EXHIBIT 10.9(A)

EX-10.1 7 f95432orexv10w1.txt EXHIBIT 10.1 EXHIBIT 10.1 NOVACEPT 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN (AS AMENDED ON JULY 27, 1998)(1) (AS AMENDED ON NOVEMBER 10, 1999)(2) (AS AMENDED ON APRIL 17, 2001)(3) (AS AMENDED ON MAY 15, 2001) (AS AMENDED ON JULY 18, 2002)(4) (AS AMENDED ON DECEMBER 11, 2003)(5) 1. PURPOSES OF THE PLAN. The purposes of this 1997 Stock Option Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's business. Options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options (as defined under Section 422 of the Code) or nonstatutory stock options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and subject to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. 2. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply: (a) "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan. (b) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company. (c) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (d) "COMMITTEE" means the Committee appointed by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 4(a) of the Plan. (e) "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company. - ------------- (1) Amended Section 3 by increasing the number of Shares that may be optioned and sold under the Plan. (2) Amended Section 3 by increasing the number of Shares that may be optioned and sold under the Plan. (3) Amended Sections 2 and 10 of the Plan. (4) Amended Section 3 by increasing the number of Shares that may be optioned and sold under the Plan. (5) Amended Section 3 by increasing the number of Shares that may be optioned and sold under the Plan. (f) "COMPANY" means Novacept, a California corporation. (g) "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, who is engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render services and is compensated for such services, and any director of the Company whether compensated for such services or not. (h) "CONTINUOUS STATUS AS AN EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT" means the absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee or Consultant. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Administrator, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; or (iv) in the case of transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. For purposes of this Plan, a change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or from a Consultant to an Employee will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant. (i) "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including officers and directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, with the status of employment determined based upon such minimum number of hours or periods worked as shall be determined by the Administrator in its discretion, subject to any requirements of the Code. The payment of a director's fee to a director shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" of such director by the Company. (j) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (k) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the fair market value of Common Stock determined as follows: (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system including without limitation the National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported), as quoted on such system or exchange, or the exchange with the greatest volume of trading in Common Stock for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ System (but not on the National Market thereof) or regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator. -2- (l) "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, as designated in the applicable written option agreement. (m) "LISTED SECURITY" means any security of the Company that is listed or approved for listing on a national securities exchange or designated or approved for designation as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (n) "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, as designated in the applicable written option agreement. (o) "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan. (p) "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option. (q) "OPTIONEE" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an Option. (r) "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code, or any successor provision. (s) "PLAN" means this 1997 Stock Option Plan. (t) "REPORTING PERSON" means an officer, director, or greater than ten percent shareholder of the Company within the meaning of Rule 16a-2 under the Exchange Act, who is required to file reports pursuant to Rule l6a-3 under the Exchange Act. (u) "RULE 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, or any successor provision. (v) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 11 of the Plan. (w) "STOCK EXCHANGE" means any stock exchange or consolidated stock price reporting system on which prices for the Common Stock are quoted at any given time. (x) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation" whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, or any successor provision. 3. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be optioned and sold under the Plan is 5,572,875 shares of Common Stock. The shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares that were subject thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for future grant under the Plan. In addition, any shares of Common Stock which are retained by the Company upon exercise of an Option in order to satisfy the exercise or purchase price for such Option or any withholding taxes due with respect to such exercise shall be treated as not issued and shall continue to be available under the Plan. -3- 4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN. (a) INITIAL PLAN PROCEDURE. Prior to the date, if any, upon which the Company becomes subject to the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered by the Board or a committee appointed by the Board. (b) PLAN PROCEDURE AFTER THE DATE, IF ANY, UPON WHICH THE COMPANY BECOMES SUBJECT TO THE EXCHANGE ACT. (i) MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES. If permitted by Rule 16b-3, grants under the Plan may be made by different bodies with respect to directors, non-director officers and Employees or Consultants who are not Reporting Persons. (ii) ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO REPORTING PERSONS. With respect to grants of Options to Employees who are Reporting Persons, such grants shall be made by (A) the Board if the Board may make grants to Reporting Persons under the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3, or (B) a committee designated by the Board to make grants to Reporting Persons under the Plan, which committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to permit grants under the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3. Once appointed, such committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the committee and thereafter directly make grants to Reporting Persons under the Plan, all to the extent permitted by Rule 16b-3. (iii) ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO CONSULTANTS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES. With respect to grants of Options to Employees or Consultants who are not Reporting Persons, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the Board, which committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the legal requirements relating to the administration of incentive stock option plans, if any, of California corporate and securities laws, of the Code and of any applicable Stock Exchange (the "Applicable Laws"). Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws. (c) POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. Subject to the provisions of the Plan and in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities, including the approval, if required, of any Stock Exchange, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion: (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, in accordance with Section 2(k) of the Plan; (ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom Options may from time to time be granted hereunder; -4- (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options or any combination thereof are granted hereunder; (iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each such option granted hereunder; (v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; (vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any option granted hereunder; (vii) to determine whether and under what circumstances an Option may be settled in cash under Section 9(f) instead of Common Stock; (viii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the Option was granted; (ix) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Options granted under the Plan; and (x) in order to fulfill the purposes of the Plan and without amending the Plan, to modify grants of Options to participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United States in order to recognize differences in local law, tax policies or customs. (d) EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION. All decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all holders of Options. 5. ELIGIBILITY. (a) RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS. Nonstatutory Stock Options may be granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. An Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option may, if he or she is otherwise eligible, be granted additional Options. (b) TYPE OF OPTION. Each Option shall be designated in the written option agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to an Incentive Stock Option shall be determined as of the date of the grant of such Option. (c) EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP. The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuation of employment or consulting relationship with the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with such Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause. -5- 6. TERM OF PLAN. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the shareholders of the Company as described in Section 18 of the Plan. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan. 7. TERM OF OPTION. The term of each Option shall be the term stated in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement. However, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement. 8. OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION. (a) The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Board, but shall be subject to the following: (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is: (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of the grant of such Incentive Stock Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. (B) granted to any Employee, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option that is: (A) granted to a person who, at the time of the grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of the grant. (B) granted to any person, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. (b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash, (2) check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares that (x) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender or such other period as may be required to avoid a charge to the Company's earnings, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (5) authorization for the Company to retain from the total number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised that number of Shares having a Fair -6- Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price for the total number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised, (6) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price and any applicable income or employment taxes, (7) delivery of an irrevocable subscription agreement for the Shares that irrevocably obligates the option holder to take and pay for the Shares not more than twelve months after the date of delivery of the subscription agreement, (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment, or (9) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company. 9. EXERCISE OF OPTION. (a) PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator, including performance criteria with respect to the Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms of the Plan; provided that such Option shall become exercisable at the rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the Option is granted. In the event that any of the Shares issued upon exercise of an Option should be subject to a right of repurchase in the Company's favor, such repurchase right shall lapse at the rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the Option is granted. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and the Company has received full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may, as authorized by the Board, consist of any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) of the Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 11 of the Plan. Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares that thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised. (b) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP. Subject to Section 9(c), in the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant with the Company, such Optionee may, but only within three (3) months (or such other period of time not less than thirty (30) days as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of grant of the Option and not exceeding three (3) months) after the date of such termination (but in no event later than the -7- expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of such termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate. No termination shall be deemed to occur and this Section 9(b) shall not apply if (i) the Optionee is a Consultant who becomes an Employee; or (ii) the Optionee is an Employee who becomes a Consultant. (c) DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE. (i) Notwithstanding Section 9(b) above, in the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of his or her total and permanent disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate. (ii) In the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of a disability which does not fall within the meaning of total and permanent disability (as set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within six (6) months from the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. However, to the extent that such Optionee fails to exercise an Option which is an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO") (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) within three (3) months of the date of such termination, the Option will not qualify for ISO treatment under the Code. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within six months (6) from the date of termination, the Option shall terminate. (d) DEATH OF OPTIONEE. In the event of the death of an Optionee during the period of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant and having been in Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant since the date of grant of the Option, or within thirty (30) days following termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, the Option may be exercised, at any time within six (6) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), by Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the date of death or, if earlier, the date of termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of death or termination, as the case may be, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate. (e) RULE 16b-3. Options granted to Reporting Persons shall comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption for Plan transactions. -8- (f) BUYOUT PROVISIONS. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made. 10. TAXES. (a) As a condition of the exercise of an Option granted under the Plan, the Optionee (or in the case of the Optionee's death, the person exercising the Option) shall make such arrangements as the Administrator may require for the satisfaction of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with the exercise of Option and the issuance of Shares. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied. (b) In the case of an Employee and in the absence of any other arrangement, the Employee shall be deemed to have directed the Company to withhold or collect from his or her compensation an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations from the next payroll payment otherwise payable after the date of an exercise of the Option. (c) This Section 10(c) shall apply only after the date, if any, upon which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security. In the case of Optionee other than an Employee (or in the case of an Employee where the next payroll payment is not sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations, with respect to any remaining tax obligations), in the absence of any other arrangement and to the extent permitted under the Applicable Laws, the Optionee shall be deemed to have elected to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value determined as of the applicable Tax Date (as defined below) equal to the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal and state tax purposes, including payroll taxes, applicable to the exercise. For purposes of this Section 10, the Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined under the Applicable Laws (the "Tax Date"). (d) If permitted by the Administrator, in its discretion, an Optionee may satisfy his or her tax withholding obligations upon exercise of an Option by surrendering to the Company Shares that (i) in the case of Shares previously acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value determined as of the applicable Tax Date equal to the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal and state tax purposes, including payroll taxes, applicable to the exercise. (e) Any election or deemed election by an Optionee to have Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations under Section 10 (c) or (d) above shall be irrevocable as to the particular Shares as to which the election is made and shall be subject to the consent or disapproval of the Administrator. Any election by an Optionee under Section 10(d) above must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax Date. (f) In the event an election to have Shares withheld is made by an Optionee and the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because no election is filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Optionee shall receive the full number of Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised but such Optionee shall be unconditionally obligated to tender back to the Company the proper number of Shares on the applicable Tax Date. -9- 11. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, MERGER OR CERTAIN OTHER TRANSACTIONS. (a) CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. Subject to any required action by the share-holders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock that have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or that have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination, recapitalization or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option. (b) DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Board shall notify the Optionee at least fifteen (15) days prior to such proposed action. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, the Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. (c) MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or a merger of the Company with or into another corporation where the successor corporation issues its securities to the Company's shareholders, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right shall be substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless the Board determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such assumption or substitution, that the Optionee shall have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. If the Board makes an Option fully exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee that the Option shall be fully exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice, and the Option will terminate upon the expiration of such period. (d) CERTAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. In the event of any distribution to the Company's shareholders of securities of any other entity or other assets (other than dividends payable in cash or stock of the Company) without receipt of consideration by the Company, the Administrator may, in its discretion, appropriately adjust the price per share of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Option to reflect the effect of such distribution. 12. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS. Options may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised or purchased during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. -10- 13. TIME OF GRANTING OPTIONS. The date of grant of an Option shall, for all purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option, or such other date as is determined by the Board; provided however that in the case of any Incentive Stock Option, the grant date shall be the later of the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Incentive Stock Option or the date of commencement of the Optionee's employment relationship with the Company. Notice of the determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an Option is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant. 14. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. (a) AUTHORITY TO AMEND OR TERMINATE. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, suspension or discontinuation shall be made that would impair the rights of any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 or with Section 422 of the Code (or any other applicable law or regulation, including the requirements of any Stock Exchange), the Company shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required. (b) EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. No amendment or termination of the Plan shall adversely affect Options already granted, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Board, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company. 15. CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any Stock Exchange. As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by law. 16. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. 17. AGREEMENTS. Options shall be evidenced by written agreements in such form as the Administrator shall approve from time to time. 18. SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under applicable -11- state and federal law and the rules of any Stock Exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed. All Options issued under the Plan shall become void in the event such approval is not obtained. 19. INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS TO OPTIONEES. The Company shall provide financial statements at least annually to each Optionee during the period such Optionee has one or more Options outstanding, and in the case of an individual who acquired Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such individual owns such Shares. The Company shall not be required to provide such information if the issuance of Options under the Plan is limited to key employees whose duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent information. In addition, at the time of issuance of any securities under the Plan, the Company shall provide to the Optionee a copy of the Plan and a copy of any agreement(s) pursuant to which securities under the Plan are issued. -12- NOVACEPT 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT 1. GRANT OF OPTION. Novacept, a California corporation (the "Company"), hereby grants to you, the optionee ("Optionee") named on the Notice of Grant of Stock Options, an option (the "Option") to purchase a total number of shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in the Notice of Grant of Stock Options, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant of Stock Options (the "Exercise Price") subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Novacept 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option. If designated an Incentive Stock Option, this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. 2. EXERCISE OF OPTION. This Option shall be exercisable during its Term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant of Stock Options and with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as follows: (a) RIGHT TO EXERCISE. (i) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share. (ii) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other termination of employment, the exercisability of the Option is governed by Sections 5, 6 and 7 below, subject to the limitation contained in Section 2(a)(i). (iii) In no event may this Option be exercised after the date of expiration of the Term of this Option as set forth in the Notice Grant of Stock Options. (b) METHOD OF EXERCISE. This Option shall be exercisable by execution and delivery of the Exercise Notice and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Agreement") or of any other form of written notice approved for such purpose by the Company which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to the holder's investment intent with respect to such shares of Common Stock as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Such written notice shall be signed by Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice accompanied by the Exercise Price. No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant provisions of applicable law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares. 3. METHOD OF PAYMENT. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Optionee: (a) cash; (b) check; (c) surrender of other shares of Common Stock of the Company which (i) in the case of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Company option, have been owned by Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised; or (d) if there is a public market for the Shares and they are registered under the Securities Act, delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price. 4. RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISE. This Option may not be exercised until such time as the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, or if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such Shares would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities or other law or regulation, including any rule under Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation. 5. TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP. In the event of termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, Optionee may, to the extent otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the "Termination Date"), exercise this Option during the Termination Period set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise this Option at such Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise this Option within the Termination Period, the Option shall terminate. 6. DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5 above, in the event of termination of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of Optionee's total and permanent disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the Termination Date (but in no event later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant), exercise this Option to the -2- extent Optionee was entitled to exercise it as of such Termination Date. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option as of the Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option (to the extent so entitled) within the time specified in this Section 6(a), the Option shall terminate. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5 above, in the event of termination of Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee as a result of disability not constituting a total and permanent disability (as set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within six (6) months from the Termination Date (but in no event later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant), exercise the Option to the extent Optionee was entitled to exercise it as of such Termination Date; provided, however, that if this is an Incentive Stock Option and Optionee fails to exercise this Incentive Stock Option within three (3) months from the Termination Date, this Option will cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option (as defined in Section 422 of the Code) and Optionee will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at the time of such exercise in an amount generally measured by the difference between the Exercise Price for the Shares and the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified in this Section 6(b), the Option shall terminate. 7. DEATH OF OPTIONEE. In the event of the death of Optionee (a) during the Term of this Option and while an Employee or Consultant of the Company and having been in Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant since the date of grant of the Option, or (b) within thirty (30) days after Optionee's Termination Date, the Option may be exercised at any time within six (6) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant), by Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the Termination Date. 8. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by him or her. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Optionee. 9. TERM OF OPTION. This Option may be exercised only within the Term set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 7 of the Plan. 10. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date of this Option of certain of the federal and California tax consequences of exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares under the laws in effect as of the Date of Grant. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. -3- (a) EXERCISE OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. If this Option qualifies as an Incentive Stock Option, there will be no regular federal or California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option, although the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to the alternative minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject Optionee to the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise. (b) EXERCISE OF NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION. If this Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, there may be a regular federal income tax liability and a California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option. Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an employee, the Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise. (c) DISPOSITION OF SHARES. In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, if the Shares are held for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, if Shares transferred pursuant to the Option are held for at least one year after exercise and are disposed of at least two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an Incentive Stock Option are disposed of within such one-year period or within two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the difference between the Exercise Price and the lesser of (i) the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise, or (ii) the sale price of the Shares. (d) NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION SHARES. If the Option granted to Optionee herein is an Incentive Stock Option, and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option on or before the later of (i) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one year after the date of exercise, Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Optionee acknowledges and agrees that he or she may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Optionee from the early disposition by payment in cash or out of the current earnings paid to Optionee. 11. WITHHOLDING TAX OBLIGATIONS. Optionee understands that, upon exercising a Nonstatutory Stock Option, he or she will recognize income for tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the then fair market value of the Shares over the Exercise Price. However, the timing of this income recognition may be deferred for up to six months if Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). If Optionee is an employee, the Company will be required to withhold -4- from Optionee's compensation, or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income. Additionally, Optionee may at some point be required to satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to the disqualifying disposition of an Incentive Stock Option. Optionee shall satisfy his or her tax withholding obligation arising upon the exercise of this Option by one or some combination of the following methods: (a) by cash payment, (b) out of Optionee's current compensation, (c) if permitted by the Administrator, in its discretion, by surrendering to the Company Shares which (i) in the case of Shares previously acquired from the Company, have been owned by Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to or greater than Optionee's marginal tax rate times the ordinary income recognized, or (d) by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option that number of Shares having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld. For this purpose, the fair market value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined (the "Tax Date"). If Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (an "Insider"), any surrender of previously owned Shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon exercise of this Option must comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act ("Rule 16b-3"). All elections by Optionee to have Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the Administrator and shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax Date; (b) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the particular Shares of the Option as to which the election is made; and (c) all elections shall be subject to the consent or disapproval of the Administrator. 12. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. In connection with the initial public offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or the underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company's securities, Optionee hereby agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any Shares (other than those included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed 180 days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by the Company or such managing underwriters and to execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of the public offering. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one document. NOVACEPT -5- By: ________________________ ________________________ (Print name and title) -6- 13. Option Not a Service Contract. VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THIS OPTION IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY BY THE COMPANY, NOR SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. Dated: _______________ Optionee: _____________________ -7- EXHIBIT A NOVACEPT 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN EXERCISE NOTICE AND RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT This Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of ______________, by and between Novacept, a California corporation (the "Company"), and ___________________("Purchaser"). To the extent any capitalized terms used in this Agreement are not defined, they shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the 1997 Stock Option Plan. 1. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Purchaser hereby elects to exercise his or her option to purchase __________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of the Company under and pursuant to the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") and the Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement dated ______________, (the "Option Agreement"). The purchase price for the Shares shall be $____ per Share for a total purchase price of $_______________. The term "Shares" refers to the purchased Shares and all securities received in replacement of the Shares or as stock dividends or splits, all securities received in replacement of the Shares in a recapitalization, merger, reorganization, exchange or the like, and all new, substituted or additional securities or other properties to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of Purchaser's ownership of the Shares. 2. TIME AND PLACE OF EXERCISE. The purchase and sale of the Shares under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(b) of the Option Agreement. On such date, the Company will deliver to Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares to be purchased by Purchaser (which shall be issued in Purchaser's name) against payment of the exercise price therefor by Purchaser by (a) check made payable to the Company, (b) cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Purchaser, (c) delivery of shares of the Common Stock of the Company in accordance with Section 3 of the Option Agreement, or (d) by a combination of the foregoing. 3. LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER. In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares except in compliance with the provisions below and applicable securities laws. (a) RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. Before any Shares held by Purchaser or any transferee of Purchaser (either being sometimes referred to herein as the "Holder") may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 3(a) (the "Right of First Refusal"). (i) NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFER. The Holder of the Shares shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the Holder's bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee"); (iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and (iv) the terms and conditions of each proposed sale or transfer. The Holder shall offer the Shares at the same price (the "Offered Price") and upon the same terms (or terms as similar as reasonably possible) to the Company or its assignee(s). (ii) EXERCISE OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. At any time within thirty (30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may, by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with subsection (iii) below. (iii) PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section 3(a) shall be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith. (iv) PAYMENT. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by any combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice. (v) HOLDER'S RIGHT TO TRANSFER. If all of the Shares proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section 3(a), then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other transfer is consummated within 60 days after the date of the Notice and provided further that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance with any applicable securities laws and the Proposed Transferee agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section 3 shall continue to apply to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, or if the Holder proposes to change the price or other terms to make them more favorable to the Proposed Transferee, a new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred. (vi) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN FAMILY TRANSFERS. Anything to the contrary contained in this Section 3(a) notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all of the Shares during Purchaser's lifetime or on Purchaser's death by will or intestacy to Purchaser's Immediate Family or a trust for the benefit of Purchaser's Immediate Family shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section 3(a). "Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so transferred subject to the provisions of this Section, -2- and there shall be no further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this Section 3. (b) INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER. (i) COMPANY'S RIGHT TO PURCHASE UPON INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER. In the event, at any time after the date of this Agreement, of any transfer by operation of law or other involuntary transfer (including death or divorce, but excluding a transfer to Immediate Family as set forth in Section 3(a)(vi) above) of all or a portion of the Shares by the record holder thereof, the Company shall have an option to purchase all of the Shares transferred at the greater of the purchase price paid by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement or the fair market value of the Shares on the date of transfer. Upon such a transfer, the person acquiring the Shares shall promptly notify the Secretary of the Company of such transfer. The right to purchase such Shares shall be provided to the Company for a period of thirty (30) days following receipt by the Company of written notice by the person acquiring the Shares. (ii) PRICE FOR INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER. With respect to any stock to be transferred pursuant to Section 3(b)(i), the price per Share shall be a price set by the Board of Directors of the