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EXHIBIT 10.17    
    

NuVasive, Inc. 

NuVasive, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

OPTION EXERCISE

AND

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT 

Instructions  

	1.
	Read
the entire Agreement carefully. This is a legally binding agreement between you and the Company.

	2.
	Items A-C: insert your name and identifying information.

	3.
	Items D-G: identify the stock option you want to exercise.

	4.
	Item H: identify how many shares you want to purchase.

	5.
	Item I: Calculate the Option Price by multiplying the share number in Item H by the purchase price per share in
Item E.

	6.
	Item J: Confirm with the Company whether a tax withholding amount should be entered in this space.

	7.
	Item K: Add the Option Price in Item I to the tax withholding amount, if any, in Item J. Insert the resulting Purchase
Price in Item K.

	8.
	Item L: Identify your approved method of payment for the Shares.

	9.
	Signatures: Sign the Agreement in the space provided on page 10. Important
note: If you are married, your spouse also is required to sign.

	10.
	Submit
your fully completed and signed Agreement, together with payment of the Purchase Price, to [identify department, mailstop or
person to receive option forms]. 

 
NuVasive, Inc. 

NuVasive, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

OPTION EXERCISE AND

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT 

Date:                          

OPTIONHOLDER / PURCHASER  

	(A)	 	Name:	 
	 	 	 	

	(B)	 	Employee number:	 
	 	 	 	

	(C)	 	Residence address:	 
	 	 	 	

	

 	
 	

	

 	
 	

STOCK OPTION  

	(D)	 	Option Shares (total) subject to this Option:	 
	 	 	 	

	(E)	 	Purchase Price per Share:	 
	 	 	 	

	(F)	 	Grant Date:	 
	 	 	 	

	(G)	 	Option Control Number:	 
	 	 	 	

OPTION SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT  

	(H)	 	Shares purchased:	 
	 	 	 	

	(I)	 	Option Price [(E) × (H)]:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	

	(J)	 	Tax withholding (if applicable):	 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	(to be calculated by Company)

	(K)	 	Purchase Price [(I) + (J)]:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	

PAYMENT METHOD (select one or more)

	(L)	 	Cash or check (enclosed):	 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	Wire transfer:	 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	(Identify sending bank and wire transfer number)

	 	 	"Cashless exercise":	 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	(Identify approved NASD broker-dealer and attach agreement)

	 	 	Other:	 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	(Attach Company approval for other form of payment)

2

 

1.    Exercise of Option.    

        1.1.    I
am exercising my right to purchase the number of shares of common stock of NuVasive, Inc. indicated on Line (H) by exercising the option identified on
Lines (D) through (G). The per share purchase price of the option is indicated on Line (E) and the aggregate purchase price of the shares I am purchasing is indicated on Line (I). I
acknowledge that I may be responsible for tax withholding on the shares, in which case the aggregate purchase price would be as indicated on Line (K) (which the Company will complete). The
shares that I am purchasing by exercising my option are referred to in this agreement as the "Shares". The total purchase price of the shares is referred to in this agreement as the "Purchase Price".
I acknowledge that the option I am exercising was issued under and is subject to the rules of the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan of NuVasive, Inc. (the "Plan"). 

        1.2.    With
this signed agreement, I have submitted either (a) cash or a check for the amount of the Purchase Price or (b) irrevocable wire transfer instructions
for the Purchase Price, or (c) a certificate or certificates (or designation of such certificates if permitted by the Plan) representing shares of company common stock that I have owned for at
least six months if the shares were acquired by me through exercise of an option, and that have a fair market value (as determined in accordance with the Plan) as of this date equal to the Purchase
Price. 

2.    Representations    

        2.1.    Taxes.    The Company has made no warranties or representations to me with respect to
the income tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and I am not relying on the Company or its representatives for an assessment of such tax consequences. I have had
adequate opportunity to consult with my personal tax advisor prior to submitting this Agreement to the Company. 

        2.2.    Repurchase.    If the Shares are subject to a right of repurchase in favor of the
Company at their original purchase price when I cease to provide services for the Company, or if I could be subject to suit under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
respect to the purchase of the Shares, I will execute and deliver to the Company a copy of the Acknowledgment and Statement of Decision Regarding Election Pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code (the "Acknowledgment") attached as Exhibit A. I acknowledge that I am primarily responsible for filing any Section 83(b) elections although the Company will, as an
accommodation to me and without assuming any liability, file a duplicate election if I promptly provide an executed form with the Acknowledgement and Statement of Decision Regarding
Section 83(b). I will consult with my own tax advisor to determine if there is a comparable election to file in the state of where I reside and whether filing a federal or state
Section 83(b) election is desirable under my circumstances. 

        2.3.    Disqualifying Dispositions of ISO Stock.    I acknowledge that if the Stock acquired
by exercise of an Incentive Stock Option (as defined in Section 2.1 of the Plan) is disposed of within two years after the Grant Date (as defined in the Option Grant) or within one year after
such exercise, immediately prior to the disposition I will promptly notify the Company in writing of the date and terms of the disposition and will provide such other information regarding the
disposition as the Company may reasonably require. 

