Employment Agreement dated as of April 1, 2013, between Discovery Laboratories, Inc. and John G. Cooper

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement") is made as of April 1, 2013, by and between Discovery Laboratories, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and John G. Cooper ("Executive"), subject to the terms and conditions defined in this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire that Executive be employed by the Company to act as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.  Executive’s employment shall also be subject to such policies and procedures as the Company may from time to time implement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants contained herein, and for other valuable consideration, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.             Certain Definitions.  Certain definitions used herein shall have the meanings set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto.

2.             Term of the Agreement.  The term (“Term”) of this Agreement shall commence on the date first above written and shall continue through March 31, 2015; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2015 and on each April 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year, unless at least 90 days prior to such renewal date, either party shall have given notice that such party does not wish to extend this Agreement.  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control during the term of this Agreement, including any extensions hereof, this Agreement shall automatically be extended until the end of the Effective Period if the end of the Effective Period is after the expiration date of the then-current Term.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate prior to the scheduled expiration date of the Term on the Date of Termination.  On the Date of Termination, Executive hereby resigns all employment and related job duties and responsibilities with the Company, including, without limitation any and all positions on any committees or boards of the Company or any affiliated company.  Executive agrees to sign all documentation evidencing the foregoing as may be presented to Executive for signature by the Company.

3.             Executive's Duties and Obligations.

(a)           Duties.  Executive shall serve as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Executive shall be responsible for all duties customarily associated with that position in a publicly-traded company.

(b)           Location of Employment.  Executive's principal place of business shall be at the Company's headquarters to be located within thirty (30) miles of Warrington, Pennsylvania.  In addition, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the performance by Executive of Executive’s duties shall require frequent travel including, without limitation, overseas travel from time to time.

(c)           Proprietary Information and Inventions Matters.  In consideration of the covenants contained herein, Executive has executed and agrees to be bound by the Company's standard form of Proprietary Information and Inventions, Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Agreement (the "Confidentiality Agreement"), a form of which is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B.  Executive shall comply at all times with the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement and all other reasonable policies of the Company governing its confidential and proprietary information.

 

4.             Devotion of Time to Company's Business.

(a)           Full-Time Efforts.  During Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive’s time, attention and efforts to the proper performance of Executive’s implicit and explicit duties and obligations hereunder to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company.

(b)           No Other Employment.  During Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall not, except as otherwise provided herein, directly or indirectly, render any services of a commercial or professional nature to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”).

(c)           Non-Competition During and After Employment.  During the Term and for 12 months from the Date of Termination, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Company, either as an employee, employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, stockholder, corporate officer, director, or in any other individual or representative capacity compete with the Company in the business of developing or commercializing (i) pulmonary surfactants or any other category of compounds which form the basis of the Company's material drug products, or (ii) any material medical device products under development by the Company, including without limitation the Company’s capillary aerosol generator, series of aerosol-conducting airway connectors and related componentry, and similar medical devices; in each case, as determined in good faith by the Board on the Date of Termination.  During the Term and for 18 months from the Date of Termination, Executive shall not solicit, encourage, induce or endeavor to entice away from the Company, or otherwise interfere with the relationship of the Company with, any person who is employed or engaged by the Company as an employee, consultant or independent contractor or who was so employed or engaged at any time during the six (6) months preceding the Date of Termination; provided, that nothing herein shall prevent Executive from engaging in discussions regarding employment, or employing, any such employee, consultant or independent contractor (i) if such person shall voluntarily initiate such discussions without any such solicitation, encouragement, enticement or inducement prior thereto on the part of Executive or (ii) if such discussions shall be held as a result of, or any employment shall be the result of, the response by any such person to a written employment advertisement placed in a publication of general circulation, general solicitation conducted by executive search firms, employment agencies or other general employment services, not directed specifically at any such employee, consultant or independent contractor.

(d)           Injunctive Relief.  In the event that Executive breaches any provisions of Section 4(c) or of the Confidentiality Agreement or there is a threatened breach thereof, then, in addition to any other rights which the Company may have, the Company shall be entitled, without the posting of a bond or other security, to injunctive relief to enforce the restrictions contained therein.  In the event that an actual proceeding is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of Section 4(c) or the Confidentiality Agreement, Executive shall not urge as a defense that there is an adequate remedy at law nor shall the Company be prevented from seeking any other remedies which may be available.

