shall be freely transferable on the books and records of the Company. Nothing in this Section 2.1(b) shall affect in any way the Advisor’s obligations and agreement to comply with all applicable securities laws upon resale of the Equity.
2.2. Offset; Withholding; Taxes. The Company shall pay the Advisor’s Fee to the Advisor without offset, deduction or withholding of any kind or for any purpose. The Advisor shall pay any federal, state and local taxes payable by it with respect to the Advisor’s Fee.
2.3. The Advisor’s Expenses. The Advisor shall pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its performance of the Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement.
3. Representations, Warranties and Covenants:
3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to and covenants with the Advisor that:
(a) Incorporation, Good Standing, and Due Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Nevada; has the corporate power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in which engaged and proposes to be engaged in; and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
(b) Corporate Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, including the issuance of the Equity has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and does not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Company’s shareholders; (ii) contravene the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws; (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Company; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Company is a party.
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.
3.2. Representations and Warranties of the Advisor. The Advisor represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company that:
(a) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, does not and will not (i) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (ii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
(b) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, have been duly authorized by all necessary action and do not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Advisor’s members; (ii) contravene the Advisor’s organizational documents; (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. & Dr. Eric Zuckerman | Page 4 Advisory Agreement |
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Advisor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.
4. Termination. This Agreement may not be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term:
5. Confidential Information.
5.1. The parties hereto recognize that a major need of the Company is to preserve its specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information. The strength and good will of the Company is derived from the specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information generated from experience with the activities undertaken by the Company. The disclosure of this information and knowledge to competitors would be beneficial to them and detrimental to the Company, as would the disclosure of information about the marketing practices, pricing practices, costs, profit margins, design specifications, analytical techniques, and similar items of the Company. By reason of being a Advisor to the Company, Advisor has or will have access to, and will obtain, specialized knowledge, trade secrets and confidential information about the Company’s operations, which operations extend through the United States. Therefore, Advisor recognizes that the Company is relying on these agreements in entering into this Agreement:
5.2 During and after the Term, Advisor will not use, disclose to others, or publish any inventions or any confidential business information about the affairs of the Company, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company’s products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, employee information, and other confidential information acquired by him in the course of his past or future services for the Company. Advisor agrees to hold as the Company’s property all memoranda, books, papers, letters, formulas and other data, and all copies thereof and therefrom, in any way relating to the Company’s business and affairs, whether made by him or otherwise coming into his possession, and on termination of this agreement, or on demand of the Company, at any time, to deliver the same to the Company within twenty four hours of such termination or demand.
5.3 During the Term, Advisor will not induce any employee of the Company to leave the Company’s employ or hire any such employee (unless the Board of Directors of the Company shall have authorized such employment and the Company shall have consented thereto in writing).
6. General Provisions.
6.1. Entire Agreement; Modification; Waivers. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes any prior agreements with respect to its subject matter. There are no agreements, understandings or arrangements of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained herein. This Agreement shall not be modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the party making the waiver. The waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision or any future waiver of the same provision.
6.2. Notices. All notices given under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed to the parties as set forth in the first paragraph hereof, and shall be effective on the earliest of (i) the date received, or (ii) on the second business day after delivery to a major international air delivery or air courier service (such as Federal Express or Network Couriers).
6.3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Nevada; provided, however, that if any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable under such law but is enforceable under the laws of the State of Nevada, then Texas law shall govern the construction and enforcement of that provision.
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6.4. Jurisdiction and Venue. The courts of the State of Texas sitting in Harris County (the “Harris County Courts”) shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any action, suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute, whether at law or in equity or both, and whether in contract or tort or both, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the construction or enforcement hereof or thereof (any such action, suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute a "Related Action"). The Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any Related Action. The Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably waive and agree not to assert any right or claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts in any Related Action, including any claim of forum non conveniens or that the Harris County Courts are not the proper venue or form to adjudicate any Related Action. If any Related Action is brought or maintained in any court other than the Harris County Courts, then that court shall, at the request of the Company or the Advisor, dismiss that action. The parties may enter a judgment rendered by the Harris County Courts under this Agreement for enforcement in the courts of Nevada and the party against whom such judgment is taken will lot contest the authority of such courts to enforce such a judgment.
6.5. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and the Advisor hereby waive trial by jury in any Related Action.
6.6 Attorney's Fees. The prevailing party in any Related Action shall be entitled to recover that party's costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees.
6.7 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors in interest.
6.8 Construction, Counterparts. This Agreement shall be construed as a whole and in favor of he validity and enforceability of each of its provisions, so as to carry out the intent of the parties as expressed herein, Heading are for the convenience of reference, and the meaning and interpretation of the text of any provision shall take precedence over its heading. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of wihch shall constitute an original, but all of which, taken together shall constitute one agreement. A faxed copy or photocopy of a party's signature shall be deemed an original for all purposes.
In Witness Whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date
The Company: | The Advisor: | |||
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ERIC ZUCKERMAN, DO | |||
By: | /s/ John Howell | By: | /s/ Eric Zuckerman, Do | |
John Howell, President & CEO | Eric Zuckerman, Do |
GREGG LINN ADVISORY AGREEMENT
ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS ADVISORY AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into effective as of January 18, 2012, (the "Effective Date") by and between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation, (the "Company"), whose address is 1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr, Redmond, Oregon 97756, on its own behalf on the one hand and Gregg Linn on the other hand, an Arizona resident, (the "Advisor"), whose address is 10994 E. Beck Lane, Seottsdale, AZ 85255.
Recitals
A. The Company wishes to engage the sendees of the Advisor to exclusively advise and consult with the Company on certain business and financial matters as set forth in this Agreement.
B. The Advisor has extensive experience in investment banking, business and financial consulting, evaluating financing offers, and entrepreneurial executive management. As a result, the Advisor has the expertise to advise and assist the Company in selecting appropriate financing from the available options, developing a successful business plan, and in evaluating businesses that may be likely candidates to strategically partner with the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
C. The Company wishes to engage the services of the Advisor as an independent contractor to exclusively advise and consult with it with respect to (i) developing a successful business plan, (ii) exploring strategic alliances, partnering opportunities and other cooperative ventures, (iii) evaluating possible acquisition and strategic partnering candidates, and marketing opportunities for the Company, (iv) the Company's business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans, (v) die Company's merger and acquisition strategies, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions; (vi) the Company's employee relations; and (vii) the Company's marketing strategy; and (viii) selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
D. The Advisor is willing to accept such engagement, on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement, including the payment of fees and other good and valuable consideration contained herein, the parlies agree as follows:
6. Engagement
1.1. Engagement. The Company hereby engage the Advisor to perform the Corporate Undertakings, as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.4, for the Term as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.2, and the Advisor hereby accepts this engagement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement
1.2. Term. The term of the Advisor's engagement under this Agreement shall be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending at the expiration of one year from and after the date hereof unless terminated as provided in paragraph 4 below (the "Term"), or unless extended by mutual consent.
1.3. Relationship. The relationship between the Company and the Advisor created by this Agreement is that of independent contractor, and the Advisor is not and shall not be deemed to be an employee of the Company for any purpose.
1.4. Corporate Undertakings. The Company will not engage in any of the following activities without a prior evaluation and affirmative recommendation of Advisor, solely for the Company's benefit and not for the benefit of any third party:
(a) Development of a successful business plan for the Company.
(b) Strategic alliances, strategic partnering and other cooperative ventures within and without the Company's present industry segment.
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ARRAY!! DlAC.NOSIKS. INC. & GRKtKi I.1NN | PAOI- 2 ADVISORY ACiRt-l-MJ'NI |
(c) Acquisition and marketing strategies.
(d) Business development activities, including major geographic and sendee expansion plans.
(c) Merger and acquisition opportunities, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions.
(0 Selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities
(h) Advising, consult and consent with the Company's board of directors (the "Board"') and executive officers with respect to any of the above described matters.
1.5. No Capital Raising Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include (i) soliciting the offer or sale of securities in any capital-raising transaction, or (ii) to directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for any of the Company's securities.
1.6. No Investment Advisory or Brokerage Services; No Legal Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include requiring the Advisor to engage in any activities for which an investment advisor's registration or license is required under the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or under any other applicable federal or state law; or for which a "broker's" or "dealer's" registration or license is required under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or under any other applicable federal or state law. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not constitute the rendering of legal advice, or the providing of legal services, to the Company. Accordingly, Advisor shall not express any legal opinions with respect to any matters affecting the Company. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not consist of effecting transactions in the Company's securities and Advisor shall not provide any securities broker-dealer services to the Company.
1.7. Location. The Company and the Advisor intend that the Corporate Undertakings shall be rendered primarily from the Advisor's offices in Phoenix, Arizona and may be rendered by telephone and e-mail communication. The Advisor understands and acknowledges it may be necessary to travel to perform the Corporate Undertakings, and that the Advisor shall be required to do so at its own expense {the Advisor's Fee having been agreed to in consideration thereof). The Advisor shall be reasonably available by telephone to consult with the Board at regular and special meetings thereof.
1 .K. Time: Non-exclusive. The Advisor shall devote as much time to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings as is reasonably necessary, but the Advisor shall not be required to devote any fixed number of hours or days to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings. The Company recognizes that the Advisor has and will continue to have other clients and business, and agrees that this engagement is non-exclusive.
1.9. Support
Staff and Facilities. The Advisor shall furnish its own support staff, office, telephone, and other
facilities and equipment necessary to the performance of the Coqiorate Undertakings, and the Company shall not be
required to provide the Advisor with any such staff, facilities or equipment.
1.10. Confidentiality.
The Advisor shall not disclose any non-public, confidential or proprietary
information, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's products, methods,
engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, or employee
information, unless required to do so by applicable law or pursuant to an effective non-disclosure agreement.
2. Advisor's Fees and Expenses.
2.1. The Advisor's fee. The Advisor agrees to accept compensation for its services under this Agreement in the form of an equity interest in the Company. Therefore, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Advisor, as a fee for its Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement (the "Advisor's Fee"):
(a) Five Hundred Thousand common shares (500,000) of the Company (Equity), which shall be fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of its execution of this Agreement and the payment of $|().
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Arrayir Diagnostics, Inc. & Giu-xio Linn | PAiil:3 Advisory AGRhHMI-.Ni |
The Company shall issue certificates or other evidence representing the Equity in the name or names specified from time to time by the Advisor in writing to the Company.
(b) The Company shall issue instructions to its management to issue certificates representing the Equity, as directed by the Advisor, with the right to be included in the next registration statement, to Advisor. The Company warrants that the Equity shall be freely transferable on the books and records of the Company. Nothing in this Section 2.1(b) shall affect in any way the Advisor's obligations and agreement to comply with all applicable securities laws upon resale of the Equity.
2.2. Offset; Withholding; Taxes. The Company shall pay the Advisor's Fee to the Advisor without offset, deduction or withholding of any kind or for any purpose. The Advisor shall pay any federal, state and local taxes payable by it with respect to the Advisor's Fee.
2.3. The Advisor's Expenses. The Advisor shall pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its performance of the Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement.
3. Representations, Warranties and Covenants:
3.3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to and covenants with the Advisor that:
(a) Incorporation, Good Standing, and Due Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Nevada; has the corporate power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in which engaged and proposes to be engaged in; and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
(b) Corporate Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, including the issuance of the Equity has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and does not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Company's shareholders; (ii) contravene the Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws; (hi) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Company; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Company is a party.
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
3.2. Representations and Warranties of the Advisor. The Advisor represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company that:
(a) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, does not and will not (i) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (ii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
(b) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, have been duly authorized by all necessary action and do not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Advisor's members; (ii) contravene the Advisor's organizational documents; (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
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Arrayit Diagnostics. Inc. & Grhoc; Linn | Pagh 4 ADVISORY agri-imi NT |
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, iegal, valid and binding obligation of the Advisor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be iimiied by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
4. Termination. This Agreement may not be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term:
5. Confidential Information.
5.1. The parties hereto recognize that a major need of the Company is to preserve its specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information. The strength and good will of the Company is derived from the specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information generated from experience with the activities undertaken by the Company. The disclosure of this information and knowledge to competitors would be beneficial to them and detrimental lo the Company, as would the disclosure of information about the marketing practices, pricing practices, costs, profit margins, design specifications, analytical techniques, and similar items of the Company. By reason of being a Advisor to the Company, Advisor has or will have access to, and will obtain, specialized knowledge, trade secrets and confidential information about the Company's operations, which operations extend through the United States. Therefore, Advisor recognizes that the Company is relying on these agreements in entering into this Agreement:
5.2 During and after the Term, Advisor will not use, disclose to others, or publish any inventions or any confidential business information about the affairs of the Company, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, employee information, and other confidential information acquired by him in the course of his past or future services for the Company. Advisor agrees to hold as the Company's properly-all memoranda, books, papers, letters, formulas and other data, and all copies thereof and therefrom, in any way relating to the Company's business and aifairs, whether made by him or otherwise coining into his possession, and on termination of this agreement, or on demand of the Company, at any time, to deliver the same to the Company within twenty four hours of such termination or demand.
5.3 During the Term, Advisor will not induce any employee of the Company to leave the Company's employ or hire any such employee (unless the Board of Directors of the Company shall have authorized such employment and the Company shall have consented thereto in writing).
6. General Provisions.
6.1. Entire Agreement: Modification: Waivers. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes any prior agreements with respect to its subject matter. There arc no agreements, understandings or arrangements of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained herein. This Agreement shall not be modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties. "No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the party making the waiver. The waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision or any future waiver of the same provision.
6.2. Notices. AH notices given under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed to the parties as set forth in the first paragraph hereof, and shall be effective on the earliest of (i) the date received, or (ii) on the second business day alter delivery to a major international air delivery or air courier service (such as Federal Express or Network Couriers).
6.3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Nevada; provided, however, that if any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable under such law but is enforceable under the laws of the Slate of Nevada, then Texas law shall govern the construction and enforcement of that provision.
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ARRAYIT DlACiNOSIK'S. INC. & GRI-OG LlNN | PACii; 5 Advisory AuRi-HMM.NT |
6.4. Jurisdiction and Venue. The courts of the State of Texas sitting in Harris County (the "Harris County Courts") shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear, adjudic; ite, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any action, suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute, whether at iaw or in equity or both, and whether in contract or tort or both, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the construction or enforcement hereof or thereof (any such action, suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute, a "Related Action"). The Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive persona! jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any Related Action. The Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably waive and agree not to assert any right or claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts in any Related Action, including any claim offorum mm conveniens or that the Harris County Courts are not the proper venue or form to adjudicate any Related Action. If any Related Action is brought or maintained in any court other than the Harris County Courts, then that court shall, at the request of the Company or the Advisor, dismiss that action. The parties may enter a judgment rendered by the Harris County Courts under this Agreement for enforcement in the courts of Nevada and the party against whom such judgment is taken will not contest the authority of such courts to enforce such a judgment.
6.5. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and the Advisor hereby waive trial by jury in any Related Action.
6.6 Attorney '.v Fees. The prevailing party in any Related Action shall be entitled to recover that party's costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees.
6.7 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors in interest.
6.8 Construction, Counterparts. This Agreement shall be construed as a whole and in favor of the validity and enforceability of each of its provisions, so as to carry out the intent of the parties as expressed herein. Heading are for the convenience of reference, and the meaning and interpretation of the text of any provision shall take precedence over its heading. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, taken together shall constitute one agreement. A faxed copy or photocopy of a party's signature shall be deemed an original for all purposes.
In Witness WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date
The Company: |
The Advisor:
GREGG LINN |
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arrayit diagnostics. inc. |
ISSUER CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AGREEMENT
Investment advisory Agreement
TH!S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into effective as of January 18, 2012, (the "Effective Date") by and between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation, (the "Company"), whose address is 1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr, Redmond, Oregon 97756, on its own behalf on the one hand and Issuers Capital Advisors, LLC on the other hand, an Arizona limited liability company, (the "Advisor"), whose address is 10994 E. Beck Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Recitals
A. The Company wishes to engage the services of the Advisor to exclusively advise and consult with the Company on certain business and financial matters as set forth in this Agreement.
B. The Advisor has extensive experience in investment banking, business and financial consulting, evaluating financing offers, and entrepreneurial executive management. As a result, the Advisor has the expertise to advise and assist the Company in selecting appropriate financing from the available options, developing a successful business plan, and in evaluating businesses that may be likely candidates to strategically partner with the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
C. The Company wishes to engage the services of the Advisor as an independent contractor to exclusively advise and consult with it with respect to (i) developing a successful business plan, (ii) exploring strategic alliances, partnering opportunities and other cooperative ventures, (iii) evaluating possible acquisition and strategic partnering candidates, and marketing opportunities for the Company, (iv) the Company's business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans, (v) the Company's merger and acquisition strategies, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions; (vi) the Company's employee relations: and (vii) the Company's marketing strategy; and (viii) selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
D. The Advisor is willing to accept such engagement, on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement, including the payment of fees and other good and valuable consideration contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Engagement.
1.1. Engagement. The Company hereby engage the Advisor as its sole source provider to perform the Corporate Undertakings, as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.4, for the Term as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.2. and the Advisor hereby accepts this engagement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement
1.2. Term. The term of the Advisor's engagement under this Agreement shall be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending at the expiration of one year from and after the date hereof unless terminated as provided in paragraph 4 below (the "Term"), or unless extended by mutual consent.
1.3. Relationship. The relationship between the Company and the Advisor created by this Agreement is that of independent contractors, and the Advisor is not and shall not be deemed to be an employee of the Company for any purpose.
1.4. Corporate Undertakings. The Company will not engage in any of the following activities without a prior evaluation and affirmative recommendation of Advisor, solely for the Company's benefit and not for the benefit of any third parly:
(a) Development of a successful business plan for the Company.
Arrays i Diagnostics. Inc.& Issui-rsCapital advisors.llc
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p.ac.i; 2 invi-stmi-n i advisory aori-fmknt |
(b) Strategic alliances, strategic partnering and other cooperative ventures within and without the Company's present industry segment.
(c) Acquisition and marketing strategies.
(d) Business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans.
(c) Merger and acquisition opportunities, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of
transactions.
(0 Selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities
(h) Advising, consult and consent with the Company's board of directors {the "Board") and executive officers with respect to any of the above described matters.
1.5. No Capital Raising Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include (i) soliciting the offer or sale of securities in any capital-raising transaction, or (ii) to directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for any of the Company's securities.
1.6. No Investment Advisory or Brokerage Services: No Legal Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include requiring the Advisor to engage in any activities for which an investment advisor's registration or license is required under the U.S. investment Advisors Act of 1940, or under any other applicable federal or state law; or for which a "broker's" or "dealer's" registration or license is required under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or under any other applicable federal or state law. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not constitute the rendering of legal advice, or the providing of legal sen-ices, to the Company. Accordingly, Advisor shall not express any legal opinions with respect to any matters affecting the Company. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not consist of effecting transactions in the Company's securities and Advisor shall not provide any securities broker-dealer services to the Company.
1.7. Location. The Company and the Advisor intend that the Corporate Undertakings shall be rendered primarily from the Advisor's offices in Phoenix, Arizona and may be rendered by telephone and e-mail communication. The Advisor understands and acknowledges it may be necessary to travel to perform the Corporate Undertakings, and that the Advisor shall be required to do so at its own expense (the Advisor's Fee having been agreed to in consideration thereof)- The Advisor shall be reasonably available by telephone to consult with the Board at regular and special meetings thereof.
1.8. Time; Non-exclusive. The Advisor shall devote as much time to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings as is reasonably necessary, but the Advisor shall not be required to devote any fixed number of hours or days to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings. The Company recognizes that the Advisor has and will continue to have other clients and business, and agrees that this engagement is non-exclusive.
1.9. Support Staff and Facilities. The Advisor shall furnish its own support staff, office, telephone, and other facilities and equipment necessary to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings, and the Company shall not be required to provide the Advisor with any such staff, facilities or equipment.
1. S 0. Confidentiality. The Advisor shall not disclose any non-public, confidential or proprietary information, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, or employee information, unless required to do so by applicable law or pursuant to an effective non-disclosure agreement.
2. Advisor's Fees asid Expenses.
2.1. The Advisor’s Fee. The Advisor agrees to accept compensation lor its sendees under this Agreement in the form of an equity interest in the Company. Therefore, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Advisog, as a fee for its Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement (the "Advisor's Fee"):
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AKKAYII DlAONOSIICS, INC. & ISSUl-.RS (.AIM I Al. ADVISORS. J.I. C | paCK 3 invkstmknt advisory ac;ri-; i-:mi-;nt |
(a) One million common shares (1,000,000) of the Company (Equity), which shall be fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of its execution of this Agreement and the payment of S10. The Company shall issue certificates or other evidence representing the Equity in the name or names specified from time to time by the Advisor in writing to the Company.
(b) The Company shall issue instructions to its management to issue certificates representing the Equity, as directed by the Advisor, with the right to be included in the next registration statement, to Advisor. The Company warrants that the Equity shall be freely transferable on the books and records of the Company. Nothing in this Section 2.1(b) shall affect in any way the Advisor's obligations and agreement to comply with all applicable securities laws upon resale of the Equity.
2.2. Offset: Withholding: Taxes. The Company shall pay the Advisor's Fee to the Advisor without offset, deduction or withholding of any kind or for any purpose. The Advisor shall pay any federal, slate and local taxes payable by it with respect to the Advisor's Fee.
2.3. The Advisor s Expenses. The Advisor shall pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its performance of the Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement.
3. Representations, Warranties and Covenants:
3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to and covenants with the Advisor that:
(a) Incorporation. Good Standing, and Due Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Nevada; has the corporate power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in which engaged and proposes to be engaged in; and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
(b) Corporate Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, including the issuance of the Equity has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and does not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Company's shareholders; (ii) contravene the Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws; (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Company; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Company is a party.
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
3.2. Representations and Warranties of the Advisor. The Advisor represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company that:
(a) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, does not and will not (i) violate any provision of any law. rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (ii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
(b) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, have been duly authorized by all necessary action and do not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Advisor's members; (ii) contravene the Advisor's organizational documents; (iii) violate any provision of any law, ruie, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
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arkayh Diaonoslies. Inc. & Issi'i-.rs Capital advisors, LLC | PACil'4 invs-STMI-nt ADVISORY AORITMKN I |
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Advisor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
4. Termination. This Agreement may not be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term:
5. Confidential Information.
5.1. The parties hereto recognize that a major need of the Company is to preserve its specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information. The strength and good will of the Company is derived from the specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information generated from experience with the activities undertaken by the Company. The disclosure of this information and knowledge to competitors would be beneficial to them and detrimental to the Company, as would the disclosure of information about the marketing practices, pricing practices, costs, profit margins, design specifications, analytical techniques, and similar items of the Company. By reason of being a Advisor to the Company, Advisor has or will have access to, and will obtain, specialized knowledge, trade secrets and confidential information about the Company's operations, which operations extend through the United States. Therefore. Advisor recognizes that the Company is relying on these agreements in entering into this Agreement:
5.2 During and after the Term, Advisor will not use, disclose to others, or publish any inventions or any confidential business information about the affairs of the Company, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, employee information, and other confidential information acquired by him in the course of his past or future services for the Company. Advisor agrees to hold as the Company's property all memoranda, books, papers, letters, formulas and other data, and all copies thereof and therefrom, in any way relating to the Company's business and affairs, whether made by him or otherwise coming into Ids possession, and on termination of this agreement, or on demand of the Company, at any time, to deliver the same to the Company within twenty four hours of such termination or demand.
5.3 During the Term, Advisor will not induce any employee of the Company to leave the Company's employ or hire any such employee (unless the Board of Directors of the Company shall have authorized such employment and the Company shall have consented thereto in writing).
6. General Provisions.
6.1. Entire Agreement: Modification: Waivers. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes any prior agreements with respect to its subject matter. There are no agreements, understandings or arrangements of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained herein. This Agreement shall not be modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the party making the waiver. The waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision or any future waiver of the same provision.
6.2. Notices. AH notices given under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed to the parties as set forth in the first paragraph hereof, and shall be effective on the earliest of (i) the date received, or (ii) on the second business day after delivery to a major international air delivery or air courier service (such as Federal Express or Network Couriers).
6.3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Nevada; provided, however, that if any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable under such law but is enforceable under the laws of the State of Nevada, then Texas law shall govern the construction and enforcement of that provision.
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AKRAYII DlAtiNOSIW S. lNl".& ISSlil-RS CAPITAL ADViSORS. llc | PA(il:5 lNVISTMKNT ADVISORY AORIJ-AIINl |
6.4. Jurisdiction and Venue. The courts of the State of Texas sitting in Harris County (the "Harris County Courts") shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any action, suit, proceeding, ease, controversy or dispute, whether at law or in equity or both, and whether in contract or tort or both, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the construction or enforcement hereof or thereof(any such action, suit, proceeding, ease, controversy or dispute, a "Related Action"). The Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any Related Action. The Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably waive and agree not to assert any right or claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts in any Related Action, including any claim of'forum mm conveniens or that the Harris County Courts are not the proper venue or form to adjudicate any Related Action. If any Related Action is brought or maintained in any court other than the Harris County Courts, then that court shall, at the request of the Company or the Advisor, dismiss that action. The parties may enter a judgment rendered by the Harris County Courts under this Agreement for enforcement in the courts of Nevada and the party against whom such judgment is taken will not contest the authority of such courts to enforce such a judgment.
6.5. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and the Advisor hereby waive trial by jury in any Related Action.
6.6 Attorney's Fees. The prevailing party in any Related Action shall be entitled to recover that party's costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees.
6.7 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors in interest.
6.8 Construction. Counterparts. This Agreement shall be construed as a whole and in favor of the validity and enforceability of each of its provisions, so as to carry out the intent of the parties as expressed herein. Heading are for the convenience of reference, and the meaning and interpretation of the text of any provision shall take precedence over its heading. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, taken together shall constitute one agreement. A faxed copy or photocopy of a party's signature shall be deemed an original for all purposes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date
The Company | The Advisor | |||
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ISSUERS CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ John Howell | By: | /s/ Gregg Linn | |
John Howell, President & CEO | Gregg Linn, Authorized Signatory | |||
MANAGING MEMBER / PRESIDENT |
JOHN HOWELL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of August 15, 2009 by and between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), and John Howell ("Executive").
RECITALS
The Company is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of next-generation life science tools and integrated systems for the large scale analysis of genetic variation, biological function and diagnostics. The Company desires to employ Executive, and the Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
In consideration of the mutual promises set forth in this Agreement the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I Term of
Employment
Subject to the provisions of Article V, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive for the three-year period beginning on the date first written above (the "Commencement Date") and ending on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date.
ARTICLE II
Duties
2.1 | Duties of Executive During the term of employment, Executive will: |
(a) | Promote the interests, within the scope of his duties, of the Company and devote his time and efforts to the Company's business and affairs and not originate any material change in the Company's model; | |
(b) | Perform the duties and services consistent with the title and function of such office, including without limitation, those, if any, set forth in the bylaws of the Company or as specifically set forth from time to time by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"); | |
(c) | Use his commercially reasonable best efforts to attract the necessary capital to execute the Company's business plan; and | |
(d) | (d) Serve as President of the Company, reporting directly to the Board that, in turn, reports to Arrayit Corporation, the majority shareholder of the Company (the "Parent"). |
2.2 Personal Investing. Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (i) above to the contrary, nothing contained herein or under law shall be construed as preventing Executive from (i) investing Executive's personal assets in such form or manner as will not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made; and (ii) engaging (not during normal business hours) in any other professional, civic, or philanthropic activities, provided that Executive's investments or engagement does not result in a violation of his covenants under this Section or Article VI hereof.
ARTICLE III Base
Compensation
3.1 Semi-Monthly Payments. The Company will compensate Executive for the duties performed by him hereunder by payment of a base salary at the rate of One Hundred Twenty Thousand ($120,000.00) per annum (the "Base"), payable in equal semi-monthly installments, subject to customary withholding for federal, state, and local taxes and other normal and customary withholding items.
3.2 Cash Bonus. In addition to the Base, the Company shall pay to the Executive a cash bonus annually upon closing of the Company income and expense accounting for the year, of any amounts deemed reasonable and appropriate by the Board of Directors of the Parent based on the quality and nature of the Executive's services and the performance of the Company during such year.
3.3 Equity Bonus. In addition to the Base, the Parent will transfer shares of common stock owned by the Parent issued by the Company as well as each majority owned subsidiary of the Company that may be formed in the future, according to the following:
(a) One Percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company and one percent (1%) of the first formed majority owned subsidiary shall be transferred upon the receipt of cash proceeds from the sale of equity, capital contributions, debt, other interests or the sale of assets or product in the amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), whether received in the Company or the first formed subsidiary. Following this event, any subsequently formed subsidiary shall allocate a similar One Percent (1%) of the ownership of that subsidiary to Executive.
(b) An additional One Percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company and any existing or subsequently formed subsidiary of the Company during the term of this agreement, shall be transferred to the Executive upon the receipt of a total of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), regardless of the source or of the combination of the Company or any subsidiaries that may be the recipient of such funds.
(c) In the event of change of control, as defined in Section VII, of the Company, the entire Two Percent (2%) of the Company and all subsidiaries shall be deemed earned by Executive. In the event of change of control, as defined in Section VII of any of the subsidiaries of the Company but not the entire Company, Four Percent (4%) of the affected subsidiary shall be deemed earned by the Executive. In the event of the termination of this agreement for "for good reason", the entire Two Percent (2%) of the Company and all subsidiaries shall be deemed earned by the Executive. In the event of termination of this agreement for any other reason, the percentages earned up to that date shall be retained by the Executive or his beneficiaries.
3.4 Commencement of Compensation. The monthly housing allowance, moving allowance, annual bonus, health Plans, annual vacation, savings and retirement common stock option, and other provisions of this Agreement shall commence to be paid or accrued upon the Commencement Date. Except, however, the Base compensation and monthly car allowance shall be accrued, without interest, but not paid until the Company has received net cash proceeds from the sale of equity, capital contributions, debt, other interests or the sale of assets or product in the amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).
ARTICLE IV Reimbursement and Employment
Benefits
4.01 Health and Other Medical. Executive shall be eligible to participate in all health, medical, dental, and life insurance employee benefits as are available from time to time to other key executive employees (and their families) of the Company and the Parent, including a Life Insurance Plan, Medical and Dental Insurance Plan, and a Long Term Disability Plan (the "Plans"). The Company shall pay 100% of all premiums with respect to the Executive and his family for such Plans.
4.2 Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to two (2) weeks (80 hours) of vacation per year, to be taken in such amounts and at such times as shall be mutually convenient for Executive and the Company. Any time not taken by Executive in one year shall be carried forward to subsequent years, up to and including 80 hours.
4.3 Performance Enhancing Items. Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company a monthly car allowance of up to Five hundred Dollars ($500) per month, a monthly housing allowance of up to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) per month and a one-time moving allowance of $5,000.
4.4 Reimbursable Expenses. The Company shall in accordance with its standard policies in effect from time to time reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him in the conduct of the business of the Company provided that Executive submits all substantiation of such expenses to the Company on a timely basis in accordance with such standard policies and further provided that Executive receives prior approval for all individual expenditures in excess of $500.
4.5 Savings Plan. Executive will be eligible to enroll and participate, and be immediately vested in, all Company savings and retirement plans, including any 401(k) plans, as are available from time to time to other key executive employees.
4.6 Common Stock Purchase Options, On October 1, 2009, Executive will be issued a nonqualified stock option, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to purchase up to Four Hundred Fifty Thousand (450,000) common shares, par value $.001, of Parent, Arrayit Corporation, Inc. The exercise price of the incentive stock options will be equal to 75% of the fair market value of Parent's common stock at the time of issuance Fair Market Value means the average of the closing bid price for the common shares during the twenty (20) trading days immediately prior to the date of issuance. One-third of the original number of options may be exercised respectively on the expiration of the first, second and third six month period after the original issuance. The options will expire five years after the issuance.
ARTICLE V
Termination
5.01 Events of Termination. This Agreement, Executive's compensation under Article III, and any and all other rights of Executive under this Agreement or otherwise as an employee of the Company will terminate (except as otherwise provided in this Article V):
(a) | upon termination of this Agreement by the Executive without Good Reason; |
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(b) | upon the death of Executive; |
(c) | upon the disability of Executive (as defined in Section 5.02); |
(d) | for "Cause" (as defined in Section 5.03), immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify; or |
(e) | for "Good Reason" (as defined in Section 5.04) upon not less than thirty days' prior notice from Executive to the Employer. |
5.2 Definition of Disability. For purposes of Section 5.01, Executive will be deemed to have a "disability" if, for physical or mental reasons, Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive's duties under this Agreement for 120 consecutive days, or 180 days during any twelve-month period, as determined in accordance with this Section 5.02. The disability of Executive will be determined by a medical doctor selected by written agreement of the Company and Executive upon the request of either party by notice to the other. If the Company and Executive cannot agree on the selection of a medical doctor, each of them will select a medical doctor and the two medical doctors will select a third medical doctor who will determine whether Executive has a disability. The determination of the medical doctor selected under this Section 5.02 will be binding on both parties. The Executive must submit to a reasonable number of examinations by the medical doctor making the determination of disability under this Section 5.02, and the Executive hereby authorizes the disclosure and release to the Company of such determination and all supporting medical records. If Executive is not legally competent, Executive's legal guardian or duly authorized attorney-in-fact will act in Executive's stead, under this Section 5.02, for the purposes of submitting the Executive to the examinations, and providing the authorization of disclosure, required under this Section 5.02.
5.3 Definition of "Cause." The term "Cause" shall mean the following:
(a) Any violation by Executive of any material provision of this Agreement (including without limitation any violation of any provision of Sections 6.01, 6.02 or 6.03 hereof any and all of which are material in all respects), upon notice of same by the Company describing in detail the breach asserted and stating that it constitutes notice pursuant to this Section 5.03(a), which breach, if capable of being cured, has not been cured to the Company's sole and absolute satisfaction within 30 days after such notice (except for breaches of any provisions of sections 6.01, 6.02 or 6.03 which are not subject to cure or any notice);
(b) Embezzlement by Executive of funds or property of the Company;
(c) Habitual absenteeism, bad faith, fraud, refusal to perform his duties, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Executive in the performance of his duties as an employee of the Company, provided that the Company has given written notice of and an opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure such breach, which notice describes in detail the breach asserted and stating that it constitutes notice pursuant to this Section 5.03(c), provided that no such notice or opportunity needs to be given if (x) in the judgment of the Company's Board of Directors, such conduct is habitual or would unnecessarily or unreasonably expose the Company to undue risk or harm or (y) one previous notice had already been given under this section or under section (i) above; or
(d) A felonious act, conviction, or plea of nolo contendere of Executive under the laws of the United States or any state (except for any conviction or plea based on a vicarious liability theory and not the actual conduct of the Executive).