Company that will reflect the current value of the stock in terms of present earnings and future prospects of the Company. The Company shall notify Purchaser or his or her executor of the price so determined within thirty (30) days after receipt by it of written notice of the transfer or proposed transfer of Shares. However, if the Purchaser does not agree with the valuation as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, the Purchaser shall be entitled to have the valuation determined by an independent appraiser to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Purchaser and whose fees shall be borne equally by the Company and the Purchaser. (c) ASSIGNMENT. The right of the Company to purchase any part of the Shares may be assigned in whole or in part to any shareholder or shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations; provided, however, that an assignee, other than a corporation that is the parent or a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company, must pay the Company, upon assignment of such right, cash equal to the difference between the original purchase price and fair market value, if the original purchase price is less than the fair market value of the Shares subject to the assignment. (d) RESTRICTIONS BINDING ON TRANSFEREES. All transferees of Shares or any interest therein will receive and hold such Shares or interest subject to the provisions of this Agreement. Any sale or transfer of the Company's Shares shall be void unless the provisions of this Agreement are satisfied. (e) TERMINATION OF RIGHTS. The right of first refusal granted the Company by Section 3(a) above and the option to repurchase the Shares in the event of an involuntary transfer granted the Company by Section 3(b) above shall terminate upon the first sale of Common Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act. Upon termination of the right of first refusal described in Section 3(a) above, a new certificate or -3- certificates representing the Shares not repurchased shall be issued, on request, without the legend referred to in Section 6(a)(ii) herein and delivered to Purchaser. 4. INVESTMENT AND TAXATION REPRESENTATIONS. In connection with the purchase of the Shares, Purchaser represents to the Company the following: (a) Purchaser is aware of the Company's business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the securities. Purchaser is purchasing these securities for investment for his or her own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act. (b) Purchaser understands that the securities have not been registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Purchaser's investment intent as expressed herein. (c) Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the securities must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the securities. Purchaser understands that the certificate(s) evidencing the securities will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the securities unless they are registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel for the Company. (d) Purchaser is familiar with the provisions of Rules 144 and 701, each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or indirectly, from the issuer thereof (or from an affiliate of such issuer), in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of issuance of the securities, such issuance will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the securities exempt under Rule 701 may be resold by the Purchaser ninety (90) days thereafter, subject to the satisfaction of certain of the conditions specified by Rule 144, including, among other things: (1) the sale being made through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934); and, in the case of an affiliate, (2) the availability of certain public information about the Company, and the amount of securities being sold during any three month period not exceeding the limitations specified in Rule 144(e), if applicable. Notwithstanding this paragraph (d), Purchaser acknowledges and agrees to the restrictions set forth in paragraph (f) hereof. In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time of purchase, then the securities may be resold by the Purchaser in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires, among other things: (1) the availability of certain public information about the Company; (2) the resale occurring not less than one year after the party has purchased, and made full payment of (within the meaning of Rule 144), the securities to be sold; -4- and, in the case of an affiliate, or of a non-affiliate who has held the securities less than two years, (3) the sale being made through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and the amount of securities being sold during any three month period not exceeding the specified limitations stated therein, if applicable. (e) Purchaser further understands that at the time he or she wishes to sell the securities there may be no public market upon which to make such a sale, and that, even if such a public market then exists, the Company may not be satisfying the current public information requirements of Rule 144 or 701, and that, in such event, Purchaser would be precluded from selling the securities under Rule 144 or 701 even if the one-year minimum holding period had been satisfied. (f) Purchaser further understands that in the event all of the applicable requirements of Rule 144 or 701 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144 and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rule 144 or 701 will have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own risk. (g) Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice. 5. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS AND STOP-TRANSFER ORDERS. (a) LEGENDS. The certificate or certificates representing the Shares shall bear the following legends (as well as any legends required by applicable state and federal corporate and securities laws): i) THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH SALE OR DISPOSITION MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. -5- (ii) THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY. (iii) IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES. Purchaser understands that transfer of the Shares may be restricted by Section 260.141.11 of the Rules of the California Corporations Commissioner, a copy of which is attached to this Agreement. (b) STOP-TRANSFER NOTICES. Purchaser agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records. (c) REFUSAL TO TRANSFER. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred. 6. NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a parent or subsidiary of the Company, to terminate Purchaser's employment, for any reason, with or without cause. 