Separation Agreement and Release between Brian B. Dow and the Registrant

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This Separation Agreement and Release (“Agreement”) is made by and between Brian Dow (“Executive”) and Pulse Biosciences, Inc. (formerly known as Electroblate, Inc.) (together, Pulse Biosciences, Inc. and Electroblate, Inc. are the “Company”) (collectively, Executive and the Company referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Executive was employed by the Company;

WHEREAS, Executive signed an Employment Agreement with the Company on November 20, 2015 (the “Employment Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Executive signed an At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement with the Company on July 28, 2017 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Company and Executive signed an Indemnification Agreement on January 29, 2018 (the “Indemnification Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive have entered into certain Stock Option Agreements, dated November 30, 2015 and July 25, 2017, granting Executive the options to purchase 140,672 shares and 95,000 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock (the “Options”) subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement (collectively, the “Stock Agreements”),

WHEREAS, Executive signed a Transition Agreement and Limited Release with the Company in connection with the transition of his services on November 18, 2019 (the “Limited Release”);

WHEREAS, Executive separated from employment with the Company effective December 31, 2019 (the “Separation Date”);

WHEREAS, as of November 18, 2019, Executive has resigned as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration (“SVP”) of the Company, and has resigned from all of Executive’s positions on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), including, but not limited to, as Secretary and Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that the Executive may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s employment with or separation from the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:





COVENANTS

1.    Consideration. In accordance with Sections 7 and 8 of the Employment Agreement, in consideration of Executive’s execution and non-revocation of this Agreement under the “Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA” provision below, and in consideration of Executive’s fulfillment of all of the Agreement’s terms and conditions, the Company agrees to the following:

a.    Severance Payment. The Company agrees to pay Executive a total of one hundred sixty-eight thousand dollars ($168,000), less applicable withholdings, which amount represents the sum of six (6) months of Executive’s annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the Separation Date (the “Severance Payment”). The Severance Payment will be paid to Executive in twelve (12) semi-monthly equal installments, commencing on the first regular payroll date following the Effective Date (as defined below) in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices. Executive acknowledges that the Company will issue a Form W-2 in connection with the payments set forth in this Section.

b.    Additional Consideration. The Company agrees to pay Executive an additional severance payment of one hundred thousand eight hundred dollars ($100,800), less applicable withholdings, which amount is calculated based on Executive’s target Annual Bonus for 2019 for the calendar year of the Separation Date, or portion thereof, that the Company might and/or would have owed to Executive had such amounts been earned. This payment will be paid on the first regular payroll date following the Effective Date (as defined below). Executive acknowledges that the Company will issue a Form W-2 in connection with the payments set forth in this Section.

c.    COBRA. Provided Executive timely elects for continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. COBRA payments shall be made by the Company for the benefit of the Executive for COBRA coverage (at the coverage levels in effect for Executive and the dependents covered immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until either: 1) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans, or 2) until the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA, whichever occurs first., Notwithstanding the preceding, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide COBRA reimbursement benefits without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will instead provide the Executive a taxable payment in an amount that the Executive would be required pay for Executive to obtain coverage at the coverage levels in effect for Executive and the dependents covered immediately prior to Executive’s termination until either: 1) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans, or 2) until the date upon which Executive would otherwise cease to be eligible for coverage under COBRA, whichever occurs first., to pay to continue the Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether the Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence in the month following the month of the Separation Date and continue for the period of months indicated in this section.

d.    Acceleration. The unvested portion of Executive’s Option (and any Board-approved and issued and outstanding equity grants) that would normally vest over twelve (12) months from the Separation Date, will immediately vest prior to Executive’s termination and become exercisable (the “Vesting Acceleration”).

e.    Extended Exercise Period. The period in which Executive must exercise his vested Options pursuant to the Stock Agreements will be extended from 90-days following the Separation Date, as

currently provided in the Stock Agreements, to a period of twelve (12) months following the Separation Date. The exercise of Executives Options shall in all other respects continue to be governed by the Stock Agreements.