5.4 Definition of "Good Reason." For purposes of Section 5.01(e), the phrase "Good Reason" means any of the following: (a) The Company's materia! breach of this Agreement; or (b) the assignment of Executive without his consent to a position, responsibilities, or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than his position, responsibilities, or duties at the Commencement Date.
5.5 Termination Pay. Effective upon the termination of this Agreement, the Company will be obligated to pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, his designated beneficiary as defined below) only such compensation as is provided in this Section 5.05 (the "Severance"). For purposes of this Section 5.05, Executive's designated beneficiary will be such individual beneficiary or trust, located at such address, as Executive may designate by notice to the Company from time to time or, if Executive fails to give notice to the Company of such a beneficiary. Executive's estate. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company will have no duty, in any circumstances, to attempt to open an estate on behalf of Executive, to determine whether any beneficiary designated by Executive is alive or to ascertain the address of any such beneficiary, to determine the existence of any trust, to determine whether any person or entity purporting to act as Executive's personal representative (or the trustee of a trust established by Executive) is duly authorized to act in that capacity, or to locate or attempt to locate any beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee.
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(a) Termination by Executive without Good Reason. If Executive terminates this Agreement without Good Reason, the Company will pay Executive the full amount of unpaid Base compensation and accrued but unpaid benefits, including any vacation pay, earned by Executive pursuant to this Agreement through and including the effective date of termination of this Agreement (the "Termination Date").
(b) Termination by Executive for Good Reason.
(i) If Executive terminates this Agreement for Good Reason prior to the first anniversary, the Company will pay Executive (i) the Executive's Base compensation for the remainder, if any, of the calendar month in which such termination is effective and for six consecutive calendar months thereafter, and (ii) that portion of the Executive's Bonus, if any, for the fiscal year during which the termination is effective, prorated through the Termination Date.
(ii) If Executive terminates this Agreement for Good Reason after the first anniversary and prior to the second anniversary, the Company will pay Executive (i) the Executive's Base compensation for the remainder, if any, of the calendar month in which such termination is effective and for nine consecutive calendar months thereafter, and (ii) that portion of the Executive's Bonus, if any, for the fiscal year during which the termination is effective, prorated through the Termination Date.
(iii) If Executive terminates this Agreement for Good Reason after the second anniversary and prior to the third anniversary, the Company will pay Executive (i) the Executive's Base compensation for the remainder, if any, of the calendar month in which such termination is effective and for twelve consecutive calendar months thereafter, and (ii) that portion of the Executive's Bonus, if any, for the fiscal year during which the termination is effective, prorated through the Termination Date.
(c) Termination by the Company for Cause. If the Company terminates this Agreement for Cause, Executive will be entitled to receive his Base compensation only through the Termination Date, but will not be entitled to any Bonus for the fiscal year during which such termination occurs or any subsequent fiscal year.
(d) Termination upon Disability. If this Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of Executive's disability, as determined under Section 5.02, the Company will pay Executive his Base compensation through the remainder of the calendar month during which such termination is effective, and for the lesser of (i) six (6) consecutive months thereafter, or (ii) the period until disability insurance benefits commence under the disability insurance coverage furnished by the Company to the Executive.
(e) Termination upon Death. If this Agreement is terminated because of the Executive's death, Executive will be entitled to receive his Base compensation through the end of the calendar month in which his death occurs, and that part of Executive's Bonus compensation, if any, for the fiscal year during which his death occurs, prorated through the end of the calendar month during which his death occurs.
(0 Benefits. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 5.05(a), (b) or (d), Executive shall retain the benefits provided in Article IV of this Agreement for the lesser of (i) three months, or (ii) the remainder of the term of this Agreement as set forth in Section 1.01.
5.6 General.
(a) Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Executive under Article VI hereof that, pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement, continue in full force and effect. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all Company property including without limitation all writings, records, data, memoranda, contracts, orders, sales literature, price lists, client lists, data processing materials, and other documents, whether or not obtained from the Company or any Affiliate, which pertain to or were used by Executive in connection with his employment by the Company or which pertain to any Affiliate, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information, as well as any automobiles, computers or other furniture, fixtures or equipment which were purchased by the Company for Executive or otherwise in Executive's possession or control.
(b) The Severance shall be paid, at Company's option, either (x) in a lump sum within ten (10) days after the Termination Date with such payments discounted by the U.S. Treasury rate most closely comparable to the applicable time period left in the Agreement or (y) as and when normal payroll payments are made. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that the payment of Severance to Executive hereunder shall be liquidated damages for and in full satisfaction of any and all claims Executive may have relating to or arising out of Executive's employment or termination of Executive's employment by the Company or relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the termination thereof, including, without limitation, those causes of action arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §621 etseq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq., the Civil Rights Act of April 9, 1866.1 42 U.S.C. §1981 etseq., the National Labor Management Relations Act, 29 U.S.C. §141 et seq., the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. §651 el seq., and the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. §2601 et seq. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive's right to receive Severance Pay is contingent upon Executive not violating any of his on-going obligations under this Agreement.
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5.7 Representations. Executive represents, warrants, and covenants to Company that (a) there is no other agreement or relationship which is binding on him which prevents him from entering into or fully performing under the terms hereof and (b) the Company may contact any past, present, or future entity with whom he has a business relationship and inform such entity of the existence of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein.
ARTICLE VI
Covenants
6.01 Competition/Solicitation, (a) During the term of this Agreement and for a period of thirty-six (36) months after termination of this Agreement, regardless of the reason, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, except in connection with his duties hereunder or otherwise for the soie account and benefit of the Company, whether as a sole proprietor, partner, member, shareholder, employee, director, officer, guarantor, consultant, independent contractor, or in any other capacity as principal or agent, or through any person, subsidiary, affiliate, or employee acting as nominee or agent, except with the consent of the Company:
(i) Conduct or engage in, or be interested in or associated with, any person or entity anywhere in North America (plus any such additional geographical markets to which the Company may
have expanded during the course of Executive's empioyment) other than the Company and its affiliates which conducts or engages in the Business (plus any such additional product or service markets to which the Company may have expanded during the course of Executive's empioyment);
(ii) Solicit, attempt to solicit, or accept business from, or cause to be solicited or have business accepted from, any then-current customers of Company, any persons or entities who were customers of the Company within the 180 days preceding the Termination Date, or any prospective customers of the Company for whom bids were being prepared or had been submitted as of the Termination Date; or
(iii) Induce, or attempt to induce, hire or attempt to hire, or cause to be induced or hired, any employee of the Company, or persons who were employees of the Company within the 180 days preceding the Termination Date, to leave or terminate his or her employment with the Company, or hire or engage as an independent contractor any such employee of the Company.
6.02 Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that in his employment he is or will be making use of, acquiring, or adding to the Company's confidential information which includes, but is not limited to, memoranda and other materials or records of a proprietary nature; technical information regarding the operations of the Company; and records and policy matters relating to finance, personnel, market research, strategic planning, current and potential customers, lease arrangements, service contracts, management, and operations. Therefore, to protect the Company's confidential information and to protect other employees who depend on the Company for regular employment, Executive agrees that during and after the Term of this Agreement, he will not in any way use any of said confidential information except in connection with his employment by the Company, and except in connection with the business of the Company he will not copy, reproduce, or take with him the original or any copies of said confidential information and will not directly or indirectly divulge any of said confidential information to anyone without the prior written consent of the Company.
6.3 Inventions. All discoveries, designs, improvements, ideas, and inventions, whether patentable or not, relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) products, services, or other technology of the Company or any Affiliate or relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) methods or processes used or usable in connection with the business of the Company or any Affiliate that may be conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company (hereinafter "Inventions"), either solely or jointly with others, shall automatically become the sole property of the Company or an Affiliate. Executive shall immediately disclose to the Company all such Inventions and shall, without additional compensation, execute ail assignments and other documents deemed necessary to perfect the property rights of the Company or any Affiliate therein. These obligations shall continue beyond the termination of Executive's employment with respect to Inventions conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company. The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall not apply to any Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company or any Affiliate is used by Executive and which is developed entirely on Executive's own time, unless (a) such Invention relates (i) to the business of the Company or an Affiliate or (ii) to the actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or an Affiliate, or (b) such invention results from work performed by Executive for the Company.
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6.4 Non-Disparagement. For a period commencing on the Commencement Date and continuing indefinitely, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, defame, disparage, create false impressions, or otherwise put in a false or bad light the Company, its products or services, its business, reputation, conduct, practices, past or present employees, financial condition or otherwise.
6.5 Blue Penciling. If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or area.
6.6 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that any breach by him of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement shall cause irreparable harm to the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of Article VI of this Agreement will be inadequate, and agrees that, notwithstanding section 9.01 hereof, the Company shall be entitled to exercise ail remedies available to it, including specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in the case of any such breach or attempted breach.
ARTICLE VII
Assignment
7.1 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and shall relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder if the assignment is pursuant to a Change in Control (as defined herein). Neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder shall be assignable by Executive and any such purported assignment by him shall be void.
7.2 Change of Control. A "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred at such time as (i) any person or. entity (or person or entities which are affiliated or acting as a group or otherwise in concert) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power for election of directors of the then outstanding securities of the Company (other than shareholders which own greater than fifty percent (50%) of the stock of the Company as of the effective date of this Agreement); (ii) the shareholders of the Company approve any merger or consolidation as a result of which its equity interests shall be changed, converted, or exchanged (other than a merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) or any liquidation of the Company or any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets or earning power of the Company; or (iii) the shareholders of the Company approve any merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party as a result of which the persons who were shareholders of the Company immediately before the effective date of the merger or consolidation shall have beneficial ownership of less than 50% of the combined voting power for election of directors or the equivalent of the surviving corporation following the effective date of such merger or consolidation; provided, however, that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of the sale or transfer of equity interests of the Company to an employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company or an affiliate thereof or if the new employer offers to employ the Executive on substantially the same terms and conditions as set forth in this Agreement (except that the Base shall not be reduced below the then-existing Base)
ARTICLE VIII
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Company and Executive concerning his employment by the Company or subsidiaries and supersedes any and ali previous agreements between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries concerning such employment, and/or any compensation, bonuses or incentives. Each party hereto shall pay its own costs and expenses (including legal fees) except as otherwise expressly provided herein incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in a written instrument signed by both parties hereto.
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ARTICLE IX Applicable Law;
Miscellaneous
9.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada. All actions brought to interpret or enforce this Agreement shall be brought in federal or state courts located in the state of Texas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the sole option of the Company, all controversies under this Agreement may be subject to resolution by arbitration. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following shall be considered controversies for this purpose: (i) all questions relating to the interpretation or breach of this Agreement; (ii) all questions relating to any representations, negotiations, and other proceedings leading to the execution of this Agreement; and (iii) all questions as to whether the right to arbitrate any such question exists. Any party may, without inconsistency with this Agreement, seek from a court any interim or provisional relief that may be necessary to protect the rights or property of that party, pending the establishment of the arbitral tribunal (or pending the tribunal's determination of the merits of the controversy). The tribunal shall have authority to make the final determination of the rights of the parties, including authority to make permanent, modify, or dissolve any judicial order granting such provisional relief. The Company, if it desires arbitration, shall so notify the other parties, identifying in reasonable detail the matters to be arbitrated and the relief sought. Arbitration shall be before a three-person tribunal of neutral arbitrators, consisting of attorneys with at least ten (10) years' experience in commercial law. The American Arbitration Association ("AAA") shall submit a list of persons meeting the criteria outlined above, and the parties shall mutually agree upon the three arbitrators. If the parties fail to select arbitrators as required above within twenty (20) days after delivery of notice from the party desiring arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the arbitrator or arbitrators that have not been selected by the parties. The arbitrators shall be entitled to a fee commensurate with their fees for professional services requiring similar time and effort. All matters arbitrated hereunder shall be arbitrated in Sunnyvale, California, and shall be governed by Nevada law, exclusive of its conflicts-of-laws rules. The arbitrators shall conduct a hearing no later than sixty (60) days after designation of the tribunal, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrators within thirty (30) days after the hearing. At the hearing, the parties shall present such evidence and witnesses as they may choose, with or without counsel. Adherence to formal rules of evidence shall not be required but the arbitration panel shall consider any evidence and testimony that it determines to be relevant, in accordance with procedures that it determines to be appropriate. Any award entered shall be made by a written opinion stating the reasons for the award made. The arbitrators may award legal or equitable relief, including but not limited to specific performance. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party irrevocably waives any right to recover such damages with respect to any dispute resolved by arbitration. This submission and agreement to arbitrate shall be specifically enforceable. Arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party if notice of the proceedings has been given to such party. The parties agree to abide by all awards rendered in such proceedings. Such awards shall be final and binding on all parties. Each party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending conclusion of the arbitration. No party shall be considered in default hereunder during the pendency of arbitration proceedings relating to such default. The arbitrators' fees and other costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the party against which the award is rendered, except as the arbitration panel may otherwise provide in its written opinion.
9.2 Attorneys' Fees. In addition to all other rights and benefits under this Agreement, each party agrees to reimburse the other for, and indemnify and hold harmless such party against, all costs and expenses (including attorney's fees) incurred by such party (whether or not during the term of this Agreement or otherwise), if and to the extent that such party prevails on or is otherwise successful on the merits with respect to any action, claim or dispute relating in any manner to this Agreement or to any termination of this Agreement or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by or claimed under this Agreement, taking into account the relative fault of each of the parties and any other relevant considerations.
9.3 Indemnification of Executive. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the full extent authorized or permitted by law with respect to any claim, liability, action, or proceeding instituted or threatened against or incurred by Executive or his legal representatives and arising in connection with Executive's conduct or position at any time as a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company or any subsidiary thereof. The Company shall not change, modify, alter, or in any way limit the existing indemnification and reimbursement provisions relating to and for the benefit of its directors and officers without the prior written consent of Executive, including any modification or limitation of any directors and officers liability insurance policy.
9.4 Waiver. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party hereto which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
9.5 Unenforceability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect
9.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
9.7 Section Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | ||
By | /s/ John Howell | |
John Howell | ||
President |
Arrayit Corporation | ||
By: | /s/ Rene'^A Schena | |
Rene'^A Schena, Chairman and CEO |
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ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(a Nevada corporation)
STATEMENT OF CONSENT
OF
SOLE DIRECTOR
AUGUST 15, 2009
This STATEMENT OF CONSENT OF SOLE DIRECTOR when executed by the Director of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Section 78.315 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, will become effective as of the 15th day of August, 2009; and will have the same force and effect as if such Director was present and acting at a meeting duly noticed and held for the purpose of adopting the resolutions and taking the Corporate action hereinafter set forth.
EXECUTION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
RESOLVED, that the Corporation enter into an employment agreement with John Howell, upon the terms and for the consideration specified in the employment agreement delivered to the Director and incorporated herein by reference;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President or any Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Director of the Corporation without the attest or joinder of any other person be, and each of them hereby is, authorized to execute and deliver the advisory agreement and such other documents and instruments and do all acts and things to effectuate the intent of the foregoing resolution.
ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK PURSUANT
TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
RESOLVED, that on October 1,2009, the Executive will be issued a non-qualified stock option, to purchase up to Four Hundred Fifty Thousand (450,000) common shares par value $.001, of Parent, Arrayit Corporation, Inc., as directed by and in accordance with the employment agreement described in the next preceding resolutions;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper officers of this Corporation be, and each hereby is, authorized, empowered and directed, to prepare, execute and deliver to, or upon the order of the persons entitled to same, a certificate or certificates evidencing the ownership of the shares of common stock; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon issuance thereof, each of said shares of common stock of the Corporation be, and each such share hereby is, vested in the person named on the certificate evidencing the shares of Common Stock as the owner thereof as a fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock of the Corporation.
EXECUTED by the Sole Director as of the date first written above.
/s/ John Howell | |
John Howell, Sole Director |
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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of February 1, 2012 by and between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and John Howell (“Executive”). This agreement shall replace the existing employment agreement between the parties that was entered into on August 15, 2009.
RECITALS
The Company is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of next-generation life science tools and integrated systems for the large scale analysis of genetic variation, biological function and diagnostics. The Company desires to employ Executive, and the Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
In consideration of the mutual promises set forth in this Agreement the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Term of Employment
Subject to the provisions of Article V, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive for the three-year period beginning on the date first written above (the “Commencement Date”) and ending on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date. This contract shall be automatically extended for an amount of time equal to any period in which any salaries are deferred without any effect to any vesting schedule as described herein.
ARTICLE II
Duties
2.01 Duties of Executive During the term of employment, Executive will:
(a) | Promote the interests, within the scope of his duties, of the Company and devote his time and efforts to the Company’s business and affairs. |
(b) | Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and |
(c) | Perform the duties and services consistent with the title and function of such office, including without limitation, those, if any, set forth in the bylaws of the Company or as specifically set forth from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). |
2.02 Personal Investing. Nothing contained herein or under law shall be construed as preventing Executive from (i) investing Executive’s personal assets in such form or manner as will not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made and in which his participation is solely that of a passive investor (provided that he, collectively with his family and affiliated interests (or persons constituting a “group” under the federal securities laws) will not exceed 5% of any company’s voting securities); and (ii) engaging (not during normal business hours) in any other professional, civic, or philanthropic activities, provided that Executive’s investments or engagement does not result in a violation of his covenants under this Section or Article VI hereof.
ARTICLE III
Base Compensation
3.01 Semi-Monthly Payments. The Company will compensate Executive for the duties performed by him hereunder by payment of a base salary at the rate of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) per annum (the “Base”), payable in equal semi-monthly installments, subject to customary withholding for federal, state, and local taxes and other normal and customary withholding items.
3.02 Bonus. In addition to the Base, the Company shall pay to the Executive an annual bonus, of any amounts deemed reasonable and appropriate by the Board of Directors based on the quality and nature of the Executive’s services and the performance of the Company during such year but not less than 30% of his Base Compensation.
3.03 Commencement of Compensation. The monthly housing allowance, moving allowance, annual bonus, health Plans, annual vacation, common stock option, and other provisions of this Agreement shall commence to be paid or accrued upon the Commencement Date. Except, however, the Base compensation and monthly car allowance shall be accrued but not paid until the Company has received net cash proceeds from the sale of equity, capital contributions, debt, other interests or the sale of assets or product in the amount of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000).
3.04 Equity Bonus. In addition to the base, the Company will transfer an additional Two Percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of the Company to Executive upon the receipt by the Company of a total of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), regardless of the source or if there is a combination with another company that has funding exceeding such amount.
ARTICLE IV
Reimbursement and Employment Benefits
4.01 Health and Other Medical. Executive shall be provided with health, medical and dental coverage for himself and his family through his current insurance carrier, and under his current plan, unless he deems a change to either the carrier or plan acceptable, and in his best interest. Company shall reimburse employee, or pay said carrier directly, for the full amount of the premium, on the first day of each month in which the premium is due. In the event, such payments are not made, or any lapse of coverage occurs due to an act of non-payment on the part of the Company, Company shall be liable for any current or future medical claims that result from a lack of coverage. If they provide greater coverage, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all health, medical, dental, and employee benefits as are available from time to time to other key executive employees (and their families) of the Company, including Medical and Dental Insurance Plan, and a Long Term Disability Plan (the “Plans”). The Company shall pay 100% of all premiums with respect to the Executive and his family for such Plans.
4.02 Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation per year, to be taken in such amounts and at such times as shall be mutually convenient for Executive and the Company. Any time not taken by Executive in one year shall be carried forward to subsequent years, up to and including four weeks. Each year, Executive may elect to receive up to two week’s pay in exchange for a corresponding number of vacation hours. Executive must have accrued at least two weeks of vacation at the time she makes the foregoing election.
4.03 Reimbursable Expenses. The Company shall in accordance with its standard policies in effect from time to time reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him in the conduct of the business of the Company provided that Executive receives prior approval for all individual expenditures in excess of $500.
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4.04 Savings Plan. Executive will be eligible to enroll and participate, and be immediately vested in, all Company savings and retirement plans, including any 401(k) plans, as are available from time to time to other key executive employees.
4.05 Common Stock Purchase Options, Upon execution of this agreement, Executive will be issued One Million (1,000,000) shares of common stock of the Company. Executive will additionally be issued a non-qualified stock option, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to purchase up to Two Million (2,000,000) common shares of the Company, par value $.001. The exercise price of the incentive stock options will be priced at five cents ($.05) per share or 50% of the fair market value of the common stock, whichever is the lesser of the two, determined with reference to the average closing price of common stock as reported by the Electronic Bulletin Board of the prior 10 trading days of the exercise date of each option period. Options shall be issued with a cashless exercise option. One-fourth of the original number of options may be exercised respectively on the expiration of the first, second, third and fourth six month period after the original issuance. The options will expire 10 years after the issuance. Any change in ownership, or subsequent licensing agreements, that constitute a majority ownership transfer, or transfer of management control of OVADX, except for the creation of subsidiaries to this corporation, will accelerate the exercise schedule as listed in 4.05. At the event of any or all of the above, all options may be immediately exercised.
4.06 Performance Enhancing Items. Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company a monthly car allowance of up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500) per month, a housing allowance of up to Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) per month and a one-time moving allowance of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000).
ARTICLE V
Termination
5.01 Events of Termination. This Agreement, Executive’s compensation under Article III, and any and all other rights of Executive under this Agreement or otherwise as an employee of the Company will terminate (except as otherwise provided in this Article V):
(a) upon termination of this Agreement by the Executive without Good Reason;
(b) upon the death of Executive;
(c) upon the disability of Executive (as defined in Section 5.02);
(d) for “Cause” (as defined in Section 5.03), immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify; or
(e) for “Good Reason” (as defined in Section 5.04) upon not less than thirty days’ prior notice from Executive to the Employer.
5.02 Definition of Disability. For purposes of Section 5.01, Executive will be deemed to have a “disability” if, for physical or mental reasons, Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive's duties under this Agreement for 120 consecutive days, or 180 days during any twelve-month period, as determined in accordance with this Section 5.02. The disability of Executive will be determined by a medical doctor selected by written agreement of the Company and Executive upon the request of either party by notice to the other. If the Company and Executive cannot agree on the selection of a medical doctor, each of them will select a medical doctor and the two medical doctors will select a third medical doctor who will determine whether Executive has a disability. The determination of the medical doctor selected under this Section 5.02 will be binding on both parties. The Executive must submit to a reasonable number of examinations by the medical doctor making the determination of disability under this Section 5.02, and the Executive hereby authorizes the disclosure and release to the Company of such determination and all supporting medical records. If Executive is not legally competent, Executive's legal guardian or duly authorized attorney-in-fact will act in Executive's stead, under this Section 5.02, for the purposes of submitting the Executive to the examinations, and providing the authorization of disclosure, required under this Section 5.02.
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5.03 Definition of “Cause.” The term “Cause” shall mean the following:
(a) Any violation by Executive of any material provision of this Agreement (including without limitation any violation of any provision of Sections 6.01, 6.02 or 6.03 hereof any and all of which are material in all respects), upon notice of same by the Company describing in detail the breach asserted and stating that it constitutes notice pursuant to this Section 5.03(a), which breach, if capable of being cured, has not been cured within 30 days after such notice (except for breaches of any provisions of sections 6.01, 6.02 or 6.03 which are not subject to cure or any notice);
(b) Embezzlement by Executive of funds or property of the Company;
(c) Habitual absenteeism, bad faith, fraud, refusal to perform his duties, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Executive in the performance of his duties as an employee of the Company, provided that the Company has given written notice of and an opportunity of not less than 30 days to cure such breach, which notice describes in detail the breach asserted and stating that it constitutes notice pursuant to this Section 5.03(c), provided that no such notice or opportunity needs to be given if such conduct would unnecessarily or unreasonably expose the Company to undue risk or harm or one previous notice had already been given under this section or under section (i) above; or
(d) A felonious act, conviction, or plea of nolo contendere of Executive under the laws of the United States or any state (except for any conviction or plea based on a vicarious liability theory and not the actual conduct of the Executive and except further, any such act, conviction or plea arising out of conduct directed by the Company’s Board of Directors).
5.04 Definition of “Good Reason.” For purposes of Section 5.01(e), the phrase “Good Reason” means any of the following: (a) The Company’s material breach of this Agreement; or (b) the assignment of Executive without his consent to a position, responsibilities, or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than his position, responsibilities, or duties at the Commencement Date or (c) any interference by either shareholders or Board of Directors that would materially affect his ability to perform the duties as outlined.
5.05 Termination Pay. Effective upon the termination of this Agreement, the Company will be obligated to pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, his designated beneficiary as defined below) only such compensation as is provided in this Section 5.05 (the “Severance”). For purposes of this Section 5.05, Executive’s designated beneficiary will be such individual beneficiary or trust, located at such address, as Executive may designate by notice to the Company from time to time or, if Executive fails to give notice to the Company of such a beneficiary, Executive's estate. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company will have no duty, in any circumstances, to attempt to open an estate on behalf of Executive, to determine whether any beneficiary designated by Executive is alive or to ascertain the address of any such beneficiary, to determine the existence of any trust, to determine whether any person or entity purporting to act as Executive's personal representative (or the trustee of a trust established by Executive) is duly authorized to act in that capacity, or to locate or attempt to locate any beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee.
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(a) Termination by Executive without Good Reason. If Executive terminates this Agreement without Good Reason, the Company will pay Executive the full amount of unpaid Base compensation and accrued but unpaid benefits, including any vacation pay, earned by Executive pursuant to this Agreement through and including the effective date of termination of this Agreement (the “Termination Date”), reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him, Executive shall be entitled to all stock options.
(b) Termination by Executive for Good Reason. If Executive terminates this Agreement for Good Reason, the Company will pay Executive (i) the Executive's Base compensation for the remainder, if any, of the calendar month in which such termination is effective and for twelve consecutive calendar months thereafter, (ii) accrued but unpaid benefits, including any vacation pay, earned by Executive pursuant to this Agreement through and including the effective date of termination of this Agreement and (iii) that portion of the Executive's Bonus, if any, for the fiscal year during which the termination is effective, prorated through the Termination Date. For purposes of this Section 5.05, if the Executive’s Bonus has not otherwise been determined, the Executive’s Bonus shall be assumed to be equal to 30 % of his Base Compensation. The Company shall also reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him. Executive shall be entitled to all stock options and stock options that are unexercised at the Termination Date shall be immediately vested in full.
(c) Termination by the Company for Cause. If the Company terminates this Agreement for Cause, Executive will be entitled to receive his base compensation and accrued but unpaid benefits, including any vacation pay, earned by Executive pursuant to this Agreement only through the Termination Date, but will not be entitled to any Bonus for the fiscal year during which such termination occurs or any subsequent fiscal year. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him. All unexercised stock options at the Termination Date shall be immediately vested in full.
(d) Termination upon Disability. If this Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of Executive’s disability, as determined under Section 5.02, the Company will pay Executive his Base compensation through the remainder of the calendar month during which such termination is effective, accrued but unpaid benefits, including any vacation pay, earned by Executive pursuant to this Agreement through and including the effective date of termination of this Agreement and for the lesser of (i) six (6) consecutive months thereafter, or (ii) the period until disability insurance benefits commence under the disability insurance coverage furnished by the Company to the Executive. The Company shall also reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him. Executive shall be entitled to all stock options and stock options that are unexercised at the Termination Date shall be immediately vested in full.
(e) Termination upon Death. If this Agreement is terminated because of the Executive’s death, Executive will be entitled to receive his Base compensation through the end of the calendar month in which his death occurs, accrued but unpaid benefits, including any vacation pay, earned by Executive pursuant to this Agreement through and including the effective date of termination of this Agreement and that part of Executive’s Bonus compensation, if any, for the fiscal year during which his death occurs, prorated through the end of the calendar month during which his death occurs. The Company shall also reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him. Executive shall be entitled to all stock options and stock options that are unexercised at the Termination Date shall be immediately vested in full.
(f) Benefits. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 5.05(a), (b) or (d), Executive shall retain the benefits provided in Article IV of this Agreement for the lesser of (i) three months, or (ii) the remainder of the term of this Agreement as set forth in Section 1.01.
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5.06 General.
(a) Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Executive under Article VI hereof that, pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement, continue in full force and effect. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all Company property including without limitation all writings, records, data, memoranda, contracts, orders, sales literature, price lists, client lists, data processing materials, and other documents, whether or not obtained from the Company or any Affiliate, which pertain to or were used by Executive in connection with his employment by the Company or which pertain to any Affiliate, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information, as well as any automobiles, computers or other furniture, fixtures or equipment which were purchased by the Company for Executive or otherwise in Executive’s possession or control.
(b) The Severance shall be paid, at Company’s option, either (x) in a lump sum within ten (10) days after the Termination Date with such payments discounted by the U.S. Treasury rate most closely comparable to the applicable time period left in the Agreement or (y) as and when normal payroll payments are made.
5.07 Representations. Executive represents, warrants, and covenants to Company that (a) there is no other agreement or relationship which is binding on him which prevents him from entering into or fully performing under the terms hereof and (b) the Company may contact any past, present, or future entity with whom he has a business relationship and inform such entity of the existence of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein.
ARTICLE VI
Covenants
6.01 Competition/Solicitation. (a) During the term of this Agreement and for a period of eighteen (18) months after termination of this Agreement, regardless of the reason, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, except in connection with his duties hereunder or otherwise for the sole account and benefit of the Company, whether as a sole proprietor, partner, member, shareholder, employee, director, officer, guarantor, consultant, independent contractor, or in any other capacity as principal or agent, or through any person, subsidiary, affiliate, or employee acting as nominee or agent, except with the consent of the Company:
(i) Conduct or engage in, or be interested in or associated with, any person or entity anywhere in North America (plus any such additional geographical markets to which the Company may have expanded during the course of Executive‘s employment) other than the Company and its affiliates which conducts or engages in the Business (plus any such additional product or service markets to which the Company may have expanded during the course of Executive‘s employment). For purposes of this Agreement, “Business” shall be defined as the development, manufacture and marketing of diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer using a microarray platform.
(ii) Induce, or attempt to induce, hire or attempt to hire, or cause to be induced or hired, any employee of the Company, or persons who were employees of the Company within the 180 days preceding the Termination Date, to leave or terminate him or his employment with the Company, or hire or engage as an independent contractor any such employee of the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be prevented from (i) investing in or owning up to five percent (5%) of the outstanding stock of any corporation engaged in any business provided that such shares are regularly traded on a national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market or (ii) retaining any shares of stock in any corporation which Executive owned before the date of his employment with the Company.
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6.02 Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that in his employment he is or will be making use of, acquiring, or adding to the Company’s confidential information which includes, but is not limited to, non-public and confidential memoranda and other materials or records of a proprietary nature; technical information regarding the operations of the Company; and records and policy matters relating to finance, personnel, market research, strategic planning, current and potential customers, lease arrangements, service contracts, management, and operations. Therefore, to protect the Company’s confidential information and to protect other employees who depend on the Company for regular employment, Executive agrees that during and after the Term of this Agreement, he will not in any way use any of said confidential information except in connection with his employment by the Company, and except in connection with the business of the Company he will not copy, reproduce, or take with him the original or any copies of said confidential information and will not directly or indirectly divulge any of said confidential information to anyone without the prior written consent of the Company.
6.03 Inventions. All discoveries, designs and inventions, whether patentable or not, relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) products, or other technology of the Company or any Affiliate or relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) methods or processes used or usable in connection with the business of the Company or any Affiliate that may be conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company (hereinafter “Inventions”), either solely or jointly with others, shall automatically become the sole property of the Company or an Affiliate. Executive shall immediately disclose to the Company all such Inventions and shall, without additional compensation, execute all assignments and other documents deemed necessary to perfect the property rights of the Company or any Affiliate therein. These obligations shall continue beyond the termination of Executive’s employment with respect to Inventions conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company. The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall not apply to any Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company or any Affiliate is used by Executive and which is developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless (a) such Invention relates (i) to the business of the Company or an Affiliate or (ii) to the actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or an Affiliate, or (b) such Invention results from work performed by Executive for the Company.
6.04 Non-Disparagement. For a period commencing on the Commencement Date and continuing for a period of eighteen (18) months, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, defame, disparage, create false impressions, or otherwise put in a false or bad light the Company, its products or services, its business, reputation, conduct, practices, past or present employees, financial condition or otherwise.
6.05 Blue Penciling. If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or area.
6.06 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that any breach by him of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement shall cause irreparable harm to the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of Article VI of this Agreement will be inadequate, and agrees that, notwithstanding section 9.01 hereof, the Company shall be entitled to exercise all remedies available to it, including specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in the case of any such breach or attempted breach.
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ARTICLE VII
Assignment
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder shall be assignable by Executive and any such purported assignment by him shall be void.
ARTICLE VIII
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Company and Executive concerning his employment by the Company or subsidiaries and supersedes any and all previous agreements between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries concerning such employment, and/or any compensation, bonuses or incentives. Each party hereto shall pay its own costs and expenses (including legal fees) except as otherwise expressly provided herein incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in a written instrument signed by both parties hereto.
ARTICLE IX
Applicable Law; Miscellaneous
9.01 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada.
9.02 Indemnification of Executive. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the full extent authorized or permitted by law with respect to any claim, liability, action, or proceeding instituted or threatened against or incurred by Executive or his legal representatives and arising in connection with Executive’s conduct or position at any time as a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company or any subsidiary thereof. The Company shall not change, modify, alter, or in any way limit the existing indemnification and reimbursement provisions relating to and for the benefit of its directors and officers without the prior written consent of Executive, including any modification or limitation of any directors and officers liability insurance policy.
9.03 Waiver. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party hereto which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
9.04 Unenforceability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
9.05 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
9.06 Section Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
By: | /s/ John Howell | |
John Howell | ||
President | ||
Executive | ||
By: | /s/ John Howell | |
John Howell |
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RECAP MARKETING AND CONSULTING, LLP—INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Investment Advisory agreement
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into effective as of August 11, 2009, (the "Effective Date") by and between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation, (the "Company"), whose address is 524 East Weddell Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Company's subsidiary, Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., a Nevada corporation, as well as any subsidiary acquired or created in the future (the "Subsidiaries") on the one hand and Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP on the other hand, a Texas limited liability company, (the "Advisor"), whose address is 12000 Westheimer Road, Ste 340, Houston, TX 77077-6531.
