Company: ACTG
Filing Date: 2025-03-28
Form Type: PRE 14A
Source: 0000934549-25-000010
Chunk: 34

Company: ACACIA RESEARCH CORP
Filing Date: 2025-03-28
Form: PRE 14A
Chunk 34
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 second and third quarter were issued as of the end of 2024.  The shares for fees earned in the fourth quarter have not yet been issued due to trading window considerations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| (4) |     | Mr. Sagal resigned from the Board effective February 13, 2024.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| (5) |     | Ms. Wolanyk resigned from the Board effective May 21, 2024.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |

<div align='center'>23

PROPOSAL NO. 2:

TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025</div>

#### General
The Audit Committee has appointed Grant Thornton LLP, (“GT”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 was completed by GT on March 17, 2025.

The Board is submitting the appointment of GT for ratification at the Annual Meeting. The submission of this matter for approval by stockholders is not legally required, but the Board and the Audit Committee believe the submission provides an opportunity for stockholders through their vote to communicate with the Board and the Audit Committee about an important aspect of corporate governance. If our stockholders do not ratify the selection of GT as our independent registered accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment of that firm as the Company’s auditors.

A representative of GT is expected to be present at the virtual Annual Meeting, will be given the opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders present virtually at the Annual Meeting.

#### Required Vote
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our capital stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal is required to ratify the appointment of GT as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting constitutes presence in person. This proposal is considered a routine matter under applicable rules. A broker, bank, or other nominee may generally vote without instructions on this matter from the Beneficial Owner. Thus