Sublicense and Distribution Agreement between Samsonite Europe NV and Samsonite Japan Co., Ltd.

Summary

Samsonite Europe NV and Samsonite Japan Co., Ltd. have entered into an agreement allowing Samsonite Japan to sublicense and distribute Samsonite-branded products in Japan. The agreement covers the use of patents, trademarks, and know-how, and sets out obligations regarding product quality, marketing, royalties, and confidentiality. It also includes terms for technical support, record-keeping, indemnification, and termination. The agreement is governed by Japanese law and is designed to ensure that Samsonite products are marketed and sold in Japan under strict quality and brand standards.

EX-10.26 7 a2156722zex-10_26.htm EXHIBIT 10.26
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Exhibit 10.26


C L I F F O R D
C H A N C E

 

CLIFFORD CHANCE (TOKYO) LPS
GAIKOKUHO JIMUBENGOSHI JIMUSHO
TANAKA AKITA & NAKAGAWA
T A N A K A
AKITA &
N A K A G A W A
  EXECUTION VERSION






SAMSONITE EUROPE NV

AND

SAMSONITE JAPAN CO., LTD.







SUBLICENSE AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT











CONTENTS

Clause
   
  Page
1.   Interpretation   1

2.

 

License and Territory

 

4

3.

 

Use of Intellectual Property

 

4

4.

 

Technical and Marketing Assistance

 

5

5.

 

Best Efforts of Licensee

 

5

6.

 

Materials, Manufacture and product safety

 

6

7.

 

Service After Sale

 

7

8.

 

Royalty

 

7

9.

 

Indemnification, Insurance and Infringement

 

8

10.

 

Assignment

 

9

11.

 

Copyrights

 

9

12.

 

Records

 

10

13.

 

Confidentiality

 

10

14.

 

Improvements

 

10

15.

 

Term and Termination

 

11

16.

 

Rights on Termination

 

12

17.

 

Time of Essence

 

12

18.

 

Amendments and No Waiver

 

13

19.

 

Entire Agreement

 

13

20.

 

Limitation of Rights

 

13

21.

 

Notices

 

13

22.

 

Governing Law And Arbitration

 

14

23.

 

Governing Language

 

14

24.

 

Counterparts

 

15

SCHEDULE 1    Samsonite Trademarks

 

17

SCHEDULE 2    Samsonite Patents

 

20

i


THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of 27 January 2005

BETWEEN:

(1)
Samsonite Europe NV, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Belgium, having its registered office at Westerring 17, 9700 Oudenaarde, Belgium ("SamEurope"); and

(2)
Samsonite Japan Co., Ltd., a company incorporated in Japan, whose principal place of business is Akasaka Edosei Bldg. 4F, 7-10-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan ("Licensee").

WHEREAS

(1)
SamEurope and Samsonite Corporation ("Samsonite") are parties to the license agreement between SamEurope and Samsonite dated 1 January 1999 (the "SamEurope License") pursuant to which Samsonite grants SamEurope certain licenses, on the terms and conditions set forth therein.

(2)
Under the SamEurope License, SamEurope has the right and authority to sublicense certain rights regarding patents, trademarks and know-how related to luggage and other products.

(3)
Licensee is a Kubushiki Kuisha incorporated in Japan and has at the date of this Agreement an authorized share capital divided into 1 billion ordinary shares, of which 10 million ordinary shares of JPYl each have been issued, are fully paid-up and are all held by Samsonite.

(4)
SamEurope and Licensee wish to enter into this Agreement to provide for the sublicensing by SamEurope of certain rights to Licensee with respect to certain patents, trademarks, know-how and other intellectual property rights related to the marketing, distribution and sale of Samsonite-owned brand products in Japan, on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

THE PARTIES AGREE as follows:

1.     INTERPRETATION

    1.1
    In this Agreement:

      "Applicable Law" means as to any person, any law, regulation, statute, ordinance and regulation of any country or governmental entity having jurisdiction over Licensee or its activities under this Agreement, including without limitation:

      (i)
      consumer protection laws and regulations;

      (ii)
      laws of the Territory governing the use of the Samsonite Intellectual Property, such as the proper marking of items such as packages and labels; and

      (iii)
      to the extent applicable, the laws of the United States of America (including without limitation the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, as amended from time to time), Belgium and the Territory;

    "EBITDA" means Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization;

    "ESY" means ESY Luggage Management LPS Investment Limited Partnership, whose registered office is at 2-2, Manmouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan;

    "Fiscal Year" means 1 January through 31 December, provided that the first Fiscal Year shall be from the Subscription Date through 31 December 2005;

    "Indemnified Parties" means any Samsonite Entity and the officers, directors, employees and agents of each of them;

1



    "Licensed Products" means the bags, items of luggage, business cases, personal leather goods, other travel articles and any other products which have been specifically approved by SamEurope in writing as "Licensed Products" for the purposes of this Agreement, each of which:

    (i)
    bears a Samsonite Trademark;

    (ii)
    is placed in commerce by Licensee in association with a Samsonite Trademark;

    (iii)
    is covered in whole or in part by a Samsonite Patent; or

    (iv)
    is made or sold using any Samsonite Know-How;

    "Net Sales" means the gross price invoiced by the Company for all Licensed Products to customers after deducting: (1) sales taxes or other taxes separately stated on the invoice, (2) shipping and other transportation and insurance charges actually paid and separately stated on the invoice, (3) actual allowances, rebates, credits and refunds for returned or defective goods, and (4) normal and customary trade and quantity discounts;

    "Samsonite Domain Name" means the Internet domain located at the address represented by the "Uniform Resource Locator http://www.samsonite.co.jp or as otherwise mutually agreed;

    "Samsonite Entity" means Samsonite and any affiliate or subsidiary of Samsonite other than Licensee, in which Samsonite directly or indirectly holds a controlling interest;

    "Samsonite Intellectual Property" means collectively, the Samsonite Name, Samsonite Domain Name, Samsonite Know-How, Samsonite Patents and Samsonite Trademarks;

    "Samsonite Know-How" means any and all information made available to Licensee by or on behalf of Samsonite, which is not generally available to the public in the form in which it is made available to Licensee, including without limitation:

    (v)
    specifications;

    (vi)
    technical data;

    (vii)
    test methods;

    (viii)
    blueprints, drawings, models, computer files, or the like;

    (ix)
    technical instructions;

    (x)
    scientific and technical information;

    (xi)
    descriptions;

    (xii)
    marketing or sales techniques or information;

    (xiii)
    processes;

    (xiv)
    accounting or business methods or procedures;

    (xv)
    formulae;

    (xvi)
    strategic or financial plans or reports;

    (xvii)
    trade secrets;

    (xviii)
    other data useful in the design, assembly, manufacture, distribution or sale of Licensed Products; and

    (xix)
    engineering or design process or operating information;

2


    "Samsonite Name" means the trade name "Samsonite" whether used alone or as part of Licensee's name;

    "Samsonite Patents" means the patent applications and registrations listed on Schedule 2;

    "Samsonite Trademarks" means the trademark applications and registrations set forth on Schedule 1;

    "Shareholders Agreement" means the shareholders' agreement dated 27 January 2005 between Samsonite, Licensee and ESY;

    "Subscription Date" means 28 January 2005;

    "Territory" means Japan;

    "Third Party" means any person other than SamEurope and Licensee;

    "Trademark Materials" means anything which bears a Samsonite Trademark, other than a Licensed Product itself, including without limitation packaging, labels, tags and emblems, advertising materials, marketing materials, publicity and other promotional materials, and work-in-progress; and

    "USD" means the lawful currency of me United States of America.

    1.2
    The following terms are defined in the clauses stated:

Term
  Clause
"Approved Supplier"   6.1
"Designated Currency"   8.4
"GSD"   6.1
"Improvements"   14.1
"Materials"   3.3
"Royalty"   8.1
"Service"   7.1
"Term"   15.1
"Termination Event"   15.2
    1.3
    In this Agreement, a reference to:

    1.3.1
    a "person" includes, without limitation, a reference to any individual, firm, company, corporation or other body corporate, government, state or agency of a state or any joint venture, association or partnership, works council or employee representative body (whether or not having a separate legal personality);

    1.3.2
    a "party" is a reference to a party to this Agreement and "parties" shall be construed accordingly;

    1.3.3
    a recital or clause, unless the context otherwise requires, is a reference to a recital or clause of this Agreement; and

    1.3.4
    (unless me context otherwise requires) the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.

    1.4
    The headings in this Agreement do not affect its interpretation

3


2.     LICENSE AND TERRITORY

    2.1
    SamEurope hereby grants to Licensee during the Term in consideration for payment of the Royalty (as set forth in clause 8), and Licensee accepts:

    2.1.1
    a nontransferable, nonexclusive license to use the Samsonite Name as part of its company name;

    2.1.2
    a nontransferable, nonexclusive license to use the Samsonite Domain Name;

    2.1.3
    a nontransferable, exclusive license to use the Samsonite Trademarks in the Territory, only in connection with the marketing, distribution and sale of Licensed Products; and

    2.1.4
    a nontransferable, exclusive license under the Samsonite Patents and Samsonite Know-How to, subject to the provisions of clause 6, manufacture or have manufactured (within or outside the Territory), Licensed Products to be marketed, distributed and sold within the Territory.

    2.2
    SamEurope reserves the right to grant licenses to any Third Party to market, distribute, manufacture and sell Licensed Products:

    2.2.1
    outside the Territory using any trademark, including a Samsonite Trademark, and

    2.2.2
    within the Territory, but then only:

                (i)    in case, of the manufacture of Licensed Products for export outside the Territory; and

                (ii)   with respect to trademarks other than a Samsonite Trademark.

    2.3
    Other than sales to a Samsonite Entity or as otherwise provided in this clause 2, Licensee shall not sell Licensed Products outside the Territory or offer Licensed Products to Third Parties, if Licensee knows or ought to be aware that such Third Party will or is likely to sell such Licensed Products outside the Territory.

3.     USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

    3.1
    Licensee shall use the Samsonite Intellectual Property only as set forth in this Agreement or as approved by SamEurope. SamEurope makes no representations, express or implied, and shall have no obligation or liability with respect to the validity outside the Territory of (i) the Samsonite Patents, and (ii) the Samsonite Trademarks.

    3.2
    Any interest that Licensee may acquire in any of the Samsonite Intellectual Property in any country, including the Territory, shall inure to the benefit of SamEurope. None of the rights granted to Licensee under this Agreement shall affect Samsonite's exclusive ownership of the Samsonite Intellectual Property.

    3.3
    Licensee shall use the Samsonite Trademarks only in the form as set forth in a style book issued by SamEurope, as amended from time to time, and shall place reasonably conspicuous trademark notices on all Licensed Products and marketing, packaging, labeling and other materials associated with the Licensed Products ("Materials") in a form directed and approved in writing by SamEurope.

    3.4
    To maintain and enhance the goodwill and image of quality associated by the public with Samsonite and the Samsonite Intellectual Property, Licensee shall:

    3.4.1
    not use any Materials which are false or misleading;

4


      3.4.2
      ensure that all Materials fully comply with all Applicable Laws and any SamEurope internal regulations or policies in effect from time to time;

      3.4.3
      conduct its business operations in accordance with all Applicable Laws; and

      3.4.4
      distribute and sell Licensed Products only to those Third Parties which:

      (a)
      have a good business reputation;

      (b)
      to the best of Licensee's knowledge, are in no way associated or generally thought to be associated with any unfair, misleading, illegal, vulgar, obscene, immoral, unsavory or offensive activities;

      (c)
      maintain an adequate image for merchandising the Licensed Products in a manner appropriate for the Licensed Products;

      (d)
      hire and maintain trained and knowledgeable sales personnel; and

      (e)
      maintain a reputation for always dealing in genuine trademarked goods.