Recitals
A. The Company and the Subsidiaries wish to engage the services of the Advisor to exclusively advise and consult with the Company and the Subsidiaries on certain business and financial matters as set forth in this Agreement.
B. The Advisor has extensive experience in investment banking, business and financial consulting, evaluating financing offers, and entrepreneurial executive management. As a result, the Advisor has the expertise to advise and assist the Company and the Subsidiaries in selecting appropriate financing from the available options, developing a successful business plan, and in evaluating businesses that may be likely candidates to strategically partner with the Company and the Subsidiaries, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
C. The Company and the Subsidiaries wish to engage the services of the Advisor as an independent contractor to exclusively advise and consult with it with respect to (i) developing a successful business plan, (ii) exploring strategic alliances, partnering opportunities and other cooperative ventures, (iii) evaluating possible acquisition and strategic partnering candidates, and marketing opportunities for the Company and the Subsidiaries, (iv) the Company's and the Subsidiaries' business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans, (v) the Company's and the Subsidiaries' merger and acquisition strategies, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions; (vi) the Company's and the Subsidiaries' employee relations; and (vii) the Company's and the Subsidiaries' marketing strategy; and (viii) selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
D. The Advisor is willing to accept such engagement, on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement, including the payment of fees and other good and valuable consideration contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Engagement.
1.1. Engagement. The Company and the Subsidiaries hereby engage the Advisor as its sole source provider to perform the Corporate Undertakings, as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.4, for the Term as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.2, and the Advisor hereby accepts this engagement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement
1.2. Term. The term of the Advisor's engagement under this Agreement shall be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending at the expiration of five years from and after the date hereof unless terminated as provided in paragraph 4 below (the "Term").
1.3. Relationship. The relationship between the Company and the Subsidiaries and the Advisor created by this Agreement is that of independent contractors, and the Advisor is not and shall not be deemed to be an employee of the Company and the Subsidiaries for any purpose.
1.4. Corporate Undertakings. The Company and the Subsidiaries will not engage in any of the following activities without a prior evaluation and affirmative recommendation of Advisor, solely for the Company's and the Subsidiaries' benefit and not for the benefit of any third party:
(a) Development of a successful business plan for the Company and the Subsidiaries.
(b) Strategic alliances, strategic partnering and other cooperative ventures within and without the Company's and the Subsidiaries' present industry segment.
(c) Acquisition and marketing strategies.
(d) Business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans.
(e) Merger and acquisition opportunities, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions.
(f) Selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities
(h) Advising, consult and consent with the Company's and the Subsidiaries' board of directors (the "Board") and executive officers with respect to any of the above described matters.
1.5. No Capital Raising Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include (i) soliciting the offer or sale of securities in any capital-raising transaction, or (ii) to directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for any of the Company's and the Subsidiaries' securities.
1.6. No Investment Advisory or Brokerage Services; No Legal Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include requiring the Advisor to engage in any activities for which an investment advisor's registration or license is required under the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or under any other applicable federal or state law; or for which a "broker's" or "dealer's" registration or license is required under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or under any other applicable federal or state law. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not constitute the rendering of legal advice, or the providing of legal services, to the Company and the Subsidiaries. Accordingly, Advisor shall not express any legal opinions with respect to any matters affecting the Company and the Subsidiaries. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not consist of effecting transactions in the Company's and the Subsidiaries' securities and Advisor shall not provide any securities broker-dealer services to the Company and the Subsidiaries.
1.7. Location. The Company and the Subsidiaries and the Advisor intend that the Corporate Undertakings shall be rendered primarily from the Advisor's offices in Houston, Texas and may be rendered by telephone and e-mail communication. The Advisor understands and acknowledges it may be necessary to travel to perform the Corporate Undertakings, and that the Advisor shall be required to do so at its own expense (the Advisor's Fee having been agreed to in consideration thereof). The Advisor shall be reasonably available by telephone to consult with the Board at regular and special meetings thereof.
1.8. Time; Non-exclusive. The Advisor shall devote as much time to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings as is reasonably necessary, but the Advisor shall not required to devote any fixed number of hours or days to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings. The Company and the Subsidiaries recognizes that the Advisor has and will continue to have other clients and business, and agrees that this engagement is non-exclusive.
1.9. Support Staff and Facilities. The Advisor shall furnish its own support staff, office, telephone, and other facilities and equipment necessary to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings, and the Company and the Subsidiaries shall not be required to provide the Advisor with any such staff, facilities or equipment.
1.10. Confidentiality. The Advisor shall not disclose any non-public, confidential or proprietary information, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's and the Subsidiaries' products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, or employee information, unless required to do so by applicable law or pursuant to an effective non-disclosure agreement.
2. Advisor's Fees and Expenses.
2.1. The Advisor's Fee. The Advisor agrees to accept compensation for its services under this Agreement in the form of an equity interest in the Company and the Subsidiaries as well as a share of gross sales. Therefore, the Company and the Subsidiaries shall issue and deliver to the Advisor, as a fee for its Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement (the "Advisor's Fee"):
(a) Twenty (20%) percent of the fully diluted equity (the "Equity") of the Company and the Subsidiaries, including the Company's subsidiary, Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., a Nevada corporation which shall be fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of its execution of this Agreement. The Company and the Subsidiaries shall issue certificates or other evidence representing the Equity in the name or names specified from time to time by the Advisor in writing to the Company and the Subsidiaries.
(b) Twenty percent (20%) of the net sales of the Company and the Subsidiaries. "Net Sales" means the gross selling price by the Company and the Subsidiaries, the Subsidiaries and sub-licensees for the sale of any product or products, less trade discounts allowed, credits for claims or allowances, refunds, returns and recalls. Net Sales does not include sales between the Company and the Subsidiaries or any Subsidiary with any entity more than 75% owned by the Company and the Subsidiaries or a Subsidiary ("Related Company") so long as the Related Company is not the end user of the product or products, in which case the 20% payment shall be based upon the resale of the product or products by the Related Company. If the Related Company is the end user, such sales to a Related Company shall be subject to the 20% payment based on retail prices that such product or products would be sold to unrelated third parties.
(c) The Company and the Subsidiaries shall issue instructions to its management and the management of the Subsidiaries to issue certificates representing the Equity, as directed by the Advisor, with the customary restrictive legend, restriction and stop order, and deliver the Certificates, so registered, to Advisor. The Company and the Subsidiaries warrants that the Equity shall be freely transferable on the books and records of the Company and the Subsidiaries. Nothing in this Section 2.1(c) shall affect in any way the Advisor's obligations and agreement to comply with all applicable securities laws upon resale of the Equity.
(d) The Company and the Subsidiaries shall issue instructions to its management and the management of the Subsidiaries to execute and deliver a written agreement ("Royalty Agreement") setting out the terms summarized in Section 2.1(b) and allocating the twenty percent (20%) to the persons or entities as directed by the Advisor.
2.2. Offset; Withholding; Taxes. The Company and the Subsidiaries shall pay the Advisor's Fee to the Advisor without offset, deduction or withholding of any kind or for any purpose. The Advisor shall pay any federal, state and local taxes payable by it with respect to the Advisor's Fee.
2.3. The Advisor's Expenses. Except for expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board such other expenses as the Company and the Subsidiaries shall first expressly agree in writing to pay or reimburse to Advisor, the Advisor shall pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its performance of the Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement.
3. Representations, Warranties and Covenants:
3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company and the Subsidiaries. The Company and the Subsidiaries represents and warrants to and covenants with the Advisor that:
(a) Incorporation, Good Standing, and Due Qualification. The Company and the Subsidiaries are, or will be, corporations duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Nevada; have the corporate power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in which engaged and proposes to be engaged in; and are duly qualified as foreign corporations and in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
(b) Corporate Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company and the Subsidiaries of this Agreement, including the issuance of the Equity and execution of the Royalty Agreements(s) has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Company's and the Subsidiaries' shareholders; (ii) contravene the Company's and the Subsidiaries' certificate of incorporation or bylaws; (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Company and the Subsidiaries; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Company and the Subsidiaries is a party.
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Subsidiaries, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
3.2. Representations and Warranties of the Advisor. The Advisor represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company and the Subsidiaries that:
(a) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, does not and will not (i) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (ii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
(b) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, have been duly authorized by all necessary action and do not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Advisor's members; (ii) contravene the Advisor's organizational documents; (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Advisor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
4. Termination. This Agreement may not be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term:
5. Confidential Information.
5.1. The parties hereto recognize that a major need of the Company and the Subsidiaries is to preserve its specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information. The strength and good will of the Company and the Subsidiaries is derived from the specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information generated from experience with the activities undertaken by the Company and the Subsidiaries. The disclosure of this information and knowledge to competitors would be beneficial to them and detrimental to the Company and the Subsidiaries, as would the disclosure of information about the marketing practices, pricing practices, costs, profit margins, design specifications, analytical techniques, and similar items of the Company and the Subsidiaries. By reason of being a Advisor to the Company and the Subsidiaries, Advisor has or will have access to, and will obtain, specialized knowledge, trade secrets and confidential information about the Company's and the Subsidiaries' operations, which operations extend through the United States. Therefore, Advisor recognizes that the Company and the Subsidiaries is relying on these agreements in entering into this Agreement:
5.2 During and after the Term, Advisor will not use, disclose to others, or publish any inventions or any confidential business information about the affairs of the Company and the Subsidiaries, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's and the Subsidiaries' products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, employee information, and other confidential information acquired by him in the course of his past or future services for the Company and the Subsidiaries. Advisor agrees to hold as the Company's and the Subsidiaries' property all memoranda, books, papers, letters, formulas and other data, and all copies thereof and therefrom, in any way relating to the Company's and the Subsidiaries' business and affairs, whether made by him or otherwise coming into his possession, and on termination of his employment, or on demand of the Company and the Subsidiaries, at any time, to deliver the same to the Company and the Subsidiaries within twenty four hours of such termination or demand.
5.3 During the Term, Advisor will not induce any employee of the Company and the Subsidiaries to leave the Company's and the Subsidiaries' employ or hire any such employee (unless the Board of Directors of the Company and the Subsidiaries shall have authorized such employment and the Company and the Subsidiaries shall have consented thereto in writing).
6. General Provisions.
6.1. Entire Agreement; Modification; Waivers. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes any prior agreements with respect to its subject matter. There are no agreements, understandings or arrangements of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained herein. This Agreement shall not be modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the party making the waiver. The waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision or any future waiver of the same provision.
6.2. Notices. All notices given under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed to the parties as set forth in the first paragraph hereof, and shall be effective on the earliest of (i) the date received, or (ii) on the second business day after delivery to a major international air delivery or air courier service (such as Federal Express or Network Couriers).
6.3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Nevada; provided, however, that if any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable under such law but is enforceable under the laws of the State of Nevada, then Texas law shall govern the construction and enforcement of that provision.
6.4. Jurisdiction and Venue. The courts of the State of Texas sitting in Harris County (the "Harris County Courts") shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any action, suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute, whether at law or in equity or both, and whether in contract or tort or both, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the construction or enforcement hereof or thereof (any such action, suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute, a "Related Action"). The Company and the Subsidiaries and the Advisor hereby irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any Related Action. The Company and the Subsidiaries and the Advisor hereby irrevocably waive and agree not to assert any right or claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts in any Related Action, including any claim of forum non conveniens or that the Harris County Courts are not the proper venue or form to adjudicate any Related Action. If any Related Action is brought or maintained in any court other than the Harris County Courts, then that court shall, at the request of the Company and the Subsidiaries or the Advisor, dismiss that action. The parties may enter a judgment rendered by the Harris County Courts under this Agreement for enforcement in the courts of Nevada and the party against whom such judgment is taken will not contest the authority of such courts to enforce such a judgment.
6.5. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Company and the Subsidiaries and the Advisor hereby waive trial by jury in any Related Action.
6.6 Attorney's Fees. The prevailing party in any Related Action shall be entitled to recover that party's costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees.
6.7 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors in interest.
6.8 Construction, Counterparts. This Agreement shall be construed as a whole and in favor of the validity and enforceability of each of its provisions, so as to carry out the intent of the parties as expressed herein. Heading are for the convenience of reference, and the meaning and interpretation of the text of any provision shall take precedence over its heading. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, taken together shall constitute one agreement. A faxed copy or photocopy of a party's signature shall be deemed an original for all purposes.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. & Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP | Page 7 Investment Advisory Agreement |
In witness whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date
The Company and the Subsidiaries: | The Advisor: | |
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS (OVARIAN), INC. |
RECAP MARKETING AND CONSULTING, LLP | ||||
By | /s/ John Howell | By: | /s/ Hunter M.A. Carr | |
John Howell, | Hunter M.A. Carr, | |||
President & CEO | Authorized Signatory |
Parent of the Company: | ||
ARRAYIT CORPORATION | ||
By: | /s/ Rene A. Schena | |
Rene A. Schena, CEO |
STEVEN SCOTT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS ADVISORY AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into effective as of January 18, 2012, (the "effective Date”) by and between Arrayit Diagnostics. Inc., a Nevada corporation, (the "Company"), whose address is 1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr, Redmond, Oregon 97756, on its own behalf on the one hand and Steven Scott on the other hand, an Arizona resident, (the "Advisor"), whose address is 11364 E. Appaloosa Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85259.
Recitals
A. The Company wishes to engage the services of the Advisor to exclusively advise and consult with the Company on certain business and financial matters as set forth in this Agreement.
B. The Advisor has extensive experience in investment banking, business and financial consulting, evaluating financing offers, and entrepreneurial executive management. As a result, the Advisor has the expertise to advise and assist the Company in selecting appropriate financing from the available options, developing a successful business plan, and in evaluating businesses that may be likely candidates to strategically partner with the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
C. The Company wishes to engage the services of the Advisor as an independent contractor to exclusively advise and consult with it with respect to (i) developing a Successful business plan, (ii) exploring strategic alliances, partnering opportunities and other cooperative ventures, (iii) evaluating possible acquisition and strategic partnering candidates, and marketing opportunities for the Company, (iv) the Company's business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans, (v) the Company's merger and acquisition strategies, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions: (vi) the Company's employee relations; and (vii) the Company's marketing strategy; and (viii) selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
D. The Advisor is willing to accept such engagement, on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
"Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement, including the payment of fees and other good and valuable consideration contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
I. Engagement.
1.1. Engagement. The Company hereby engages the Advisor to perform the Corporate Undertakings, as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.4, for the Term as defined and set forth in paragraph 1.2, and the Advisor hereby accepts this engagement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement
1.2. Term. The term of the Advisor's engagement under this Agreement shall be for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending at the expiration of one year from and after the date hereof unless terminated as provided in paragraph 4 below (the "Term"), or unless extended by mutual consent.
1.3. Relationship. The relationship between the Company and the Advisor created by this Agreement is that of independent contractor, and the Advisor is not and shall not be deemed to be an employee of the Company for any purpose.
1.4. Corporate Undertakings. The Company will not engage in any of the following activities without a prior evaluation and affirmative recommendation of Advisor, solely for the Company's benefit and not for the benefit of any third party;
(a) Development of a successful business plan for die Company.
(b) Strategic alliances, strategic partnering and other cooperative ventures within and without the Company's present industry segment.
(c) Acquisition and marketing strategies.
(d) Business development activities, including major geographic and service expansion plans.
(e) Merger and acquisition opportunities, including the evaluation of targets and the structuring of transactions-
(f) Selecting appropriate financing from the available options and opportunities
(g) Advising, consult and consent with the Company's board of directors (the "Board"') and executive officers with respect to any of the above described mailers.
1.5. No Capital Raising Services. The Corporate Undertakings do nor include (i) soliciting the offer or sale of securities in any capital-raising transaction, or (ii) to directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for any of the Company's securities.
1.6. No Investment Advisory or Brokerage Services; No Legal Services. The Corporate Undertakings do not include requiring the Advisor to engage in any activities for which an investment advisor's registration or license is required under the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or under any other applicable federal or state law; or for which a "broker's or "dealers" registration or license is required under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act.of 1934, or under any other applicable federal or state law. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not constitute the rendering of legal advice, or the providing of legal services, to the Company. Accordingly, Advisor shall not express any legal opinions with respect to any matters affecting the Company. Advisor's work on this engagement shall not consist of effecting transactions in the Company's securities and Advisor shall not provide any securities broker-dealer services to the Company.
1.7. Location. The Company and the Advisor intend that the Corporate Undertakings shall be rendered primarily from the Advisor's offices in Phoenix, Arizona and may he rendered by telephone and e-mail communication. The Advisor understands and acknowledges it may be necessary to travel to perform the Corporate Undertakings, and that the Advisor shall be required to do so at its own expense (the Advisor's Fee having been agreed to in consideration thereof). The Advisor shall be reasonably available by telephone to consult with the Board at regular and special meetings thereof.
l.8. Time; non-exclusive The Advisor shall devote as much time to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings as is reasonably necessary, but the Advisor shall not be required to devote any fixed number of hours or days to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings. The Company recognizes that the Advisor has and will continue to have other clients and business, and agrees that this engagement is non-exclusive.
1.9. Support Staff and Facilities. The Advisor shall furnish its own support staff, office, telephone, and other facilities and equipment necessary to the performance of the Corporate Undertakings, and the Company shall not be required to provide the Advisor with any such Staff, facilities or equipment.
1.10. Confidentiality. The Advisor shall not disclose any non-public, confidential or proprietary information, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, or employee information, unless required to do so by applicable law or pursuant to an effective non-disclosure agreement.
2. Advisor's Fees and Expenses.
2.1, The Advisor's Fee. The Advisor agrees to accept compensation for its services under this Agreement in the form of an equity Interest in the Company. Therefore, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Advisor, as a fee for its Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement (the "Advisor's Fee"');
(a) Five Hundred Thousand common shares (500,000) of the Company (Equity), which shall be fully earned and non-refundable in consideration of its execution of this Agreement and the payment of $10.
The Company shall Issue certificates or other evidence representing the Equity in the name or names Specified from time to time by the Advisor in writing to the Company.
(b) The Company shall issue instructions to its management to issue certificates representing the Equity, as directed by the Advisor, with the right to be included in the next registration statement, to Advisor. The Company warrants that the Equity shall he freely transferable on the books and records of the Company. Nothing in this Section 2.1(b) shall affect in any way the Advisor's obligations and agreement to comply with all applicable securities laws upon resale of the Equity.
2.2. Offset; Withholding: Taxes. The Company shall pay the Advisor's Fee to the Advisor without offset, deduction or withholding of any kind or for any purpose. The Advisor shall pay any federal, state and local taxes payable by it with respect, to the Advisor's Fee.
2.3. The Advisor 's Expenses. The Advisor shall pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its performance of the Corporate Undertakings under this Agreement.
3. Representations, Warranties and Covenants;
3.I. Representations and Warranties of the. Company. The Company represents and warrants to and covenants with the Advisor that:
(a) incorporation. Good Standing, and Due Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Nevada: has the corporate power and authority to own its assets and to transact the business in winch engaged and proposes to be engaged in: and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
(b) Corporate Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, including the issuance of the Equity has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and does not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Company's shareholders; (ii) contravene the Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws: (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Company: (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Company is a party.
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the, legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such, enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
3.2. Representations, and Warranties of the Advisor. The Advisor represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company that:
(a) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, does not and will not (i) violate any provision of any law. rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor; (ii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument lo which the Advisor is a parry.
(b) Power and Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by the Advisor of this Agreement, have been duly authorized by all necessary action and do not and will not (i) require any consent or approval of the Advisor's members; (ii) contravene the Advisor's organizational documents; (iii) violate any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the Advisor: (iv) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or other instrument to which the Advisor is a party.
(c) Legally Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Advisor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
4. Termination. This Agreement may not be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term:
5. Confidential information.
5.1. The parties hereto recognize that a major need of the Company is to preserve its specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information. The strength and good will of the Company is derived from the specialized knowledge, trade secrets, and confidential information generated from experience with the activities undertaken by the Company, The disclosure of this information and knowledge to competitors would be beneficial to them and detrimental to the Company, as would the disclosure of information about the marketing practices, pricing practices, costs, profit margins, design specifications, analytical techniques, and similar items of the Company. By reason of being an Advisor to the Company, Advisor has or will have access to, and will obtain, specialized knowledge, trade secrets and confidential information about the Company's operations., which operations extend through the United States. Therefore, Advisor recognizes that the Company is relying on these agreements in entering into this Agreement:
5.2 During and after the Term, Advisor will not use, disclose to others, or publish any inventions or any confidential business information about the affairs of the Company, including but not limited to confidential information concerning the Company's products, methods, engineering designs and standards, analytical techniques, technical information, customer information, employee information, and other confidential information acquired by him in the course of his past or future services for the Company. Advisor agrees to hold as the Company's property all memoranda, books, papers, letters, formulas and other data, and all copies thereof and therefrom, in any way relating to the Company's business and affairs, whether made by him or otherwise coming into his possession, and on termination of this agreement, or on demand of the Company, at any time, to deliver the same to the Company within twenty four hours of such termination or demand.
5.3 During the Term, Advisor will not induce any employee of the Company to leave the Company's employ or hire any such employee (unless the Board of Directors of the Company shall have authorized such employment and the Company shall have consented thereto in writing).
6. General Provisions.
6.1. Entire Agreement: Modification; Waivers. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes any prior agreements with respect to its subject matter. There are no agreements, understandings or arrangements of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained herein. This Agreement shall not be modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the party making the waiver. The waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision or any future waiver of the same provision.
6.2. Notices. All notices given under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed to the parties as set forth in the first paragraph hereof, and shall be effective on the earliest of (i) the date received, or (ii) on the second business day after delivery to a major international air delivery or air courier service (such as Federal Express or "Network Couriers).
6.3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Nevada: provided, however, that if any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable under such law but is enforceable under the laws of the State of Nevada, then Texas law shall govern the construction and enforcement of that provision.
6.4. Jurisdiction and Venue. The courts of the State of Texas sitting in Harris County (the Harris County Courts") shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any action, Suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute, whether at law or in equity or both, and whether in contract or tort or both, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the construction or enforcement hereof or thereof (any such action, suit, proceeding, case, controversy or dispute, a "Related Action"). The Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably consent and submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts to hear, adjudicate, decide, determine and enter final judgment in any Related Action, the Company and the Advisor hereby irrevocably waive and agree not to assert any right or claim that is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Harris County Courts in any Related Action, including any claim of forum non conveniens or that the Harris County Courts are not the proper venue or form to adjudicate any Related Action. If any Related Action is brought or maintained in any court other than the Harris County Courts, then that court shall, at the request of the Company or the Advisor, dismiss that action. The parties may enter a judgment rendered by The Harris County Courts under this Agreement for enforcement in the courts of Nevada and the party against whom such judgment is taken will not contest the authority of such courts to enforce such a judgment.
6.3. Waiver of jury Trial. The Company and the Advisor hereby waive trial by jury in any Related Action.
6.6 Attorney's Fees. The prevailing party in any Related Action shall be entitled to recover that party's costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees.
6.7 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding on. and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors in interest.
6.S Construction. Counterparts, This Agreement shall be construed as a whole and in favor of the validity and enforceability of each of its provisions, so as to carry out the intent of the parties as expressed herein. Headings are for the convenience of reference, and the meaning and interpretation of the text of any provision shall take precedence over its heading. This Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, taken together shall constitute one agreement. A faxed copy or photocopy of a party's signature shall be deemed an original for all purposes.
In Witness Whereof. the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date
The Company: | The Advisor: | ||||
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | STEVEN SCOTT | ||||
By: | /s/ John Howell | By: | /s/ Steven Scott | ||
John Howell, President & CEO | Steven Scott |
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY— | |
LICENSE AGREEMENT |
Wayne StatE University Division of research |
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICE 440 Burroughs, Suite 201 Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 577-5541 FAX (313) 577-2814
ANNE C. DI SANTE, SENIOR DIRECTOR anne.disante@wayne.edu |
December 18, 2009
John Howell
President
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. 2401
SGessner#392 Houston, TX
77063
VIA UPS 916-
599-3138
Re: | License Agreement between Wayne State University and Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., effective December 7, 2009 |
Dear John:
Enclosed please find Arrayit Diagnostics's fully-executed original of the subject license agreement. Under Section 3.1(a), WSU is to receive $20,000 in license issue fees which we have not yet received. Additionally, in early January we will provide you with copies of the patent invoices for reimbursement as provided in Section 3.1(b).
Under Section 5.1(a), please provide contact information for receipt of patent-related correspondence for Arrayit Diagnostic's review and comment.
I look forward to working with you and your colleagues. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call.
Best regards, | |
/s/ Anne C. Di Sante | |
Anne C. Di Sante |
Encl.
Cc: | L. Burns J. Johncox |
H. Thomas-Micheaux |
ACDL451
Wayne State University Technology Commercialization
Technology Transfer Office ^ Venture Development Office
www.techtransfer.wayne.edu
- 2 - |
LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into as of December 7, 2009 Effective Date"), by and between Wayne State University, a non-profit Michigan educational institution ("WSU") and Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a corporation incorporated in the State of Nevada ("Licensee").
BACKGROUND:
WSU holds certain patents and technology. Licensee has delivered to WSU a request for the grant of a license to use such intellectual property rights as described below.
WSU is willing to grant Licensee a license to develop and use such intellectual property for the benefit of WSU and the public in accordance with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §§ 201-211 and the regulations promulgated thereunder ("Federal Patent Policy") and Licensee is willing to acquire the right to use such intellectual property on the terms and conditions set forth below and subject to the provisions of the Federal Patent Policy.
AGREEMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
1.1. "Affiliate". "Affiliate" means (i) any partnership, corporation, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with Licensee, (ii) any partnership, corporation, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or entity who is a direct or indirect beneficial holder of at least 50% of any class of the outstanding capital stock of Licensee or an Affiliate (as defined in clause (i)) of Licensee. It is understood that the characterization of any entity as an Affiliate shall be made at the time Licensee and such entity enter into any sublicense agreement.
1.2. "Biological Materials". "Biological Materials" shall mean the biological materials as specifically described in Exhibit B, as amended from time to time.
13. "FDA". "FDA" shall mean the United States Food and Drug Administration, or its successor.
1.4. "Federal Patent Policy". "Federal Patent Policy" shall mean 35 U.S.C. 200 et seq. and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
1.5. "First Commercial Sale". "First Commercial Sale" shall mean, with respect to a Licensed Product, the first sale for consumption by the public of a Licensed Product after registration has been granted by any applicable authority in any country.
1 -6. "Licensed Field". " "Licensed Field" shall mean production of product(s) or services(s) for presymptomatic detection of ovarian cancer utilizing microarrays on planar surfaces. Macroarrays, traditional ELISA, solution bead platforms, spinning disk and colored bead fields of use are specifically excluded from this license.
1.7. "Licensed Patents". "Licensed Patents" shall mean (i) U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/816,471, filed on August 16, 2007 entitled "Neoepitope Detection of Disease using Protein Arrays"; (ii) any U.S. patent application filed as a continuation or division of such application or, to the extent necessary to make, have made, use, sell, import or lease Licensed Products, any continuation-in-part of such application (provided, such continuation-in-part relates directly to the Licensed Field and development of which was sponsored by Licensee); (iii) any foreign counterpart to such U.S. application (including divisions, continuations or continuations-in-part of such patent application that relate directly to the Licensed Field and development of which was sponsored by Licensee); and (iv) any patents which issue from applications described in (i-iii). Licensed Patents are set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, which shall be amended from time to time to include patent applications or patents to be included as Licensed Patents in accordance with this Agreement.
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1.8. "Licensed Product(s)". "Licensed Product(s)" means any product(s), methods, services or processes that embody or utilize any aspect of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology or Biological Materials or the manufacture, use, license or sale of which (a) absent the licenses granted herein, would infringe any proprietary right of WSU in respect of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology or Biological Materials or (b) the discovery, development, manufacture or use of which employs Licensed Technology, Licensed Patents or Biological Materials.
1.9. "Licensed Technology". "Licensed Technology" means all technical information, including any specifications, methods, processes, documentation and other data, information and know-how owned by WSU and in existence as of the Effective Date and necessary to practice the inventions embodied in the Licensed Patents or Biological Materials. Licensed Technology is set forth in Exhibit C attached hereto.
1.10. "Net Revenue". "Net Revenue" means gross revenue received by Licensee or any of its Affiliates, or any sublicensee hereunder from the sale or use of Licensed Products less (i) amounts repaid or credited by reason of defects, returns, recalls, rejections or allowances, (ii) sales taxes, excise taxes, value added taxes and customs duties, paid, absorbed or allowed, (iii) commissions paid or actually allowed to independent brokers or agents, (iv) postage, delivery and shipping charges, and (v) trade and quantity discounts actually allowed (and taken) as customary in the trade. Net Revenue shall not include revenue received by Licensee (or any of its Affiliates) from transactions with an Affiliate, where the Licensed Product in question will be resold by the Affiliate; provided, the revenue received by the Affiliate from resale of the Licensed Product is included in Net Revenue in accordance with Section 3.2. Revenue received by Licensee (or any of its Affiliates) from transactions with an Affiliate, where the Licensed Product in question is used by the Affiliate solely for such Affiliate's internal purposes shall be included in Net Revenue and the price charged shall be at least the fair market value of such Licensed Product.
111. "Royalty Quarter". "Royalty Quarter" means each January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31 commencing on or after the Effective Date.
2. TITLE; LICENSE GRANT; RESERVATION OF RIGHTS.
2.1. Grant of License. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, WSU hereby grants to Licensee, and Licensee hereby accepts an exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing license, including the right to grant sublicenses, to Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials, to make, have made, use, lease, develop, produce, distribute, import, sell and have sold Licensed Products in the Licensed Field.
2.2. Sublicense Agreements. Licensee may grant sublicenses of its right to make, use, distribute, import, lease, sublicense for the sole purpose of marketing and/or distribution, and sell Licensed Products in the Licensed Field; provided Licensee shall (a) obtain WSU's written consent to each sublicensee and each sublicense agreement (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); (b) obtain each sublicensee's written agreement to be bound by the provisions of Sections 2.3, 2.4 (e-f), 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 7, 8 and 9 of this Agreement; and (c) not be relieved of any of its obligations hereunder as a consequence of such sublicense(s). Any sublicenses granted by Licensee under this Agreement shall provide for termination or assignment to WSU upon termination of this Agreement. The royalties payable to WSU in respect to sublicenses are set forth in Sections 3.2 and 3.3. With regard to the insurance requirements of Section 8, if such insurance is not available in sublicensee's jurisdiction, and demonstration has been made to WSU's reasonable satisfaction that such is the case, then WSU shall exercise due consideration that the inability to buy such insurance is not a reason to withhold consent to the sublicense.
2.3. Proprietary Rights Notices. Licensee shall mark all Licensed Products and their containers in accordance with the patent marking laws of the jurisdiction in which such Licensed Products are manufactured, used or sold. At a minimum, all Licensed Products shall bear a notice indicating that the product is the subject of a patent or pending application and identifying same. Licensee shall promptly notify WSU in writing of any changes to patent markings on Licensed Products.
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2.4. Title; Federal Rights, (a) This Agreement does not convey to Licensee any ownership rights in any Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology or Biological Materials by implication, estoppel or otherwise*except for the rights expressly granted in this Section 2. Title to the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials shall at all times remain vested in WSU and WSU retains the right to grant licenses to the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials for other fields of use and to use the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials for purposes in accordance with Section 2.5.
(b) To the extent that any Licensed Patent, Licensed Technology or Biological Materials has been wholly or partially funded by the federal government or the state of Michigan, Licensee's rights are also subject to the Federal Patent Policy and applicable state of Michigan obligations including but not limited to the federal government's nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials for or on behalf of the United States throughout the world.
(c) WSU hereby covenants that, if any of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology or Biological Materials is subject to the Federal Patent Policy, WSU will disclose such Licensed Patent(s), Licensed Technology and Biological Materials to the government agency as required by the Federal Patent Policy, will file all required elections to maintain title to the Licensed Patent(s), Licensed Technology and Biological Materials and will otherwise use its reasonable efforts to obtain the entire right, title and interest in such Licensed Patent(s), Licensed Technology and Biological Materials and seek maximum exclusive licensing rights and extensions thereof.
(d) WSU represents to Licensee that, to the best of its knowledge, it has disclosed to Licensee all agreements with any funding agency or foundation that has provided support of any kind in the development of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology or Biological Materials.
(e) Licensee shall comply with, and shall ensure that its sublicensees comply in all material respects with, all government statutes and regulations that relate to Licensed Products, including but not limited to the Federal Patent Policy; the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1941, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder; and the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(f) Licensee shall substantially manufacture Licensed Products in the United States when such units of Licensed Products will be sold in the United States.
2.5. Academic Use. WSU shall retain the right to make, have made and use the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials for its internal research, academic collaborative, teaching and educational purposes, including transfer of Biological Materials to academic and other non-profit researchers.
2.6. Diligence. Licensee has represented to WSU, to induce WSU to issue this license, that it will diligently pursue commercialization of Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials. WSU shall have the right to terminate this Agreement if it reasonably determines that Licensee is not diligently utilizing the Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials for the benefit of the public in accordance with this Section 2.6. Licensee shall notify WSU in writing within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of each event listed in the next sentence.
Such determination shall be made with reference to objective criteria including:
(a) within three (3) months of the Effective Date, Licensee shall begin internal testing of a Licensed Product;
(b) within nine (9) months of the Effective Date, Licensee shall begin testing its first Licensed Product with third party evaluators;
(c) within eighteen (18) months of the Effective Date, Licensee shall apply to the FDA or other appropriate regulatory agency(ies) for approval of a Licensed Product; and
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(d) introducing Licensed Products to the market within six (6) months following receipt of necessary marketing approvals from the FDA and other appropriate regulatory agencies.
3. FEES; ROYALTIES; RECORD KEEPING; REPORTING
3.1. Fees. Licensee shall be obligated to pay WSU the indicated amounts for the following milestone events. These payments are not creditable against royalties or other payments due WSU under this Agreement and relate solely to these milestone events. Licensee shall notify WSU in writing within ten (10) days of the occurrence of the events described in (c) below that such event has occurred. All milestone payments due WSU under this Section 3.1 shall be payable only in respect of the first occurrence of the respective milestones. Payments will be made by delivery of a check, as provided below.
(a) On the Effective Date, Licensee shall pay to WSU the license issue fee of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
(b) Licensee shall deliver to WSU a check in the amount of $34,787.81 to cover patent costs and expenses in respect of the Licensed Patents that exist on the Effective Date, such reimbursement to be received by WSU within sixty (60) days of Licensee's receipt of an invoice for such amount (including copies of outside counsel's invoices).