7. MARKET STAND-OFF AGREEMENT. In connection with the initial public offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or the underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company's securities, Purchaser agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any Shares (other than those included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed 180 days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by the Company or such managing underwriters and to execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of the public offering. -6- 8. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT; ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party. (c) SEVERABILITY. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of the Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. (d) CONSTRUCTION. This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto. (e) NOTICES. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient when delivered personally or sent by telegram or fax or forty-eight (48) hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail, as certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, and addressed to the party to be notified at such party's address as set forth below or as subsequently modified by written notice. (f) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. (g) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The rights and benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company's successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Purchaser under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company. -7- The parties have executed this Exercise Notice and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement as of the date first set forth above. COMPANY: NOVACEPT By: ______________________________________ Name: ____________________________________ (print) Title: ___________________________________ 1047 Elwell Court Palo Alto, CA 94303 PURCHASER: ___________________________________________ (Signature) ___________________________________________ (Print Name) Social Security #:______________________ Address: ___________________________ ___________________________ I, ______________________, spouse of___________________, have read and hereby approve the foregoing Agreement. In consideration of the Company's granting my spouse the right to purchase the Shares as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby agree to be irrevocably bound by the Agreement and further agree that any community property or other such interest shall hereby by similarly bound by the Agreement. I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact with respect to any amendment or exercise of any rights under the Agreement. -8- ________________________________ Spouse of ______________________ -9- STATE OF CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Title 10. Investment - Chapter 3. Commissioner of Corporations 260.141.11: Restriction on Transfer. (a) The issuer of any security upon which a restriction on transfer has been imposed pursuant to Sections 260.102.6, 260.141.10 or 260.534 shall cause a copy of this section to be delivered to each issuee or transferee of such security at the time the certificate evidencing the security is delivered to the issuee or transferee. (b) It is unlawful for the holder of any such security to consummate a sale or transfer of such security, or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of the Commissioner (until this condition is removed pursuant to Section 260.141.12 of these rules), except: (1) to the issuer; (2) pursuant to the order or process of any court; (3) to any person described in Subdivision (i) of Section 25102 of the Code or Section 260.105.14 of these rules; (4) to the transferor's ancestors, descendants or spouse, or any custodian or trustee for the account of the transferor or the transferor's ancestors, descendants, or spouse; or to a transferee by a trustee or custodian for the account of the transferee or the transferee's ancestors, descendants or spouse; (5) to holders of securities of the same class of the same issuer; (6) by way of gift or donation inter vivos or on death; (7) by or through a broker-dealer licensed under the Code (either acting as such or as a finder) to a resident of a foreign state, territory or country who is neither domiciled in this state to the knowledge of the broker-dealer, nor actually present in this state if the sale of such securities is not in violation of any securities law of the foreign state, territory or country concerned; (8) to a broker-dealer licensed under the Code in a principal transaction, or as an underwriter or member of an underwriting syndicate or selling group; (9) if the interest sold or transferred is a pledge or other lien given by the purchaser to the seller upon a sale of the security for which the Commissioner's written consent is obtained or under this rule not required; (10) by way of a sale qualified under Sections 25111, 25112, 25113 or 25121 of the Code, of the securities to be transferred, provided that no order under Section 25140 or Subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to such qualification; (11) by a corporation to a wholly owned subsidiary of such corporation, or by a wholly owned subsidiary of a corporation to such corporation; (12) by way of an exchange qualified under Section 25111, 25112 or 25113 of the Code, provided that no order under Section 25140 or Subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to such qualification; (13) between residents of foreign states, territories or countries who are neither domiciled nor actually present in this state; (14) to the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law or to the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state; (15) by the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law or by the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state if, in either such case, such person (i) discloses to potential purchasers at the sale that transfer of the securities is restricted under this rule, (ii) delivers to each purchaser a copy of this rule, and (iii) advises the Commissioner of the name of each purchaser; (16) by a trustee to a successor trustee when such transfer does not involve a change in the beneficial ownership of the securities; or (17) by way of an offer and sale of outstanding securities in an issuer transaction that is subject to the qualification requirement of Section 25110 of the Code but exempt from that qualification requirement by subdivision (f) of Section 25102; provided that any such transfer is on the condition that any certificate evidencing the security issued to such transferee shall contain the legend required by this section. (c) The certificates representing all such securities subject to such a restriction on transfer, whether upon initial issuance or upon any transfer thereof, shall bear on their face a legend, prominently stamped or printed thereon in capital letters of not less than 10-point size, reading as follows: "IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES."