definiens: shall mean gross receipts from sal es of Merck Product by Merck or SB or, except as provided below, their re spective Affiliates, licensees, distributors trading on Merck 's or SB 's account or joint ventures or other associated companies, less deductions for ( i ) transportation charges, including transportation insurance to the extent separately invoiced ; ( ii ) sales and excise taxes and duties p aid or allowed by a selling party and any other governmental charges imposed u pon the production, importation, use or sale of such product ; ( iii ) no rmal and customary trade, quantity and cash discounts allowed and rebates in cluding but not limited to Medicaid - like rebates ; and ( iv ) allowances or cred its to customers on account of rejection or return of such product or on accou nt of retroactive price reductions affecting such product . Sales between o r among a party to this Agreement and its respective Affiliates, licensees, distributors trading on Merck 's or SB 's account, or joint ventures or othe r associated companies shall be included within Net Sales only if such pu rchaser is an end - user of the Merck Product . Otherwise, Net Sales shall only include the subsequent, final sales to Third Parties