 

(e)           Reformation.  To the extent that the restrictions imposed by Section 4(c) are interpreted by any court to be unreasonable in geographic and/or temporal scope, such restrictions shall be deemed automatically reduced to the extent necessary to coincide with the maximum geographic and/or temporal restrictions deemed by such court not to be unreasonable.

5.             Compensation and Benefits.

 

(a)           Base Compensation.  During the Term, the Company shall pay to Executive (i) base annual compensation ("Base Salary"), effective as of April 1, 2013, of $400,000, payable in accordance with the Company's regular payroll practices and less all required withholdings and (ii) additional compensation, if any, and benefits as hereinafter set forth in this Section 5.  Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed annually and may be increased  based on an assessment of Executive's performance, the performance of the Company, inflation, the then prevailing salary scales for comparable positions and other relevant factors; provided, however, that any increase in Base Salary shall be solely within the discretion of the Company.  Executive’s Base Salary shall not be subject to reduction from the level in effect hereunder from time to time, other than pursuant to a salary reduction program of general application to contract executives of the Company

(b)           Bonuses.  During the Term, Executive shall be eligible for such year-end bonus, which may be paid in either cash or equity, or both, based upon a target Annual Bonus Amount of 50% of Base Salary, as may be awarded solely at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board after consultation with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, provided, that the Company shall be under no obligation whatsoever to pay such discretionary year-end bonus for any year.  Any such equity bonus shall contain such rights and features as are typically afforded to other Company employees of a similar level in connection with comparable equity bonuses awarded by the Company.

(c)           Benefits.  During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements made available generally to the Company's senior executives or to its employees on substantially the same basis that such benefits are provided to such executives of a similar level or to other employees (including, without limitation, profit-sharing, savings and other retirement plans (e.g., a 401(k) plan) or programs, medical, dental, hospitalization, vision, short-term and long-term disability and life insurance plans or programs, accidental death and dismemberment protection, travel accident insurance, and any other employee welfare benefit plans or programs that may be sponsored by the Company from time to time, including any plans or programs that supplement the above-listed types of plans or programs, whether funded or unfunded); provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require the Company to establish or maintain any such plans, programs or arrangements.  If a conflict should exist between similar benefits afforded under any Company policy and the benefits afforded under this Agreement, the Company policy shall control, except to the extent that this Agreement shall provide for greater benefits, in which event the terms of this Agreement shall control.  Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, throughout the Term, Executive shall be entitled to receive life insurance on behalf of Executive’s named beneficiaries in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) Executive’s then current annual salary for the Term of this Agreement and (ii) if less, the maximum amount available under the Company’s insurance program, at no cost to Executive, except the Company shall have no liability whatsoever for any taxes (whether based on income or otherwise) imposed upon or incurred by Executive in connection with any such insurance.

 

(d)           Vacations.  During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to 25 days paid vacation per year, or such greater amount as may be earned under the Company’s standard vacation policy, to be earned ratably throughout the year.  Vacation days may be carried from one year to the next in accordance with the Company vacation policy.

(e)           Reimbursement of Business Expenses.  Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement and the Company shall reimburse Executive for all such expenses, in accordance with reasonable policies of the Company.

6.             Change of Control Benefits.

(a)           Bonus.  Executive shall be awarded an annual cash bonus for each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Effective Period that is at least equal to the Annual Bonus Amount; provided, that Executive is employed on the last day of such fiscal year.  Such bonuses will be paid no later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of such fiscal year.

(b)           Options.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any of the Company’s long-term incentive plans or in any stock option or restricted stock agreement between the Company and Executive, all shares of stock and all options to acquire Company stock held by Executive shall accelerate and become fully vested and, with respect to restricted stock, all restrictions shall be lifted upon the Change of Control Date.  In the case of any Change of Control in which holders of the Company’s common stock receive cash, securities or other consideration in exchange for, or in respect of, their Company common stock, (i) Executive shall be permitted to exercise Executive’s options at a time and in a fashion that will entitle Executive to receive, in exchange for any shares acquired pursuant to any such exercise, the same per share consideration as is received by the other holders of the Company’s common stock, and (ii) if Executive shall elect not to exercise all or any portion of such options, any such unexercised options shall terminate and cease to be outstanding following such Change of Control, except to the extent assumed by a successor corporation (or its parent) or otherwise expressly continued in full force and effect pursuant to the terms of such Change of Control.

7.             Termination of Employment.

(a)           Termination by the Company for Cause or Termination by Executive without Good Reason, Death or Disability.

(i)                 In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause, a termination by Executive without Good Reason, or in the event this Agreement terminates by reason of the death or Disability of Executive, Executive shall be entitled to any unpaid compensation accrued through the last day of Executive's employment, a lump sum payment in respect of all accrued but unused vacation days at Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date such vacation was earned, and payment of any other amounts owing to Executive but not yet paid, less any amounts owed by Executive to the Company.  Executive shall not be entitled to receive any other compensation or benefits from the Company whatsoever (except as and to the extent the continuation of certain benefits is required by law).

 

(ii)                 In the case of a termination due to death or Disability, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any stock option or restricted stock agreement between the Company and Executive, all shares of stock and all options to acquire Company stock held by Executive shall accelerate and become fully vested upon the Date of Termination (and all options shall thereupon become fully exercisable), and all stock options shall continue to be exercisable for the remainder of their stated terms.

(b)           Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason.  If (x) Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, death or Disability (i.e., without Cause) or (y) Executive terminates employment with Good Reason, then Executive will receive the amounts set forth in Section 7(a)(i) and, on the condition that the Executive signs a separation agreement containing a plenary release of claims in a form acceptable to the Company within fifty (50) days after the Date of Termination (or such shorter period specified in such plenary release) and such plenary release becomes final, binding and irrevocable, the Executive shall also be entitled to receive the following from the Company:

(i)                  A pro rata bonus equal to the Executive’s Annual Bonus Amount (A) multiplied by the fraction obtained by dividing the aggregate amount of actual bonuses paid to the Company’s other employment contract executives for the year that includes the Date of Termination by such employment contract executives’ aggregate target bonuses for the year that includes the Date of Termination, multiplied by (B) the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in the year through the Date of Termination by 365, which amount shall be paid when the Company’s other employment contract executives are paid;

(ii)                 An amount equal to 1.5 times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary then in effect (determined without regard to any reduction in such Base Salary constituting Good Reason) and (B) the Annual Bonus Amount, payable in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule, from the Date of Termination to the date that is 18 months after the Date of Termination (the “Severance Period”) provided, however, that each installment payable before the plenary release becomes final, binding and irrevocable shall not be paid to the Executive until such plenary release becomes final, binding and irrevocable;

(iii)                During the Severance Period, if Executive elects to continue Company medical benefits through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall continue to pay the Company’s costs of such benefits as Executive elects to continue under the same plans and on the same terms and conditions as such benefits are provided to active employees of the Company.  If for any reason COBRA coverage is unavailable at any time during the Severance Period, the Company shall reimburse Executive no less frequently than quarterly in advance an amount which, after taxes, is sufficient for Executive to purchase medical and dental coverage for Executive and Executive’s dependents that is substantially equivalent to the medical and dental coverage that Executive and Executive’s dependents were receiving immediately prior to the Date of Termination and that is available to comparable active employees, reduced by the amount that would be paid by comparable active employees for such coverage under the Company’s plans.  Company’s obligation under this Section 7(b)(iii) shall terminate or be reduced to the extent that substantially similar coverages (determined on a benefit-by-benefit basis) are provided by a subsequent employer;

 

(iv)                Upon the date that the plenary release becomes final, binding and irrevocable, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any stock option or restricted stock agreement between the Company and the Executive, all shares of restricted stock and all options to acquire Company stock and other equity awards held by the Executive as of the Date of Termination shall continue to vest for a period of 18 months from the Date of Termination and, thereafter, all vested stock options to acquire Company stock and all other similar equity awards held by the Executive as of the Date of Termination shall continue to be exercisable for up to 36 months after the Date of Termination; and

(v)                 Any other additional benefits then due or earned in accordance with applicable plans and programs of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive engages in a material breach of any provision of this Agreement or the Executive’s Confidentiality Agreement during the Severance Period, and such breach is not cured within five business days after receipt from the Company of notice thereof, then the Company’s continuing obligations under this Section 7(b) shall cease as of the date of the breach and the Executive shall be entitled to no further payments hereunder.

 

(c)           Termination in connection with a Change of Control.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason during the Effective Period, then Executive shall be entitled to receive the following from the Company:

(i)                  All amounts and benefits described in Section 7(a)(i) above;

(ii)                 Within 10 days after the Date of Termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the Annual Bonus Amount multiplied by the fraction obtained by dividing the number of days in the year through the Date of Termination by 365;

(iii)                Within 10 days after the Date of Termination, a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to 2 times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary then in effect (determined without regard to any reduction in such Base Salary constituting Good Reason) and (B) the Annual Bonus Amount; provided, however, that if Executive’s employment is terminated prior to the consummation of a Change of Control but under circumstances that would cause the Change of Control Date to precede the date that the Change of Control is consummated, such amount will be paid in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule over the Severance Period described in Section 7(b)(ii);

(iv)                If Executive elects to continue Company medical benefits under COBRA for a period of 24 months following the Date of Termination (the “Benefit Period”), the Company shall continue to pay the Company’s costs of such benefits as Executive elects to continue under the same plans and on the same terms and conditions as such benefits are provided to active employees of the Company.  If for any reason COBRA coverage is unavailable at any time during the Benefit Period, the Company shall reimburse Executive no less frequently than quarterly in advance an amount which, after taxes, is sufficient for Executive to purchase medical and dental coverage for Executive and Executive’s dependents that is substantially equivalent to the medical and dental coverage that Executive and Executive’s dependents were receiving immediately prior to the Date of Termination and that is available to comparable active employees, reduced by the amount that would be paid by comparable active employees for such coverage under the Company’s plans.  Company’s obligation under this Section 7(b)(iii) shall terminate or be reduced to the extent that substantially similar coverages (determined on a benefit-by-benefit basis) are provided by a subsequent employer;

 

(v)                 Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any stock option or restricted stock agreement between the Company and Executive, all shares of stock and all options to acquire Company stock held by Executive shall accelerate and become fully vested upon the Date of Termination (and all options shall thereupon become fully exercisable), and all stock options shall continue to be exercisable for the remainder of their stated terms; and

(vi)                Any other additional benefits then due or earned in accordance with applicable plans and programs of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive engages in a material breach of any provision of this Agreement or Executive’s Confidentiality Agreement during the Severance Period, and such breach is not cured within five business days after receipt from the Company of notice thereof, then the Company’s continuing obligations under this Section 7(c) shall cease as of the date of the breach and the Executive shall be entitled to no further payments or benefits hereunder.

8.             Notice of Termination.

(a)           Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which: (i) is given at least 10 days prior to the Date of Termination (at least 30 days in the case of Notice of Termination given by Executive for Good Reason), (ii) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (iii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (iv) specifies the employment termination date.  The failure to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause will not waive any right of the party giving the Notice of Termination hereunder or preclude such party from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing its rights hereunder.

(b)           A Termination of Employment of Executive will not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless Executive gives the Notice of Termination provided for herein within 12 months after Executive has actual knowledge of the act or omission of the Company constituting such Good Reason and Executive gives the Company a 30 day cure period to rectify or correct the condition or event that constitutes Good Reason.

9.             Mitigation of Damages.  Executive will not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment or benefit provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise.  Except as otherwise provided in Sections 7(b)(iv) and 7(c)(iv), the amount of any payment or benefit provided for under this Agreement will not be reduced by any compensation or benefits earned by Executive as the result of self-employment or employment by another employer or otherwise.

 

 

10.           Excess Parachute Excise Tax.

 

(a)           Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any payment, award, benefit or distribution (including any acceleration) by the Company or any entity which effectuates a transaction described in Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code to or for the benefit of Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 10) (a “Payment”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred with respect to such excise tax by Executive (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), the Company will automatically reduce such Payments to the extent, but only to the extent, necessary so that no portion of the remaining Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, unless the amount of such Payments that the Executive would retain after payment of the Excise Tax and all applicable Federal, state and local income taxes without such reduction would exceed the amount of such Payments that the Executive would retain after payment of all applicable Federal, state and local taxes after applying such reduction.  Unless otherwise elected by the Executive, to the extent permitted under Code Section 409A, such reduction shall first be applied to any stock options, restricted stock or any other form of equity compensation (Equity Compensation”) that is subject to exercise at a price per share that exceeds the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the Change of Control, and thereafter pro rata among (i) severance payments payable to the Executive under this Agreement in reverse order of receipt, (ii) any remaining compensation in respect of Equity Compensation provided under this Agreement, starting with those options with the smallest spread between fair market value and exercise price first, and any restricted stock or restricted stock units, and (iii) any compensation related to continuation of benefits in reverse order of receipt.

(b)           All determinations required to be made under this Section 10, including the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Company’s independent auditors or such other certified public accounting firm of national standing reasonably acceptable to Executive as may be designated by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company.  All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company.  If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, it shall furnish Executive with a written opinion to such effect, and to the effect that failure to report the Excise Tax, if any, on Executive’s applicable federal income tax return will not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar penalty.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and Executive.

11.           Legal Fees.  All reasonable legal fees and related expenses (including costs of experts, evidence and counsel) paid or incurred by Executive pursuant to any claim, dispute or question of interpretation relating to this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed by the Company if Executive is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal judgment or arbitration.  Except as provided in this Section 11, each party shall be responsible for its own legal fees and expenses in connection with any claim or dispute relating to this Agreement.

 

12.           Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed within the continental United States by first class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

if to the Board or the Company:

Discovery Laboratories, Inc.

2600 Kelly Road, Suite 100

Warrington, PA 18976

Attn:  General Counsel

if to Executive:

John G. Cooper

The address on file with the records of the Company

Addresses may be changed by written notice sent to the other party at the last recorded address of that party.

13.           Withholding.  The Company shall be entitled to withhold from payments due hereunder any required federal, state or local withholding or other taxes.

14.           Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes the Employment Agreement and all other prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto.

15.           Arbitration.

(a)           If the parties are unable to resolve any dispute or claim relating directly or indirectly to this Agreement or any dispute or claim between Executive and the Company or its officers, directors, agents, or employees (a “Dispute”), then either party may require the matter to be settled by final and binding arbitration by sending written notice of such election to the other party clearly marked “Arbitration Demand.”  Such Dispute shall be arbitrated in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Section 15.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or other equitable relief to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm.

(b)           The Dispute shall be resolved by a single arbitrator in an arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Employment Arbitration Rules and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties, and specific performance giving effect to the decision of the arbitrator may be ordered by any court of competent jurisdiction.

(c)           Nothing contained herein shall operate to prevent either party from asserting counterclaim(s) in any arbitration commenced in accordance with this Agreement, and any such party need not comply with the procedural provisions of this Section 15 in order to assert such counterclaim(s).

 

(d)           The arbitration shall be filed with the office of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") located in New York, New York or such other AAA office as the parties may agree upon (without any obligation to so agree).  The arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the Employment Arbitration Rules of AAA as in effect at the time of the arbitration hearing, such arbitration to be completed in a 60-day period. In addition, the following rules and procedures shall apply to the arbitration:

(i)                 The arbitrator shall have the sole authority to decide whether or not any Dispute between the parties is arbitrable and whether the party presenting the issues to be arbitrated has satisfied the conditions precedent to such party's right to commence arbitration as required by this Section 15.

(ii)                 The decision of the arbitrator, which shall be in writing and state the findings, the facts and conclusions of law upon which the decision is based, shall be final and binding upon the parties, who shall forthwith comply after receipt thereof.  Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any competent court.  Each party submits itself to the jurisdiction of any such court, but only for the entry and enforcement to judgment with respect to the decision of the arbitrator hereunder.

(iii)                The arbitrator shall have the power to grant all legal and equitable remedies (including, without limitation, specific performance) and award compensatory and punitive damages if authorized by applicable law.

(iv)                Except as provided in Section 11, the parties shall bear their own costs in preparing for and participating in the resolution of any Dispute pursuant to this Section 15, and the costs of the arbitrator(s) shall be equally divided between the parties.

(v)                 Except as provided in the last sentence of Section 15(a), the provisions of this Section 15 shall be a complete defense to any suit, action or proceeding instituted in any federal, state or local court or before any administrative tribunal with respect to any Dispute arising in connection with this Agreement.  Any party commencing a lawsuit in violation of this Section 15 shall pay the costs of the other party, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and defense costs.

16.           Miscellaneous.

(a)           Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, governed and enforced according to the laws of the State of New York without regard to the application of choice of law rules.

(b)           Amendments.  No amendment or modification of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

(c)           Severability.  If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, such provisions shall be construed, if possible, so as to be enforceable under applicable law, or such provisions shall be excluded from this Agreement and the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

(d)           Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the beneficiaries, heirs and representatives of Executive (including the Beneficiary) and the successors and assigns of the Company.  The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of its assets, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform this Agreement if no such succession had taken place.  Regardless whether such agreement is executed, this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Company in accordance with the operation of law and such successor shall be deemed the Company for purposes of this Agreement.

(e)            Successors and Assigns.  Except as provided in Section16(d) in the case of the Company, or to the Beneficiary in the case of the death of Executive, this Agreement is not assignable by any party and no payment to be made hereunder shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other charge.

(f)            Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver.  No remedy conferred upon either party by this Agreement is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to any other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.  No delay or omission by either party in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder or existing at law or in equity shall be construed as a waiver thereof, and any such right, remedy or power may be exercised by such party from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient or necessary by such party in such party’s sole discretion.

(g)           Survivorship.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, all terms and provisions of this Agreement that by their nature extend beyond the termination of this Agreement shall survive such termination.

(h)           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants or arrangements, whether oral or written, with respect thereto.

(i)            Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one document.

17.           No Contract of Employment.  Nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed as a right of Executive to be continued in the employment of the Company, or as a limitation of the right of the Company to discharge Executive with or without Cause.

 

18.           Section 409A of the Code.  The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Code and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent.  Executive’s termination of employment (or words to similar effect) shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Agreement unless such termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

 

(a)           Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the date of Executive’s termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B) and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time, or if none, the default methodology set forth in Code Section 409A, then with regard to any payment or the providing of any benefit that constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder that is payable due to Executive’s separation from service, to the extent required to be delayed in compliance with Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided to Executive prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6) month period measured from the date of Executive’s separation from service, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”).  On the first day of the seventh month following the date of Executive’s separation from service or, if earlier, on the date of Executive’s death, all payments delayed pursuant to this Section 18(a) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due to Executive under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

 

(b)           To the extent any reimbursement of costs and expenses provided for under this Agreement constitutes taxable income to Executive for Federal income tax purposes, such reimbursements shall be made no later than December 31 of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the expenses to be reimbursed are incurred.  With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.  Any tax gross-ups provided for under this Agreement shall in no event be paid to Executive later than the December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the taxes subject to gross-up are incurred or paid by Executive.

 

(c)           If any amount under this Agreement is to be paid in two or more installments, for purposes of Code Section 409A each installment shall be treated as a separate payment.

19.           Executive Acknowledgement.  Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive has read and understands the provisions of this Agreement, that Executive has been given the opportunity for Executive’s legal counsel to review this Agreement, that the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and that Executive has received a copy of this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Employment Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

 

 

(a)           “Annual Bonus Amount” means the current year’s target annual bonus amount for the Executive.

(b)           “Beneficiary” means any individual, trust or other entity named by Executive to receive the payments and benefits payable hereunder in the event of the death of Executive.  Executive may designate a Beneficiary to receive such payments and benefits by completing a form provided by the Company and delivering it to the General Counsel of the Company.  Executive may change his designated Beneficiary at any time (without the consent of any prior Beneficiary) by completing and delivering to the Company a new beneficiary designation form.  If a Beneficiary has not been designated by Executive, or if no designated Beneficiary survives Executive, then the payment and benefits provided under this Agreement, if any, will be paid to Executive’s estate, which shall be deemed to be Executive’s Beneficiary.

(c)           “Cause” means: (i) Executive’s willful and continued neglect of Executive’s duties with the Company (other than as a result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that Executive has neglected his duties; (ii) the final conviction of Executive of, or an entering of a guilty plea or a plea of no contest by Executive to, a felony; or (iii) Executive’s willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

For purposes of this definition, no act or failure to act on the part of Executive shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without a reasonable belief that the action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.  Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or the advice of counsel to the Company, will be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.

(d)           “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following events:

 

(i)                 any “person” (as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)), other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities or any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, directly or indirectly (x) acquires “beneficial ownership” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities or; (y) acquires within a 12 consecutive month period “beneficial ownership” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities representing 35% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

 

(ii)                 persons who comprise a majority of the Board are replaced during any 12 consecutive month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the date of such appointment or election;

(iii)                the consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange, consolidation or similar corporate transaction (each, a “Business Combination”) other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of the Business Combination owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to such Business Combination; or

(iv)                any “person” (as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) acquires all or substantially all of the assets of the Company within any 12 consecutive month period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the foregoing events shall constitute a Change of Control of the Company unless such event also constitutes a change in ownership of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v), a change in the effective control of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii).