(c) Within thirty (30) days after approval of the first Licensed Product by the FDA or another comparable regulatory agency, Licensee shall pay WSU one hundred and twenty five thousand dollars ($125,000).
3.2. Royalties, (a) Not later than forty-five (45) days following the close of a Royalty Quarter, Licensee shall pay to WSU royalties in respect of the most recent Royalty Quarter then ended equal to (i) five percent (5%) of Net Revenue in respect of Licensed Products covered by, or the method of use, manufacture or production of which embodies any aspect of any claim of any Licensed Patents and (ii) three and one-half percent (3.5%) of Licensee's Net Revenue in respect of Licensed Products embodying any aspect of the Licensed Technology or Biological Materials that do not also embody any claim of the Licensed Patents. Payments under clause (i) shall be due until the expiration of the term of the last to expire of the Licensed Patents and payments under clause (ii) shall be due for not more than ten (10) years following the date of the First Commercial Sale of a Licensed Product, unless this Agreement is extended pursuant to Section 6.1(b).
(b) Commencing with the calendar year of 2011 and until the termination of this Agreement (the "Minimum Period"), Licensee shall pay WSU minimum annual royalties under Section 3.2(a) (the "Minimum Amount") in accordance with the following schedule:
Minimum Period | Minimum Amount | |||
2011-2012 | $ | 50,000 | ||
2013-2014 | 150,000 | |||
2015 and each year thereafter | 300,000 |
If the royalties calculated under Section 3.2(a) for any year during the Minimum Period are less than the Minimum Amount for that year, Licensee shall pay WSU the difference between the actual royalties paid pursuant to Section 3.2(a) and the Minimum Amount for such year. Such payment will be due within forty-five (45) days following each December 31 during the Minimum Period.
3.3. Sublicense Fees, (a) Licensee shall pay WSU an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of any fees or other consideration Licensee receives from sublicensees in respect of Licensed Products, Licensed Technology, Licensed Patents and Biological Materials, excluding (i) royalties; and (ii) fees paid to Licensee for research performed by Licensee after the Effective Date that is directly related to the development of Licensed Products. Such payments shall be due and payable on the same date on which the report and royalty payment are due for the Royalty Quarter in which such fees are received by Licensee, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4.
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3.4. Remittance; Foreign Exchange, (a) Licensee shall make payments required under Sections 3.2 and 3.3 by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds delivered to WSU at the address set forth below. All payments shall be stated and paid in U.S. Dollars. Net Revenue received in currencies other than U.S. Dollars shall be converted into U.S. Dollars at the New York Foreign Exchange Selling Rate as of the last business day of the Royalty Quarter in which such Net Revenue is received (as published in The Wall Street Journal).
(b) In the event that any payment due WSU under this Agreement is not made when due, the payment shall accrue interest beginning on the first day following the final date on which such payment was due calculated at the annual rate equal to two percent (2%) plus the prime interest rate quoted by Chase Bank on the date said payment is due, or on the date the payment is made, whichever is higher, the interest being compounded on the last day of each Royalty Quarter; provided that in no event shall said annual rate exceed the maximum legal interest rate under Michigan law. Such royalty payment when made shall be accompanied by ail interest so accrued. Said interest and the payment and acceptance thereof shall not negate or waive the right of WSU to any other remedy, legal or equitable, to which it may be entitled because of the delinquency of the payment.
3.5. Records. Licensee shall maintain records (prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) sufficient to determine Net Revenue and payments due under Sections 3.2 and 3.3 during the term of this Agreement and for a period of at least five (5) years following any termination or expiration. Within forty-five (45) days following each Royalty Quarter during the term of this Agreement, Licensee shall provide WSU with a report showing Net Revenue for the quarter, certified by the Chief Financial Officer of Licensee as accurate. Such reports shall be submitted to WSU whether or not any Net Revenue has been received during such period.
Such report shall include the following information, segregated by Licensed Product:
(1) the quantities of each Licensed Product that Licensee, and its sublicensees (including Affiliates) have sold in each country in which such Licensed Product is sold;
(2) the billings thereon that comprise Net Revenue;
(3) the calculation of royalties thereon;
(4) the total royalties so computed and due WSU;
(5) the details of payments received by Licensee from sublicensees to which WSU is entitled a share as specified in Section 3.3;
(6) the calculation of fees due to WSU from Licensee as a share of sublicensing payments as specified in Section 3.3; and
(7) the amounts so computed and due WSU.
Upon the delivery of each report, Licensee shall pay to WSU the amount of royalties and other fees required under this Agreement, if any, due for the period of such report. Upon delivery of the report due for the period ending December 31 of each year, Licensee shall also report to WSU the aggregate royalties and other fees due WSU for the preceding year.
3.6. Audits. WSU shall have the right to have Licensee's books and records audited by an independent accountant of WSU's choosing to ascertain the accuracy of Licensee's reports. Such audits shall be scheduled within fifteen (15) days following delivery of notice by WSU to Licensee during Licensee's normal business hours and shall be conducted in a manner that does not interfere unreasonably with Licensee's business. In the event that any audit determines that the reported Net Revenue or payments due WSU was less than ninety-five percent (95%) of actual Net Revenue or payments due WSU for the period in question, the cost of such audit shall be borne by Licensee and the underpaid amount shall be immediately due and payable to WSU. In ail other events, the cost of such audit shall be borne by WSU.
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3.7. Taxes. All taxes and charges which may be imposed by any government taxing authority on the amounts paid by Licensee to WSU under this Agreement shall be assumed by Licensee. In the event Licensee is required to withhold such taxes or charges from the amounts paid to WSU hereunder and to pay the taxes or charges for the account of WSU, Licensee shall deliver to WSU copies of the receipts or returns covering each such payment. In the event a waiver is available for the payment of any such tax as a result of WSU's status as a non-profit organization, WSU agrees to consider, in its sole discretion, any reasonable request by Licensee to cooperate in any efforts initiated by Licensee to obtain such a waiver. Licensee agrees to reimburse WSU for WSU's reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses incurred in considering such requests and cooperating with such waiver process, including outside counsel fees, if any.
3.8. First Commercial Sale. Licensee shall report to WSU in writing upon the First Commercial Sale of each Licensed Product, whether by Licensee, an Affiliate or a sublicensee. Such report shall include, for each Licensed Product, the product name, product number and Licensed Patent(s) marked pursuant to Section 2.3.
3.9. Anti-Stacking. If it is necessary for Licensee to take any license(s), in a given country, under valid third party patents, which would be infringed by the sale, manufacture, use or import of Licensed Products in that country, then Licensee can deduct up to fifty percent (50%) of the royalties otherwise due and payable in each Royalty Quarter under Section 3.2 (a) above for Net Revenue in that country, until such time as Licensee has recovered an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the royalty paid to such third parties restricted to that given quarter; provided that in no event shall the royalty thus payable by Licensee be reduced below the Minimum Amount. This paragraph is not intended to imply an obligation upon WSU to reimburse Licensee for the above-described third-party royalties. Licensee shall make an accounting to WSU of all such third-party royalties, and all resulting deductions from royalties otherwise due and payable to WSU, as part of its reporting obligations under Section 3.5.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
4.1. Corporate Matters. WSU hereby represents and warrants to Licensee that: (a) it is a non-profit Michigan educational institution, and has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by WSU, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of WSU and is enforceable against WSU in accordance with its terms, except to the extent such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or similar laws of general applicability governing the enforcement of the rights of creditors or by the general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
4.2. Licensed Patents; Licensed Technology; Biological Materials, (a) WSU REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS TO LICENSEE THAT TO THE BEST OF WSU'S KNOWLEDGE AND WITHOUT INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION, (i) WSU IS THE OWNER OF THE PATENT RIGHTS IN THE LICENSED PATENTS FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL MORTGAGES, LIENS, PLEDGES, CHARGES OR OTHER ENCUMBRANCES AND HAS THE LICENSING RIGHTS THEREIN, AND (ii) ANY PATENTS ISSUED IN RESPECT OF THE LICENSED PATENTS, LICENSED TECHNOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS WILL, WHEN ISSUED, BE FREE OF ANY RESTRICTIONS EXCEPT FOR ANY NONEXCLUSIVE RIGHTS HELD BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT UNDER THE FEDERAL PATENT POLICY OR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AS A RESULT OF PREVIOUS OR PRESENT SPONSORSHIP.
(b) WSU MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO LICENSED PATENTS, LICENSED TECHNOLOGY OR BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.
(c) WSU MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY THAT THE USE OR SALE OF PRODUCTS EMBODYING LICENSED PATENTS, LICENSED TECHNOLOGY OR BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS WILL NOT INFRINGE PATENTS OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.
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4.3. Licensee Matters. Licensee hereby represents and warrants to WSU that: (a) Licensee is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Nevada, and has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Licensee, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Licensee and is enforceable against Licensee in accordance with its terms, except to the extent such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or similar laws of general applicability governing the enforcement of the rights of creditors or by the general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
5. PATENTS AND INFRINGEMENT.
5.1. Patent Prosecution; Expenses, (a) WSU shall manage the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of United States and foreign patent applications and the maintenance of U.S. and foreign patents on Licensed Patents and the maintenance of its proprietary rights in Biological Materials. WSU shall control all aspects of such preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance. During the term of this Agreement, Licensee shall be solely responsible for providing WSU and its patent counsel with the appropriate contact information for Licensee's receipt of all patent and other intellectual property correspondence, including invoices for reimbursement of patent and other intellectual property expenses, and Licensee shall notify WSU if Licensee believes it is not appropriately receiving such correspondence.
Notwithstanding the above, WSU shall not be obligated to pursue foreign nationalization filings of Licensed Patents unless and until (i) Licensee expressly requests such filing(s) in writing; and (ii) Licensee prepays estimated expenses associated with each requested foreign filing.
WSU shall request that patent counsel provide Licensee, simultaneously with the provision thereof to WSU, with copies of all information it provides to WSU relating to the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of Licensed Patents or maintenance of WSU's proprietary rights in Biological Materials. Regarding the prosecution of the Licensed Patents or Biological Materials, WSU shall, where possible, provide Licensee the opportunity to review and comment on the action. Licensee shall have the right to strategize with WSU and its patent counsel to keep legal fees down; and it shall have the right to audit (and discuss with patent counsel, if necessary) patent counsel's invoices for services it provides that Licensee is obligated to reimburse WSU under this Section 5.
(b) Licensee shall be responsible for all expenses incurred after the Effective Date associated with the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of Licensed Patents or maintaining WSU's proprietary rights in Biological Materials, including interferences and any prepayments as provided in 5.1(a) above, the portion to be paid by Licensee being the quotient obtained by dividing the aggregate patent expenses incurred by WSU by the sum of one plus the number of then prevailing additional licensees outside the Licensed Field. Such expenses are not creditable against payments due to WSU under Section 3. WSU will provide Licensee with invoices for such expenses, with the exception of any required prepayments for foreign filings, and Licensee shall pay such invoices within thirty (30) days following receipt of same. In the event Licensee does not timely pay any such fees WSU may in its sole discretion decline to advance funds for any patent- or other intellectual property-related expenses, and such action on WSU's part shall not be considered to be a breach of any obligation imposed by this Agreement.
(c) WSU does not provide any warranty whatsoever related to the services, actions or omissions of patent counsel, agents or law firms engaged to perform patenter other intellectual property-related activities. Licensee expressly acknowledges that WSU cannot control whether a particular patent will issue or proprietary protection is available in any specific country.
5.2. Infringement. Each of Licensee and WSU shall promptly inform the other in writing of any infringement of Licensed Patents or WSU's proprietary rights in Biological Materials or Licensed Technology by a third party of which it has knowledge and shall provide the other with any available information relating to such infringement.
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5.3. Enforcement, (a) Licensee shall, with WSU's consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), have the first option to pursue any enforcement or defense of the Licensed Patents or Biological Materials; provided that Licensee pays all costs and expenses related to the same, keeps WSU informed of its progress, and provides WSU with reasonable notice of all proceedings relating to same. At WSU's request, Licensee shall name WSU as a co-party in any such action and shall furnish WSU with copies of any documents related to such proceedings. Licensee's costs in prosecuting such matters shall be subject to reimbursement in accordance with Section 5.3(c). Licensee shall notify WSU of its decision to exercise its right to enforce Licensed Patents or WSU's proprietary rights in Biological Materials within thirty (30) days following its discovery or receipt of notice of the alleged infringement.
(b) If Licensee does not (i) exercise its option to enforce or defend any Licensed Patent or Biological Materials; or (ii) within ninety (90) days of commencing to prosecute any enforcement or defense action (1) has not persuaded the alleged infringer to desist, (2) is not diligently pursuing an infringement action or diligently defending the validity or enforceability of the Licensed Patent or Biological Materials at issue as determined by WSU in its reasonable discretion, or (3) has not provided WSU with evidence of bona fide negotiations of an acceptable sublicense agreement with the alleged infringer, then WSU shall have the right to pursue the alleged infringer or take control of any action initiated by Licensee at WSU's own expense, and to collect for its own use all damages, profits, settlements and awards of whatever nature recoverable from such infringement, and Licensee shall not be entitled to any recovery pursuant to Section 5.3(c). WSU may use the name of Licensee as party plaintiff for purposes of pursuing any alleged infringer.
(c) In the event that Licensee undertakes the enforcement or defense of the Licensed Patents or Biological Materials in response to a bona fide claim, Licensee may withhold up to fifty percent (50%) of the royalties otherwise thereafter due WSU under Section 3.2 and apply the same toward reimbursement of its expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees in connection therewith. In the event Licensee intends to exercise this clause in response to a claim, prior to the express threat of litigation, it shall seek the prior written consent to such action by WSU, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any recovery of damages by Licensee in any such suit shall be applied first in satisfaction of any unreimbursed expenses and legal fees of Licensee relating to the suit or settlement thereof, and next toward reimbursement of WSU for any royalties withheld and applied pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 5.3(c). Any remaining recoveries shall be used to reimburse Licensee for lost sales and WSU for lost royalties on account of such lost sales. The balance thereafter remaining from such recovery shall be divided among Licensee and WSU, with fifty percent (50%) payable to Licensee and fifty percent (50%) payable to WSU. No settlement, or consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition of the suit may be entered into without the consent of WSU, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.3(a), in the event that a declaratory judgment action alleging invalidity or non-infringement of any of the Licensed Patents is filed against Licensee or WSU, WSU, at its option, shall have the right, within thirty (30) days after notification of same, to intervene and assume sole defense of the action at WSU's expense. In the event that WSU exercises its rights under this Section 5.3(d), WSU may collect for its own use all damages, profits, settlements and awards of whatever nature recoverable from such action, and Licensee shall not be entitled to any recovery pursuant to Section 5.3(c).
(e) In any infringement suit as either party may institute to enforce the Licensed Patents or Biological Materials or in any declaratory judgment action alleging invalidity or non-infringement of any Licensed Patent brought against WSU or Licensee, the other party shall, at the request and expense of the party initiating or defending the suit or action, cooperate in ail reasonable respects and make reasonable requests to have its employees testify when requested and make available relevant records, papers, information, specimens and the like.
6. TERM; TERMINATION.
6.1. Term. Unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Section 6, this Agreement shall remain in effect until (a) the expiration of the term of the last to expire of the Licensed Patents or (b) for a Licensed Product described in 1.4(b), ten (10) years following the First Commercial Sale of such Licensed Product, whichever is later, unless extended by mutual consent of WSU and Licensee.
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6.2. Termination, (a) Upon any material breach by Licensee of this Agreement, WSU shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and the rights and license granted hereunder with thirty (30) days' notice to Licensee. Licensee shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of actual notice of the breach to cure financial breaches; and it shall have sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice to cure non-financial breaches, which cure period in the case of non-financial breaches can be extended upon mutual written consent of the parties. Licensee's "material obligations" under this Agreement shall include its obligations under Sections 2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 5.1, 7, 8 and 9.
(b) Licensee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and the license granted it hereunder for any reason with one hundred twenty (120) days' notice to WSU.
6.3. Effect of Termination, (a) Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, nothing herein shall be construed to release either party of any obligation which matured prior to the effective date of such termination, and Licensee may, after the effective date of such termination, complete Licensed Products in the process of manufacture at the time of such termination and sell same together with Licensed Products in inventory for a period of six (6) months; provided that Licensee pays to WSU royalties as required by Section 3.2 and submits reports as required by Section 3.5.
(b) The provisions of this Section 6 and Sections 7 (solely with respect to claims made by third parties), 8 and 9 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
6.4. Sublicenses. In the event the license granted to Licensee under Section 2 terminates for any reason, each of Licensee's sublicensees at such time shall continue to have the rights and license set forth in their sublicense agreements; provided the terms of such sublicense agreement have been consented to by WSU and such sublicensee agrees in writing that WSU is entitled to enforce such provisions directly against such sublicensee.
7. INDEMNIFICATION.
7.1. Indemnification by Licensee. Licensee hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold WSU and its affiliates, trustees, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "WSU Indemnitees") harmless from, against and in respect of any and all damages, deficiencies, actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, claims, losses, costs, expenses, obligations and liabilities (including costs of collection and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) (herein called "Loss(es)") arising from or related to any (a) use by Licensee, or by any party acting on behalf of or under authorization from Licensee, of Licensed Technology, Licensed Patents or Biological Materials; and (b) use, sale or other disposition by Licensee or by any party acting on behalf of or under authorization from Licensee, of Licensed Products.
7.2. Sublicensee Indemnification. Licensee shall require its sublicensees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless WSU Indemnitees under the same terms as stated in this Section 7.
7.3. Third Party Claims, (a) Promptly after the assertion by any third party of any claim against any WSU Indemnitees that, in the judgment of WSU, may result in the incurrence by any WSU Indemnitees of Losses for which such WSU Indemnitees would be entitled to indemnification hereunder, WSU shall deliver to Licensee written notice with respect to such claim, and Licensee may, at its option within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, but not in any event after the settlement or compromise of such claim, assume the defense (including settlement negotiations) of WSU Indemnitees against such claim (including the employment of counsel, who shall be satisfactory to WSU, and the payment of expenses). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if WSU determines that there is a reasonable probability that a claim may materially and adversely affect it, other than as a result of money payments required to be reimbursed by Licensee under this Section 7, WSU shall have the right to defend, compromise or settle such claim or suit; provided, further, that such settlement or compromise shall not, unless consented to in writing by Licensee, be relevant as to the liability of Licensee to WSU Indemnitees.
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(b) If Licensee participates in or assumes the defense of any claim asserted by a third party, the WSU Indemnitees, Licensee and its counsel shall cooperate in the defense against, or compromise of, such asserted liability. The WSU Indemnitees shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action or claim and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall not be an expense of the Licensee unless (i) the Licensee shall have failed, within thirty (30) days after having been notified in writing by WSU of the existence of such claim, to assume the defense of such claim or (ii) the employment of such counsel has been specifically authorized by the Licensee. If there is a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, or if there is a settlement of any such action effected with the consent of Licensee, Licensee shall indemnify and hold harmless the WSU Indemnitees from and against any loss or liability by reason of judgment or settlement.
(c) In the event that Licensee shall decline to participate in or assume the defense of a claim asserted by a third party, prior to paying or settling any claim against which Licensee is, or may be, obligated under this Section 7 to indemnify WSU Indemnitees, WSU shall first provide Licensee with a copy of a final court judgment or decree holding WSU Indemnitees liable on such claim or, failing such judgment or decree, the terms and conditions of the settlement or compromise of such claim. WSU's failure to supply such final court judgment or decree or the terms and conditions of a settlement or compromise shall not relieve Licensee of any of its indemnification obligations contained in this Section 7, except where, and solely to the extent that, such failure actually and materially prejudices the rights of Licensee.
7.4. Indemnification by WSU. To the extent permitted by applicable law, WSU hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Licensee and its officers and employees (collectively, the "Licensee Indemnitees") harmless from, against and in respect of any and all Losses arising from or related to any breach by WSU of any representation or warranty expressly undertaken by WSU pursuant to this Agreement.
8. INSURANCE.
8.1. Insurance Coverage, (a) Beginning at the time any Licensed Product is being clinically tested with human subjects or commercially distributed or sold, whichever comes first, by Licensee, an Affiliate or by a sublicensee, Licensee shall at its sole cost and expense, procure and maintain insurance under policies that shall name WSU as an additional insured.
(b) Such insurance shall provide minimum comprehensive general liability (including product liability) coverage in amounts not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per incident and six million dollars ($6,000,000) annual aggregate. Such comprehensive general liability insurance shall provide (i) product liability coverage and (ii) broad form contractual liability coverage for Licensee's indemnification obligations under Section 7 of this Agreement.
(c) Licensee shall provide WSU with written evidence of such insurance upon request of WSU. Licensee shall provide WSU with written notice at least fifteen (15) days prior to the cancellation, non-renewal or material change in such insurance; if Licensee does not obtain replacement insurance providing comparable coverage within such fifteen (15) day period, WSU shall have the right to terminate this Agreement effective at the end of such fifteen (15) day period without notice or any additional waiting periods.
(d) Licensee shall maintain such insurance beyond the expiration or termination of this Agreement during the period that any Licensed Product is being commercially distributed by Licensee, an Affiliate or by a sublicensee. If such insurance is canceled, not renewed or otherwise terminated, Licensee shall purchase a retroactive reporting endorsement.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no insurance limitation or deficiency in coverage shall operate to relieve Licensee of any indemnification obligations set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.
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9. CONFIDENTIALITY.
9.1. Confidential Information. "Confidential Information" shall mean any technical, scientific or business information furnished by one party hereto (the "Disclosing Party") to the other party (the "Receiving Party") in connection with this Agreement. Receiving Party hereby agrees to use Confidential Information solely for purposes contemplated hereunder and hereby agrees to provide access to Confidential Information to its employees on a "need to know" basis. Receiving Party shall use reasonable efforts to protect Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (a) is generally available in the public domain or thereafter becomes available to the public through no act of the Receiving Party; or (b) was discovered independently by the Receiving Party who had no access to the information supplied by the Disclosing Party under this Agreement; or (c) was made available to the Receiving Party as a matter of lawful right by a third party who had no obligations of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party; or (d) is required to be disclosed under law or court order. The obligations of confidentiality of this Section 9.1 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years. The existence of this Agreement and the general terms and conditions of this Agreement (including but not limited to the identity of the Licensee) shall not be considered Confidential Information.
9.2. Publication. Licensee recognizes that under WSU policy, the results of WSU research involving Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and Biological Materials must be available for publication and agrees that WSU researchers shall be permitted to present at symposia and professional meetings, and to publish in journals, theses or dissertations, or otherwise of their own choosing, research methods and results. WSU shall acknowledge Licensee's scientific contributions as appropriate in publications in accordance with the standards and customs of academic publications.
9.3. Biological Materials. It is acknowledged that Biological Materials are confidential material of WSU and that unauthorized disclosure or transfer to third parties may result in financial detriment to WSU. Licensee agrees to use its best efforts to limit use of Biological Materials for the purpose of developing, manufacturing and commercializing Licensed Products in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, to treat Biological Materials as confidential, and to limit access to Biological Materials to those of its employees reasonably requiring same for the purpose of developing, manufacturing and commercialization of Licensed Products, who further are obligated in writing to treat Biological Materials in a manner and to an equivalent extent as provided herein with regard to confidentiality, use and non-disclosure.
10. MISCELLANEOUS.
10.1. Relationship of Parties. For the purposes of this Agreement, each party shall be, and shall be deemed to be, an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the other party. Neither party shall have authority to make any statements, representations or commitments of any kind, or to take any action which shall be binding on the other party, except as may be explicitly provided for herein or authorized in writing.
10.2. Publicity. Licensee and WSU shall consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statement except as they may mutually agree and except as required under Federal securities laws or other laws applicable to Licensee or WSU. Licensee shall not use the name of WSU nor that of any WSU staff member, employee or student, or any adaptation thereof in any advertising, promotional or sales literature, or in any other form of publicity without prior written consent obtained from WSU in each case, and from the individual staff member, employee or student if such individual's name is so used. Each party has the right to disclose information required to be disclosed under applicable law or by a governmental order, decree, regulation or rule.
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10.3. Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein, any notice, report, payment or document to be given by one party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed cjven when delivered personally or mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid (such mailed notice to be effective on the date which is three (3) business days after the date of mailing), or sent by telefax (such notice sent by telefax to be effective when sent, if confirmed by certified or registered mail as aforesaid) as follows:
If to WSU, addressed to: | Wayne State University | |
Technology Commercialization Attention: | ||
WSU File No. 04-699 440 Burroughs, Suite 201 Detroit, | ||
Ml. 48202 Telephone No. (313)577-5541 Telefax No. | ||
(313)577-2814 | ||
If to Licensee, addressed to: | Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | |
12000 Westheimer Rd Ste 340 Houston, TX 77077-6531 | ||
Attention: John Howell Telephone No. | ||
(281)600-6000 Telefax No. (713)462-1980 | ||
With a copy to: | Sonfield & Sonfield 770 South Post Oak Lane Houston, Texas | |
(which shall not constitute | 77056-1937 Attention: Robert L. Sonfield, Jr., Esq. Telephone | |
notice) | (713) 877-8333 Facsimile: (713)877-1547 |
or to such other place as any party may designate as to itself by written notice to the other party.
10.4. Entire Agreement: Amendments. This Agreement, along with the Sponsored Research Agreement in place between the parties effective December 7, 2009, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties. No supplement,
modification, amendment or waiver of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby.
10.5. Waivers. The waiver by Licensee or WSU of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
10.6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
10.7. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other agreement or instrument referred to herein, shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any other such agreement or instrument and such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be construed by limiting it so as to be valid and enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with, and possible under, applicable law.
10.8. Transfer, etc. Neither party may assign this Agreement or any of such party's rights and obligations hereunder to any third party without the prior written consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Either party may assign this Agreement, and its rights and obligations hereunder, to any third party that purchases substantially all of the assigning party's stock or assets relating to that portion of such party's business that is related to the subject of this Agreement without approval of the other party, however, the assigning party shall provide the other party prior written notification of the assignment. Any attempted assignment, delegation or transfer in contravention of this Agreement shall be null and void.
10.9. Binding Effect, Benefits. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns; nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any person other than the parties hereto or, as applicable, their respective successors and permitted assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.
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10.10. Headings. The Section headings are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
10.11. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with domestic substantive laws of The State of Michigan, without regard for any choice or conflict of laws rule or principle that would result in the application of the
Exhibit A
Licensed Patents
WSU File No. 04-699
Title: Neoepitope Detection of Disease Using Protein Arrays
Country | Type | Serial No. | Filing Date | Patent No. | Issue Date | Status | ||||||
USA | L Utility^ | 11/060,862 | 2/17/05 | converted | ||||||||
PCT | PCT | PCT/US06/05830 | 2/17/06 | converted | ||||||||
USA | Utility | 11/'816,471 | 8/16/2007 | pending |
Exhibit B
Biological Materials
63/65 unique clones from Cancer Research 2006 paper 166 clones
from neural network (unpublished)
These two sets overlap by 23 clones of which 8 are epitopes and 15 are mimotopes. The 130/143 are the unique clones not overlapping with the set of 65 have been sequenced and the duplicates among them are still being determined. The list will be much shorter than 143. This 143 set has 5 unique epitopes that belong exclusively to 166 set Therefore, 166 set has 8+5=13 total epitopes).
Exhibit C
Licensed Technology
Sequence Information associated with the Biological Materials described in Exhibit B
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WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AGREEMENT
Wayne
StatE
university
SPONSORED PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
December 11,2009
John Howell
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc.
12000 Westheimer Rd Ste 340
Houston, TX 77077-6531
(281)600-6000
Re: | Sponsored Research Agreement between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and Wayne State University |
Dear Mr. Howell:
Enclosed please find one (1) fully executed original of the above referenced agreement.
If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to contact me at (313) 577-3726
Patty Yuhas Kieleszewski
Manager, Contract Administration
SPONSORED RESEARCH AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into on this seventh day of December, 2009 (the "Effective Date") by and between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., whose principal place of business is located at 12000 Westheimer Road, Suite 340 Houston, TX 77077 (hereinafter referred to as "SPONSOR"), and Wayne State University, whose business address is 5057 Woodward, Suite 13201, Detroit, MI 48202 (hereinafter referred to as "WSU").
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS SPONSOR desires to provide WSU with funding for purposes of conducting the research described in Attachment A attached hereto (the "Program"); and
WHEREAS WSU desires to receive funding for purposes of conducting the Program in a manner consistent with its status as a non-profit, tax-exempt institution;
NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto mutually agree to the following:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF CONTRACTOR
SPONSOR agrees to engage WSU as an independent contractor to render services needed to meet objectives specified in the Program. WSU shall commence the performance of the Program within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date. WSU shall use reasonable efforts to perform the Program consistent with the terms of this Agreement. The Program will be conducted by the principal investigator identified in this paragraph ("Principal Investigator"). The Principal Investigator will keep and maintain records containing laboratory data generated in the course of the Program in accordance with highest scientific standards of record keeping. The Program may be modified by mutual consent. SPONSOR shall have the right to review the data developed in the course of the performance of the Program on reasonable notice. At the conclusion of the research provided for herein, WSU shall provide SPONSOR with a copy of all data and other relevant information and reports generated by or under the guidance of the Principal Investigator regarding the Program. Sponsor shall treat such data, information and reports as confidential to WSU until published as provided in Section 9. The Principal Investigator shall be Michael Tainsky.
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2. SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY WSU
WSU, through its own resources, will provide the services described in Attachment A, incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement.
3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE; TERM
This Agreement shall take effect as of the Effective Date and shall remain in effect for a term of six (6) months or until the collaboration described in Attachment A has been completed, whichever is later, unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section 6.
4. COMPENSATION
SPONSOR shall provide to WSU funds in the amount of US$327,354 for the Program according to the schedule set forth in Section 5 below.
5. METHOD OF PAYMENT
Invoices are to be submitted on a monthly basis. Two (2) copies of all invoices, detailing current charges and total-to-date charges, should be sent to SPONSOR at the address listed in Section 11 below. . The final invoice, clearly marked FINAL, must be submitted within 90 days after the expiration date of this contract. If a purchase order is issued for billing purposes, it shall state on its face "FOR BILLING PURPOSES ONLY." The terms and conditions of this contract shall supersede the terms and conditions of the purchase order
6. TERMINATION
Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party in the event of a material breach by the other party unless the other party cures such default prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days for breaches of monetary obligations. For non-financial breaches, the cure period shall be sixty (60) days, which may be extended upon mutual written agreement of the parties. For purposes of this Section 6, WSU's "material obligations" shall include those set forth in Sections 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10. SPONSOR'S "material obligations" shall include its obligations under Sections 4, 5, and 10. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, nothing herein shall be construed to release either party of any obligation which matured prior to the effective date of such termination. The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
7. COMPLIANCE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS AND OTHER LAWS
The parties entering into this Agreement shall not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, or marital status, or because of handicap except where there exists a "bona fide occupational qualification." The parties shall comply with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, as amended. WSU shall conduct the Program in accordance with applicable NIH guidelines, with all other federal and state laws and regulations governing the conduct of research and other acts, and with all applicable scientific and ethical codes of conduct.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY
"SPONSOR Confidential Information" is defined as information and material that is regarded by SPONSOR as confidential and proprietary to SPONSOR and received from SPONSOR, and which is designated as confidential or which by its nature may reasonably be considered to be confidential. WSU shall limit access the SPONSOR Confidential Information to those of its employees with a need to have access to such SPONSOR Confidential Information. WSU shall not disclose SPONSOR Confidential Information to any third party and shall use SPONSOR Confidential Information solely for the purpose of conducting the Program. WSU's obligations under this Section 8 shall be limited to a period of five (5) years from receipt of SPONSOR Confidential Information. WSU shall not have any obligation of confidentiality with respect to any SPONSOR Confidential Information that:
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1. | is generally available to the public through no fault of WSU at the time of disclosure by SPONSOR or subsequent to such disclosure; or |
2. | was already in WSU's possession prior to receipt from SPONSOR and was not subject to a confidentiality agreement; or |
3. | is properly obtained by WSU from a third party which has the lawful right to disclose such information to WSU and is not under a confidentiality obligation to SPONSOR; or | |
4. | is not identified as proprietary and provided in written form at the time of disclosure or within thirty (30) days of disclosure in the case of oral or visual disclosures; or |
5. is required to be disclosed by law or legal process.
9. PUBLICATION
WSU shall have the right to publish information developed in the course of the performance of the Program. At least thirty (30) days prior to submitting a manuscript for publication or the making of any other public disclosure, WSU shall provide SPONSOR with a draft of the manuscript or a summary of the intended disclosure. Authorship of any manuscript shall be established in accordance with academic publication standards and customs. SPONSOR shall have the right to determine if and how its name is referenced in the publication. SPONSOR will advise WSU within twenty-five (25) days of receipt of such draft manuscript or summary of any potential adverse consequences of: (i) disclosure of information that will result in a loss of SPONSOR'S patent rights in Inventions or Joint Inventions (defined below) or (ii) disclosure of SPONSOR Confidential Information.
Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, each party has the right to disclose information required to be disclosed under applicable law or by a governmental order, decree, regulation or rule.
If SPONSOR informs WSU that it is desirable to file patent applications covering Inventions or Joint Inventions, WSU will postpone publication or disclosure for not more than sixty (60) days so that patent applications may be filed. If SPONSOR informs WSU that the manuscript or disclosure contains SPONSOR Confidential Information, Principal Investigator shall delete such information.
10. PATENT RIGHTS
(a) WSU will retain ownership of any and all inventions, discoveries, know-how, techniques, and methodologies arising out of work being conducted under this Agreement which are conceived of, created, discovered, developed, invented or reduced to practice by one or more employees, technicians, scientists, students or post doctoral fellows of WSU at any time in the course of the performance of the Program ("Inventions"). If an invention is made jointly by one or more employees, technicians, scientists, students or post doctoral fellows of WSU and one or more consultants or employees of SPONSOR at any time in the course of the performance of the Program ("Joint Invention"), it shall be jointly owned by SPONSOR and WSU. Inventorship shall be determined in accordance with U.S. patent law.
Ownership of Sponsor Technology shall remain with SPONSOR and shall not be subject to this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement "Sponsor Technology" shall mean all proprietary rights relating to any discoveries, inventions, know-how, trade secrets, techniques, methodologies, modifications, or improvements that are conceived, discovered, invented, developed, created or reduced to practice solely by employees of SPONSOR at any time prior to the Effective Date or during the term of this Agreement.
(b) WSU shall have the right to have prepared and filed in the name of WSU, or WSU and SPONSOR in the case Joint Inventions, the necessary papers for obtaining patent protection in any and all countries of the world on Inventions and Joint Inventions which SPONSOR determines are of sufficient interest to merit such filing. SPONSOR agrees that it will have caused to be signed by all SPONSOR employees concerned all documents necessary to obtain such patent protection for Joint Inventions and that SPONSOR will do what is reasonably necessary to assist WSU in obtaining and maintaining such patent rights at the request and expense of SPONSOR.
(c) Subject to SPONSOR'S payment of expenses for patent application(s) covering any Inventions or Joint Inventions, SPONSOR will be given an exclusive option to acquire an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to any Inventions or exclusive rights to WSU's interest in any Joint Inventions and any patents associated therewith. WSU shall notify SPONSOR of any such Inventions or Joint Inventions, and SPONSOR shall have sixty (60) days after such notice to exercise its option. SPONSOR and WSU agree to enter into good faith discussions to determine whether an Invention or Joint Invention (i) is already included in the definition of Licensed Patents in the license agreement in place between the parties effective December 7, 2009 ("License Agreement") or (ii) shall be included in the definition of Licensed Patents, Licensed Technology and/or Biological Materials (as appropriate) in the License Agreement. If the Invention or Joint Invention is to be included in the License Agreement, the parties shall amend the License Agreement as provided therein and the terms and conditions of the License Agreement shall apply.
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If the parties agree that a separate license agreement should be negotiated for an Invention or Joint Invention, the terms of such exclusive license shall be negotiated in good faith within four (4) months from the time SPONSOR exercises its option covering any such Invention or Joint Invention.
If SPONSOR notifies WSU that it does not wish to pay the expenses in respect of any Invention(s) or Joint Invention(s), SPONSOR shall relinquish all interests in such Invention(s) or Joint Invention(s), and WSU may file applications for protection of such Invention(s) or Joint Invention(s) at its sole expense. If (i) SPONSOR does not exercise its rights with respect to any Invention or WSU's rights in any Joint Invention or (ii) the parties cannot agree on a license, WSU may license the Invention or its rights in Joint Invention to third parties; provided, that in cases covered by (ii) and for a period of one (1) year following the termination of this Agreement, such license shall be on terms no more favorable (as a whole) to the third party unless such more favorable terms are first offered to SPONSOR.
11. NOTICES
Unless otherwise provided herein, any notice, report, payment or document to be given by one party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally or mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, and effective on the date which is three (3) business days after the date of mailing, or sent by telefax (such notice sent by telefax to be effective when sent, if confirmed by certified or registered mail as aforesaid) as follows:
If to WSU, addressed to:
Senior Director for Sponsored Program Administration
Wayne State University
5057 Woodward, Suite 13201
Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone No.: (313) 577-3726
Fax No.: (313) 577-5055
If to Sponsor, addressed to: | Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. |
12000 Westheimer Rd Ste 340 Houston, TX 77077- 6531 Attention: John Howell Telephone No. (281)600-6000 Telefax No. (713)462-1980 |
With a copy to: | Sonfield & Sonfield |
(which shall not constitute | 770 South Post Oak Lane |
notice) | Houston, Texas 77056-1937 |
Attention: Robert L. Sonfield, Jr., Esq. | |
Telephone (713) 877-8333 | |
Facsimile: (713)877-1547 |
or to such other place as any party may designate as to itself by written notice to the other party.
12. TECHNOLOGY
(a) THIS IS AN AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES AND NOT FOR PRODUCTS. WSU MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO INVENTIONS, JOINT INVENTIONS AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY THAT ARE DEVELOPED IN COURSE OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.
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(b) WSU MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT THE USE OR SALE OF PRODUCTS EMBODYING INVENTIONS, JOINT INVENTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED IN THE COURSE OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM WILL NOT INFRINGE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.
13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Neither party shall be liable to the other for damages of any kind relative to termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 6, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Neither party shall be liable to the other party for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of this Agreement, however caused, under any theory of liability.
14. PUBLICITY
WSU and SPONSOR will be given an opportunity to approve in writing any use of its (or its employees') names in publicity.
15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS
This Agreement, along with the License Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties. No supplement, modification, amendment or waiver of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby.
16. WAIVERS
The waiver by SPONSOR or WSU of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
17. CHOICE OF LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic substantive laws of the State of Michigan.
18. GRANT OF RESEARCH LICENSE
SPONSOR hereby grants WSU a nonexclusive, nontransferable, royalty-free license to use SPONSOR'S technology and SPONSOR Confidential Information solely for purposes of conducting the Program.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement by signature of their duly authorized representative.
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY | ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTIC, INC. | |||
SIGNED: | /s/ Gail L. Ryan | SIGNED: | /s/ John Howell | |
Gail L.Ryan | John Howell | |||
Senior Director | President | |||
Sponsored Program Administration | ||||
Date: | 12/10/09 | Date: | 12-4-09 |
FORM APPROVED
12/9/09
OFFICE OF THE
GENERAL COUNSEL
ATTACHMENT A Research
Program and Projected Costs
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Arrayit-Tainsky Lab Collaboration
Planar Arrays from Arrayit for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer
A, Antigens to be used:
63/65 unique clones from Cancer Research 2006 paper; plus 166 clones from neural network (unpublished). These two sets overlap by 23 clones of which 8 are epitopes and 15 are mimotopes. The 130/143 are the unique clones not overlapping with the set of 65 have been sequenced and the duplicates among them are still being determined. The list will be much shorter than 143. This 143 set has 5 unique epitopes that belong exclusively to 166 set. Therefore, 166 set has 8+5=13 total epitopes.
Cost of the preparation of phage clones for microarrays and aliquoting into 384-well plates: $5000
For Tasks 3 and 4: Commercially available overexpressed proteins will be added to the antigens to be interrogated. These overexpressed proteins were identified through expensive literature searching of ovarian cancers.
The estimated costs of purchasing 50 proteins shown to be overexpressed in OVCA is about $40,000.
B. Research Plan
Task l.Test antigen clones on Arrayit microarrays for variation and reproducibility.
Sera will be derived from 3 Stage I patients, 3 late Stage patients, 3 controls who have been followed for 5 years or more. Microarrays will be immunoassayed in duplicate each day for 4 days. A total of 72 microarrays will be required for this Task.
Quantitation of each microarray will be performed at KCI/WSU and at Arrayit. Correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation will be calculated at each site.
> MILESTONE: A coefficient of variation of less then 15% and a correlation coefficient of greater than 0.9 will indicate that the microarrays are of sufficient quality to continue on to Task 2.
Task 2. Perform tests of microarrays of 45 each from early and late stage OVCA, benign gynecological diseases, and healthy subjects.
Sera will be derived from 45 I patients, 45 late Stage patients, 45 benign and 45 healthy controls. A total of 180 microarrays will be required for this Task. Quantitation of each microarray will be performed at KCI/WSU and at Arrayit.
> MILESTONE: Standard cross-validation, performed at each site, KCI/WSU and at Arrayit with a sensitivity of >80% and a specificity of >90% for OVCA as compared to benign or healthy women's sera will indicate sufficient usefulness of the biomarkers to continue onto Tasks 3 and 4.
Costs for Tasks 1 and 2:
Personnel:
Lab: 2-FTE 5 weeks: $26,211
Biostatistics 1-Senior Statistician 1 week: $5250
Lab Supplies: $2000 (plus $5000 for Task 1 and cost of 50 proteins)
Fedex Processed Microarrays to Arrayit: 14 shipments @ $44=$644
Equipment service/maintenance contracts: $1000
Total: $80,105
Task 3. Validate the markers on larger sample sets.
a. Validation set 1: Sera will be derived from 200 Stage I patients, 300 late Stage patients, 300 controls who have been followed for 5 years or more.
b. Validation set 2: Sera will be studied from 100 women from high-risk families 10 of whom developed OVCA. These sera are not currently on hand but can be acquired from two collaborators.
c. Validation set 3: Sera derived prospectively from 100 women who developed OVCA in the WHI serum set will also be studied. Two hundred women from that set who did not develop cancer will be used as controls. These sera are not currently on hand but can be appliedfor if the diagnostic system passes a preliminary test on some blinded sera from WHI which may require additional funding depending on their sample size.
Costs for Task 3:
Personnel:
Lab: 2-FTE 20 weeks: 853,753
Lab Supplies: S8000
Fedex Processed Microarrays to Arrayit: 80 shipments @ $44=$3680 Biostatistics
1-Senior Statistician 4 weeks: $21,000 Equipment service/maintenance contracts:
$4000 Total: $90,433
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Task 4. Identify those epitope clones that react with sera from people with other cancers or benign medical conditions.
a. Validation set 4: Identify those epitope markers that cross-react with other cancers. Use at least 30 sera from each 12 other types of cancer (360). Demonstrate that the assay does not have a significant false positive rate when assaying sera from people with other cancers.
b. Validation set 5: Identify those epitope markers that cross-react with 100 patients with nonmalignant GYN diseases. Demonstrate that the assay does not mistakenly identify nonmalignant gynecological conditions as cancer, which is a commonly seen problem with other such tests.
c. Validation set 6: Identify those epitope markers that cross-react with patients with autoimmune diseases. We will eliminate any epitope markers that react with the IgG molecules found in the sera of 100 autoimmune patients.
Costs for Task 4:
Personnel:
Lab: 2-FTE 10 weeks: $26,487
Lab Supplies: $4000
Fedex Processed Microarrays to Arrayit: 40 shipments @ $44=$1840 Biostatistics
1-Senior Statistician 2 week: $10,500 Equipment service/maintenance contracts:
$2000 Total: $44,827
Direct Costs Total: $215,364
52%
Indirect Costs Total: $111,989 Costs
Total: $327,354
8 |
ROYALTY CONVERSION AGREEMENT
THIS ROYALTY CONVERSION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of March 5, 2012, by and among Arrayit Corporation, a Nevada corporation, (“Arrayit”), Ovarian Cancer Testing, LLP, a Nevada limited liability limited partnership (the “Partnership”) and Arrayit Diagnostics, a Nevada corporation, (the “Company”) and the partners listed on Schedule I attached hereto (individually, a “Royalty holder” or collectively “Royalty holders”). Arrayit, Ovarian, the Partnership, the Company and the Royal holders and individually referred to as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Parties are executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon an exemption from securities registration under Section 4(2), Rule 506 of Regulation D, or any or all such exemptions as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”);
WHEREAS, the Royalty holders are the record and beneficial owners of a partnership interest in the Partnership. The Partnership, in turn, entered into a royalty agreement, date June 30, 2009 with Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., a Nevada corporation, (“Ovarian”), at the time a wholly owned subsidiary of Diagnostics, Inc.;
WHEREAS, effective May 23, 2011, Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc. was merged with and into Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. resulting in Diagnostics becoming obligated for payment of the Royalty;
WHEREAS, the parties desire that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Company shall issue to the Royalty holders as provided herein, and the Royalty holders shall accept the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Conversion Shares”) in conversion and full satisfaction of the Royalty;
WHEREAS, no commission or other remuneration will be paid or given, directly or indirectly, in connection with the conversion or redemption of the Royalty;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company is executing and delivering Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions”); and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and other agreements contained in this Agreement the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. CONVERSION OF ROYALTY.
(a) Conversion of Royalty. Subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Royalty elects to convert and the Company agrees to exchange and issue to each Royalty holder Conversion Shares. The number of shares of Conversion Stock that the Royalty holder shall receive at Closing is set out on Schedule I hereto.
(b) Closing Date. The Closing of the issuance and sale of Conversion Shares on conversion of the Royalty shall take place at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on the fifth (5th) business day following the date hereof, subject to notification of satisfaction of the conditions to the Closing set forth herein and in Sections 6 and 7 below (or such later date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Royalty holders (the “Closing Date”),.
2. ROYALTY HOLDER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
Each Royalty holder represents and warrants, severally and not jointly, that:
(a) Investment Purpose. Each Royalty holder acquired the Royalty and, upon conversion of the Royalty, the Royalty holder will acquire the Conversion Shares then issuable, for its own account. Royalty holders may dispose of the Conversion Shares at any time in accordance with the exemption from registration in Rule 144 of the 1933 Act covering such Conversion Shares or another available exemption under the 1933 Act.
(b) Investor Status. Each Royalty holder is an “Accredited Investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D and is not an “Affiliate” as that term is defined in Rule 501(b) of Regulation D of the 1933 Act.
(c) Reliance on Exemptions. Each Royalty holder understands that the Conversion Shares are being offered and sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying in part upon the truth and accuracy of, and such Royalty holder's compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of such Royalty holder set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of such Royalty holder to acquire such securities.
(d) Information. Each Royalty holder and its advisors (and his or, its counsel), if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information he deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding his purchase of the Conversion Shares, which have been requested by such Royalty holder. Each Royalty holder and its advisors, if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted by such Royalty holder or its advisors, if any, or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect such Royalty holder's right to rely on the Company's representations and warranties contained in Section 3 below. Each Royalty holder understands that its investment in the Conversion Shares involves a high degree of risk. Each Royalty holder is in a position regarding the Company, which, based upon employment, family relationship or economic bargaining power, enabled and enables such Royalty holder to obtain information from the Company in order to evaluate the merits and risks of this investment. Each Royalty holder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice, as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its acquisition of the Conversion Shares.
(e) No Governmental Review. Each Royalty holder understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed on or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Conversion Shares, or the fairness or suitability of the investment in the Conversion Shares, nor have such authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Conversion Shares.
(f) Issuance and Transfer or Resale. Each Royalty holder understands that (i) issuance of the Conversion Shares has not been and are not being registered under the 1933 Act or any state securities laws in reliance on the exemption from such registration in Section 4(2)) of the 1933 Act and Regulation D thereunder, (ii) any sale, assignment or transfer by the Royalty holder may be made pursuant to the exemption from such registration in Rule 144 of the 1933 Act; (ii) that any sale of such securities made in reliance on Rule 144 under the 1933 Act (or a successor rule thereto) (“Rule 144”) will be made only in accordance with the terms of Rule 144 and further, if Rule 144 is not applicable, any resale of such securities under circumstances in which the seller (or the person through whom the sale is made) may be deemed to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the 1933 Act) will comply with some other exemption under the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder; and (iv) neither the Company nor any other person is under any obligation to register such securities under the 1933 Act or any state securities laws or to comply with the terms and conditions of any exemption thereunder.
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(g) Legends. Each Royalty holder understands that the certificates representing the Conversion Shares shall bear the customary restrictive legend and stop transfer orders shall be placed against transfer of such stock certificates.
(h) Authorization, Enforcement. This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of such Royalty holder and is a valid and binding agreement of such Royalty holder enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation and other similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of applicable creditors' rights and remedies.
(i) Receipt of Documents. Each Royalty holder and his or its counsel has received and read in their entirety: (i) this Agreement and each representation, warranty and covenant set forth herein, the Security Agreement and the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions; (ii) all due diligence and other information necessary to verify the accuracy and completeness of such representations, warranties and covenants; and (iii) answers to all questions each Royalty holder submitted to the Company regarding an investment in the Company; and each Royalty holder has relied on the information contained therein and has not been furnished any other documents, literature, memorandum or prospectus.
(j) Due Formation of Corporate and Other Royalty holders. If the Royalty holders is a corporation, trust, partnership or other entity that is not an natural person, it has been formed and validly exists and has not been organized for the specific purpose of purchasing the Conversion Shares and is not prohibited from doing so.
(k) No Legal Advice From the Company. Each Royalty holder acknowledges, that it had the opportunity to review this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with his or its own legal counsel and investment and tax advisors. Each Royalty holder is relying solely on such counsel and advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its representatives or agents for legal, tax or investment advice with respect to this investment, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the securities laws of any jurisdiction.
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.
The Company represents and warrants to each of the Royalty holders:
(a) Organization and Qualification. The Company and its subsidiaries are corporations duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are incorporated, and have the requisite corporate power to own their properties and to carry on their business as now being conducted. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Page 3 |
(b) Authorization, Enforcement, Compliance with Other Instruments. (i) The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions, and any related agreements, and to issue the Conversion Shares in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions (as defined herein) and any related agreements by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including, without limitation, the issuance of the Conversion Shares and the reservation for issuance and the issuance of the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Royalty, have been duly authorized by the Company's Board of Directors and no further consent or authorization is required by the Company, its Board of Directors or its stockholders, (iii) this Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions and any related agreements have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, (iv) this Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions and any related agreements constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or similar laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of creditors' rights and remedies. The authorized officer of the Company executing this Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions and any related agreements knows of no reason why the Company cannot perform any of the Company's other obligations under such documents.
(c) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 480,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share and 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. As of the date hereof, the Company has approximately 30,000,000 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding. All of such outstanding shares have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. No shares of Common Stock are subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or any liens or encumbrances suffered or permitted by the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding registration statements and there are no outstanding comment letters from the SEC or any other regulatory agency. There are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Conversion Shares as described in this Agreement.
(d) Issuance of Securities. The Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Royalty have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance. Upon conversion or exercise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement the Conversion Shares will be duly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(e) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Security Agreement, and the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (i) result in a violation of the Articles of Incorporation, any certificate of designations of any outstanding series of preferred stock of the Company or the By-laws or (ii) conflict with or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state securities laws and regulations and the rules and regulations of Pink Sheets LC on which the Common Stock is quoted) applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or affected. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries is in violation of any term of or in default under its Articles of Incorporation or By-laws or their organizational charter or by-laws, respectively, or any material contract, agreement, mortgage, indebtedness, indenture, instrument, judgment, decree or order or any statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or its subsidiaries. The business of the Company and its subsidiaries is not being conducted, and shall not be conducted in violation of any material law, ordinance, or regulation of any governmental entity. Except as specifically contemplated by this Agreement and as required under the 1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws, the Company is not required to obtain any consent, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court or governmental agency in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its obligations under or contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof. All consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations which the Company is required to obtain pursuant to the preceding sentence have been obtained or effected on or prior to the date hereof. The Company and its subsidiaries are unaware of any facts or circumstance, which might give rise to any of the foregoing.
Page 4 |
(f) Absence of Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending against or affecting the Company, the Common Stock or any of the Company's subsidiaries, wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated hereby (ii) adversely affect the validity or enforceability of, or the authority or ability of the Company to perform its obligations under, this Agreement or any of the documents contemplated herein, or (iii) have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
(g) Acknowledgment Regarding Royalty holder's Purchase of the Conversion Shares. The Company acknowledges and agrees that: (i) no commission or other remuneration will be paid or given, directly or indirectly, in connection with the conversion or redemption of the Royalty, (ii) the Royalty holders is acting solely in the capacity of an arm's length purchaser with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) the Royalty is a bona fide obligation of the Company and was originally entered into more than two (2) years prior to the date hereof. The Company further acknowledges that the Royalty holders is not acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and any advice given by the Royalty holders or any of their respective representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby is merely incidental to such Royalty holder's purchase of the Conversion Shares. The Company further represents to the Royalty holder that the Company's decision to enter into this Agreement has been based solely on the independent evaluation by the Company and its representatives.
(h) No General Solicitation. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D under the 1933 Act) in connection with the offer or sale of the Conversion Shares.
(i) No Integrated Offering. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would require registration of the Conversion Shares under the 1933 Act or cause this offering of the Conversion Shares to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of the 1933 Act.
4. COVENANTS.
(a) Best Efforts. Each party shall use its best efforts timely to satisfy each of the conditions to be satisfied by it as provided in Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement.
(b) Form D. The Company agrees to file a Form D with respect to the Conversion Shares as required under Regulation D and to provide a copy thereof to each Royalty holder promptly after such filing. The Company shall, on or before the Closing Date, take such action as the Company shall reasonably determine is necessary to qualify the Conversion Shares, or obtain an exemption for the Conversion Shares for sale to the Royalty holders at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement under applicable securities or “Blue Sky” laws of the states of the United States, and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Royalty holders on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Reservation of Shares. The Company shall take all action reasonably necessary to at all times have authorized, and reserved for the purpose of issuance, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall be necessary to effect the issuance of the Conversion Shares. If at any time the Company does not have available such shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all of the Conversion Shares of the Company shall call and hold a special meeting of the shareholders within sixty (60) days of such occurrence, for the sole purpose of increasing the number of shares authorized. The Company's management shall recommend to the shareholders to vote in favor of increasing the number of shares of Common Stock authorized. Management shall also vote all of its shares in favor of increasing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock.
Page 5 |
(d) Listings or Quotation. The Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to qualify the Company’s Common Stock for quotation on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) or other over-the-counter market.
(e) Fees and Expenses. Each of the Company and the Royalty holders shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by such party in connection with the negotiation, investigation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Security Agreement and the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions.
(f) Transfer Agent. The Company covenants and agrees that, in the event that the Company's agency relationship with the transfer agent should be terminated for any reason prior to a date which is two (2) years after the Closing Date, the Company shall immediately appoint a new transfer agent and shall require that the new transfer agent execute and agree to be bound by the terms of the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions (as defined herein).
5. TRANSFER AGENT INSTRUCTIONS.
The Company shall issue the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions to its transfer agent irrevocably appointing Sonfield & Sonfield as its agent for purpose of having certificates issued, registered in the name of the Royalty holders or its respective nominee(s), for the Conversion Shares representing such amounts of Royalty as specified from time to time by the Royalty holders to the Company upon conversion of the Royalty, for interest owed pursuant to the Royalty, and for any and all Liquidated Damages. The Company shall instruct the Transfer Agent that such certificates shall bear the customary restrictive legend. The Company warrants that no instruction other than the Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions referred to in this Section 5, will be given by the Company to its transfer agent and that the Conversion Shares shall otherwise be freely transferable on the books and records of the Company as and to the extent provided in this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 5 shall affect in any way the Royalty holder's obligations and agreement to comply with all applicable securities laws upon resale of Conversion Shares. The Company acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Royalty holder by vitiating the intent and purpose of the transaction contemplated hereby. Accordingly, the Company acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Section 5 will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Company of the provisions of this Section 5, that the Royalty holders shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies, to an injunction restraining any breach and requiring immediate issuance and transfer, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.
6. CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO SELL.
The obligation of the Company hereunder to issue and sell the Conversion Shares to the Royalty holders at the Closings is subject to the satisfaction, at or before the Closing Dates, of each of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for the Company's sole benefit and may be waived by the Company at any time in its sole discretion:
(a) Execution of Agreements. Each Royalty holder shall have executed this Agreement and delivered the same to the Company.
(b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Royalty holders shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of the Closing Dates as though made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date), and the Royalty holders shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Royalty holders at or prior to the Closing Dates.
Page 6 |
7. CONDITIONS TO THE ROYALTY HOLDER'S OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE.
The obligation of the Royalty holders hereunder to convert the Royalty at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or before the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:
(a) Execution of Agreements. The Company shall have executed this Agreement, the Security Agreement and the Irrevocable Transfer Instructions and delivered the same to the Royalty holders.
(b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company shall be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent that any of such representations and warranties is already qualified as to materiality in Section 3 above, in which case, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct without further qualification) as of the date when made and as of the Closing Dates as though made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date) and the Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the Closing Dates.
(d) Delivery of Shares. The Company shall have delivered to the Royalty holders the Conversion Shares in the respective amounts set forth opposite each Royalty holders name in Appendix I.
(e) Reservation of Shares. As of the Closing Date, the Company shall have reserved out of its authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Royalty, shares of Common Stock to effect the conversion of all of the unpaid balance of the Royalty then outstanding.
(f) Transfer Agent Instructions. The Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions, in form and substance satisfactory to the Royalty holder, shall have been delivered to the Company's transfer agent.
8. INDEMNIFICATION.
Indemnification of Company. In consideration of the Company's execution and delivery of this Agreement, and in addition to all of the Royalty holder's other obligations under this Agreement, the Royalty holder shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Company and all of its officers, directors, employees and agents (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) (collectively, the “Company Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the Royalty holders in this Agreement, , instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Royalty holder, (b) any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation of the Royalty holders contained in this Agreement, or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Royalty holder, or (c) any cause of action, suit or claim brought or made against such Company Indemnitee based on material misrepresentations or due to a material breach and arising out of or resulting from the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of this Agreement or any other instrument, document or agreement executed pursuant hereto by any of the Company Indemnities. To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by each Royalty holder may be unenforceable for any reason, each Royalty holder shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities, which is permissible under applicable law.
Page 7 |
9. GOVERNING LAW: MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to the principles of conflict of laws. The parties further agree that any action between them shall be heard in Harris County, Texas, and expressly consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the District Court of Harris County Texas, sitting in Houston, Texas and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas sitting in Houston, Texas for the adjudication of any civil action asserted pursuant to this Paragraph.
(b) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more identical counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. In the event any signature page is delivered by facsimile transmission, the party using such means of delivery shall cause an additional original executed signature pages to be physically delivered to the other party within five (5) days of the execution and delivery hereof.
(c) Headings. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Agreement.
(d) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
(e) Entire Agreement, Amendments. This Agreement supersedes all other prior oral or written agreements between the Royalty holders, the Company, their affiliates and persons acting on their behalf with respect to the matters discussed herein, and this Agreement and the instruments referenced herein contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered herein and therein and, except as specifically set forth herein or therein, neither the Company nor any Royalty holder makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such matters. No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended other than by an instrument in writing signed by the party to be charged with enforcement.
(f) Notices. Any notices, consents, waivers, or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon confirmation of receipt, when sent by facsimile; (iii) three (3) days after being sent by U.S. certified mail, return receipt requested, or (iv) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, in each case properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and facsimile numbers for such communications shall be:
if to the Company:
Arrayit Diagnostics
1950 Cinnamon Teal Drive
Redmond, Oregon 97756 (408) 744-1331
Attn: Mr. John Howell,
President & CEO
Phone: (408) 744-1331
Page 8 |
if to the Transfer Agent:
ClearTrust, LLC
16540 Pointe Village Dr., Suite 206
Lutz, FL 33558
Facsimile (813) 388-4549
If to the Royalty holders, to its address and facsimile number on Schedule I, with copies to the Royalty holder's counsel as set forth on Schedule I. Each party shall provide five (5) days' prior written notice to the other party of any change in address or facsimile number.
(g) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. The Parties holder shall assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party hereto.
(h) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other person.
(i) Survival. Unless The representations and warranties of the Company and the Royalty holders contained in Sections 2 and 3, the agreements and covenants set forth in Sections 4, 5 and 9, and the indemnification provisions set forth in Section 8, shall survive the Closing for a period of two (2) years following the date on which the Royalty is converted in full. The Royalty holders shall be responsible only for its own representations, warranties, agreements and covenants hereunder.
(j) Publicity. The Company and the Royalty holders shall have the right to approve, before issuance any press release or any other public statement with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby made by any party; provided, however, that the Company shall be entitled, without the prior approval of the Royalty holders, to issue any press release or other public disclosure with respect to such transactions required under applicable securities or other laws or regulations (the Company shall use its best efforts to consult the Royalty holders in connection with any such press release or other public disclosure prior to its release and Royalty holders shall be provided with a copy thereof upon release thereof).
(k) Further Assurances. Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(l) Termination. In the event that the Closing shall not have occurred with respect to the Royalty holders on or before five (5) business days from the date hereof due to the Company's or the Royalty holder's failure to satisfy the conditions set forth in Sections 6 and 7 above (and the non-breaching party's failure to waive such unsatisfied condition(s)), the non-breaching party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement with respect to such breaching party at the close of business on such date without liability of any party to any other party.
(m) No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Royalty Conversion Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
COMPANY | ROYALTY HOLDERS | |||
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ||||
John R. Lester | ||||
By: | /s/ John Howell | |||
John Howell, President | ||||
John Weisner | ||||
ARRAYIT CORPORATION | ||||
By: | /s/ Rene A. Schena | Timothy Phelan | ||
Rene A. Schena, Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Jerry W. Neel Jr. | ||||
Dr. Sylvin Mayford Griffin | ||||
OVARIAN CANCER TESTING LLLP | ||||
Palmer Melton | By: | |||
John R. Lester, General Partner | ||||
Talley Melton |
Page 10 |
SCHEDULE I
ROYALTY HOLDERS
Name and Address of Royalty holder | Number of Conversion Shares | |||
John R. Lester 710 N Post Oak Rd Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77024 3847 | 25,000 | |||
John Weisner | 50,000 | |||
Timothy Phelan | 50,000 | |||
Jerry W. Neel Jr. | 25,000 | |||
Dr. Sylvin Mayford Griffin | 10,000 | |||
Palmer and Talley Melton | 25,000 | |||
Total | 210,000 |
Page 11 |
EXHIBIT A |
Arrayit Diagnostics |
1127 Broadway St NE, Suite 316 Salem, Oregon 97301
September ___, 2007
ClearTrust, LLC
16540 Pointe Village Dr., Suite 206
Lutz, FL 33558
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Arrayit Diagnostics, a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and certain investors (the “Royalty holders”) have entered into a Royalty Conversion Agreement dated as of March ___, 2012 (the “Agreement”) providing for the issuance of shares of common stock of the Company (“Conversion Shares”) in exchange and conversion of outstanding royalty interests (the “Royalty”).
You are hereby irrevocably authorized and instructed to issue 185,000 shares of Common Stock in accordance with the Schedule I attached.
The Company hereby confirms to you that the shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or otherwise. Therefore the shares shall be issued in certificated form with the customary restrective legend to restrict the transfer of the shares, and you should record all stop-transfer instructions relating to such shares.
The Royalty holders are intended to be and are third party beneficiaries hereof, and no amendment or modification to the instructions set forth herein may be made without the consent of such Royalty holders.
Very truly yours,
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS
/s/ John Howell | |
John Howell, President |
Page 12 |
ROYALTY PURCHASE AGREEMENT |
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this first day of March, 2012 by and between Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP, 12000 Westheimer Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77077, (“Seller”) and Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. Nevada corporation (“Purchaser”).
The Seller is the record owner and holder of 20% royalties of the sales of Arrayit Diagnostic’s ovarian cancer test.
In consideration of the mutual agreements contained in this document, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. | PURCHASE AND SALE: Subject to the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, the Seller shall sell, and relinquish all rights to the Purchaser its 20% royalty rights, referenced in the Recap Marketing & Consulting LLP’s consulting agreement of August 11, 2009. All other parts of the agreement whether consideration or consulting remain intact. |
2. | AMOUNT AND PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE. The total consideration and method of payment thereof are fully set out in Exhibit “A” attached to this Agreement and incorporated herein for all purposes as if set forth in full. |
3. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER. The seller is a Limited Liability Partnership that is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas and has the power and authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. The Seller is an accredited investor. Upon payment of the consideration for the royalties, Seller shall have no further right or interest in any royalties of any kind in the sales of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. |
4. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER. There is no liability, and no causes of action between the parties once the purchaser has paid. |
5. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER AND PURCHASER. Seller and Purchaser hereby represent and warrant that there has been no act or omission by Seller, Purchaser or the Corporation which would give rise to any valid claim against any of the parties hereto for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee, or other like payment in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. |
6. | GENERAL PROVISIONS. (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral and written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. (b) Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by Texas Law. |
Seller: Hunter Carr, General Partner | Buyer: | ||
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Recap Marketing and Consulting, LLP 12000 Westheimer Suite 340 |
By: | ![]() | |
Houston, Texas 77077 | Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | ||
John Howell, CEO | |||
1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr. | |||
Redmond, Or 97756 | |||
Email: jsamarketing@live.com |
EXHIBIT “A”
AMOUNT AND PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE
Consideration: As total consideration for the purchase of the 20% Royalty right, pursuant to this Agreement, the Purchaser shall pay to the Seller the sum of 385,000 shares of common stock of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. as the full purchase price for the Royalty rights.
TRANSFER AGENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN STOCK TRANSFER AGENT AND COMPANY
THIS AGREEMENT MADE ON THIS 30th DAY OF JANUARY 2012 BY AND BETWEEN CLEARTRUST, LLC, a Limited Liability Company registered in the State of Florida and having its Registered Office at 16540 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 201, Lutz, Florida 33558 (hereinafter referred to as "Transfer Agent") and
arrayit diagnostics, inc. , a company incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada and having its registered office at 1950 Cinnamon Teal Dr, Redmond, Oregon 97756.
(hereinafter referred to as the "The company"). |
WHEREAS |
1. The Transfer Agent is a registered transfer agent with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the company has approached the Transfer Agent to act as Stock Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent has accepted the assignment.
2. The Transfer Agent and the company have entered into an agreement being these presents.
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NOW, THEREFORE, the company and the Transfer Agent do hereby agree as follows: |
RECITALS
1. The company hereby appoints the Transfer Agent as the sole Stock Transfer Agent and the Transfer Agent accepts such appointment.
2. The Transfer Agent hereby undertakes to perform and fulfill such functions, duties and obligations and to provide such services as are mentioned herein. |
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
3. The company will ensure that the below listed documentation concerning the company's shareholder and corporate records are handed over to Transfer Agent upon its appointment. The responsibilities and obligations of the Transfer Agent will commence upon receipt of said documents:
3.1. An executed copy of this Agreement. 3.2. Payment in full of the Initiation Fees as set forth in Schedule II. 3.3. Board Resolution appointing the Transfer Agent. (Attachment I) 3.4. Certified Shareholder and Certificate List from Predecessor Transfer Agent, or from Company if no Predecessor Transfer Agent exists.
3.5. A Completed Issuer Profile Form (Attachment II)
3.6. Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Amendments
3.7. Credit Card Authorization Form (Attachment III)
4. The company agrees to update the Transfer Agent within 30 days if any of the documentation listed above changes or becomes inaccurate, including but not limited to officer changes, control or affiliate changes, changes of address, and changes in the Bylaws, Articles, and Amendments. |
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FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
5. The Transfer Agent declares and undertakes that:
5.1. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to act as a Stock Transfer Agent.