f.    Resignation. The Company shall process the separation of Executive’s employment with the Company as a resignation and shall represent that Executive resigned from Executive’s employment to any potential future employer who contacts the Company’s human resources department and requests confirmation of this information. Executive agrees to execute any documentation deemed reasonably necessary by the Company to confirm Executive’s resignation from employment and resignation from the Board. Executive acknowledges that while said resignation occurred in expectation of this Agreement, Executive’s resignation itself shall not be considered a part of, or a term or condition of, this Agreement, and that if the Executive subsequently revokes this Agreement as provided for herein, said revocation does not affect or nullify in any way his resignation and termination of employment.

g.    No Further Severance and Acknowledgement. Except as explicitly set forth in this section, Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is not entitled to receive any severance benefits or other post-employment benefits from the Company, including, but not limited to, under the Employment Agreement or the Stock Agreements. Executive further specifically acknowledges and agrees that the consideration provided to Executive hereunder fully satisfies any obligation that the Company had to pay Executive wages or any other compensation for any of the services that Executive rendered to the Company, that the amount paid is in excess of any disputed wage claim that Executive may have, that the consideration paid shall be deemed to be paid first in satisfaction of any disputed wage claim with the remainder sufficient to act as consideration for the release of claims set forth herein, and that Executive has not earned and is not entitled to receive any additional wages or other form of compensation from the Company. Executive acknowledges and agrees that no payment or other consideration provided herein constitutes a raise, a bonus, or continued employment and that this Agreement is not a condition of employment or continued employment. Executive hereby acknowledges that without this Agreement, Executive is not otherwise entitled to the consideration listed in this Section 1.

2.    Equity. The Parties agree that for purposes of determining the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that Executive is entitled to purchase from the Company, pursuant to the exercise of the Options, Executive will be considered to have vested only up to the Separation Date. Executive acknowledges that, without the Vesting Acceleration set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement, as of the Separation Date, Executive will have vested in 211,922 shares subject to the Options and no more. However, after accounting for the Vesting Acceleration set forth in Section 1, Employee will have vested instead in 231,713 shares subject to the Options and no more. The exercise of the vested portion of the Options and any shares acquired through such exercise shall continue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the applicable Stock Agreements.

3.    Benefits. Executive’s health insurance benefits shall cease on or before December 31, 2019, subject to Executive’s right to continue Executive’s health insurance under COBRA. Executive’s participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to, vesting in stock options, and the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceased as of the Separation Date.

4.    Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits. Executive acknowledges and represents that, other than the consideration set forth in this Agreement, the Company has paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Executive.

5.    Release of Claims. Executive agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive, other than the Company’s continuing obligations pursuant to the Indemnification Agreement, by the Company and its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, professional employer organization or co-employer, insurers, trustees, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”). Executive, on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the date Executive signs this Agreement, including, without limitation:

a.    any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;

b.    any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;

c.    any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment, termination in violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract (both express and implied), breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing (both express and implied), promissory estoppel, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligent or intentional misrepresentation, negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, unfair business practices, defamation, libel, slander, negligence, personal injury, assault, battery, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, conversion, and disability benefits;

d.    any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Equal Pay Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, the California Workers’ Compensation Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (the “FEHA”);

e.    any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;

f.    any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;

g.    any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the nonwithholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive as a result of this Agreement; and

h.    any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.

Executive agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to any obligations incurred under this Agreement or the Indemnification Agreement. This release does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law. Any and all disputed wage claims that are released herein shall be subject to binding arbitration in accordance with this Agreement, except as required by applicable law. This release does not extend to any right Executive may have to unemployment compensation benefits.

6.    Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Executive acknowledges that Executive is waiving and releasing any rights Executive may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive agrees that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the date Executive signs this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled. Executive further acknowledges that Executive has been advised by this writing that: (a) Executive should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) Executive has twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (c) Executive has seven (7) days following Executive’s execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement; (d) this Agreement shall not be effective until after the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. In the event Executive signs this Agreement and returns it to the Company in less than the 21-day period identified above, Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive has freely and voluntarily chosen to waive the time period allotted for considering this Agreement. Executive acknowledges and understands that revocation must be accomplished by a written notification to the person executing this Agreement on the Company’s behalf that is received prior to the Effective Date. The Parties agree that changes, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the running of the 21-day period.