    3.5
    Licensee shall not use any of the Samsonite Trademarks, in whole or in part, in such a manner that any of the Samsonite Trademarks may in any way be diluted in respect of distinctiveness or validity, or may in any way impair or negate any of the rights in the Samsonite Trademarks. Licensee shall not advertise, exploit, promote, market or otherwise offer Licensed Products in any manner that may adversely affect the reputation of any Samsonite Entity or Licensee.

4.     TECHNICAL AND MARKETING ASSISTANCE

    4.1
    SamEurope shall use reasonable efforts to make available to Licensee during the Term appropriate Samsonite Know-How that is applicable to the distribution, marketing and sale of Licensed Products.

    4.2
    SamEurope shall permit Licensee's representatives to visit SamEurope facilities to observe the application and use of Samsonite Know-How.

    4.3
    SamEurope shall permit Licensee's authorized representatives to attend appropriate global and/or local design meetings, at Licensee's sole cost and expense, to learn about new designs for, and technical improvements of, Licensed Products manufactured at various SamEurope facilities.

    4.4
    SamEurope shall use reasonable efforts to make available to Licensee information on marketing efforts for Licensed Products being undertaken by other Samsonite Entities outside the Territory.

    4.5
    SamEurope shall provide to Licensee the same ongoing technical assistance with respect to the marketing, sale and distribution of Licensed Products on no less favorable terms and conditions as it provides to other similarly situated Licensees.

5.     BEST EFFORTS OF LICENSEE

    5.1
    Licensee shall use its best efforts to:

    5.1.1
    create a high standard, exclusive market for Licensed Products in the Territory;

    5.1.2
    market, advertise and promote the sale of each of the Licensed Products in the Territory;

    5.1.3
    maximize sales of Licensed Products in the Territory; and

    5.1.4
    fully satisfy the market for Licensed Products in the Territory.

5


    5.2
    Upon reasonable advance notice from SamEurope, Licensee shall meet with SamEurope, at Licensee's sole cost and expense, to review key business information pertaining to this Agreement including but not limited to sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing and distribution information.

6.     MATERIALS, MANUFACTURE AND PRODUCT SAFETY

    6.1
    Licensee may place orders directly for Licensed Products to a Third Party identified and qualified in advance in writing by Samsonite's Global Sourcing Division (the "GSD") pursuant to approved designs created directly by Licensee or included in Samsonite's global range of products (an "Approved Supplier"), but only so long as such Third Party remains approved by Samsonite. Samsonite reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to approve and withdraw approval at any time with respect to an Approved Supplier.

    6.2
    Licensee shall cause an Approved Supplier to manufacture and/or assemble Licensed Products under this Agreement strictly for Licensee, and not for sale to any Third Party.

    6.3
    With respect to Licensed Products manufactured outside the Territory, Licensee shall directly conduct price negotiations with Approved Suppliers, with assistance, as requested, from the GSD. Licensee shall be responsible for all payments for all Licensed Products purchased from any Approved Supplier.

    6.4
    Licensee shall not change an Approved Supplier previously approved by Samsonite without notifying SamEurope and Samsonite at least two (2) months in advance, giving Samsonite an opportunity to assess whether to approve a new supplier as an Approved Supplier.

    6.5
    With respect to Licensed Products manufactured by an Approved Supplier in the Territory, Licensee shall:

    6.5.1
    only proceed with the final design of the Licensed Products after obtaining the approval of me product concept from SamEurope;

    6.52
    engage in product development; provided that, Licensee may in its sole discretion request the assistance of the GSD in such product development;

    65.3
    ensure that factories where the Licensed Products are manufactured have been approved by the GSD;

    6.5.4
    follow all standard Samsonite procedures with respect to collateral materials and identification;

    6.5.5
    ensure that all Licensed Products are quality tested by Samsonite's Global Supply Coordination Center;

    6.5.6
    ensure that inspection procedures to inspect the Licensed Products are established and that such inspections take place on a timely basis at me Approved Supplier's place of business or at Licensee's warehouse, to the satisfaction of SamEurope;

    6.5.7
    order and pay for the Licensed Products in a timely manner, to the satisfaction of SamEurope; and

    6.5.8
    directly conduct price negotiations for Licensed Products with Approved Suppliers; provided that, Licensee may at its discretion request me assistance of the GSD in such price negotiations.

    6.6
    Licensee shall cause all Licensed Products manufactured and/or assembled under this Agreement by an Approved Supplier to be manufactured or assembled only in accordance with the specifications, technical instructions and descriptions communicated by SamEurope to

6


      Licensee and to the end that such products when finished shall be of the same standard and quality as equivalent products made or assembled by SamEurope or Samsonite entities in their own factories. Licensee represents and warrants that the Licensed Products manufactured or assembled for it under this Agreement shall be manufactured or assembled to high standards, and Licensee shall establish and maintain a thorough quality control program for such Licensed Products. Upon request by SamEurope, Licensee shall send random production samples of such Licensed Products to SamEurope for inspection. SamEurope shall confine its requests to reasonable intervals and reasonable amounts. Licensee shall not sell or otherwise distribute for sale any items manufactured and/or assembled for it under this Agreement which do not, in the sole discretion and opinion of SamEurope, meet with SamEurope's standards of quality.

    6.7
    Licensee shall create and maintain a product safety program satisfactory to SamEurope which incorporates safety audits, consideration of feedback from distributors, consumers and other appropriate third parties, implementation of safety improvements, product recall, and procedures to assure compliance with all Applicable Laws and industry standards.

    6.8
    Licensee shall include with each Licensed Product proper instructions and warning labels, appropriate to the respective Licensed Product, prudent to apprise the consumer of its proper operation, use, care and maintenance and to warn of the reasonably foreseeable misuses and possible hazards associated therewith.

    6.9
    Licensee shall ensure that all Licensed Products meet or exceed all applicable industry, national, prefectural and local statutes, standards, regulations and guidelines throughout the Territory, including with respect to health and product safety.

    6.10
    Licensee shall immediately provide SamEurope with a copy of any notice received by Licensee of a pending or threatened claim of personal injury arising from the use of a Licensed Product. Licensee shall immediately notify SamEurope in writing if Licensee becomes aware of any material defects in a Licensed Product.