5.2. | It has not violated any of the conditions subject to which registration has been granted and that no disciplinary or other proceedings have been commenced by the SEC and that it is not debarred or suspended from carrying on its activities. |
5.3. | It shall perform its duties with highest standards of integrity and fairness and shall act in an ethical manner in all its dealings with clients, investors, etc and that it will not take up any activities which are likely to be in conflict with its own interest, interests of the company and investors and/ or contrary to the directions issued by the SEC. |
5.4. | It shall carry out its duties/ responsibilities and complete all the formalities within the specified time limits as per the relevant SEC regulations, State and Federal regulations, and Securities Transfer Guidelines. |
5.5. | In case of change in regulations that it will make all necessary amendments so as to adhere to all relevant and current regulations. |
6. | The company hereby declares that it has complied with or agrees to comply with all statutory formalities under the Exchange Act, other relevant statutes pertaining to Share Transfer activities. |
7. | The company and the Transfer Agent agree to their respective functions, duties and obligations in respect of each activity relevant to Share Transfer as specified in the Schedule I hereto. However, the following activities shall form part of the Transfer Agent's functions and responsibility during the currency of this agreement; |
7.1. | Receipt of request for transfer, split, consolidation, change of address, issuance of duplicate certificates in lieu of misplaced/ lost certificates. |
7.2. | Processing of requests for transfer and other correspondence received in connection with transfer activities. |
7.3. Upon issuance of certificates, endorsement of the certificates.
7.4. | Dispatch of transferred certificates to the presenter or recipient as designated by the presenter of the transfer within the mandatory time frames as set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
9. | The Transfer Agent will handle the transfer work from its principal office in Florida which has been declared to the SEC for carrying on its activities. |
10. | The Transfer Agent's responsibility under this agreement will be restricted to the duties of the Transfer Agent as agreed to herein and the Transfer Agent will not be in any way construed to be an agent of the company in its any other business in any manner whatsoever. |
11. | The Transfer Agent shall not during the term of this agreement or thereafter, either directly, or indirectly, for any reason whatsoever, divulge, disclose or make public any information whatsoever which may come to their knowledge during or as a result of their appointment as Transfer Agent of the company and whether concerning the business, property, contracts, methods, transactions, dealings, affairs or members of the company or otherwise, save in accordance with the performance of their duties hereunder or as required by Law. |
12. | Transfer Agent shall use its best efforts to perform the duties assigned to it in terms of this agreement with the utmost care and efficiency. Transfer Agent shall ensure that adequate controls are established to ensure the accuracy of the reports furnished by it. Transfer Agent, shall however, not be responsible or liable for any direct or consequential omission or commission committed by the Transfer Agent in good faith or in absence of its negligence or breach of the terms of this agreement or due to reasons beyond the Transfer Agent's reasonable control. |
INDEMNIFICATION
13. The company agrees to hold Transfer Agent harmless and fully indemnify Transfer Agent, including attorney fees, for any claim or action brought by a third party that is based upon:
13.1. | Any paper or document that the Transfer Agent reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person or persons; |
13.2. | Stock Certificates that Transfer Agent reasonably believes to bear the proper manual or facsimile signatures of the officers of the Company; |
13.3. | The Transfer Agent's compliance with the written instructions of the Company or the Company's counsel; or |
13.4. | The Transfer Agent's duties and responsibilities as the transfer agent of the company and under this Agreement, unless such action or claim is based on the willful misconduct or reckless conduct of the Agent. |
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COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT
14. | The company and the Transfer Agent agree that the fees and charges payable to the Transfer Agent for handling the assignment shall be as specified in Schedule II hereby annexed. The company agrees to pay the one time initiation fee upon execution of this agreement, and the company agrees to pay all other fees and charges payable to the Transfer Agent within thirty days of receipt of an invoice for said services, unless prior payment is specifically required by the Transfer Agent. Any outstanding invoice aged in excess of sixty days is subject to 18% simple interest per annum, or the maximum interest rate as allowed by law. The Company agrees that the Agent shall have a lien against all Company records to secure any amounts owed to the Transfer Agent. The Company agrees that the Transfer Agent may refuse to make any transfers of the Company's securities until all past due amounts have been paid in full. The Transfer Agent's fees may be increased from time to time at the sole discretion of the Transfer Agent, by providing prior thirty day written notice to the Company. |
14.1. | The Company shall provide a valid Credit Card Number to the Transfer Agent upon execution of this agreement by completing and submitting Attachment III attached hereto. The Company hereby gives consent and approval to the Transfer Agent to bill this credit card number any amount owed to the Transfer Agent aged in excess of sixty days of the date of the invoice(s). An insufficient funds fee will be applied to the balance as necessary and applicable. |
14.2. | Shall the Company fail to pay any outstanding invoice within ninety days of the date of the invoice on two or more occasions; the Company shall be required to establish a credit with the Transfer Agent. The credit shall be a minimum of $500, and future invoices shall be billed against the credit. At such a time that the credit balance is depleted to $50, the Company shall replenish the credit back to the minimum balance of $500. The Company hereby authorizes the Transfer Agent to bill the Credit Card Number on file in order to establish and maintain the credit balance as described herein. |
14.3. | The Company agrees to notify the Transfer Agent immediately should the credit card information on file (Attachment III) become inaccurate, expired, or in need of revision. |
15. | The company shall reimburse to the Transfer Agent for any and all expenses the Transfer Agent incurs on behalf of the company, including but not limited to courier fees, certificate and supply expenses, lost holder search costs, mailing costs, etc. In addition, the Company agrees to reimburse the Transfer Agent for any and all expenses resulting from the Transfer Agent being served with a subpoena by a Federal or State agency or a request from one of said agencies, requiring or requesting that the Transfer Agent produce information or documents to said agency. Said expenses include, but are not limited to, travel expenses, copying charges, computer time, employee time, and attorney fees for counsel to the Transfer Agent. |
16. | The company authorizes the Transfer Agent to purchase from time to time certificates as may be needed by it to perform regular transfer duties, not to exceed 1,000 certificates without prior written approval by the company. The cost of certificates must be paid in advance by the company. The certificates must be signed by authorized officers of the company, as set forth by law or in the company's bylaws, and if required, shall bear the corporate seal of the company. |
17. The company will bear expenses for legal advice/ action which may have to be taken for no lapse on the part of the Transfer Agent but for any eventuality which may arise in connection with the transfer work.
RECORDKEEPING
18. | The Transfer Agent shall maintain the following documents and records pertaining to Transfer activities by way of hard copies and/or electronic means. These documents shall be made available for inspection by the company at any reasonable time. |
Certified Shareholder List, Control Book, and Signature Cards of authorized signatories of the company.
Correspondence with the company, investors, the SEC, and other relevant documents pertaining to transfer activities.
Records pertaining to investor correspondence, Board Resolution passed by the company authorizing the Transfer Agent to endorse the certificates and other documents on behalf of the company.
Electronic record containing all the data pertaining to shareholders and related transfer activities generated in the course of transfer agent activities.
19. | These records shall be maintained for the duration that the Transfer Agent acts as the sole stock transfer agent for the company. |
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PROCEDURES
20. | The Transfer Agent is hereby authorized by Company to issue new stock upon the proper presentment of a Resolution of the Board and an Issuance Resolution signed by the officer of Company authorized to sign the resolution. The Company must also furnish the Transfer Agent with the registered holder's full name, address, and Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number or, in the case of non-US shareholders, an equivalent identification number. All newly issued shares will initially be issued subject to applicable restrictions on transfer unless the issuance instruction is accompanied by a legal opinion issued by an attorney in good standing and familiar with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations,, in which an opinion is rendered that the issuance of free-trading stock shares is warranted after the performance of independent verification and due diligence. |
21. | The Transfer Agent is hereby authorized by Company to accept for transfer and without question any outstanding certificates and/or instructions for book entry positions of said stock of the Company that are properly stamped and endorsed as required by law and medallion guaranteed by industry practice, and to issue and countersign as registrar any new certificates or authenticate as electronic book entry shares for a like number of shares of the same class of stock in place thereof and to deliver such new shares according to the directions provided in the presentment. |
22. | The Transfer Agent is hereby authorized by Company to accept shares for cancellation and without question if the shares are accompanied by a signed and medallion guaranteed stock power or the shares have never been in the possession of the registered shareholder and are accompanied by a signed indemnity letter from the Company written on company letterhead with a stated reason for the cancellation. |
23. | In the event of lost, stolen, or destroyed stock certificates, the Transfer Agent will issue replacement certificates upon receipt of an Affidavit of Loss completed and endorsed as required by the Transfer Agent; valid instructions for handling the replacement certificates; payment of appropriate fees as required by the Transfer Agent; Indemnity Bond holding both the Transfer Agent and Company harmless and free of liability in relation to replacement of certificates, and any other documentation required by the Transfer Agent to evidence the genuineness and effectiveness of any necessary endorsement, and satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws relating to collection of taxes, if any. |
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
24. | When certificates of Company's stock shall be presented to Transfer Agent for transfer or instructions for transfer of electronic book entry shares of Issuer's stock shall be presented, Transfer Agent is hereby authorized to refuse to transfer the same until it is satisfied that the requested transfer is legally in good order. Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Transfer Agent; and Transfer Agent shall incur no liability for the refusal, in good faith, to make transfers which it, in its judgment, deems improper or unauthorized or believes such act may subject it to civil or criminal liability or adverse claim under any statute or law of any state or of the United States and, in particular, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, under the Patriot Act and, when applicable, the Bank Secrecy Act. Transfer Agent may rely upon the Uniform Commercial Code and generally accepted industry practice in effecting transfers, or delaying (within reason) or refusing to effect transfers. |
24.1. | If, on a transfer of a restricted item determined by the agent to be missing appropriate supporting documents or otherwise found to not be in good order, the presenter will be offered a set number of business days in which to supply the missing components of the presentment before Transfer Agent rejects the presentment. |
24.2. | In addition, the Transfer Agent requires the full name, address, and Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number or, in the case of non-US shareholders, an equivalent identification number prior to registering and countersigning stock to said shareholders, and the Transfer Agent may consider an item lacking part or all of this information to not be in good order. |
25. | The Transfer Agent shall address and resolve inquiries from shareholders, brokers, depositories and clearing agents promptly and within the turnaround requirements as set forth by the SEC. The company shall do all such things and extend necessary cooperation for the Transfer Agent complying with this Regulation. |
WITHDRAWAL
26. Should there be major change in scope of work from that indicated above, the Transfer Agent shall have option to withdraw its appointment or renegotiate the contract. However the Transfer Agent shall be liable for the activities done until termination of the contract.
CANCELLATION, ASSIGNMENT, MODIFICATION
27. | This Agreement shall be valid until cancelled by either party. Cancellation of this contract by the company requires a thirty day written advance notice to the Transfer Agent. The written notice shall be in the form of a Board Resolution from the Directors of the Company authorizing the termination of the Agreement. Cancellation of this contract by the Transfer Agent requires a ten day written advance notice to the company. The Transfer Agent may refuse to perform work for the Company during the ten day period if termination is due to lack of payment of fees. Upon proper written notice of termination by either party, the Company must pay the Termination Fee as listed in Schedule II attached hereto, in addition to any other outstanding fees owed to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of all fees owed to the Transfer Agent, the Agent shall release to the Company or its successor transfer agent all records maintained by the Transfer Agent. This contract may be cancelled by either party for any reason. |
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28. | This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the express written consent of the other party. |
29. | No change, modification, addition, or amendment to this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by all parties hereto. |
MISCELLANEOUS
30. Dispute, if any, will be subject to the jurisdiction of an appropriate court of Law in Florida.
31. | This Agreement has been negotiated at arm's length between persons sophisticated and knowledgeable in these types of matters. Each party has been represented by competent legal counsel, or has had the opportunity to consult with competent counsel. Accordingly, any normal rule of construction or legal decision that would require a court to resolve any ambiguities against the drafting party is hereby waived and shall not apply to interpreting this Agreement. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties thereunto have set their hands on the day and year herein above written. *
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
SCHEDULE I: GENERAL ACTIVITIES OF TRANFER AGENT MENU OF
ATTACHMENT I: BOARD RESOLUTION APPOINTING TRANSFER AGENT
SCHEDULE I
General Activities of Transfer Agent
1. Maintenance of Shareholder and Certificate Data for securities of the Company.
2. | Attending to correspondence regarding change of address, consolidation or split of certificates, non-receipt of share or debenture certificates, dividend or interest warrants and ot her letters received from company, its shareholders, t he Securities and Exchange Commission, the Depository Trust Company, its participants, etc. |
3. Printing of new share certificates in lieu of misplaced, lost, or destroyed certificates.
4. Issuance of new certificates against request for transfer, consolidation, or split.
5. | Transfer Agent shall update all records and generate all reports from time to time as relevant, needed, or requested during its work for the Company. |
6. | Any other services, reports, statements as mutually agreed between company and the transfer agent or as listed in Schedule II. |
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APPOINTMENT OF TRANSFER AGENT
RESOLVED, that Clear Trust LLC. hereby is appointed transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock of the Corporation; and
RESOLVED, that the resolutions in the form required by Clear Trust LLC., appointing Clear Trust LLC as the transfer agent and registrar for certain of the Corporation's securities hereby are incorporated herein by references and, as so incorporated by reference, are adopted in all respects, and the President of the Corporation is authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to prepare, execute, and deliver any document as he with the advice of counsel may deem necessary or desirable to complete such appointment, the execution and delivery of any such document by such officer to be conclusive evidence that he deemed such document to be necessary or desirable.
REGISTRATION OF OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
RESOLVED, that a registration statement on Form 10 (the "Registration Statement") covering the registration under the Securities Act of 1934 of all issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be prepared; and that the President, with the full authority to act without any others hereby is, authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to execute the Registration in form and substance, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation with the advice of counsel deemed sufficient, the execution by such officer to be conclusive evidence that he deemed such Registration Statement to be adequate and proper, and to execute any amendment to the Registration Statement, to procure all necessary signatures thereon, and to file the Registration Statement and any amendment when so executed (together with appropriate exhibits thereto) with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all actions taken and transactions entered into by the Corporation and its officers, directors, stockholders, and duly authorized agents on its behalf since its incorporation, including election of directors, appointment of officers, issuances of stock, grant of options, and acts or failures to act concerning all matters referred to in the foregoing resolutions or in the Registration Statement, hereby are ratified, confirmed, and approved in all respects; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President, hereby is, authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to execute and deliver any and all contracts, deeds, and writings of any nature and to do any other act or thing that may be necessary or desirable to carry out the foregoing.
EXECUTED by the sole Director as of January 30, 2012.
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PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
MERGING
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS (OVARIAN),INC.
INTO
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. *****
THIS PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER is entered into as of the 23rd day of May 2011 by and between Arrayit Diagnostics (Ovarian), Inc., a Nevada corporation ("Ovarian") and Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation for the purpose of merging Ovarian with and into Diagnostics.
WHEREAS, Diagnostics owns all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Ovarian;
WHEREAS, the laws of the State of Nevada permit the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary corporation of said State into a parent corporation organized and existing under the laws of another State.
WHEREAS, Diagnostic, Ovarian and the respective boards of directors thereof declare it advisable and to the advantage, welfare, and best interests of said corporations and their respective stockholders to merge Ovarian with and into Diagnostics pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreement of the parties hereto hereby determine and agree as follows.
1. Ovarian shall, pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes, be merged with and into Diagnostics, which shall be the surviving corporation from and after the effective time of the merger and which is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "surviving corporation", and which shall continue to exist as said surviving corporation under its present name pursuant to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes. The separate existence of Ovarian, which is sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "terminating corporation", shall cease at said effective time in accordance with the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
2. The present Articles of Incorporation of the surviving corporation will be the Articles of Incorporation of the surviving corporation and will continue in full force and effect until changed, altered, or amended as therein provided and in the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
3. The present bylaws of the surviving corporation will be the bylaws of said surviving corporation and will continue in full force and effect until changed, altered, or amended as therein provided and in the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
4. The directors and officers in office of the surviving corporation at the effective time of the merger shall be the members of the Board of Directors and the officers of the surviving corporation, all of whom shall hold their directorships and offices until the election and qualification of their respective successors or until their tenure is otherwise terminated in accordance with the by-laws of the surviving corporation.
5. The surviving corporation may sue in any court with jurisdiction to cause any stockholder of the terminating corporation to tender certificates representing shares owned by such stockholder to be tendered to the surviving corporation for exchange. Stockholders of the terminating corporation shall have no rights to notices, distributions or voting with respect to the surviving corporation unless the certificates representing shares of the terminating corporation are tendered to the surviving corporation for exchange.
6. The Board of Directors and the proper officers of the terminating corporation and of the surviving corporation are hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to do any and all acts and things, and to make, execute, deliver, file, and record any and all instruments, papers, and documents which shall be or become necessary, proper, or convenient to carry out or put into effect any of the provisions of this Plan and Agreement of Merger or of the merger herein provided for.
7. The effective time of this Plan and Agreement of Merger, and the time at which the merger herein agreed shall become effective a certificate of merger meeting the requirements of the Nevada Revised Statutes, is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Diagnostic and Ovarian have caused this Plan and Agreement of Merger to be executed on behalf of each as the date first above written.
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | |||
By: | /s/ John Howell | ||
John Howell, President | |||
Arrayit Diagnostics, (Ovarian), Inc. | |||
By: | /s/ John Howell | ||
John Howell, President |
THIS OPTION AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS OPTION HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO SUCH SECURITIES FILED UNDER THE ACT AND COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER HEREOF THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
OPTION TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
OF
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
This Option 1.1 is issued to ____________, or her permitted registered assigns ("Registered Holder") by Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Company”) pursuant to the terms set forth below.
1. Certain Definitions. The following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:
1.1 Board. The "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
1.2 Change of Control. The term Change of Control means (a) the acquisition of the Company by another entity by means of any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, any reorganizations, merger or consolidation), or (b) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including, for purposes of this section, intellectual property rights, which in the aggregate, constitute substantially all of the corporation’s material assets); unless, in each case, the Company’s stockholders of record as constituted immediately prior to such acquisition or sale will, immediately after such acquisition or sale (by virtue of securities issued as consideration for the corporation’s acquisition or sale or otherwise) hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring entity.
1.3 Company. The "Company" means Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
1.4 Expiration Date. "Expiration Date" means the earlier of (x) _________, 20__, or (y) the closing of a Change of Control transaction, or, if earlier, the date and time determined under Section 5 of this Option.
1.5 Issue Date. "Issue Date" means the date of this Option.
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1.6 Purchase Price. "Purchase Price" means _________ per share ($___), as adjusted pursuant to the terms hereof.
1.7 Registered Holder. "Registered Holder" means __________ and her successors and assigns, and any other holder to whom this Option is transferred in accordance with the terms of this Option.
1.8 SEC. "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America.
1.9 Option. “Option” means this Option and Option(s) delivered in substitution or exchange therefore, as provided herein.
1.10 Option Stock. "Option Stock" means ___________ (__________) shares of Common Stock of the Company, as adjusted pursuant to the terms hereof.
2. Exercise. Subject to the terms of this Option and compliance with all applicable securities laws, Registered Holder may exercise this Option during the term, for up to _____________ (_________) shares at the expiration of each of the first, second, third and fourth six month anniversaries of the effective date of the Option agreement or at any time during the term of this Option agreement after the fourth six month anniversary, by surrendering this Option at the principal office of the Company, with the subscription form attached hereto duly executed by the Registered Holder (“Election Notice”), together with full payment of the sum obtained by multiplying (a) the number of shares of Option Stock the Registered Holder desires to purchase by (b) the Purchase Price as determined in accordance with the terms hereof. In lieu of payment in cash the Registered Holder may surrender a sufficient number of options at the then average closing ask price for the previous 10 trading days as payment for the Purchase Price. Any options remaining after this cashless surrender of options shall be considered paid in full. Registered Holder may exercise this Option for less than the full number of shares of Option Stock purchasable hereunder but must exercise this Option in increments of one hundred thousand (100,000) shares, as adjusted pursuant hereto, if the exercise is for less than all remaining Option Stock then exercisable hereunder. Upon Registered Holder's partial exercise, Registered Holder must surrender this Option, and the Company shall issue to the Registered Holder a new Option of the same tenor for purchase of the number of remaining shares of Option Stock not purchased. Registered Holder shall be deemed to have exercised this Option immediately prior to the close of business on the date of its surrender for exercise as provided above, and shall be treated for all purposes as the holder of record of such shares as of the close of business on such date. As soon as practicable on or after such date, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Registered Holder a certificate or certificates for the number of whole shares of Option Stock issuable upon such exercise. No fractional shares may be issued upon any exercise of this Option.
3. Fully Paid Shares. All shares of Option Stock the Company issues upon exercise of this Option shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
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4. Transfer and Exchange. Subject to the terms of this Option and compliance with all applicable securities laws, this Option and all rights hereunder are transferable, in whole or in part, on the books of the Company maintained for such purpose at the principal office of the Company referred to above, by the Registered Holder hereof in person, or by duly authorized attorney, upon Registered Holder's surrender of this Option properly endorsed and upon payment of any necessary transfer tax or other governmental charge imposed upon such transfer. Upon any partial transfer, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Registered Holder a new Option or Options with respect to the shares of Option Stock not so transferred. Each taker and holder of this Option, by taking or holding the same, consents and agrees that this Option, when endorsed in blank, shall be deemed negotiable and that when this Option shall have been so endorsed, the person in possession of this Option may be treated by the Company, and all other persons dealing with this Option, as the absolute owner hereof for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights represented hereby, any notice to the contrary notwithstanding; but until a transfer of this Option is registered on the books of the Company, the Company may treat the Registered Holder hereof as the owner for all purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Option and the rights hereunder may not be transferred unless such transfer complies with all applicable securities laws and the provisions of Section 11 hereof.
5. Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number of Shares and Expiration Date. The number or character of shares of Option Stock issuable upon exercise of this Option, the Purchase Price therefor and the Expiration Date shall be adjusted to the extent provided below upon occurrence of the following events:
5.1 Adjustment for Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, Recapitalization and Similar Events. The Purchase Price of this Option and the number of shares of Option Stock issuable upon exercise of this Option shall each be proportionally adjusted to reflect any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar event affecting the number of outstanding shares of the Company's Stock. For example, if i); there should be a 2-for-1 stock split of the Company's Stock, the Purchase Price of this Option shall be divided by two (2) and the number of shares of Option Stock purchasable under this Option shall be doubled, if ii), there should be a 1-for-2 reverse stock split of the Company stock, the Purchase Price of this Option shall be multiplied by two (2) and the number of shares of Option Stock purchasable under this Option shall be divided by two (2).
5.2. Adjustment for Other Dividends and Distributions. If the Company shall make or issue, or shall fix a record date for the determination of eligible holders entitled to receive, a dividend or other distribution with respect to its Common Stock payable in securities or other assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, then, and in each such case, the Registered Holder of this Option on exercise of this Option at any time after the consummation, effective date or record date of such event, shall receive, in addition to the shares of Option Stock issuable on such exercise prior to such date, the securities or such other assets to which such Registered Holder would have been entitled upon such date if such Registered Holder had exercised this Option immediately prior thereto (all subject to further adjustment as provided in this Option).
5.3 Liquidation; Dissolution. If the Company shall dissolve, liquidate or wind up its affairs, the Registered Holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, to exercise this Option effective as of the date of such dissolution, liquidation or winding up. If any such dissolution, liquidation or winding up results in any cash distribution to the Registered Holder in excess of the portion of the Purchase Price for the shares of Option Stock for which this Option is exercised, then the Registered Holder may, at its option, exercise this Option without making payment of such portion of the Purchase Price and, in such case, the Company shall, upon distribution to the Registered Holder, consider such portion of the Purchase Price to have been paid in full, and in making such settlement to the Registered Holder, shall deduct an amount equal to such portion of the Purchase Price from the amount payable to the Registered Holder.
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6. No Impairment. The Company may not, by amendment of its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or through reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, sale of assets or any other voluntary action, willfully avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Option, but shall at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Registered Holder against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company (a) will not set nor increase the par value (if any par value exists) of any shares of stock issuable upon the exercise of this Option above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise, and (b) will take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable shares of Option Stock upon the exercise of this Option.
7. Certificate as to Adjustments. In each case of any adjustment in either the Purchase Price or in the number of shares of Option Stock, or other stock, securities or property receivable on the exercise of this Option, the Treasurer of the Company shall, upon written request from Registered Holder, compute such adjustment in accordance with the terms of this Option and prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based, including a statement of the adjusted Purchase Price. The Company shall cause copies of such certificate to be mailed (by first class mail, postage prepaid) to the Registered Holder.
8. Notices of Record Date. In case:
(a) Of any capital reorganization of the Company, any reclassification of the capital stock of the Company, any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another corporation, any initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock, or any conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to another entity in which holders of the Company's stock are to receive stock, securities or property of another corporation; or
(b) Of any voluntary dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company; then, and in each such case, the Company shall mail or cause to be mailed to the Registered Holder of this Option a notice specifying, as the case may be, the date on which a record is to be taken for the stated event at least ten (10) days prior to the effective or record date therein specified, as applicable.
9. Loss or Mutilation. Upon Registered Holder’s delivery to the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the ownership, and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation, of this Option, and of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company, and (in the case of mutilation) upon surrender and cancellation of this Option, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Registered Holder in lieu thereof a new Option of like tenor.
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10. Reservation of Option Stock. If at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares the Company's Common Stock or other securities shall not be sufficient to effect the exercise of this Option, the Company shall take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or other securities to such number of shares of Common Stock or other securities as shall be sufficient for such purpose.
11. Sale or Transfer of Option Stock. The Registered Holder of this Option, by acceptance hereof, agrees that the Registered Holder will not make any disposition of all or any portion of this Option unless and until (i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement or (ii) the Registered Holder shall have notified the Company of the proposed disposition and, if reasonably requested by the Company, the Registered Holder shall have furnished the Company with an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the Company, that such disposition will not require registration of the Option under the Act. The Company hereby agrees that the Company will not require such an opinion of counsel for transactions made in accordance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Act except in unusual circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such registration statement or opinion of counsel shall be necessary for a transfer of all or any portion of this Option or the Option Stock by a Registered Holder if the Registered Holder is a partnership or limited liability company to a partner of such partnership or a retired partner of such partnership who retires after the date hereof, or member of such limited liability company, as the case may be, or to the estate of any such partner, retired partner or member, or the transfer by gift, will or intestate succession by any partner, retired partner or member to his or her spouse or to the siblings, lineal descendants or ancestors of such partner, retired partner or member or his or her spouse, if the transferee agrees in writing to be subject to the terms hereof to the same extent as if he or she were an original Registered Holder hereunder.
12. General Provisions.
12.1. No Rights or Liabilities as Shareholder. This Option does not by itself entitle the Registered Holder to any voting rights or other rights as a shareholder of the Company. In the absence of affirmative action by Registered Holder to purchase Option Stock by exercise of this Option, no provisions of this Option, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Registered Holder shall cause such Registered Holder to be a shareholder of the Company for any purpose by virtue hereof.
12.2. Amendment. The provisions of this Option may be modified at any time by agreement of the parties. Any such agreement hereafter made shall be ineffective to modify this Option in any respect unless in writing and signed by the parties against whom enforcement of the modification or discharge is sought.
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12.3. Notices. Any notice under this Option shall be in writing, and any written notice or other document shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) on the date of personal service on the parties, (ii) on the third business day after mailing, if the document is mailed by first class mail, (iii) one day after being sent by professional or overnight courier or messenger service guaranteeing one-day delivery, or (iv) on the date of transmission if sent by telecopy or other means of electronic transmission resulting in written copies, with receipt confirmed. Any such notice shall be delivered or addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth below or at the most recent address specified by the addressee through written notice under this provision. Failure to conform to the above requirements shall not defeat the effectiveness of notice actually received by the addressee.
12.4. Change; Waiver. Any of the terms or conditions of this Option may be waived at any time by the party entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall affect or impair the right of the waiving party to require observance, performance or satisfaction either of that term or condition as it applies on a subsequent occasion or of any other term or condition.
12.5. Headings. The headings in this Option are for purposes of convenience and reference only, and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof.
12.6. Law Governing. The rights and obligations of the parties and the interpretation and performance of this Option shall be governed by the law of Nevada, excluding its conflict of laws rules.
Dated: As of _____________
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | ||
a Nevada corporation | ||
By: | ||
John Howell | ||
Title: CEO & Board Chairman |
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EXHIBIT 1
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
(To be executed only upon exercise of Option)
The undersigned Registered Holder of this Option irrevocably exercises this Option for the purchase of shares of Stock of , purchasable with this Option, and herewith makes payment therefor, all at the price and on the terms and conditions specified in this Option. The representations and optionies of the undersigned contained in Section 11 of this Option continue to be true and complete on the date hereof.
Dated: | ||
(Signature of Registered Holder) | ||
(Street Address) | ||
(City) (State) (Zip) |
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FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned Registered Holder of this Option hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto the Assignee named below all of the rights of the undersigned under the within Option, with respect to the number of shares of Option Stock set forth below:
Name of Assignee | Address | No. of Shares | |||
and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to make such transfer on the books of maintained for the purpose, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated: | By: | |
(Registered Holder) | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
THIS WARRANT AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO SUCH SECURITIES FILED UNDER THE ACT AND COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER HEREOF THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
OF
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
This Warrant 1.1 is issued to Brad Fleming, or his permitted registered assigns ("Registered Holder") by Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Company”) pursuant to the terms set forth below.
1. Certain Definitions. The following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:
1.1 Board. The "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
1.2 Change of Control. The term Change of Control means (a) the acquisition of the Company by another entity by means of any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, any reorganizations, merger or consolidation), or (b) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including, for purposes of this section, intellectual property rights, which in the aggregate, constitute substantially all of the corporation’s material assets); unless, in each case, the Company’s stockholders of record as constituted immediately prior to such acquisition or sale will, immediately after such acquisition or sale (by virtue of securities issued as consideration for the corporation’s acquisition or sale or otherwise) hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring entity.
1.3 Company. The "Company" means Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
1.4 Expiration Date. "Expiration Date" means the earlier of (x) October 1, 2017, or (y) the closing of a Change of Control transaction, or, if earlier, the date and time determined under Section 5 of this Warrant.
1.5 Issue Date. "Issue Date" means the date of this Warrant.
1.6 Purchase Price. "Purchase Price" means Twenty Five Cents per share ($.25), as adjusted pursuant to the terms hereof as to 200,000 shares and Fifty Cents per share ($.50) as to an additional 200,000 shares.
1.7 Registered Holder. "Registered Holder" means Brad Fleming and his successors and assigns, and any other holder to whom this Warrant is transferred in accordance with the terms of this Warrant.
1.8 SEC. "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America.
1.9 Warrant. “Warrant” means this Warrant and Warrant(s) delivered in substitution or exchange therefore, as provided herein.
1.10 Warrant Stock. "Warrant Stock" means 400,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company, as adjusted pursuant to the terms hereof.
2. Exercise. Subject to the terms of this Warrant and compliance with all applicable securities laws, Registered Holder may exercise this Warrant during the term, for up to Three Hundred Thousand (400,000) shares at any time during the term of this Warrant agreement, by surrendering this Warrant at the principal office of the Company, with the subscription form attached hereto duly executed by the Registered Holder (“Election Notice”), together with full payment of the sum obtained by multiplying (a) the number of shares of Warrant Stock the Registered Holder desires to purchase by (b) the Purchase Price as determined in accordance with the terms hereof. Registered Holder may exercise this Warrant for less than the full number of shares of Warrant Stock purchasable hereunder but must exercise this Warrant in increments of twenty five thousand (25,000) shares, as adjusted pursuant hereto, if the exercise is for less than all remaining Warrant Stock then exercisable hereunder. Upon Registered Holder's partial exercise, Registered Holder must surrender this Warrant, and the Company shall issue to the Registered Holder a new Warrant of the same tenor for purchase of the number of remaining shares of Warrant Stock not purchased. Registered Holder shall be deemed to have exercised this Warrant immediately prior to the close of business on the date of its surrender for exercise as provided above, and shall be treated for all purposes as the holder of record of such shares as of the close of business on such date. As soon as practicable on or after such date, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Registered Holder a certificate or certificates for the number of whole shares of Warrant Stock issuable upon such exercise. No fractional shares may be issued upon any exercise of this Warrant.
3. Fully Paid Shares. All shares of Warrant Stock the Company issues upon exercise of this Warrant shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
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4. Transfer and Exchange. Subject to the terms of this Warrant and compliance with all applicable securities laws, this Warrant and all rights hereunder are transferable, in whole or in part, on the books of the Company maintained for such purpose at the principal office of the Company referred to above, by the Registered Holder hereof in person, or by duly authorized attorney, upon Registered Holder's surrender of this Warrant properly endorsed and upon payment of any necessary transfer tax or other governmental charge imposed upon such transfer. Upon any partial transfer, the Company shall issue and deliver to the Registered Holder a new Warrant or Warrants with respect to the shares of Warrant Stock not so transferred. Each taker and holder of this Warrant, by taking or holding the same, consents and agrees that this Warrant, when endorsed in blank, shall be deemed negotiable and that when this Warrant shall have been so endorsed, the person in possession of this Warrant may be treated by the Company, and all other persons dealing with this Warrant, as the absolute owner hereof for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights represented hereby, any notice to the contrary notwithstanding; but until a transfer of this Warrant is registered on the books of the Company, the Company may treat the Registered Holder hereof as the owner for all purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Warrant and the rights hereunder may not be transferred unless such transfer complies with all applicable securities laws and the provisions of Section 11 hereof.
5. Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number of Shares and Expiration Date. The number or character of shares of Warrant Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant, the Purchase Price therefor and the Expiration Date shall be adjusted to the extent provided below upon occurrence of the following events:
5.1 Adjustment for Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, Recapitalization and Similar Events. The Purchase Price of this Warrant and the number of shares of Warrant Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall each be proportionally adjusted to reflect any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar event affecting the number of outstanding shares of the Company's Stock. For example, if i); there should be a 2-for-1 stock split of the Company's Stock, the Purchase Price of this Warrant shall be divided by two (2) and the number of shares of Warrant Stock purchasable under this Warrant shall be doubled, if ii), there should be a 1 for 2 reverse stock split of the Company stock, the Purchase Price of this Warrant shall doubled and the number of shares of Warrant Stock purchasable under this Warrant shall be divided by two (2).
5.2. Adjustment for Other Dividends and Distributions. If the Company shall make or issue, or shall fix a record date for the determination of eligible holders entitled to receive, a dividend or other distribution with respect to its Common Stock payable in securities or other assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, then, and in each such case, the Registered Holder of this Warrant on exercise of this Warrant at any time after the consummation, effective date or record date of such event, shall receive, in addition to the shares of Warrant Stock issuable on such exercise prior to such date, the securities or such other assets to which such Registered Holder would have been entitled upon such date if such Registered Holder had exercised this Warrant immediately prior thereto (all subject to further adjustment as provided in this Warrant).