7.    California Civil Code Section 1542. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULDHAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.

Executive, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights Executive may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

8.    No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Executive represents that, with respect to the claims released herein, Executive has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in Executive’s name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Executive also represents that Executive does not intend to bring any claims on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.

9.    Application for Employment. Executive understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, and Executive hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company.

10.    Confidentiality. Subject to the Protected Activity provision, Executive agrees to maintain in complete confidence the existence of this Agreement, the contents and terms of this Agreement, and the consideration for this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Separation Information”). Except as required by law, Executive may disclose Separation Information only to Executive’s immediate family members, the Court in any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Agreement, Executive’s attorney(s), and Executive’s accountant(s) and any professional tax advisor(s) to the extent that they need to know the Separation Information in order to provide advice on tax treatment or to prepare tax returns, and must prevent disclosure of any Separation Information to all other third parties. Executive agrees that Executive will not publicize, directly or indirectly, any Separation Information.

11.    Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property. Subject to the Protected Activity provision, Employee reaffirms and agrees to observe and abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, specifically including the provisions therein regarding nondisclosure of the Company’s trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees that it will not seek to enforce Section 15 (Non-Compete) of the Confidentiality Agreement, but does reserve all rights should it contend Executive has breached his obligations to maintain the Company’s trade secrets. Employee’s signature below constitutes Employee’s certification under penalty of perjury that Employee has returned all documents and other items provided to Employee by the Company (with the exception of a copy of the Employee Handbook and personnel documents specifically relating to Employee), developed or obtained by Employee in connection with Employee’s employment with the Company, or otherwise belonging to the Company.

12.    No Cooperation. Subject to the Protected Activity provision, Executive agrees that Executive will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so or upon written request from an administrative agency or the legislature or as related directly to the ADEA waiver in this Agreement. Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order or written request from an administrative agency or the legislature, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order or written request from an administrative agency or the legislature. If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Executive shall state no more than that Executive cannot provide counsel or assistance.

13.    Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Executive from engaging in any Protected Activity. Protected Activity includes: (i) filing and/or pursuing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”); and/or (ii) disclosing information pertaining to sexual harassment or any other unlawful or potentially unlawful conduct in the workplace, to the extent protected by applicable law. Executive understands that in connection with such Protected Activity under prong (i) of this section, Executive is permitted to disclose documents or other information

as permitted by law, without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute the Company’s confidential information under the Confidentiality Agreement, to any parties other than the Government Agencies. Executive further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product. Any language in the Confidentiality Agreement or the Employment Agreement regarding Executive’s right to engage in Protected Activity that conflicts with, or is contrary to, this section is superseded by this Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individual’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

14.    Mutual Nondisparagement. Subject to the Protected Activity provision above, the Company and Executive mutually agree to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of any of the Releasees (including the Chief Financial Officer hired/to be hired to replace Executive) or Executive. Executive shall direct any inquiries by potential future employers to the Company’s human resources department. The Company’s obligations under this provision apply only to its current executive officers, the Chief Financial Officer hired/to be hired to replace Executive and members of its Board of Directors, and only for so long as such individuals are directors or employees of the Company. Company agrees to instruct its current executive officers, the Chief Financial Officer and its Board of Directors of their obligation not to disparage or defame Executive.

15.    Breach. In addition to the rights provided in the “Attorneys’ Fees” section below, Executive acknowledges and agrees that any material breach of this Agreement, unless such breach constitutes a legal action by Executive challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, shall entitle the Company immediately to cease providing the consideration provided to Executive under this Agreement and to obtain damages, except as provided by law.

16.    No Admission of Liability. Executive understands and acknowledges that with respect to all claims released herein, this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Executive unless such claims were explicitly not released by the release in this Agreement. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Executive or to any third party.