    6.11
    At all times during the Term, Licensee shall cause SamEurope to have the right to inspect all of the offices, manufacturing areas and plants of Licensee and its Approved Suppliers for the purpose of assuring compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

7.     SERVICE AFTER SALE

    7.1
    With respect to Licensed Products covered by a worldwide guarantee that are purchased outside the Territory and are brought to Licensee for service including repairs ("Service"), Licensee shall make all required Service without charging the cost of such Service to any other Samsonite Entity.

    7.2
    With respect to Licensed Products covered by a worldwide guarantee that are purchased in the Territory and are brought to a Samsonite Entity other than Licensee for Service, SamEurope shall require that the relevant Samsonite Entity shall bear the cost of such Service and shall not request payment from Licensee for such Service.

8.     ROYALTY

    8.1
    In consideration of the rights, licenses, consents and services specified in this Agreement, Licensee shall pay to SamEurope during the Term for the use of Samsonite Intellectual Property in the Territory a royalty in the amount of five percent (5%) of Licensee's Net Sales of Licensed Products (the "Royalty").

7


    8.2
    The Royalty shall:

    8.2.1
    be calculated and accrued for each one (1) month period during the Term; and

    8.2.2
    first be payable no later than 28 February 2006 for the period from the Subscription Date through 31 December 2005. Thereafter, Licensee shall pay to SamEurope the Royalty no later than 28 February of the following year for the immediately preceding Fiscal Year during the Term.

    8.3
    Licensee shall keep detailed records showing the Net Sales of all Licensed Products in the Territory in sufficient detail to enable SamEurope or its representative to verify the amount of Royalty payable. Such records shall be maintained for at least ten (10) years following the latest date covered by such records. On or before 28 February following each Fiscal Year during the Term, and within fifteen (15) days after termination of this Agreement for any reason, Licensee shall deliver to SamEurope:

    8.3.1
    a statement executed by an authorized officer of Licensee indicating the Net Sales of Licensed Products by Licensee during the preceding Fiscal Year; and

    8.3.2
    the Royalty due to SamEurope under this Agreement for the preceding Fiscal Year the statement referred to in paragraph 8.3.1 above.

    8.4
    All Royalty payments due under this Agreement shall be calculated and paid in USD (the "Designated Currency") to SamEurope. In determining the amount of Designated Currency due SamEurope under this Agreement, the Net Sales made by Licensee shall be converted to the Designated Currency at the exchange rate quoted by Mizuho Bank, Toranomon Bank, as of the last day of the month for which such Royalty payment is due.

    8.5
    SamEurope or its designated representative shall have the right during normal business hours and at SamEurope's sole cost and expense, to audit all pertinent books and records of Licensee pertaining to the sale of Licensed Products for the purpose of verifying the actual amounts of Net Sales and Royalties due.

    8.6
    Taxes lawfully levied by governmental bodies within the Territory on payments due to SamEurope under this Agreement shall be borne by SamEurope. However, Licensee shall try to obtain on SamEurope's behalf any reduction of the rate of withholding which is applicable under any law or double taxation treaty. If required by Applicable Law, Licensee shall:

    8.6.1
    withhold the amount of each such tax payment due prior to payment to SamEurope;

    8.6.2
    pay the amount of such tax to the appropriate authority in a timely manner; and

    8.6.3
    promptly transmit to SamEurope official tax receipts or such other documentary evidence of payment as may reasonably be required by SamEurope.

9.     INDEMNIFICATION, INSURANCE AND INFRINGEMENT

    9.1
    Licensee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties and each of them from any and all damage, expense and liability related to any:—

    9.1.1
    default by an Approved Supplier;

    9.1.2
    act or omission of an Approved Supplier with whom Licensee contracts for the manufacture, assembly, distribution, and/or sale of Licensed Products or components thereof;

8


      9.1.3
      suit, action, legal proceeding, claim, or demand of any kind or character, based upon:

      (a)
      an alleged or actual defect in a Licensed Product, its packaging, or the use or condition thereof;

      (b)
      an allegation of passing off, unfair competition or false or misleading advertising involving a Licensed Product; or

      (c)
      an allegation of infringement of any patent, copyright, industrial design, trademark or other right of a Third Party arising from the manufacture, assembly, advertisement, promotion, sale and/or use of a Licensed Product; except for allegations arising out of the use of Samsonite Intellectual Property in a manner authorized by this Agreement.

      9.1.4
      use of any Samsonite Intellectual Property in a manner not authorized by this Agreement; and

      9.1.5
      breach of a warranty, representation or obligation of Licensee under this Agreement.

    9.2
    The duty to indemnify and hold harmless from liability set out in this clause 9 shall, without limitation, apply to all damages, reasonable legal fees, costs and expenses which may be levied against or incurred by the Indemnified Parties, or any of them, in connection with any such suit, action, legal proceeding, claim or demand.

    9.3
    At all times during the Term, Licensee shall obtain and maintain in effect general liability insurance which names the Indemnified Parties as additional insureds and is otherwise in amounts, form and substance satisfactory to SamEurope in its reasonable discretion. Upon SamEurope's request, Licensee shall deliver to SamEurope a certificate of insurance evidencing that insurance complying with the foregoing requirements is in full force and effect. If such insurance is a "claims made" form of insurance, then Licensee shall maintain it in effect for a period of three years following Licensee's last sale of a Licensed Product.

    9.4
    In the event that any Samsonite Intellectual Property is infringed in the Territory by any party not having rights under such Samsonite Intellectual Property, then the party gaining knowledge of such infringement shall immediately notify the other party. Such notice shall include sufficient information and data so that the party receiving the notice may determine whether infringement exists. At the request of SamEurope, Licensee shall join in sending any notice of infringement. SamEurope may elect to bring suit for infringement of such Samsonite Intellectual Property but shall not be obligated to do so. At the request of SamEurope, Licensee shall join in such suit, in which case the expense thereof shall be paid equally and the proceeds of any recovery shall be shared equally. Licensee shall not have any right to direct or control such suit but SamEurope shall confer closely with Licensee.