3.    Miscellaneous Provisions.    

        3.1.    Successors and Assigns.    Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the
benefits and obligations of this Agreement will be binding on the executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of the parties. 

        3.2.    Costs.    I will repay the Company for all costs and damages, including incidental and
consequential damages and attorney's fees, resulting from any transfer of the Shares which is not in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement. 

3

 

        3.3.    Governing Law.    This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of Delaware excluding those laws that direct the application of the laws of another jurisdiction. 

        3.4.    Notices.    All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing. Unless and until I am notified in writing to the contrary, all notices, communications, and documents directed to the Company and related to the Agreement, if not delivered by hand, shall be
mailed, addressed to: 

NuVasive, Inc

Attention: Chief Financial Officer 

at
the Company's published principal office location. 

        3.5.    Communications.    Unless and until I notify the Company in writing to the contrary,
all notices, communications, and documents intended for me and related to this Agreement, if not delivered by hand, shall be mailed to my last known address as shown on the Company's books. Notices
and communications shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid; documents shall be mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. All mailings and deliveries related to
this Agreement shall be deemed received when actually received, if by hand delivery, and three business days after mailing, if by mail. 

        3.6.    Arbitration.    All disputes arising out of this Agreement will be finally settled by
arbitration in accordance with the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration will be conducted in the county of Los Angeles. Judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over it; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall prevent a party from applying to a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain
temporary relief pending resolution of the dispute through arbitration. The parties agree that service of any notices in the course of such arbitration at their respective addresses as provided for in
this agreement shall be valid and sufficient. 

        3.7.    This is not an employment contract.    This Agreement is not to be interpreted as a
guarantee or contract of continuing employment. 

	
 	

NUVASIVE, INC.
	

 	

By:	

 
	 	 	

	 	Title:	 
	 	 	

        I hereby agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan. 

	

 	

	 	Purchaser's signature
	

 	

	 	Printed name

        The purchaser's spouse indicates by the execution of this Agreement his or her consent to be bound by the terms herein as to his or her interests, whether as
community property or otherwise, if any, in the Shares hereby purchased. 

	

 	

	 	Purchaser's Spouse

4

 

Exhibits  

	Exhibit 7A	 	Acknowledgment and Statement of Decision Regarding Section 83(b) Election
	

Exhibit 7B	
 	

Section 83(b) Election

5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND

STATEMENT OF DECISION

REGARDING SECTION 83(b) ELECTION  

        The undersigned, a purchaser of shares of Common Stock of NuVasive, Inc. (the "Company") and a party to a Nonqualified Stock Option Purchase Agreement with
the Company (the "Agreement"), hereby states as follows: 

        1.     I acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Agreement and the memorandum entitled "Tax Consequences of Purchasing Restricted Stock; Filing a
Section 83(b) Election." I have carefully reviewed the Agreement and the memorandum.  

         2.     I either [check as applicable]:

	 	(a)	 	have consulted, and have been fully advised by, my tax advisor
	
	 	 	 	, whose business address is
	 	 	 	
	 
	

 	

 	
 	

	

 	

 	
 	

 	

,
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	regarding the federal, state, and local tax consequences of purchasing shares under the Agreement, and particularly regarding the advisability of making elections pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, (the "Code"), and pursuant to any corresponding provisions of applicable state laws; or
	

 	

(b)	
 	

have knowingly chosen not to consult such a tax advisor.
	
	 	 	 	 

        3.     I have decided[check as applicable]:

	    
	(a)	 	to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code by filing an election form with the appropriate tax authorities within 30 days of the undersigned's purchase under the Agreement, and am submitting to the
Company, together with my executed Agreement, three duplicate copies of executed election forms; or
	

 	

(b)	
 	

not to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code.
	
	 	 	 	 

        I acknowledge that, even if the Company files, or engages another party to file, a duplicate Section 83(b) election form with the
Internal Revenue Service as an accommodation to me, I have the primary responsibility for timely filing any Section 83(b) election with the Internal Revenue Service and any state revenue
authorities, and will hold the Company and its agents harmless from any failure to timely file a duplicate copy of the Section 83(b) election.

	Date:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	

EXHIBIT 7A 

ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)

OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE  

        I hereby elect, under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, to include in gross income any excess of the fair market value of the property described
in paragraph 2, disregarding any lapse restrictions on that property, over the amount I paid for such property, as described below. 

	1.
	My
name, address and taxpayer identification number are: 

	 	Name:	 	 
	 	 	 	

	 	Address:	 	 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	Social Security Number:	 	 
	 	 	 	

	2.
	The
property with respect to which this election is made consists of                          shares of common stock (the
"Shares") of NuVasive, Inc. (the
"Company").

	3.
	The
date on which the Shares were acquired was                         ,
2             , and the taxable year to which this election
relates is calendar year                         .

	4.
	The
Shares are subject to the following restrictions: the right of the Company to repurchase the Shares at the lower of the initial purchase price or the price at the date of
repurchase. This right lapses based on my continued performance of services over time.