5.3 Liquidation; Dissolution. If the Company shall dissolve, liquidate or wind up its affairs, the Registered Holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, to exercise this Warrant effective as of the date of such dissolution, liquidation or winding up. If any such dissolution, liquidation or winding up results in any cash distribution to the Registered Holder in excess of the portion of the Purchase Price for the shares of Warrant Stock for which this Warrant is exercised, then the Registered Holder may, at its Warrant, exercise this Warrant without making payment of such portion of the Purchase Price and, in such case, the Company shall, upon distribution to the Registered Holder, consider such portion of the Purchase Price to have been paid in full, and in making such settlement to the Registered Holder, shall deduct an amount equal to such portion of the Purchase Price from the amount payable to the Registered Holder.
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6. No Impairment. The Company may not, by amendment of its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or through reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, sale of assets or any other voluntary action, willfully avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but shall at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Registered Holder against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company (a) will not set nor increase the par value (if any par value exists) of any shares of stock issuable upon the exercise of this Warrant above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise, and (b) will take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable shares of Warrant Stock upon the exercise of this Warrant.
7. Certificate as to Adjustments. In each case of any adjustment in either the Purchase Price or in the number of shares of Warrant Stock, or other stock, securities or property receivable on the exercise of this Warrant, the Treasurer of the Company shall, upon written request from Registered Holder, compute such adjustment in accordance with the terms of this Warrant and prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based, including a statement of the adjusted Purchase Price. The Company shall cause copies of such certificate to be mailed (by first class mail, postage prepaid) to the Registered Holder.
8. Notices of Record Date. In case:
(a) Of any capital reorganization of the Company, any reclassification of the capital stock of the Company, any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another corporation, any initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock, or any conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to another entity in which holders of the Company's stock are to receive stock, securities or property of another corporation; or
(b) Of any voluntary dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company;
then, and in each such case, the Company shall mail or cause to be mailed to the Registered Holder of this Warrant a notice specifying, as the case may be, the date on which a record is to be taken for the stated event at least ten (10) days prior to the effective or record date therein specified, as applicable.
9. Loss or Mutilation. Upon Registered Holder’s delivery to the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the ownership, and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation, of this Warrant, and of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company, and (in the case of mutilation) upon surrender and cancellation of this Warrant, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Registered Holder in lieu thereof a new Warrant of like tenor.
10. Reservation of Warrant Stock. If at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares the Company's Common Stock or other securities shall not be sufficient to effect the exercise of this Warrant, the Company shall take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or other securities to such number of shares of Common Stock or other securities as shall be sufficient for such purpose.
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11. Sale or Transfer of Warrant Stock. The Registered Holder of this Warrant, by acceptance hereof, agrees that the Registered Holder will not make any disposition of all or any portion of this Warrant unless and until (i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement or (ii) the Registered Holder shall have notified the Company of the proposed disposition and, if reasonably requested by the Company, the Registered Holder shall have furnished the Company with an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the Company, that such disposition will not require registration of the Warrant under the Act. The Company hereby agrees that the Company will not require such an opinion of counsel for transactions made in accordance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Act except in unusual circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such registration statement or opinion of counsel shall be necessary for a transfer of all or any portion of this Warrant or the Warrant Stock by a Registered Holder if the Registered Holder is a partnership or limited liability company to a partner of such partnership or a retired partner of such partnership who retires after the date hereof, or member of such limited liability company, as the case may be, or to the estate of any such partner, retired partner or member, or the transfer by gift, will or intestate succession by any partner, retired partner or member to his or her spouse or to the siblings, lineal descendants or ancestors of such partner, retired partner or member or his or her spouse, if the transferee agrees in writing to be subject to the terms hereof to the same extent as if he or she were an original Registered Holder hereunder.
12. General Provisions.
12.1. No Rights or Liabilities as Shareholder. This Warrant does not by itself entitle the Registered Holder to any voting rights or other rights as a shareholder of the Company. In the absence of affirmative action by Registered Holder to purchase Warrant Stock by exercise of this Warrant, no provisions of this Warrant, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Registered Holder shall cause such Registered Holder to be a shareholder of the Company for any purpose by virtue hereof.
12.2. Amendment. The provisions of this Warrant may be modified at any time by agreement of the parties. Any such agreement hereafter made shall be ineffective to modify this Warrant in any respect unless in writing and signed by the parties against whom enforcement of the modification or discharge is sought.
12.3. Notices. Any notice under this Warrant shall be in writing, and any written notice or other document shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) on the date of personal service on the parties, (ii) on the third business day after mailing, if the document is mailed by first class mail, (iii) one day after being sent by professional or overnight courier or messenger service guaranteeing one-day delivery, or (iv) on the date of transmission if sent by telecopy or other means of electronic transmission resulting in written copies, with receipt confirmed. Any such notice shall be delivered or addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth below or at the most recent address specified by the addressee through written notice under this provision. Failure to conform to the above requirements shall not defeat the effectiveness of notice actually received by the addressee.
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12.4. Change; Waiver. Any of the terms or conditions of this Warrant may be waived at any time by the party entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall affect or impair the right of the waiving party to require observance, performance or satisfaction either of that term or condition as it applies on a subsequent occasion or of any other term or condition.
12.5. Headings. The headings in this Warrant are for purposes of convenience and reference only, and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof.
12.6. Law Governing. The rights and obligations of the parties and the interpretation and performance of this Warrant shall be governed by the law of Nevada, excluding its conflict of laws rules.
Dated: As of October ___, 2012
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. | ||
a Nevada corporation | ||
By: | ||
John Howell | ||
Title: | CEO & President |
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EXHIBIT 1
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
(To be executed only upon exercise of Warrant)
The undersigned Registered Holder of this Warrant irrevocably exercises this Warrant for the purchase of shares of Stock of , purchasable with this Warrant, and herewith makes payment therefor, all at the price and on the terms and conditions specified in this Warrant. The representations and Warranties of the undersigned contained in Section 11 of this Warrant continue to be true and complete on the date hereof.
Dated: | ||
(Signature of Registered Holder) | ||
(Street Address) | ||
(City) (State) (Zip) |
7 |
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned Registered Holder of this Warrant hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto the Assignee named below all of the rights of the undersigned under the within Warrant, with respect to the number of shares of Warrant Stock set forth below:
Name of Assignee | Address | No. of Shares | |||
and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to make such transfer on the books of maintained for the purpose, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated: | By: | |
(Registered Holder) | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, effective as of June 1, 2009, between Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and John Howell (“Indemnitee”).
WHEREAS, Indemnitee is a director and officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, both the Company and Indemnitee recognize the increased risk of litigation and other claims being asserted against directors and officers of public companies at a time when it has become increasingly difficult to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs;
WHEREAS, in recognition of Indemnitees need for substantial protection against personal liability in order to enhance Indemnitees continued service to the Company in an effective manner, the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the identification of and the advancing of expenses to Indemnitee to the full extent (whether partial or complete) permitted by law and as set forth in this Agreement, and, to the extent insurance is maintained, for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, regardless of any future change in the Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws, composition of the Board of Directors, or structure of the Company.;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of Indemnitee’s service to the Company, directly or indirectly, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | In the event Indemnitee was, is, or becomes a party to or a witness or other participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or a witness or other participant in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, or any inquiry or investigation, whether conducted by the Company or any other party, that Indemnitee in good faith believes might lead to any such action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise (a “Claim”) by reason of (or arising in part out of) the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, or by reason of anything done or not done by Indemnitee in any such capacity (an “Indemnifiable Event”), the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the full extent permitted by law (the determination of which shall be made by the Reviewing Party referred to below) as soon as practicable but in any event no later than thirty days after written demand is presented to the Company, against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees and all other costs, expenses, and obligations paid or incurred in connection with investigating, preparing for and defending or participating in the defense of (including on appeal) any Claim relating to any Indemnifiable Event) (collectively “Expenses”), judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement) of such Claim and, if so requested by Indemnitee, the Company shall advance (within two business days of such request) any and all such Expenses to Indemnitee; provided, however, that (i) the foregoing obligation of the Company shall not apply to a Claim that was commenced by the Indemnitee without the prior approval of the Board of Directors of the Company unless the Claim was commenced after a Change in Control (as defined in Section 5 herein); (ii) the foregoing obligation of the Company shall be subject to the condition that an appropriate person or body (the “Reviewing Party”) shall not have determined (in a written opinion in any case in which the special, independent counsel referred to in Section 4 hereof is involved) that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified for such Expenses under applicable law; and (iii) if, when and to the extent that the Reviewing Party determines that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified for such Expenses under applicable law, the Company shall be entitled to be reimbursed by Indemnitee (who hereby agrees to reimburse the Company) for all such amounts theretofore paid (unless Indemnitee has commenced legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure a determination that Indemnitee should be indemnified under applicable law, in which event Indemnitee shall not be required to so reimburse the Company until a final judicial determination requiring such reimbursement is made with respect thereto as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or lapsed) and the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify or advance any additional amounts to Indemnitee under this Agreement (unless there has been a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Indemnitee would be permitted to be so indemnified or entitled to such expense advances under applicable law). |
2. | If there has not been a Change in Control of the Company (as hereinafter defined), the Reviewing Party shall be (1) quorum of the Board of Directors consisting of directors who are not parties to the action, suit or proceeding acting by majority vote, or, (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, independent legal counsel by the use of a written opinion or (3) the stockholders. If there has been a Change in Control of the Company, the Reviewing Party shall be the special, independent counsel referred to in Section 4 hereof. |
3. | If Indemnitee has not been indemnified by the expiration of the foregoing thirty-day period or received expense advances or if the Reviewing Party determines that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified or be entitled to receive expense advances within two days of the request therefor in whole or in part under applicable law, Indemnitee shall have the right to commence litigation seeking from the court a finding that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and expense advances or enforcement of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification and expense advances or challenging any determination by the Reviewing Party or any aspect thereof that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified or receive expense advances and the burden of proving that indemnification or advancement of expenses is not appropriate shall be on the Company; any determination by the Reviewing Party in favor of Indemnitee shall be conclusive and binding on the Company, unless facts supplied by Indemnitee which form the basis for the determination are subsequently determined to have been materially incorrect at the time supplied. Indemnitee agrees to bring any such litigation in any court in the States of Texas having subject matter jurisdiction thereof and in which venue is proper, and the Company hereby consents to service of process and to appear in any such proceeding. |
4. | The Company agrees that if there is a Change in Control of the Company (as hereinafter defined), then with respect to all matters thereafter arising concerning the rights of Indemnitee to indemnity payments and expense advances under this Agreement or any other agreement or By-laws now or hereafter in effect relating to Claims for Indemnifiable Events, the Company shall seek legal advice only from special, independent counsel selected by Indemnitee who a majority of the disinterested Directors approves (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and who has not otherwise performed services for the Company or Indemnitee. Such counsel, among other things, shall determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is permitted to be indemnified or is entitled to expense advances under applicable law and shall render its written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee to such effect. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the special, independent counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all expenses (including attorney’s fees), claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto except for willful misconduct or gross negligence. |
5. | For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Change in Control of the Company” shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, is or becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, or (ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company and any new director whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof, or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 80% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company of such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or if the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company’s assets. |
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6. | To the extent Indemnitee is successful in such proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all expenses (including attorney’s fees) which are incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with any claim asserted or action brought by Indemnitee for (i) indemnification or advance payment of Expenses by the Company under this Agreement or any other agreement or Company By-laws now or hereafter in effect relating to Claims for Indemnifiable Events and/or (ii) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advance payment of Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be. |
7. | If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of the Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement of any Claim but not, however, for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any Claim relating in whole or in part to any Indemnifiable Event or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including dismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses incurred in connection therewith. |
8. | For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or expense advance or that indemnification or expense advance is not permitted by applicable law. |
9. | The Company hereby agrees that, so long as Indemnitee shall continue to serve in a capacity referred to in Section 1 hereof, and thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible claim or threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee served in any capacity referred to in Section 1 hereof, the Company shall maintain in effect for the benefit of Indemnitee any Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance presently in force and effect, providing, in all respects, coverage at least comparable to that presently provided; provided, however, if, in the business judgment of the then Board, either (a) the premium cost for such insurance is substantially disproportionate to the amount of coverage, or (b) the coverage provided by such insurance is so limited by exclusions that there is insufficient benefit from such insurance, then and in that event the Company shall not be required to maintain such insurance but shall and hereby agrees to the full extent permitted by law to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent of the coverage which would otherwise have been provided for the benefit of Indemnitee. |
10. | (a) | In the event of any changes after the date of this Agreement in any applicable law, statute, or rule which expands the right of the Company to indemnify a person serving in a capacity referred to in Section 1 hereof, such change shall be within the purview of Indemnitee’s rights, and the Company’s obligations, under this Agreement. In the event of any changes in any applicable law, statute, or rule which narrow the right of the Company to indemnify a person serving in a capacity referred to in Section 1 hereof, such changes, to the extent not otherwise required by such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement, shall have no effect on this Agreement or the parties’ rights and obligations hereunder. |
(b) | The indemnification provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, its By-laws, any agreement, any vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, laws and regulations in effect now or in the future, or otherwise, both as to action in Indemnitee’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. |
11. | If the indemnification provided in Section 1 is unavailable and may not be paid to Indemnitee because such indemnification is not permitted by law, then in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the full extent permitted by law, to the amount of expenses, judgments, fines (including excise taxes and penalties) and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and Indemnitee on the other hand from the transaction from which such action, suit or proceeding arose, and (ii) the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of Indemnitee on the other in connection with the events which resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of Indemnitee on the other shall be determined by reference to among other things, the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent the circumstances resulting in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts. The Company agrees that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this paragraph were determined by pro rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of the foregoing equitable considerations. |
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12. | All obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves in a capacity referred to in Section 1 hereof of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event. |
13. | (a) | Promptly after receipt by Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event or proceeding in which Indemnitee is made or is threatened to be made a party or a witness, Indemnitee shall notify the Company of the commencement of such Claim; but the omission so to notify the Company shall not relieve the Company from any obligation it may have to indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee otherwise than under this Agreement. |
(b) | Indemnitee shall not settle any claim or action in any manner which would impose on the Company any penalty, constraint, or obligation to hold harmless or indemnify Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement without the Company’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. |
14. | If any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event, commenced against Indemnitee is also commenced against the Company, the Company shall be entitled to participate therein at its own expense, and, except as otherwise provided hereinbelow, to the extent that it may wish, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of any Claim, the Company shall not be obligated to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation, travel, and lodging expenses arising out of Indemnitee’s participation in such Claim. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s own counsel in such Claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee unless (i) otherwise authorized by the Company, (ii) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded, and so notified the Company, that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such Claim, or (iii) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such Claim, in which cases the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company. The Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Claim brought by or on behalf of the Company or its stockholders or as to which Indemnitee shall have made the conclusion set forth in (ii) of this Section 14. |
15. | No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver. |
16. | In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights. |
17. | The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (under any insurance policy, By-law or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder. |
18. | This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, spouses, heirs, executors, and personal and legal representatives. This Agreement shall continue in effect regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as an officer or director of the Company or of any other enterprise at the Company’s request. |
19. | The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof (including any provision within a single section, paragraph or sentence) are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the full extent permitted by law. |
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20. | This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas applicable to contracts made and to be performed in such state, but excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle which might refer such governance, construction or enforcement to the laws of another state or country. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and as of the day and year first above written.
ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC. | ||
By: | ||
John Howell, President | ||
INDEMNITEE | ||
John Howell |
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ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Arrayit Diagnostics”, “we”, or “our”) are committed to conducting our business with uncompromising integrity and ethics. This Code of Business Ethics (this “Code”) outlines the standards of business conduct in furtherance of this commitment. All of our directors, officers, employees and representatives, including all agents, consultants, and contractors, are expected to read and understand this Code, uphold these standards in day-to-day activities, and comply with all other applicable Arrayit Diagnostic’s policies and procedures.
The principles described in this Code are general in nature and are intended to provide guidance in recognizing and resolving legal and ethical issues that may arise in conducting our business. Arrayit Diagnostics may modify this Code at any time. This Code does not include all of our policies. Please consult our policies and procedures for more specific instruction. If you still have questions or remain uncertain about how to handle a particular matter, please contact the human resources personnel or General Counsel for further direction.
2.0 IMPORTANCE OF COMPLIANCE
Ethical business conduct is crucial to our reputation and success. Our reputation for integrity and ethics cannot be taken for granted. To maintain our reputation, it is your responsibility to respect and comply with this Code and the law, and to exercise good judgment in your decisions and actions.
Part of your job and ethical responsibility is to help enforce this Code. Violations or possible violations of law, this Code, or other Arrayit Diagnostic’s policies and procedures should be reported to the human resources personnel, Counsel, the Chief Executive Officer or other appropriate Arrayit Diagnostics management. We will promptly respond to your report of unlawful or unethical conduct, and if necessary, assign an independent party to investigate and make recommendations. You are expected to cooperate in any internal or external investigations of possible violations. Violations of law, this Code or other Arrayit Diagnostics policies and procedures by Arrayit Diagnostics employees can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
We strictly prohibit retaliation against any person who in good faith reports a violation or a suspected violation of law, this Code or our other policies, or against any person who is assisting in any investigation or process with respect to such a violation. Any retaliation against an employee because the employee, in good faith, sought help or filed a report will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS EMPLOYEE
3.1 Positive Work Environment
We endeavor to maintain a positive work environment for our employees. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or other factors that are unrelated to our business interests. Arrayit Diagnostics expects you to exercise good judgment to ensure the safety and welfare of others in the workplace, and to foster a work environment emphasizing respect and teamwork. These standards do not only apply while working on our premises, but also when you are at offsite locations where our business is being conducted, at Arrayit Diagnostics-sponsored business and social events, or at any other place where you are a representative of Arrayit Diagnostics.
3.2 Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
While we respect the privacy of our employees in the conduct of their personal affairs, you should avoid any activity in which your personal interests may come into conflict, or appear to conflict, with our interests. The following are some examples of conflicts of interest:
3.2.1 Employment/Outside Employment.
As an employee of Arrayit Diagnostics, you are expected to devote your best efforts, time, ability and attention to the business interests of Arrayit Diagnostics. You are not to engage in any activity that interferes with your performance or responsibilities to Arrayit Diagnostics or is otherwise in conflict with or prejudicial to Arrayit Diagnostics. You must disclose to Arrayit Diagnostics any interest that you have that may conflict with our business. For example, if you are employed by or are otherwise providing services on behalf of another company, it is a conflict of interest to market products in competition with our current or future products. Further, such separate employment may not conflict with your invention-rights or confidentiality obligations to Arrayit Diagnostics.
3.2.2 Service on Outside Boards and Committees.
You cannot serve on a board of directors or trustees, or on a committee of any entity whose interests reasonably could be expected to conflict with those of Arrayit Diagnostics. You must obtain prior written approval from the Chief Executive Officer before accepting any outside board or committee position. If approved, and you hold such a position, you must do so on your own time and must not hold yourself out as a representative of Arrayit Diagnostics in connection with providing such services. Any compensation you receive should be commensurate to your responsibilities. Such approval may be conditioned upon the completion of specified actions. In the event that Arrayit Diagnostics requests that you serve on a board to represent our interests, you will be paid as an employee and are not to receive any remuneration as a result of serving on such board. Notwithstanding the above, you are not required to seek permission to sit on a board for non-profit or charitable organizations where the likelihood of any conflict of interest is remote.
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3.2.3 Business Interests.
If you are considering an investment in a customer, supplier or competitor of Arrayit Diagnostics, and you are in a position to influence a decision relating to such customer, supplier or competitor, we urge you to first ensure that these investments do not compromise your responsibilities to Arrayit Diagnostics. Many factors should be taken into account when determining whether a conflict exists, including the size and nature of the investment; your ability to influence our decisions; your access to our confidential information or of the other company; and the nature of the relationship between Arrayit Diagnostics and the other company.
3.2.4 Family Members.
The actions of family members may give rise to conflicts of interest because they may influence your objectivity in making decisions on behalf of Arrayit Diagnostics. As a general rule, you should avoid conducting our business with a relative or significant other, or with a business in which a relative or significant other is associated in any significant role. Relatives include spouse, sister, brother, daughter, son, mother, father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, step relationships and in-laws. Significant others include persons living in a spousal or familial fashion with an employee.
Arrayit Diagnostics prohibits the employment of close relatives and significant others in positions or assignments where there is a direct or indirect reporting relationship or where an actual or appearance of a conflict of interest exists. Please refer to our Employment of Relatives policy for further guidance.
3.2.5 Other Situations.
Other conflicts of may arise that have not been addressed above. If you have a doubt whether a proposed transaction or situation raises a conflict of interest, please contact the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department.
Arrayit Diagnostics requires that you disclose any situation that could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest. If you suspect that you have a conflict of interest, or something that others could reasonably perceive as a conflict of interest, you must report it immediately to the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department. While such situations are not automatically prohibited, they are not desirable and may only be waived by our Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer and with the concurrence of the General Counsel. Conflicts of interest of our Board of Directors, executive officers or other principal officers may only be waived by our Board of Directors and/or the appropriate committee of our Board of Directors and will be disclosed to the public as required by law.
3.3 Avoiding Exploitation of Corporate Opportunities for Personal Gain
Each of us has an obligation to put the interests of Arrayit Diagnostics ahead of our personal interests and to advance our interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Accordingly, you may not exploit for your own personal gain business opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position if in conflict with our interests. For example, if you become aware of an opportunity to purchase equipment at below market rates through your employment with Arrayit Diagnostics, you cannot seek to personally gain from such opportunity if such opportunity will conflict with our interests.
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3.4 Gifts and Other Activities
Receiving and giving business gifts of nominal value is permissible where customary. Receiving cash or gifts of significant value is strictly prohibited. Customary business activities, including meals, transportation and celebratory events, are proper unless the value, cost, or frequency of the business activities are such that they could be interpreted as affecting an otherwise objective business decision. Gifts and other activities should never compromise, or appear to compromise, your ability to make objective and fair business decisions. Please refer to our Gift and Activity Policy for additional information.
Gifts given by Arrayit Diagnostics to suppliers or customers should always be appropriate to the circumstances and should never be of a kind or nature that could create an appearance of impropriety. The nature and cost must always be accurately recorded in our books and records.
3.5 Protecting our Confidential Information and Intellectual Property
Our confidential information is a valuable asset and protecting it is the responsibility of all of us. our confidential information includes but is not limited to: data, know-how, trade secrets, designs, mask works, plans, drawings, specifications, algorithms, developmental or experimental work, test results, reports, pricing and financial information, product plans, product roadmaps, customer and supplier lists, marketing techniques and materials, organizational charts, and personnel information. This information is the property of Arrayit Diagnostics and may be protected by patent, trademark, copyright, mask work, trade secret, and other laws. This obligation extends to confidential information of third parties, which we have rightfully received under Non-Disclosure Agreements. Please see Handling Confidential Information of Others set forth in Section 4.4 of this Code.
3.4.1 Employee Confidentiality and Invention Agreement.
When you joined Arrayit Diagnostics, you signed an agreement to protect our confidential and proprietary information. This agreement remains in effect for as long as you work for Arrayit Diagnostics and after you leave Arrayit Diagnostics. Under this agreement, you may not disclose our confidential information to anyone or use it to benefit anyone other than Arrayit Diagnostics unless compelled to do so by court order.
3.4.2 Disclosure of Company Confidential Information.
From time to time, we may disclose our confidential information to third parties to further our business. However, you should never make such disclosure without first carefully considering its potential benefits and risks. If you determine, in consultation with your manager and other appropriate Arrayit Diagnostics management, that disclosure of confidential information is necessary, you must then contact the Legal Department to ensure that an appropriate written nondisclosure agreement is signed prior to any disclosure. We have standard nondisclosure agreements suitable for most disclosures.
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3.4.3 Requests by Regulatory Authorities.
Arrayit Diagnostics and its employees must cooperate with appropriate government inquiries and investigations. In this context, however, it is important to protect the legal rights of Arrayit Diagnostics with respect to its confidential information. All government requests for information, documents or investigative interviews must be referred to our Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel. No information may be disclosed to regulatory authorities without the prior approval of the Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel.
3.4.4 Public Communications.
Arrayit Diagnostics has established an External Communications Policy regarding who may communicate information to the press and the financial analyst community. All inquiries or calls from the press and financial analysts should be referred to the Chief Financial Officer. Arrayit Diagnostics has designated certain individuals in the External Communications Policy who are authorized to act as a spokesperson on its behalf. These designees and other individuals designated by them from time to time are the only people who may communicate with the press or financial analysts on our behalf. Making statements, answering questions, or otherwise communicating with the press or financial analysts outside the narrow guidelines of our External Communications Policy is strictly prohibited.
3.6 Safeguarding our Assets
3.4.1 General. Safeguarding our assets is the responsibility of everyone. Each of us must use care to ensure that assets are not misappropriated, loaned to others, sold or donated, without appropriate authorization. You are also responsible for the proper use of our assets, and must safeguard such assets against loss, damage, misuse or theft. Our equipment and assets are to be used only for our business purposes. You may not use our assets for non-incidental personal use, nor allow other persons to use our assets.
3.4.2 Physical Access Control.
Arrayit Diagnostics has and will continue to develop procedures covering physical access control to ensure privacy of communications, maintenance of the security of its communication equipment and to safeguard its assets from theft, misuse and destruction. You are personally responsible for complying with the level of access control that has been implemented in the facility where you work on a permanent or temporary basis. You must not defeat or cause to be defeated the purpose for which the access control was implemented.
3.4.3 Company Funds.
Every employee is personally responsible for all our funds over which he or she exercises control. Our agents, consultants and contractors should not be allowed to exercise control over our funds without the prior written approval of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer. In all cases, our funds must be used only for our business purposes. Each of us must take reasonable steps to ensure that we receive good value for Company funds spent, and must maintain accurate and timely records of each and every expenditure.
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3.4.4 Computers and Other Equipment.
Arrayit Diagnostics provides you with the equipment necessary to efficiently and effectively perform your job. This equipment remains our property. It is your responsibility to take all reasonable actions to care and protect our equipment while it is in your possession. If you use our equipment at your home or off-site, you should take precautions to protect it from theft or damage. Please refer to our Teleworking Policy for additional information. our equipment is for business purposes, and you may not use it for non-incidental personal use. Once you cease working for Arrayit Diagnostics, you must immediately return all of our equipment.
3.4.5 Software.
Software is protected from unauthorized copying and use by federal and state law. All software used by employees on Arrayit Diagnostics systems must be appropriately licensed. Unauthorized copying or use of software exposes Arrayit Diagnostics and you to potential civil and criminal liability. Our Information Technology Department may inspect our computers periodically to verify that only licensed software has been installed. Any non-licensed software will be removed.
3.4.6 Electronic Communications Systems Security.
Arrayit Diagnostics requires employees to utilize electronic communication systems in a legal, ethical and appropriate manner. Electronic communications systems within the organization, include but are not limited to computers, software, e-mail, connections to the Internet, intranet and extranet and any other public or private networks, voicemail, video conferencing, facsimiles and telephones. They also include all communications and records, files, software, and electronic communications or messages sent, received, or contained in such systems. Posting or discussing information concerning our products or business on the Internet without the prior written consent of our Chief Financial Officer or other designated officer is prohibited. Any other form of electronic communication provided by Arrayit Diagnostics, that is used by employees currently or in the future, is also intended to be encompassed under this policy. It is not possible to identify every standard and rule applicable to the use of electronic communications devices. You are therefore encouraged to use sound judgment whenever using any feature of our communications systems. Please refer to our Electronic Communications Systems Security Policy for additional information.
You are not entitled to an expectation of privacy with respect to information transmitted over, received by or stored in any electronic communications system owned, leased or operated in whole or in part by or on behalf of Arrayit Diagnostics. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Arrayit Diagnostics retains the right to gain access to any information received by, transmitted by or stored in any such electronic communications system, by and through its employees, agents, contractors or representatives, at any time, either with or without an employee's or third party's knowledge, consent or approval.
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3.7 Recording and Reporting Information
3.7.1 Accounting and Financial Reporting.
As a public company, we are required to report financial information accurately and completely, and have appropriate internal controls to ensure that accounting and financial reporting complies with the law. Accurate accounting records and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are critical in providing full, fair, accurate and understandable information in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and disclosures we provide to the public. If you have responsibilities for, or are involved in these areas, you must comply with applicable laws and our policies. Violations of the laws associated with accounting and financing reporting can result in fines, penalties, and imprisonment, as well as damaging our reputation.
3.7.2 Accurate Books and Records.
Arrayit Diagnostics fully and accurately records all transactions in its books and records in compliance with all applicable laws. Regardless of whether the reporting is required by law, false or misleading entries, unrecorded funds or assets, or payments without appropriate supporting documentation and approval are strictly prohibited. All documentation supporting a transaction should fully and accurately describe the nature of the transaction and be processed in a timely fashion. Employees are required to fill out and submit expense reports accurately and representing expenses actually incurred. Please refer to our Travel and Entertainment Policy for additional information.
3.8 Document Retention and Preservation
You are encouraged to maintain a clean and efficient workspace, and to discard unnecessary documents. Nonetheless, Arrayit Diagnostics is required by various laws, rules and regulations to retain certain records and to follow specific guidelines in managing its records. Records include paper documents, CDs, computer hard disks, e-mail, floppy disks, microfiche, microfilm or all other media. Civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply can be severe for you and Arrayit Diagnostics. Please consult with Document Control or the Legal Department if you are uncertain about your document retention obligations
Document destruction procedures will be suspended when necessary to preserve appropriate records under special circumstances, such as litigation or government investigations. )ur Legal Department determines and identifies what types of Company records or documents are required to be placed under a legal hold. You must comply with this policy. Failure to comply with this policy may subject you to disciplinary action, and potentially to criminal prosecution.
Our Legal Department will notify you if a legal hold is placed on records for which you are responsible. Records that have been placed under a legal hold must not be destroyed, altered or otherwise modified. Our Legal Department will notify you when the legal hold has been removed. If you are unsure whether a document has been placed under a legal hold, you should preserve and protect that document while you check with our Legal Department.
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3.9 No Improper Political Contributions
We encourage our employees to participate in the political process as individual citizens on their own time. However, business contributions to political campaigns are strictly regulated by federal, state, local and other laws, including laws that may exist in non-US countries. Our funds must not be used for, or be contributed to, political campaigns or political practices under any circumstances without the prior written approval of our Chief Financial Officer and, if required, the Board of Directors.
4.0 OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHERS
4.1 Relationships with Customers
It is critical for all employees to remember that you represent Arrayit Diagnostics to the people with whom you are dealing and that you act in a manner that creates value for our customers and helps to build a relationship based upon trust. Arrayit Diagnostics and its employees have provided products and services for many years, and have built up significant goodwill and trust with our customers over that time. This goodwill and trust are among our most important assets, and our employees, agents, consultants and contractors must act to preserve and enhance our reputation.
4.2 Relationships with Suppliers
Our suppliers make significant contributions to our success. We strive to create an environment where our suppliers seek to work with Arrayit Diagnostics. To this end, they must be confident that we will treat them lawfully and in an ethical manner. Our policy is to purchase supplies based on need, quality, service, price and terms and conditions. Our policy is to select significant suppliers or enter into significant supplier agreements through a competitive bid process where possible. Payments made for goods or services must be commensurate with the goods or services received. Under no circumstances should any Arrayit Diagnostics employee, agent or contractor attempt to coerce suppliers in any way. The confidential information of a supplier is entitled to the same protection as that of any other third party and must not be received before an appropriate nondisclosure agreement has been signed.
4.3 Relationships with Competitors
In the normal course of business, it is not unusual to obtain information about other companies, including competitors. Indeed, we gather information about competitors from a variety of legitimate sources in an effort to analyze the relative strength of our products, services, marketing methods, and financial performance. There are, however, limits on how you should acquire and use information about competitors. You should not use any type of improper means to acquire a competitor's confidential information. Illegal methods such as stealing, wiretapping, and trespassing are clearly forbidden. Similarly, improper practices such as hiring a competitor's employees to acquire confidential information or improperly soliciting confidential information from a competitor's employees are prohibited. Please remember to exercise good judgment and discretion when utilizing information about other companies, including competitors.
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4.4 Confidential Information of Others
We have many kinds of business relationships with many companies and individuals. During the course of these relationships, these companies and individuals may want to share confidential information with Arrayit Diagnostics for a particular purpose. To avoid claims of misappropriation or misuse of the confidential information, it is important that a written agreement between the parties governing the use of the confidential information be signed before Arrayit Diagnostics receives such information. We will then use and safeguard the confidential information in accordance with the terms of the written agreement. If you have any questions regarding the confidential information of others, you should immediately consult the Legal Department.
5.0 OUR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LAW
5.1 Compliance With All Applicable Laws and Regulations
Each of us must obey all applicable laws and regulations. Employees located outside of the United States must comply with laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders of the United States, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.S. Export Control Act, in addition to applicable local laws. In conducting our business, you may encounter legal issues in the areas described below. You must be aware of potential violations and know when to seek advice from the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department on specific Company policies and procedures. Failure to comply with applicable laws may subject Arrayit Diagnostics and the individuals involved to criminal or civil liability, as well as to discipline by Arrayit Diagnostics.
5.2 Free and Fair Competition
Most countries have well-developed laws designed to protect consumers and competitors against unfair business practices and to promote and preserve competition. These laws are known as antitrust, competition, consumer protection or unfair competition laws. We are committed to obeying both the letter and spirit of these laws.
These laws often regulate our relationship with our distributors, resellers, dealers, competitors, and customers. Competition laws generally address the following areas: pricing practices (including price discrimination), discounting, terms of sale, credit terms, promotional allowances, secret rebates, exclusive dealerships or distributorships, product bundling, restrictions on carrying competing products, termination and many other practices. The following is a summary of actions that are clear violations of U.S. antitrust laws:
* | Price Fixing. We may not agree with our competitors to raise, lower or stabilize price or any element of price, including discounts and credit terms. In addition, we may not set the prices at which customers resell our products. |
* | Limitation of Supply. We may not agree with our competitors to limit our production or restrict the supply of our services. |
* | Allocation of Business. We may not agree with our competitors to divide or allocate markets, territories or customers. |
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* | Boycott. We may not agree with our competitors to refuse to sell or purchase products from third parties. In addition, we may not prevent a customer from purchasing or using non-Company products or services. |
* | Tying. We may not require a customer to purchase a product that it does not want as a condition to the sale of a different product that the customer does wish to purchase. |
Antitrust laws also govern, usually quite strictly, relationships between Arrayit Diagnostics and our competitors. As a general rule, contacts with competitors should be limited and should always avoid subjects such as prices or other terms and conditions of sale, customers and suppliers. Employees, agents or contractors of Arrayit Diagnostics may not knowingly make false or misleading statements regarding our competitors or the products of our competitors, customers or suppliers.