10.   ASSIGNMENT

    Without the prior written consent of SamEurope, Licensee shall not assign any of its rights under this Agreement nor delegate any of its duties under this Agreement to any Third Party. Any attempted assignment in violation of this clause 10 shall be invalid. SamEurope shall have the right to assign any or all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement.

11.   COPYRIGHTS

    The copyright in Trademark Materials shall be the sole and exclusive property of Samsonite. Licensee shall affix a copyright notice in Samsonite's name and in compliance with the Universal

9


    Copyright Convention to all such materials. Licensee shall execute such assignments or other documents as may be necessary to perfect and confirm Samsonite's ownership of such copyrights.

12.   RECORDS

    In addition to the records specified in clause 8.3, Licensee shall set up a customer record system covering statistics of customer information, including information such as a list of customers, annual purchases by customers, classification and type of customer, volume by trading area and country and analysis of sales by item. SamEurope shall have the right to inspect such record system during the Term upon reasonable notice to Licensee, and upon termination of this Agreement, such system shall be promptly delivered by Licensee as SamEurope directs.

13.   CONFIDENTIALITY

    13.1
    For the purposes of this clause, "Confidential Information" means all information of a confidential nature disclosed (whether in writing, verbally or by any other means and whether directly or indirectly) by one party (the "Disclosing Party") to any other party (the "Receiving Party") whether before or after the date of this Agreement.

    13.2
    During the Term and for a period of two (2) years after termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever the Receiving Party shall:

    13.2.1
    keep the Confidential Information confidential;

    13.2.2
    not disclose the Confidential Information to any other person other than with the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party or in accordance with clauses 13.3 and 13.4; and

    13.2.3
    not use the Confidential Information for any purpose other than the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

    13.3
    The Receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information to its employees and to any Approved Supplier and to any employees of any Approved Supplier on a "need to know basis", only to the extent that it is necessary for the purposes of this Agreement and shall procure that each such person is made aware of and complies with all the Receiving Party's obligations of confidentiality under this Agreement.

    13.4
    The obligations contained in clauses 13.1 and 13.2 shall not apply to any Confidential Information which:

    13.4.1
    is at the date of this Agreement or at any time after the date of this Agreement comes into the public domain other than through breach of this Agreement by the Receiving Party;

    13.4.2
    can be shown by the Receiving Party to the reasonable satisfaction of the Disclosing Party to have been known to the Receiving Party prior to it being disclosed by the Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party;

    13.4.3
    subsequently comes lawfully into the possession of the Receiving Party from a third party; or

    13.5
    is required to be disclosed by law, stock exchange rules or governmental orders or regulations.

14.   IMPROVEMENTS

    14.1
    During the Term, Licensee shall disclose immediately in writing to SamEurope full information, technical and otherwise, regarding any and all inventions and/or improvements which Licensee makes or contemplates regarding the design, manufacture, assembly,

10


      marketing, distribution and/or sale of Licensed Products under this Agreement ("Improvements"), and shall promptly forward to SamEurope designs, plans, samples and all other pertinent items and data with respect thereto. All Improvements shall be owned by Samsonite. Samsonite shall have the right to tile any applications with respect to Improvements, including patent applications, to secure its rights therein.

    14.2
    Licensee shall, upon the request of SamEurope, execute and procure the execution of any and all documents necessary or desirable to protect all Improvements and whatever assignment or transfer instruments necessary or required to effect ownership of such Improvements in Samsonite, in all countries specified by Samsonite; provided that, the expense of obtaining and maintaining rights in Improvements shall be borne by Samsonite. In the event that no patent application is filed by Samsonite with respect to an Improvement, Licensee shall have the right to proceed with such application; provided that, SamEurope or its designee shall have the right of first refusal with respect to an exclusive worldwide license at a reasonable Royalty rate with the right to sublicense. In the event that no patent application is filed by SamEurope or Licensee for any reason whatsoever, Samsonite may in its sole discretion agree in writing that Samsonite Trademarks may be used on any products manufactured by Licensee on the basis of the above inventions and/or improvements.

15.   TERM AND TERMINATION

    15.1
    The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and terminate on the earlier of (i) termination of the Shareholders Agreement, (ii) termination by SamEurope due to a Termination Event, as set forth in clause 15.2 below, or (iii) termination of the SamEurope License (the "Term").

    15.2
    SamEurope may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice to Licensee upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each a "Termination Event"), without prejudice to any other accrued rights SamEurope may have as of the date of such termination:

    15.2.1
    failure of Licensee to pay Royalties as and when due under this Agreement;

    15.2.2
    unauthorized or unlawful use of any of any Samsonite Intellectual Property or use of any Samsonite Intellectual Property in breach of this Agreement;

    15.2.3
    the voting power of the shareholders of Licensee is ineffective for 60 days or more either by reason of nationalization of the particular industry in which Licensee is engaged or by reason of the intervention of any governmental or military or other power in the affairs of Licensee, whether or not accompanied by war or civil strife;

    15.2.4
    the Board of Directors of Licensee for any reason whatsoever ceases for a period of thirty (30) days or more to have effective control over the operations or any property of Licensee;

    15.2.5
    Licensee's breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement which is incapable of cure or which remains uncured for a thirty (30) day period after receiving notice thereof from SamEurope; or

    15.2.6
    Licensee is declared insolvent or bankrupt.

11


16.   RIGHTS ON TERMINATION

    16.1
    Upon termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall cease and shall cause any Authorized Supplier manufacturing or assembling Licensed Products to cease:

    16.1.1
    Marketing, selling, distributing and having manufactured and assembled Licensed Products, and any component parts thereof; and

    16.1.2
    using the Samsonite Intellectual Property and any intellectual property similar to the Intellectual Property;

    16.2
    Upon termination of this Agreement, any rights of Licensee to the use of the Samsonite Intellectual Property shall cease and automatically revert to SamEurope and Licensee shall not thereafter use the Samsonite Intellectual Property in any way whatsoever, including marketing, having manufactured, using, distributing or selling any product which incorporates an invention or design covered by any Samsonite Patent.