17.    Cooperation and Assistance. Executive agrees to voluntarily cooperate with the Company if Executive has knowledge of facts relevant to any threatened or pending litigation against the Company by making Executive reasonably available without further compensation for interviews with the Company or its legal counsel, for up to five (5) hours for preparing for and providing deposition testimony, and for preparing for and providing trial testimony. Additional cooperation and assistance provided will be subject to compensation to be determined by Executive in good faith at the time such cooperation and assistance is requested.

18.    Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys’ fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement.

19.    ARBITRATION. EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMS THEREOF, OR ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION UNDER THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (THE “FAA”) AND THAT THE FAA SHALL GOVERN AND APPLY TO THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT; HOWEVER, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY PROVISIONS OF THE FAA, A MOTION OR PETITION OR ACTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION MAY ALSO BE BROUGHT IN STATE COURT UNDER THE PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS OF SUCH STATE’S LAWS RELATING TO MOTIONS OR PETITIONS OR ACTIONS TO COMPEL ARBITRATION. EXECUTIVE AGREES THAT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EXECUTIVE MAY BRING ANY SUCH ARBITRATION PROCEEDING ONLY IN EXECUTIVE’S INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. ANY ARBITRATION WILL OCCUR IN SAN MATEO COUNTY, BEFORE JAMS, PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (“JAMS RULES”), EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR ADJUDICATION, AND MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND DEMURRERS, APPLYING THE STANDARDS SET FORTH UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE A WRITTEN DECISION ON THE MERITS. THE PARTIES ALSO AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AND THAT THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, WHERE PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE COMPANY SHALL PAY THE ARBITRATOR’S FEES FOR ANY SUCH ARBITRATION, AND EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE COUNSEL FEES AND EXPENSES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IN THIS SECTION SHALL GOVERN.



20.    Tax Consequences. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payments and any other consideration provided to Executive or made on Executive’s behalf under the terms of this Agreement. Executive agrees and understands that Executive is responsible for payment, if any, of local, state, and/or federal taxes on the payments and any other consideration provided hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon. Executive further agrees to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, interest, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of (a) Executive’s failure to pay or delayed payment of federal or state taxes, or (b) damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including attorneys’ fees and costs. The Parties agree and acknowledge that the payments made pursuant to section 1 of this Agreement are not related to sexual harassment or sexual abuse and not intended to fall within the scope of 26 U.S.C. Section 162(q).

21.    Section 409A. It is intended that this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and the final regulations and official guidance thereunder (“Section 409A”) and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply and/or be exempt from Section 409A. Each payment and benefit to be paid or provided under this Agreement is intended to constitute a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. The Company and Executive will work together in good faith to consider either (i) amendments to this Agreement; or (ii) revisions to this Agreement with respect to the payment of any awards, which are necessary or appropriate to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to the actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Releasees reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

22.    Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has the capacity to act on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Executive to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.

23.    Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.

24.    Attorneys’ Fees. Except with regard to a legal action challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, in the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action.

25.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements, including, but not limited to, the Limited Release, and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s relationship with the Company, with the exception of the Confidentiality Agreement, any surviving obligations under the Employment Agreement, and the Stock Agreements, except as otherwise modified or superseded herein.

26.    No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Executive and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

27.    Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard for choice-of-law provisions, except that any dispute regarding the enforceability of the arbitration section of this Agreement shall be governed by the FAA. Executive consents to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of California.

28.    Effective Date. Executive understands that this Agreement shall be null and void if not executed by Executive within twenty-one (21) days. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Executive signed this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by the Parties and has not been revoked by either Party before that date (the “Effective Date”).

29.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each counterpart shall be deemed an original and all of which counterparts taken together shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned. The counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile, photo, email PDF, or other electronic transmission or signature.

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30.    Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Executive understands and agrees that Executive executed this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of Executive’s claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Executive acknowledges that:

(a)    Executive has read this Agreement;

(b)    Executive has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of Executive’s own choice or has elected not to retain legal counsel;

(c)    Executive understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains;

(d)    Executive is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement; and

(e)    Executive has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.