 

(e)           “Change of Control Date” means any date after the date hereof on which a Change of Control occurs; provided, however, that if a Change of Control occurs and if Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated or an event constituting Good Reason (as defined below) occurs prior to the Change of Control, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by Executive that such termination or event (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect the Change of Control, or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of the Change of Control then, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Change of Control Date shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination or event.

(f)           “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(g)           “Date of Termination” means the date specified in a Notice of Termination pursuant to Section 8 hereof, or Executive’s last date as an active employee of the Company before a termination of employment due to death, Disability or other reason, as the case may be.

 

(h)           “Disability” means a mental or physical condition that renders Executive substantially incapable of performing his duties and obligations under this Agreement, after taking into account provisions for reasonable accommodation, as determined by a medical doctor (such doctor to be mutually determined in good faith by the parties) for three or more consecutive months or for a total of six months during any 12 consecutive months; provided, that during such period the Company shall give Executive at least 30 days’ written notice that it considers the time period for disability to be running.

(i)           “Effective Period” means the period beginning on the Change of Control Date and ending 24 months after the date of the related Change of Control.

(j)           “Good Reason” means, unless Executive has consented in writing thereto, the occurrence of any of the following:  (i) the assignment to Executive of any duties materially inconsistent with Executive’s position, including any change in status, title, authority, duties or responsibilities or any other action which results in a material diminution in such status, title, authority, duties or responsibilities; (ii) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary by the Company; (iii) the relocation of Executive’s office to a location more than 30 miles from Warrington, Pennsylvania; (iv) the failure of the Company to comply with the provisions of Section 6(a); or (v)  the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption in writing of the Company’s obligation to perform this Agreement by any successor to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company within 15 days after a Business Combination or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

 

NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT

The following is an agreement (“Agreement”) between Discovery Laboratories, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and any successor in interest, and me, [Executive], and this Agreement is a material part of the consideration for my employment by the Company:

1.             Job Title and Responsibility:  I understand that my job title with the Company will be President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and that the Company may change this title at any time.  My job duties and responsibilities will be those assigned to me by the Company from time to time.

2.             Consideration.  I understand that the consideration to me for entering into this Agreement is my employment with the Company at my base salary of $400,000, and I agree that this consideration is fully adequate to support this Agreement.

3.             Proprietary Information.  I recognize that the Company is engaged in a continuous program of research, development and production.  I also recognize that the Company possesses or has rights to secret, private, confidential information and processes (including processes and information developed by me during my employment by the Company) which are valuable, special and unique assets of the Company and which have commercial value in the Company's business ("Proprietary Information").  By way of illustration, this Proprietary Information includes, but is not limited to, information and details regarding the Company’s business, trade or business secrets, inventions, intellectual property, systems, policies, records, reports, manuals, documentation, models, data and data bases, products, processes, operating systems, manufacturing techniques, research and development techniques and processes, devices, methods, formulas, compositions, compounds, projects, developments, plans, research, financial data, personnel data, internal business information, strategic and staffing plans and practices, business, marketing, promotional or sales plans, practices or programs, training practices and programs, costs, rates and pricing structures and business methods, computer programs and software, customer and supplier identities, information and lists, confidential information regarding customers and suppliers, and contacts at or knowledge of Company suppliers and customers or of prospective or potential customers of the Company.

4.             Obligation of Confidentiality. I understand and agree that my employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Company and me with respect to (i) all Proprietary Information, and (ii) the confidential information of others with which the Company has a business relationship.  At all times, both during my employment by the Company and after the termination of my employment (whether voluntary or involuntary), I will keep in confidence and trust all such information, and I will not use, reveal, communicate, or disclose any such Proprietary Information or confidential information to anyone or any entity, without the written consent of the Company, unless I am ordered to make disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

5.             Ownership, Disclosure and Assignment of Proprietary Information and Inventions.  In addition, I hereby agree as follows:

6.             Prior Inventions.  As a matter of record I attach hereto as Exhibit A a complete list of all inventions or improvements relevant to the subject matter of my employment by the Company which have been made or conceived or first reduced to practice by me, alone or jointly with others, prior to my employment with the Company, that I desire to remove from the operation of this Agreement, and I covenant that such list is complete.  If no such list is attached to this Agreement, I represent that I have no such inventions and improvements at the time of my signing this Agreement.