    16.3
    Upon termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall immediately return any Samsonite Know-How previously received in any form, including without limitation originals, copies, reprints, translations, and samples thereof.

    16.4
    Licensee grants to SamEurope the option, exercisable upon the termination of this Agreement, to purchase from Licensee, and to have Licensee cause any Authorized Supplier manufacturing or assembling Licensed Products on behalf of Licensee, to sell to SamEurope all or any part of:

    16.4.1
    the tooling or equipment related to the manufacture and/or assembly of Licensed Products, at the cost thereof less normal depreciation;

    16.4.2
    the inventory of finished Licensed Products of Licensee and/or its sub-contractor as of the date of termination, at the actual cost thereof; and

    16.4.3
    any work in process and raw materials used in the production of Licensed Products, all at the actual cost thereof.

    16.5
    Such purchases shall be made at the Licensee's or subcontractor's landed cost, as applicable, within sixty (60) days after lists containing descriptions, quantities and prices of all items included under this Agreement have been furnished by Licensee to SamEurope. Licensee shall give such lists to SamEurope within ten days after termination of this Agreement. If SamEurope does not elect to make such purchases, Licensee shall have the right to sell the same for the best price obtainable; provided that, the Samsonite Name and all Samsonite Trademarks are first either completely removed or permanently obliterated therefrom.

    16.6
    Upon termination of this Agreement, SamEurope may apply for cancellation of any record of this Agreement with any government authority. Licensee hereby specifically consents to such cancellation and shall execute all documents necessary for such cancellation.

    16.7
    Upon termination of this Agreement, any Samsonite Entity or Third Party authorized by SamEurope shall have the right without paying any compensation or fee to deal With Licensee's customers and to sell Licensed Products in the Territory.

17.   TIME OF ESSENCE

    Any time or period mentioned in any provision of this Agreement may be extended by mutual agreement between the parties but as regards any time, date or period originally fixed or any time, date or period so extended as aforesaid time shall be of the essence.

12


18.   AMENDMENTS AND NO WAIVER

    18.1
    A variation of this Agreement is valid only if it is in writing and signed by or on behalf of each party.

    18.2
    The failure to exercise or delay in exercising a right or remedy provided by this Agreement or by law does not impair or constitute a waiver of the right or remedy or an impairment of or a waiver of other rights or remedies. No single or partial exercise of a right or remedy provided by this Agreement or by law prevents further exercise of the right or remedy or the exercise of another right or remedy.

19.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT

    This Agreement and each document referred to in it constitute the entire agreement and supersede any previous agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.

20.   LIMITATION OF RIGHTS

    20.1
    This Agreement is made pursuant to the SamEurope License and is hereby expressly limited by the rights granted to SamEurope under the SamEurope License. Any inconsistency between this Agreement and the SamEurope License shall be controlled based on the terms, conditions and rights granted to SamEurope in the SamEurope License.

    20.2
    No person who is not party to this Agreement shall have or acquire any right to enforce any term of this Agreement.

21.   NOTICES

    21.1
    A notice or other communication under or in connection with this Agreement (a "Notice") shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by post (and air mail if overseas) or by fax to the party due to receive the Notice to the address set out in clause 21.3 or to another address specified by that party by not less than seven (7) days' written notice to the other parties received before the Notice was dispatched.

    21.2
    Unless there is evidence that it was received earlier, a Notice is deemed given if:

    21.2.1
    delivered personally, when left at the address referred to in clause 21.1;

    21.2.2
    sent by mail, except air mail, two (2) Business Days after posting it;

    21.2.3
    sent by air mail, six (6) Business Days after posting it; and

    21.2.4
    sent by fax, when confirmation of its transmission has been recorded by the sender's fax machine.

13


    21.3
    The addresses referred to in clause 21.1 are:

Samsonite Japan Co., Ltd.:   Akasaka Edosei Building 4th Floor, 10-8
Akasaka 7-chome, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Fax No: (813) 5545-6771

Attention:

 

Jun Morimoto

Samsonite Europe NV:

 

Westerring 17, 9700 Oudenaarde, Belgium
Fax No: (32) 5531-5660

Attention:

 

Caroline Giraldo

ESY Luggage Management
LPS Investment Limited Partnership:

 

Marunouchi 2-2-2, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Fax No: (813) 5220-1267

Attention:

 

Yumiko Kawaguchi

22.   GOVERNING LAW AND ARBITRATION

    22.1
    This Agreement is governed by Japanese law

    22.2
    Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach, termination or validity thereof, shall, if the same cannot be amicably settled by the parties upon the written request of any party, be settled by arbitration. The award of the arbitrators shall be final and binding upon the parties.

    22.3
    The arbitration shall be held in Tokyo, Japan in accordance with the arbitration rules of the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association in force when such arbitration is commenced (the "Rules"). The language used for the arbitration shall be English. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the number of arbitrators shall be three, to be nominated by the parties in the manner provided for in the Rules.

    22.4
    If any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable, the remaining portions of this Agreement shall (unless the unenforceable provision is material to the operation of this Agreement as intended by the parties) remain in full force and effect and such portions shall be enforced to the extent permissible.

    22.5
    All costs of the arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties involved. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered in any court of law having jurisdiction.

23.   GOVERNING LANGUAGE

    23.1
    This Agreement is in the English language only, which language shall be controlling in all respects. No translation of this Agreement into any other language shall be of any force or effect in the interpretation of this Agreement or in the determination of the intent of the parties.

    23.2
    Each notice, demand, request, statement, instrument, certificate or other communication given, delivered or made by a party to any other party under or in connection with this Agreement shall be in English.

14


24.   COUNTERPARTS

    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered is an original and all of which together evidence the same agreement.

    [Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorised representatives on the date first written above.