No employee, agent or contractor shall enter into an agreement or understanding, written or oral, express or implied, with any competitor concerning prices, discounts, other terms or conditions of sale, profits or profit margins, costs, allocation of product or geographic markets, allocation of customers, limitations on production, supplier's terms and conditions, boycotts of customers or suppliers, bids or the intent to bid or even discuss or exchange information on these subjects. In some cases, legitimate joint ventures with competitors may permit exceptions to these rules, as may, bona fide purchases from or sales to competitors, but our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer must review all such proposed ventures, purchases or sales in advance. These prohibitions are absolute and strict observance is required. Collusion among competitors is illegal, and the consequences of a violation are severe, including possible criminal prosecution.
Participating with competitors in a trade association or in a standards creation body is acceptable when the association has been properly established, has a legitimate purpose and has limited its activities to that purpose. However, you should not discuss pricing policy or other competitive terms, or other proprietary and confidential information.
Although the spirit of these laws may be straightforward, their application to particular situations can be quite complex. To ensure that we comply fully with these laws, each of us should have a basic knowledge of them and whenever doubt exists as to the legality of a particular action or arrangement, it is your responsibility to contact the Legal Department promptly for assistance, approval, and review.
5.3 Export Control Laws
A number of countries maintain controls on the destinations to which products or software may be exported. The United States maintains some of the strictest export controls against countries that the U.S. government considers unfriendly or as supporting international terrorism. The U.S. regulations are complex and apply both to exports from the United States and to exports of products from other countries, when those products contain U.S.-origin components or technology. In some circumstances, an oral presentation containing technical data made to foreign nationals in the United States may constitute a controlled export. To ensure compliance, all shipments of product, software and technology must be cleared through our Traffic and Customs Department. Additionally, we can provide guidance on which countries are prohibited destinations for our products or whether a proposed technical presentation to foreign nationals may require a U.S. government license.
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5.4 Insider Trading Laws
In the normal course of business, officers, directors and employees, as well as agents, consultants and contractors of Arrayit Diagnostics may come into possession of significant, sensitive information. You may not profit from it by buying or selling Arrayit Diagnostics securities yourself, or by passing on the information to others, to enable them to profit or for them to profit on your behalf. You need to be aware of your legal responsibilities and understand that the misuse of such significant and sensitive information is contrary to our policy and securities laws.
“Insider trading” refers to the purchase or sale of a company stock or other securities while in possession of material, non-public information relating to that company. Information is “material” if a reasonable investor would consider it important in a decision to buy, hold or sell stock or other securities. Information is “non-public” if it has not been made generally available to the public by means of a press release or other means of widespread distribution. It is generally understood that insider trading includes the following: (i) trading by insiders while in possession of material, non-public information; (ii) trading by persons other than insiders while in the possession of material, non-public information where the information either was in breach of an insider's fiduciary duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated; or (iii) communicating or tipping material, non-public information to others, including recommending the purchase or sale of a security while in possession of such information. Penalties for insider trading are quite substantial. For more details, you should review our Non-Public Information and the Prevention of Insider Trading Policy.
Arrayit Diagnostics has adopted Pre-Clearance and Blackout policies for its officers and Board of Directors that further restricts when such officers and Directors may trade in Arrayit Diagnostics securities. If you are unsure as to whether you can trade in our securities or have questions regarding our Non-Public Information and the Prevention of Insider Trading Policy, please contact our Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel.
5.5 Prohibition on Short Selling of Company Stock
No Arrayit Diagnostics Board of Director, officer or other designated employee may, directly or indirectly, sell any equity security, including derivatives, of Arrayit Diagnostics if he or she (1) does not own the security sold, or (2) if he or she owns the security, does not deliver it against such sale (a “short sale against the box”) within twenty days thereafter, or does not within five days after such sale deposit it in the mail or other usual channel of transportation. No Arrayit Diagnostics director, officer or other designated employee may engage in short sales. A short sale, as defined in this policy, means any transaction whereby one may benefit from a decline in our stock price. Transactions in put and call options for our securities constitute a short sale for the purposes of this paragraph and are therefore prohibited.
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5.6 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Arrayit Diagnostics requires full compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) by all of its employees, agents, consultants and contractors. The FCPA prohibits Arrayit Diagnostics, its directors, officers and employees, and agents, consultants and contractors from offering or giving money or any other item of value to win or retain business or to influence any act or decision of any governmental official, political party, candidate for political office or official of a public international organization. Violation of the FCPA can result in civil and criminal liability for Arrayit Diagnostics, its directors, officers, ,employees, agents, consultants and contractors.
The use of our funds or assets for any unlawful or improper purpose is strictly prohibited. No payment shall be made to, or for the benefit of, government employees for the purpose of, or otherwise in connection with, the securing of sales to or obtaining favorable action by a government agency. Gifts of substantial value to, or lavish entertainment of, government employees are prohibited since they can be construed as attempts to influence government decisions in matters affecting our operation. Any entertaining of public officials or the furnishing of assistance in the form of transportation or other services should be of such nature that the official's integrity or reputation will not be compromised.
The offer, payment or promise to transfer company funds or the delivery of anything of value to foreign officials, foreign political parties or officials or candidates of foreign political parties is strictly prohibited for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of any such person in his or her official capacity. Influence includes the decision to fail to perform his or her official functions or to use such persons or party's influence with a foreign government or instrumentality in order to affect or to influence any act or decision of such government or instrumentality in order to assist Arrayit Diagnostics in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to any person or entity.
All of our employees, agents and contractors, whether located in the United States or abroad, are responsible for FCPA compliance and the procedures to ensure FCPA compliance. All managers and supervisory personnel are expected to monitor continued compliance with the FCPA to ensure compliance with the highest moral, ethical and professional standards of Arrayit Diagnostics. Any employee who learns of or suspects a violation of this policy should promptly report the matter to General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.
5.7 Environmental, Safety and Health Laws
We are firmly committed to the environment, safety, and health of our employees and the community. We will comply with all applicable health, safety and environmental laws and regulations. We emphasize individual involvement by each of us to ensure that Arrayit Diagnostics is a safe and healthy workplace, and that we operate our business in an environmentally sound manner. If you become aware of any violation of environmental, safety, or health laws, you should immediately report it to the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department.
5.8 Governmental Laws and Regulations
It is our policy to comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations governing contact and dealings with government employees and public officials, and to adhere to high ethical, moral and legal standards of business conduct. It is also our policy to fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations that apply to government contracting.
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6.0 WAIVERS OF OUR CODE
Waivers of this Code will be granted on a case-by-case basis and only in extraordinary circumstances. Any waiver of any provision of this Code for a member of our Board of Directors or an executive officer must be approved in writing by our Board of Directors and promptly disclosed to the public. Any waiver of any provision of this Code with respect to any other employee, agent or contractor must be approved in writing by our Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer.
7.0 ENFORCEMENT OF OUR CODE
The subjects covered in this Code are of the utmost importance to Arrayit Diagnostics, its stockholders and its business partners, and are essential to our ability to conduct business consistent with the highest standards of business ethics. Each of us must abide by these rules when conducting our business.
We are committed to ensuring that each of our directors, officers and employees, and agents, contractors and consultants adhere to this Code. We will take appropriate action against any person whose actions are found to violate these policies or any of our other policies. Disciplinary actions may include termination of employment or business relationship at our sole discretion. Where we have suffered a loss, and to the extent legally allowed, we may pursue our remedies against the individuals or entities responsible. Where laws have been violated, we will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities.
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ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Arrayit Diagnostics”, “we”, or “our”) are committed to conducting our business with uncompromising integrity and ethics. This Code of Business Ethics (this “Code”) outlines the standards of business conduct in furtherance of this commitment. All of our directors, officers, employees and representatives, including all agents, consultants, and contractors, are expected to read and understand this Code, uphold these standards in day-to-day activities, and comply with all other applicable Arrayit Diagnostic’s policies and procedures.
The principles described in this Code are general in nature and are intended to provide guidance in recognizing and resolving legal and ethical issues that may arise in conducting our business. Arrayit Diagnostics may modify this Code at any time. This Code does not include all of our policies. Please consult our policies and procedures for more specific instruction. If you still have questions or remain uncertain about how to handle a particular matter, please contact the human resources personnel or General Counsel for further direction.
2.0 IMPORTANCE OF COMPLIANCE
Ethical business conduct is crucial to our reputation and success. Our reputation for integrity and ethics cannot be taken for granted. To maintain our reputation, it is your responsibility to respect and comply with this Code and the law, and to exercise good judgment in your decisions and actions.
Part of your job and ethical responsibility is to help enforce this Code. Violations or possible violations of law, this Code, or other Arrayit Diagnostic’s policies and procedures should be reported to the human resources personnel, Counsel, the Chief Executive Officer or other appropriate Arrayit Diagnostics management. We will promptly respond to your report of unlawful or unethical conduct, and if necessary, assign an independent party to investigate and make recommendations. You are expected to cooperate in any internal or external investigations of possible violations. Violations of law, this Code or other Arrayit Diagnostics policies and procedures by Arrayit Diagnostics employees can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
We strictly prohibit retaliation against any person who in good faith reports a violation or a suspected violation of law, this Code or our other policies, or against any person who is assisting in any investigation or process with respect to such a violation. Any retaliation against an employee because the employee, in good faith, sought help or filed a report will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN ARRAYIT DIAGNOSTICS EMPLOYEE
3.1 Positive Work Environment
We endeavor to maintain a positive work environment for our employees. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or other factors that are unrelated to our business interests. Arrayit Diagnostics expects you to exercise good judgment to ensure the safety and welfare of others in the workplace, and to foster a work environment emphasizing respect and teamwork. These standards do not only apply while working on our premises, but also when you are at offsite locations where our business is being conducted, at Arrayit Diagnostics-sponsored business and social events, or at any other place where you are a representative of Arrayit Diagnostics.
3.2 Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
While we respect the privacy of our employees in the conduct of their personal affairs, you should avoid any activity in which your personal interests may come into conflict, or appear to conflict, with our interests. The following are some examples of conflicts of interest:
3.2.1 Employment/Outside Employment.
As an employee of Arrayit Diagnostics, you are expected to devote your best efforts, time, ability and attention to the business interests of Arrayit Diagnostics. You are not to engage in any activity that interferes with your performance or responsibilities to Arrayit Diagnostics or is otherwise in conflict with or prejudicial to Arrayit Diagnostics. You must disclose to Arrayit Diagnostics any interest that you have that may conflict with our business. For example, if you are employed by or are otherwise providing services on behalf of another company, it is a conflict of interest to market products in competition with our current or future products. Further, such separate employment may not conflict with your invention-rights or confidentiality obligations to Arrayit Diagnostics.
3.2.2 Service on Outside Boards and Committees.
You cannot serve on a board of directors or trustees, or on a committee of any entity whose interests reasonably could be expected to conflict with those of Arrayit Diagnostics. You must obtain prior written approval from the Chief Executive Officer before accepting any outside board or committee position. If approved, and you hold such a position, you must do so on your own time and must not hold yourself out as a representative of Arrayit Diagnostics in connection with providing such services. Any compensation you receive should be commensurate to your responsibilities. Such approval may be conditioned upon the completion of specified actions. In the event that Arrayit Diagnostics requests that you serve on a board to represent our interests, you will be paid as an employee and are not to receive any remuneration as a result of serving on such board. Notwithstanding the above, you are not required to seek permission to sit on a board for non-profit or charitable organizations where the likelihood of any conflict of interest is remote.
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3.2.3 Business Interests.
If you are considering an investment in a customer, supplier or competitor of Arrayit Diagnostics, and you are in a position to influence a decision relating to such customer, supplier or competitor, we urge you to first ensure that these investments do not compromise your responsibilities to Arrayit Diagnostics. Many factors should be taken into account when determining whether a conflict exists, including the size and nature of the investment; your ability to influence our decisions; your access to our confidential information or of the other company; and the nature of the relationship between Arrayit Diagnostics and the other company.
3.2.4 Family Members.
The actions of family members may give rise to conflicts of interest because they may influence your objectivity in making decisions on behalf of Arrayit Diagnostics. As a general rule, you should avoid conducting our business with a relative or significant other, or with a business in which a relative or significant other is associated in any significant role. Relatives include spouse, sister, brother, daughter, son, mother, father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, step relationships and in-laws. Significant others include persons living in a spousal or familial fashion with an employee.
Arrayit Diagnostics prohibits the employment of close relatives and significant others in positions or assignments where there is a direct or indirect reporting relationship or where an actual or appearance of a conflict of interest exists. Please refer to our Employment of Relatives policy for further guidance.
3.2.5 Other Situations.
Other conflicts of may arise that have not been addressed above. If you have a doubt whether a proposed transaction or situation raises a conflict of interest, please contact the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department.
Arrayit Diagnostics requires that you disclose any situation that could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest. If you suspect that you have a conflict of interest, or something that others could reasonably perceive as a conflict of interest, you must report it immediately to the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department. While such situations are not automatically prohibited, they are not desirable and may only be waived by our Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer and with the concurrence of the General Counsel. Conflicts of interest of our Board of Directors, executive officers or other principal officers may only be waived by our Board of Directors and/or the appropriate committee of our Board of Directors and will be disclosed to the public as required by law.
3.3 Avoiding Exploitation of Corporate Opportunities for Personal Gain
Each of us has an obligation to put the interests of Arrayit Diagnostics ahead of our personal interests and to advance our interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Accordingly, you may not exploit for your own personal gain business opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position if in conflict with our interests. For example, if you become aware of an opportunity to purchase equipment at below market rates through your employment with Arrayit Diagnostics, you cannot seek to personally gain from such opportunity if such opportunity will conflict with our interests.
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3.4 Gifts and Other Activities
Receiving and giving business gifts of nominal value is permissible where customary. Receiving cash or gifts of significant value is strictly prohibited. Customary business activities, including meals, transportation and celebratory events, are proper unless the value, cost, or frequency of the business activities are such that they could be interpreted as affecting an otherwise objective business decision. Gifts and other activities should never compromise, or appear to compromise, your ability to make objective and fair business decisions. Please refer to our Gift and Activity Policy for additional information.
Gifts given by Arrayit Diagnostics to suppliers or customers should always be appropriate to the circumstances and should never be of a kind or nature that could create an appearance of impropriety. The nature and cost must always be accurately recorded in our books and records.
3.5 Protecting our Confidential Information and Intellectual Property
Our confidential information is a valuable asset and protecting it is the responsibility of all of us. our confidential information includes but is not limited to: data, know-how, trade secrets, designs, mask works, plans, drawings, specifications, algorithms, developmental or experimental work, test results, reports, pricing and financial information, product plans, product roadmaps, customer and supplier lists, marketing techniques and materials, organizational charts, and personnel information. This information is the property of Arrayit Diagnostics and may be protected by patent, trademark, copyright, mask work, trade secret, and other laws. This obligation extends to confidential information of third parties, which we have rightfully received under Non-Disclosure Agreements. Please see Handling Confidential Information of Others set forth in Section 4.4 of this Code.
3.4.1 Employee Confidentiality and Invention Agreement.
When you joined Arrayit Diagnostics, you signed an agreement to protect our confidential and proprietary information. This agreement remains in effect for as long as you work for Arrayit Diagnostics and after you leave Arrayit Diagnostics. Under this agreement, you may not disclose our confidential information to anyone or use it to benefit anyone other than Arrayit Diagnostics unless compelled to do so by court order.
3.4.2 Disclosure of Company Confidential Information.
From time to time, we may disclose our confidential information to third parties to further our business. However, you should never make such disclosure without first carefully considering its potential benefits and risks. If you determine, in consultation with your manager and other appropriate Arrayit Diagnostics management, that disclosure of confidential information is necessary, you must then contact the Legal Department to ensure that an appropriate written nondisclosure agreement is signed prior to any disclosure. We have standard nondisclosure agreements suitable for most disclosures.
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3.4.3 Requests by Regulatory Authorities.
Arrayit Diagnostics and its employees must cooperate with appropriate government inquiries and investigations. In this context, however, it is important to protect the legal rights of Arrayit Diagnostics with respect to its confidential information. All government requests for information, documents or investigative interviews must be referred to our Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel. No information may be disclosed to regulatory authorities without the prior approval of the Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel.
3.4.4 Public Communications.
Arrayit Diagnostics has established an External Communications Policy regarding who may communicate information to the press and the financial analyst community. All inquiries or calls from the press and financial analysts should be referred to the Chief Financial Officer. Arrayit Diagnostics has designated certain individuals in the External Communications Policy who are authorized to act as a spokesperson on its behalf. These designees and other individuals designated by them from time to time are the only people who may communicate with the press or financial analysts on our behalf. Making statements, answering questions, or otherwise communicating with the press or financial analysts outside the narrow guidelines of our External Communications Policy is strictly prohibited.
3.6 Safeguarding our Assets
3.4.1 General. Safeguarding our assets is the responsibility of everyone. Each of us must use care to ensure that assets are not misappropriated, loaned to others, sold or donated, without appropriate authorization. You are also responsible for the proper use of our assets, and must safeguard such assets against loss, damage, misuse or theft. Our equipment and assets are to be used only for our business purposes. You may not use our assets for non-incidental personal use, nor allow other persons to use our assets.
3.4.2 Physical Access Control.
Arrayit Diagnostics has and will continue to develop procedures covering physical access control to ensure privacy of communications, maintenance of the security of its communication equipment and to safeguard its assets from theft, misuse and destruction. You are personally responsible for complying with the level of access control that has been implemented in the facility where you work on a permanent or temporary basis. You must not defeat or cause to be defeated the purpose for which the access control was implemented.
3.4.3 Company Funds.
Every employee is personally responsible for all our funds over which he or she exercises control. Our agents, consultants and contractors should not be allowed to exercise control over our funds without the prior written approval of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer. In all cases, our funds must be used only for our business purposes. Each of us must take reasonable steps to ensure that we receive good value for Company funds spent, and must maintain accurate and timely records of each and every expenditure.
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3.4.4 Computers and Other Equipment.
Arrayit Diagnostics provides you with the equipment necessary to efficiently and effectively perform your job. This equipment remains our property. It is your responsibility to take all reasonable actions to care and protect our equipment while it is in your possession. If you use our equipment at your home or off-site, you should take precautions to protect it from theft or damage. Please refer to our Teleworking Policy for additional information. our equipment is for business purposes, and you may not use it for non-incidental personal use. Once you cease working for Arrayit Diagnostics, you must immediately return all of our equipment.
3.4.5 Software.
Software is protected from unauthorized copying and use by federal and state law. All software used by employees on Arrayit Diagnostics systems must be appropriately licensed. Unauthorized copying or use of software exposes Arrayit Diagnostics and you to potential civil and criminal liability. Our Information Technology Department may inspect our computers periodically to verify that only licensed software has been installed. Any non-licensed software will be removed.
3.4.6 Electronic Communications Systems Security.
Arrayit Diagnostics requires employees to utilize electronic communication systems in a legal, ethical and appropriate manner. Electronic communications systems within the organization, include but are not limited to computers, software, e-mail, connections to the Internet, intranet and extranet and any other public or private networks, voicemail, video conferencing, facsimiles and telephones. They also include all communications and records, files, software, and electronic communications or messages sent, received, or contained in such systems. Posting or discussing information concerning our products or business on the Internet without the prior written consent of our Chief Financial Officer or other designated officer is prohibited. Any other form of electronic communication provided by Arrayit Diagnostics, that is used by employees currently or in the future, is also intended to be encompassed under this policy. It is not possible to identify every standard and rule applicable to the use of electronic communications devices. You are therefore encouraged to use sound judgment whenever using any feature of our communications systems. Please refer to our Electronic Communications Systems Security Policy for additional information.
You are not entitled to an expectation of privacy with respect to information transmitted over, received by or stored in any electronic communications system owned, leased or operated in whole or in part by or on behalf of Arrayit Diagnostics. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Arrayit Diagnostics retains the right to gain access to any information received by, transmitted by or stored in any such electronic communications system, by and through its employees, agents, contractors or representatives, at any time, either with or without an employee's or third party's knowledge, consent or approval.
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3.7 Recording and Reporting Information
3.7.1 Accounting and Financial Reporting.
As a public company, we are required to report financial information accurately and completely, and have appropriate internal controls to ensure that accounting and financial reporting complies with the law. Accurate accounting records and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are critical in providing full, fair, accurate and understandable information in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and disclosures we provide to the public. If you have responsibilities for, or are involved in these areas, you must comply with applicable laws and our policies. Violations of the laws associated with accounting and financing reporting can result in fines, penalties, and imprisonment, as well as damaging our reputation.
3.7.2 Accurate Books and Records.
Arrayit Diagnostics fully and accurately records all transactions in its books and records in compliance with all applicable laws. Regardless of whether the reporting is required by law, false or misleading entries, unrecorded funds or assets, or payments without appropriate supporting documentation and approval are strictly prohibited. All documentation supporting a transaction should fully and accurately describe the nature of the transaction and be processed in a timely fashion. Employees are required to fill out and submit expense reports accurately and representing expenses actually incurred. Please refer to our Travel and Entertainment Policy for additional information.
3.8 Document Retention and Preservation
You are encouraged to maintain a clean and efficient workspace, and to discard unnecessary documents. Nonetheless, Arrayit Diagnostics is required by various laws, rules and regulations to retain certain records and to follow specific guidelines in managing its records. Records include paper documents, CDs, computer hard disks, e-mail, floppy disks, microfiche, microfilm or all other media. Civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply can be severe for you and Arrayit Diagnostics. Please consult with Document Control or the Legal Department if you are uncertain about your document retention obligations
Document destruction procedures will be suspended when necessary to preserve appropriate records under special circumstances, such as litigation or government investigations. )ur Legal Department determines and identifies what types of Company records or documents are required to be placed under a legal hold. You must comply with this policy. Failure to comply with this policy may subject you to disciplinary action, and potentially to criminal prosecution.
Our Legal Department will notify you if a legal hold is placed on records for which you are responsible. Records that have been placed under a legal hold must not be destroyed, altered or otherwise modified. Our Legal Department will notify you when the legal hold has been removed. If you are unsure whether a document has been placed under a legal hold, you should preserve and protect that document while you check with our Legal Department.
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3.9 No Improper Political Contributions
We encourage our employees to participate in the political process as individual citizens on their own time. However, business contributions to political campaigns are strictly regulated by federal, state, local and other laws, including laws that may exist in non-US countries. Our funds must not be used for, or be contributed to, political campaigns or political practices under any circumstances without the prior written approval of our Chief Financial Officer and, if required, the Board of Directors.
4.0 OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHERS
4.1 Relationships with Customers
It is critical for all employees to remember that you represent Arrayit Diagnostics to the people with whom you are dealing and that you act in a manner that creates value for our customers and helps to build a relationship based upon trust. Arrayit Diagnostics and its employees have provided products and services for many years, and have built up significant goodwill and trust with our customers over that time. This goodwill and trust are among our most important assets, and our employees, agents, consultants and contractors must act to preserve and enhance our reputation.
4.2 Relationships with Suppliers
Our suppliers make significant contributions to our success. We strive to create an environment where our suppliers seek to work with Arrayit Diagnostics. To this end, they must be confident that we will treat them lawfully and in an ethical manner. Our policy is to purchase supplies based on need, quality, service, price and terms and conditions. Our policy is to select significant suppliers or enter into significant supplier agreements through a competitive bid process where possible. Payments made for goods or services must be commensurate with the goods or services received. Under no circumstances should any Arrayit Diagnostics employee, agent or contractor attempt to coerce suppliers in any way. The confidential information of a supplier is entitled to the same protection as that of any other third party and must not be received before an appropriate nondisclosure agreement has been signed.
4.3 Relationships with Competitors
In the normal course of business, it is not unusual to obtain information about other companies, including competitors. Indeed, we gather information about competitors from a variety of legitimate sources in an effort to analyze the relative strength of our products, services, marketing methods, and financial performance. There are, however, limits on how you should acquire and use information about competitors. You should not use any type of improper means to acquire a competitor's confidential information. Illegal methods such as stealing, wiretapping, and trespassing are clearly forbidden. Similarly, improper practices such as hiring a competitor's employees to acquire confidential information or improperly soliciting confidential information from a competitor's employees are prohibited. Please remember to exercise good judgment and discretion when utilizing information about other companies, including competitors.
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4.4 Confidential Information of Others
We have many kinds of business relationships with many companies and individuals. During the course of these relationships, these companies and individuals may want to share confidential information with Arrayit Diagnostics for a particular purpose. To avoid claims of misappropriation or misuse of the confidential information, it is important that a written agreement between the parties governing the use of the confidential information be signed before Arrayit Diagnostics receives such information. We will then use and safeguard the confidential information in accordance with the terms of the written agreement. If you have any questions regarding the confidential information of others, you should immediately consult the Legal Department.
5.0 OUR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LAW
5.1 Compliance With All Applicable Laws and Regulations
Each of us must obey all applicable laws and regulations. Employees located outside of the United States must comply with laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders of the United States, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.S. Export Control Act, in addition to applicable local laws. In conducting our business, you may encounter legal issues in the areas described below. You must be aware of potential violations and know when to seek advice from the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department on specific Company policies and procedures. Failure to comply with applicable laws may subject Arrayit Diagnostics and the individuals involved to criminal or civil liability, as well as to discipline by Arrayit Diagnostics.
5.2 Free and Fair Competition
Most countries have well-developed laws designed to protect consumers and competitors against unfair business practices and to promote and preserve competition. These laws are known as antitrust, competition, consumer protection or unfair competition laws. We are committed to obeying both the letter and spirit of these laws.
These laws often regulate our relationship with our distributors, resellers, dealers, competitors, and customers. Competition laws generally address the following areas: pricing practices (including price discrimination), discounting, terms of sale, credit terms, promotional allowances, secret rebates, exclusive dealerships or distributorships, product bundling, restrictions on carrying competing products, termination and many other practices. The following is a summary of actions that are clear violations of U.S. antitrust laws:
* | Price Fixing. We may not agree with our competitors to raise, lower or stabilize price or any element of price, including discounts and credit terms. In addition, we may not set the prices at which customers resell our products. |
* | Limitation of Supply. We may not agree with our competitors to limit our production or restrict the supply of our services. |
* | Allocation of Business. We may not agree with our competitors to divide or allocate markets, territories or customers. |
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* | Boycott. We may not agree with our competitors to refuse to sell or purchase products from third parties. In addition, we may not prevent a customer from purchasing or using non-Company products or services. |
* | Tying. We may not require a customer to purchase a product that it does not want as a condition to the sale of a different product that the customer does wish to purchase. |
Antitrust laws also govern, usually quite strictly, relationships between Arrayit Diagnostics and our competitors. As a general rule, contacts with competitors should be limited and should always avoid subjects such as prices or other terms and conditions of sale, customers and suppliers. Employees, agents or contractors of Arrayit Diagnostics may not knowingly make false or misleading statements regarding our competitors or the products of our competitors, customers or suppliers.
No employee, agent or contractor shall enter into an agreement or understanding, written or oral, express or implied, with any competitor concerning prices, discounts, other terms or conditions of sale, profits or profit margins, costs, allocation of product or geographic markets, allocation of customers, limitations on production, supplier's terms and conditions, boycotts of customers or suppliers, bids or the intent to bid or even discuss or exchange information on these subjects. In some cases, legitimate joint ventures with competitors may permit exceptions to these rules, as may, bona fide purchases from or sales to competitors, but our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer must review all such proposed ventures, purchases or sales in advance. These prohibitions are absolute and strict observance is required. Collusion among competitors is illegal, and the consequences of a violation are severe, including possible criminal prosecution.
Participating with competitors in a trade association or in a standards creation body is acceptable when the association has been properly established, has a legitimate purpose and has limited its activities to that purpose. However, you should not discuss pricing policy or other competitive terms, or other proprietary and confidential information.
Although the spirit of these laws may be straightforward, their application to particular situations can be quite complex. To ensure that we comply fully with these laws, each of us should have a basic knowledge of them and whenever doubt exists as to the legality of a particular action or arrangement, it is your responsibility to contact the Legal Department promptly for assistance, approval, and review.
5.3 Export Control Laws
A number of countries maintain controls on the destinations to which products or software may be exported. The United States maintains some of the strictest export controls against countries that the U.S. government considers unfriendly or as supporting international terrorism. The U.S. regulations are complex and apply both to exports from the United States and to exports of products from other countries, when those products contain U.S.-origin components or technology. In some circumstances, an oral presentation containing technical data made to foreign nationals in the United States may constitute a controlled export. To ensure compliance, all shipments of product, software and technology must be cleared through our Traffic and Customs Department. Additionally, we can provide guidance on which countries are prohibited destinations for our products or whether a proposed technical presentation to foreign nationals may require a U.S. government license.
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5.4 Insider Trading Laws
In the normal course of business, officers, directors and employees, as well as agents, consultants and contractors of Arrayit Diagnostics may come into possession of significant, sensitive information. You may not profit from it by buying or selling Arrayit Diagnostics securities yourself, or by passing on the information to others, to enable them to profit or for them to profit on your behalf. You need to be aware of your legal responsibilities and understand that the misuse of such significant and sensitive information is contrary to our policy and securities laws.
“Insider trading” refers to the purchase or sale of a company stock or other securities while in possession of material, non-public information relating to that company. Information is “material” if a reasonable investor would consider it important in a decision to buy, hold or sell stock or other securities. Information is “non-public” if it has not been made generally available to the public by means of a press release or other means of widespread distribution. It is generally understood that insider trading includes the following: (i) trading by insiders while in possession of material, non-public information; (ii) trading by persons other than insiders while in the possession of material, non-public information where the information either was in breach of an insider's fiduciary duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated; or (iii) communicating or tipping material, non-public information to others, including recommending the purchase or sale of a security while in possession of such information. Penalties for insider trading are quite substantial. For more details, you should review our Non-Public Information and the Prevention of Insider Trading Policy.
Arrayit Diagnostics has adopted Pre-Clearance and Blackout policies for its officers and Board of Directors that further restricts when such officers and Directors may trade in Arrayit Diagnostics securities. If you are unsure as to whether you can trade in our securities or have questions regarding our Non-Public Information and the Prevention of Insider Trading Policy, please contact our Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel.
5.5 Prohibition on Short Selling of Company Stock
No Arrayit Diagnostics Board of Director, officer or other designated employee may, directly or indirectly, sell any equity security, including derivatives, of Arrayit Diagnostics if he or she (1) does not own the security sold, or (2) if he or she owns the security, does not deliver it against such sale (a “short sale against the box”) within twenty days thereafter, or does not within five days after such sale deposit it in the mail or other usual channel of transportation. No Arrayit Diagnostics director, officer or other designated employee may engage in short sales. A short sale, as defined in this policy, means any transaction whereby one may benefit from a decline in our stock price. Transactions in put and call options for our securities constitute a short sale for the purposes of this paragraph and are therefore prohibited.
5.6 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Arrayit Diagnostics requires full compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) by all of its employees, agents, consultants and contractors. The FCPA prohibits Arrayit Diagnostics, its directors, officers and employees, and agents, consultants and contractors from offering or giving money or any other item of value to win or retain business or to influence any act or decision of any governmental official, political party, candidate for political office or official of a public international organization. Violation of the FCPA can result in civil and criminal liability for Arrayit Diagnostics, its directors, officers, ,employees, agents, consultants and contractors.
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The use of our funds or assets for any unlawful or improper purpose is strictly prohibited. No payment shall be made to, or for the benefit of, government employees for the purpose of, or otherwise in connection with, the securing of sales to or obtaining favorable action by a government agency. Gifts of substantial value to, or lavish entertainment of, government employees are prohibited since they can be construed as attempts to influence government decisions in matters affecting our operation. Any entertaining of public officials or the furnishing of assistance in the form of transportation or other services should be of such nature that the official's integrity or reputation will not be compromised.
The offer, payment or promise to transfer company funds or the delivery of anything of value to foreign officials, foreign political parties or officials or candidates of foreign political parties is strictly prohibited for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of any such person in his or her official capacity. Influence includes the decision to fail to perform his or her official functions or to use such persons or party's influence with a foreign government or instrumentality in order to affect or to influence any act or decision of such government or instrumentality in order to assist Arrayit Diagnostics in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to any person or entity.
All of our employees, agents and contractors, whether located in the United States or abroad, are responsible for FCPA compliance and the procedures to ensure FCPA compliance. All managers and supervisory personnel are expected to monitor continued compliance with the FCPA to ensure compliance with the highest moral, ethical and professional standards of Arrayit Diagnostics. Any employee who learns of or suspects a violation of this policy should promptly report the matter to General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Executive Officer.
5.7 Environmental, Safety and Health Laws
We are firmly committed to the environment, safety, and health of our employees and the community. We will comply with all applicable health, safety and environmental laws and regulations. We emphasize individual involvement by each of us to ensure that Arrayit Diagnostics is a safe and healthy workplace, and that we operate our business in an environmentally sound manner. If you become aware of any violation of environmental, safety, or health laws, you should immediately report it to the Human Resources Department or the Legal Department.
5.8 Governmental Laws and Regulations
It is our policy to comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations governing contact and dealings with government employees and public officials, and to adhere to high ethical, moral and legal standards of business conduct. It is also our policy to fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations that apply to government contracting.
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6.0 WAIVERS OF OUR CODE
Waivers of this Code will be granted on a case-by-case basis and only in extraordinary circumstances. Any waiver of any provision of this Code for a member of our Board of Directors or an executive officer must be approved in writing by our Board of Directors and promptly disclosed to the public. Any waiver of any provision of this Code with respect to any other employee, agent or contractor must be approved in writing by our Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer.
7.0 ENFORCEMENT OF OUR CODE
The subjects covered in this Code are of the utmost importance to Arrayit Diagnostics, its stockholders and its business partners, and are essential to our ability to conduct business consistent with the highest standards of business ethics. Each of us must abide by these rules when conducting our business.
We are committed to ensuring that each of our directors, officers and employees, and agents, contractors and consultants adhere to this Code. We will take appropriate action against any person whose actions are found to violate these policies or any of our other policies. Disciplinary actions may include termination of employment or business relationship at our sole discretion. Where we have suffered a loss, and to the extent legally allowed, we may pursue our remedies against the individuals or entities responsible. Where laws have been violated, we will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities.
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Exhibit 23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the use of our report dated November 9, 2012 with respect to the financial statements of Arrayit Diagnostics, Inc. for the period from inception, June 2, 2009, through December 31, 2011 included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading of "Experts" in the registration statement.
/s/ Moss, Krusick and Associates, LLC
Winter Park, Florida
November 9, 2012