7.             Other Business Activities.  So that the Company may be aware of the extent of any other demands upon my time and attention, I will disclose to the Company (such disclosure to be held in confidence by the Company) the nature and scope of any other business activity in which I am or become engaged during the term of my employment.  During the term of my employment, I will not engage in any business activity or employment which is in competition with, or is related to, the Company's business or its actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or that will affect in any manner my ability to perform fully all of my duties and responsibilities for the Company.

8.              Non-Interference and Non-Solicitation of Employees, Customers and Others.  I will not now or at any time in the future disrupt, damage, impair or interfere with the business of the Company, whether by way of interfering with or raiding its employees, disrupting its relationships with customers, agents, vendors, distributors or representatives, or otherwise.  During my employment with the Company and for eighteen (18) months thereafter, I will not directly or indirectly induce, encourage or solicit any employee of the Company to leave the Company for any reason, unless specifically requested to take such action in writing by the Company.

 

9.             Non-Competition During and After Employment.  I agree that the time and activity restrictions in this paragraph are wholly necessary and are reasonable to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company.  During my employment with the Company or at any time within a period of one (1) year after the termination of my employment (whether the termination is by me or the Company), I will not directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Company, either as an employee, employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, stockholder, corporate officer, director, or in any other individual or representative capacity, compete with the Company in the business of developing or commercializing pulmonary surfactants.

10.            Obligations to Former Employers.  I represent that my execution of this Agreement, my employment with the Company, and my performance of my duties and proposed duties to the Company will not violate any obligations or agreements I have, or may have, with any former employer or any other third party, including any obligations and agreements requiring me not to compete or to keep confidential any proprietary or confidential information.  I have not entered into, and I will not enter into, any agreement which conflicts with this Agreement or that would, if performed by me, cause me to breach this Agreement.  I further represent that I have no knowledge of any pending or threatened litigation to which the Company may become a party by virtue of my association with the Company.  I further agree to immediately inform the Company of any such pending or threatened litigation should it come to my attention during the course of my employment.  I also agree that I provided to the Company for its inspection before I signed this Agreement all confidentiality, non-compete, non-solicitation, and all other employment-related agreements that I am party to or which involve me.

11.            Confidential Information of, and Agreements with, Former Employers.  In the course of performing my duties to the Company, I will not utilize any trade secrets, proprietary or confidential information of or regarding any former employer or business affiliate, nor violate any written or oral, express or implied agreement with any former employer or business affiliate.

12.            United States Government Obligations. I acknowledge that the Company from time to time may have agreements with other persons or with the United States Government, or agencies thereof, which impose obligations or restrictions on the Company regarding inventions made during the course of work under such agreements or regarding the confidential nature of such work.  I agree to be bound by all such obligations and restrictions which are made known to me and to take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Company under such agreements.

13.            Remedies.  I acknowledge that my failure to comply with, or my breach of, any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall irreparably harm the Company, and that money damages would not adequately compensate the Company for this harm.  Accordingly, I acknowledge that in the event of a threatened or actual breach by me of any provision of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedies the Company may have at law, the Company shall be entitled to equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy then available, without requiring the Company to post any bond.  I agree that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such threatened or actual breach, including money damages, and I agree that the Company shall be entitled to recover from me any attorney’s fees it incurs in enforcing the terms of this Agreement.

 

14.            Not an Employment Agreement.  I acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is not a contract of employment, that it should not be construed as a guarantee of my employment for any period of time, and that I am employed by the Company at will and my employment may be terminated by the Company for any lawful reason or no reason.

15.            Miscellaneous.

 

 

Accepted and Agreed to:			DISCOVERY LABORATORIES, INC.
Name:			By:
Date:			Name:
SS#:			Title:

 

 

Discovery Laboratories, Inc.

2600 Kelly Road, Suite 100

Warrington, PA 18976

Attn:

 

1.            The following is a complete list of all inventions or improvements relevant to the subject matter of my employment by Discovery Laboratories, Inc. (the "Company") that have been made or conceived or first reduced to practice by me, alone or jointly with others, prior to my employment by the Company that I desire to remove from the operation of the Company's Proprietary Information and Inventions, Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Agreement.

 

 

2.            I propose to bring to my employment the following materials and documents of a former employer:

 

 

 

 

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