SAMSONITE EUROPE NV

 

 

By:

 

/s/  MARCELLO BOTTOLI      

 

 

 

 
   
       
Name:   Marcello Bottoli        
Title:   Managing Director        

SAMSONITE JAPAN CO., LTD.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  JUN MORIMOTO      

 

 

 

 
   
       
Name:   Jun Morimoto        
Title:   Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer        

16



SCHEDULE 1

SAMSONITE TRADEMARKS

Trademark Description

  Docket
Number

  Current
Registration
Number

  Current
Application
Number

  CL & NO
AIRFLITE   T36570   1393579   96148/75   IN 18

AMERICAN TOURISTER

 

T70670

 

1891804

 

58-72296

 

IN 18

AMERICAN TOURISTER &
DESIGN (CHEVRONS)

 

T69220

 

4408457

 

11-30421

 

IN 18
IN 16
IN 25

AMERICAN TOURISTER &
DESIGN (GORILLA)

 

T71980

 

4,042,372

 

88482/1995

 

IN 18

AMERICAN TOURISTER &
DESIGN (I.D. TAG)

 

T70680

 

881,208

 

13546/69

 

IN 18

DEBONAIR

 

T36610

 

803863

 

252100/78

 

IN 18

DESIGN (3-CRESCENT SYMBOL)
(ASSOCIATE)

 

T29870

 

2457153

 

87436/89

 

IN 18

DESIGN (LARK BARS L DEVICE)

 

T17300

 

2010667

 

67521/85

 

IN 18

DESIGN (LARK BARS RHOMBUS)

 

T17280

 

2010668

 

67525/85

 

IN 25

EASYTURN

 

T70700

 

3182216

 

84559/93

 

IN 18

EZ CART (KATAKANA)

 

T73250

 

4218922

 

157112/97

 

IN 18

FASHIONAIRE

 

T36620

 

1493258

 

62643/1978

 

IN 18

HORIZON

 

T36630

 

1527135

 

102969/74

 

IN 18

LARK

 

T13960

 

881180

 

90175/1968

 

IN 18

LARK

 

T52071

 

4009646

 

64276/94

 

IN 42

LARK

 

T52060

 

3089992

 

282243/92

 

IN 37

LARK

 

T52070

 

T52070

 

282244/92

 

IN 39

PIGGYBACK

 

T56000

 

3208246

 

128600/93

 

IN 18

PIGGYBACK (KATAKANA)

 

T65160

 

4189929

 

134978/97

 

IN 18

ROYAL TRAVELLER

 

T63470

 

4170799

 

137589/96

 

IN 18

SAMMIES

 

T29490

 

2415425

 

123257/89

 

IN 18
IN 21

SAMSON (DEFENSIVE MARK)

 

T21950

 

2089674

 

70325/86

 

IN 18

SAMSONITE

 

T54230

 

3098850

 

23583/93

 

IN 20

SAMSONITE

 

T22050

 

597760

 

206996/82

 

IN 18

SAMSONITE

 

T60210

 

3300469

 

32452/95

 

IN 25

SAMSONITE

 

T52051

 

4001263

 

64275/94

 

IN 42
                 

17



SAMSONITE

 

T60330

 

4000881

 

40669/95

 

IN 9

SAMSONITE

 

T60200

 

3300470

 

32453/95

 

IN 26

SAMSONITE

 

T60490

 

332751

 

59064/95

 

IN 18

SAMSONITE

 

T60180

 

3325040

 

32455/95

 

IN 24

SAMSONITE

 

T60220

 

3300468

 

32451/95

 

IN 18

SAMSONITE

 

T52040

 

3089991

 

282241/92

 

IN 37

SAMSONITE

 

T52050

 

3096522

 

282242/92

 

IN 39

SAMSONITE

 

T31710

 

2453786

 

2943/90

 

IN 16

SAMSONITE

 

T60450

 

4098445

 

59065/95

 

IN 11

SAMSONITE

 

T60480

 

4082887

 

59063/95

 

IN 17

SAMSONITE

 

T60190

 

3350512

 

32454/95

 

IN 16

SAMSONITE & DESIGN (BLACK LABEL)

 

T75692

 

4540786

 

2001-037741

 

IN 25
IN 18

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (BADGE)

 

T66120

 

4300921

 

79408/98

 

IN 18

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (LINEAR)

 

T52830

 

3223850

 

1534/93

 

IN 14

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (LINEAR)

 

T66090

 

4300919

 

79408/98

 

IN 18

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (LINEAR)

 

T60320

 

4041246

 

40670/95

 

IN 9

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (LINEAR)

 

T60470

 

4098447

 

59067/95

 

IN 11

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (STACKED)

 

T52840

 

3223849

 

1535/93

 

IN 14

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (STACKED)

 

T60340

 

4041247

 

40671/95

 

IN 9

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (STACKED)

 

T66110

 

4300920

 

79407/98

 

IN 18

SAMSONITE & SYMBOL (STACKED)

 

T60460

 

4098446

 

59066/95

 

IN 11

SAMSONITE (DEFENSIVE MARK)

 

T01800

 

1830665

 

107386/82

 

IN 23

SATURN

 

T36680

 

818063

 

202265/79

 

IN 21

SECRETARY

 

T36690

 

1366733

 

139527/74

 

IN 21

SIGNAT

 

T36720

 

1363739

 

139526/74

 

IN 21

SILHOUETTE

 

T36730

 

1750039

 

132014/73

 

IN 21

SPECTRUM

 

T48540

 

2573730

 

100745/91

 

IN 21

SYMBOL

 

T60160

 

3308347

 

32456/95

 

IN 18

SYMBOL

 

T60140

 

3308348

 

32458/95

 

IN 26

SYMBOL

 

T52091

 

3333442

 

110194/94

 

IN 42

SYMBOL

 

T60130

 

3338437

 

32459/95

 

IN 16

SYMBOL

 

T60150

 

4006348

 

32457/95

 

IN 25
                 

18



SYMBOL

 

T52090

 

3115657

 

282246/92

 

IN 39

SYMBOL

 

T52080

 

3174861

 

282245/92

 

IN 37

SYMBOL

 

T36740

 

1375508

 

32225/73

 

IN 18

SYMBOL

 

T60170

 

3317488

 

32460/95

 

IN 24

SYMBOL

 

T52820

 

3223851

 

1535/93

 

IN 14

TRAVEL EXPO

 

T72148

 

4163234

 

107991/96

 

IN 42

TRUNK & CO.

 

T72171

 

4151361

 

117029/96

 

IN 18

WORLDPROOF

 

T64770

 

4178321

 

116781/97

 

IN 18

19



SCHEDULE 2

SAMSONITE PATENTS

Title

  Docket
Number

  Case
Type

  Application
Date

  Application
Number

  Grant
Date

  Patent
Number

  Expiry
Date

ACCENT 350 SERIES PULLMAN   P64845   Inv   26/07/1999   2000-561852   Patent Pending

AIRSTOP HANDLE

 

P68470

 

D

 

12/07/2001

 

24064/2001

 

31/05/2002

 

1148046

 

31/05/2017

AIRSTOP UPRIGHT LUGGAGE CASE

 

P68471

 

D

 

12/07/2001

 

24062/2001

 

31/05/2002

 

1148044

 

31/05/2017

AIRSTOP ZIPPER PULL

 

P68472

 

D

 

12/07/2001

 

24063/2001

 

31/05/2002

 

1148045

 

31/05/2017

ALUMINUM LUGGAGE CASE (PULLMAN)

 

P66920

 

D

 

25/02/2000

 

8116/2000

 

15/12/2000

 

1101245

 

15/12/2015

ALUMINUM LUGGAGE CASE (UPRIGHT)

 

P66921

 

D

 

25/02/2000

 

8117/2000

 

15/12/2000

 

1101246

 

15/12/2015

BIG WHEEL

 

P64560

 

D

 

27/03/1998

 

8411/1998

 

04/06/1999

 

1048487

 

04/06/2014

EGG BOX MODULAR LUGGAGE

 

P50350

 

Inv

 

20/05/1992

 

151264/1992

 

19/09/2003

 

3472840

 

20/05/2012

ENIGMA ATTACHE CASE

 

P66251

 

D

 

25/11/1999

 

32361/1999

 

15/12/2000

 

1101251

 

15/12/2015

ENIGMA LOCK

 

P66250

 

D

 

25/11/1999

 

32360/1999

 

15/12/2000

 

1101250

 

15/12/2015

EPSILON PULLMAN

 

P60582

 

Inv

 

14/07/1995

 

505287/1996

 

Patent Pending

ERGONOMIC BACKPACK

 

P68011

 

D

 

24/11/2000

 

37476/2000

 

02/11/2001

 

1129680

 

02/11/2016

F'LITE UPRIGHT WHEEL HANDLE

 

P68825

 

D

 

18/09/2001

 

31070/2001

 

31/05/2002

 

1148051

 

31/05/2017

FEMALE ATTACHE

 

P64236

 

Inv

 

26/07/1999

 

2000-562280

 

Patent Pending

FOLDING HANGER

 

P65260

 

Inv

 

16/04/1998

 

544354/1998

 

Patent Pending

FOLDING HANGER

 

P65880

 

D

 

13/08/1999

 

21719/1999

 

23/06/2000

 

1083106

 

23/06/2015

GSI WHEEL HOUSING

 

P65480

 

D

 

24/03/1999

 

7186/1999

 

31/03/2000

 

1074152

 

31/03/2015

HARDLITE ATTACHE DESIGN

 

P68624

 

D

 

10/08/2001

 

26839/2001

 

31/05/2002

 

1148050

 

31/05/2017

HARDLITE FRAME TO SHELL PROCES

 

P68360

 

Inv

 

18/10/2000

 

530984/2001

 

Patent Pending

INNOVATIVE PIGGYBACK

 

P27800

 

Inv

 

14/04/1988

 

503900/198

 

14/11/1997

 

2717684

 

14/04/2008

INNOVATIVE PIGGYBACK II

 

P26440

 

D

 

04/03/1988

 

8668/1988

 

27/11/1992

 

861385

 

27/11/2007

OYSTER CASE (3 LATCHES)

 

P25070

 

Inv

 

08/10/1986

 

505288/1986

 

11/03/1997

 

2615028

 

08/10/2006

PRESSFORM SHELL MOLDING

 

P50520

 

Inv

 

15/10/1991

 

518482/1991

 

25/02/2000

 

3035555

 

15/10/2011

PROFLINE D-RING

 

P67770

 

D

 

24/11/2000

 

37481/2000

 

25/04/2003

 

1176600

 

25/04/2018

PROFLINE POCKET CONSTRUCTION

 

P69972

 

Inv

 

23/04/2001

 

587618/2001

 

Patent Pending

PROFLINE SNAP HOOK

 

P67773

 

D

 

24/11/2000

 

37478/2000

 

22/11/2001

 

1131514

 

22/11/2016

STREAMLINE ZIPPER LOCK

 

P66542

 

D

 

03/02/2000

 

4982/2000

 

10/08/2001

 

1122318

 

10/08/2016

SWING OUT WHEEL

 

P65110

 

Inv

 

04/04/1998

 

538838/1998

 

Patent Pending

TELESCOPING SOFTSIDE

 

P58975

 

Inv

 

17/01/1995

 

519229/1995

 

Patent Pending
                             

20



TELESCOPING TROLLEY

 

P27500

 

D

 

03/08/1988

 

30898/1988

 

13/04/1992

 

843744

 

13/04/2007

VERTICAL PUSHMAN

 

P63225

 

Inv

 

20/11/1996

 

519962/1997

 

Parent Pending

XYLEM SOFT BEAUTY CASE

 

P69794

 

D

 

24/07/2002

 

22797/2002

 

13/06/2003

 

1180912

 

13/06/2018

XYLEM SOFT DUFFEL

 

P69793

 

D

 

24/07/2002

 

22796/2002

 

25/04/2003

 

1176604

 

25/04/2018

ZIPLITE

 

P57700

 

D

 

16/08/1994

 

24650/1994

 

09/05/1997

 

988706

 

09/05/2012

21




QuickLinks

CONTENTS
SCHEDULE 1 SAMSONITE TRADEMARKS
SCHEDULE 2 SAMSONITE PATENTS