	5.
	The
fair market value of the Shares at the time of transfer (determined without regard to any restrictions other than restrictions which by their terms will never lapse) was
$             per share.

	6.
	The
amount paid for the Shares was $             per share.

	7.
	A
copy of this election has been furnished to the Company. I am the person performing services and the transferee of the Shares. 

	 
 Signature	 	 
 Date

The
spouse of the taxpayer acknowledges the making of this election. 

	 
 Signature	 	 

Regular
Election 

PROTECTIVE ELECTION UNDER

SECTION 83(b) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE

(INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION)  

        I hereby elect, under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, to include in gross income, with the effect and under the circumstances described in
paragraph 4, any excess of the fair market value of the property described in paragraph 2, disregarding any lapse restrictions on that property, over the amount I paid for such property. 

	1.
	My
name, address and taxpayer identification number are: 

	 	Name:	 	 
	 	 	 	

	 	Address:	 	 
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	Social Security Number:	 	 
	 	 	 	

	2.
	The
property with respect to which the election is made consists of              shares of common stock (the "Shares") of NuVasive, Inc. (the
"Company").

	3.
	The
date on which the Shares were acquired was                         ,
            , and the taxable year to which this election
relates is                         .

	4.
	The
Shares were acquired pursuant to my exercise of an incentive stock option. This filing is therefore made for the purpose of determining the amount of my adjustment under
Section 56(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to my purchase of the Shares.

	5.
	The
Shares are subject to the following restrictions: the right of the Company to repurchase the Shares at the lower of the initial purchase price or the price on the date of
repurchase. This right lapses based on my continued performance of services].

	6.
	The
fair market value of the Shares at the time of transfer (determined without regard to any restrictions other than those which by their terms will never lapse) was
$             per share.

	7.
	The
amount paid for the Shares was $             per share.

	8.
	A
copy of this election has been furnished to the Company. I am the person performing services and the transferee of the Shares. 

	 
 Signature	 	 
 Date of Execution

The
spouse of the taxpayer acknowledges the making of this election. 

	 
 Signature	 	 

EXHIBIT
7B 

SPOUSAL CONSENT 

        I
acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Option Exercise and Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") and that I know its contents. I hereby consent to and approve all of the
provisions of the Agreement, and agree that the shares of the Common Stock of NuVasive, Inc. purchased thereunder (the "Shares") and any interest I may have in such Shares are subject to all
the provisions of the Agreement. I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on these Shares or any interest I may have in or to them. 

	

 	
 	

Date:	

 
	
	 	 	

	Signature of Optionee's spouse	 	 	 
	

	
 	

 	

 
	Spouse's Name—Typed or Printed	 	 	 
	

	
 	

 	

 
	Optionees's Name—Typed or Printed

	 	 	 

EXHIBIT 7B 

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EXHIBIT 10.18    
    

NUVASIVE, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT NOTICE

(2004 Equity Incentive Plan)  

        NuVasive, Inc. (the "Company"), pursuant to its 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), hereby grants to the participant under the Plan (the
"Participant") the right to purchase the number of shares of the Company's common stock (the "Common Stock") set forth below (the "Award"). This Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as
set forth in this Restricted Stock Grant Notice (the "Grant Notice"), the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan, the form of Assignment Separate from Certificate and the form of Joint Escrow
Instructions, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. 

	

Participant:	
 	

 
	

Date of Grant:	
 	

 
	

Vesting Commencement Date:	
 	

 
	

Number of Shares Subject to Award:	
 	

 
	

Purchase Price per Share:	
 	

 
	

Total Purchase Price:	
 	

 
	

Vesting Schedule:	
 	

 
	

Payment:	
 	

As described in the Restricted Stock Agreement, par value for the shares must be paid in cash or by check.

        Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: The undersigned Participant acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to the terms and
conditions of this Grant Notice, the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan, the form of Assignment Separate from Certificate and the form of Joint Escrow Instructions. Participant further acknowledges
that as of the Date of Grant, this Grant Notice, the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Joint Escrow Instructions and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Participant and the Company
regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede all prior oral and written agreements relating thereto, with the exception of other awards previously granted and delivered to
Participant under the Plan. 

	NuVasive, Inc.	 	Participant:
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 	 	
 Signature	 	 	 	
 Signature
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:	 	 	 	Date:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Date:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
	 	 	 	 

 

        Attachment
I: Restricted Stock Agreement 

        Attachment
II: 2004 Equity Incentive Plan 

        Attachment
III: Form of Assignment Separate from Certificate 

        Attachment
IV: Form of Joint Escrow Instructions 

        Attachment
V: Election under Section 83(b) of the Code 

        Attachment
VI: Spousal Consent 

2

ATTACHMENT I  

 NUVASIVE, INC.

2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT  

        THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"),
dated                        , 200            , is entered into by and
between [Name]
("Participant") and NuVasive, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). 

RECITALS 

        WHEREAS,
the Company has adopted the NuVasive, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), which provides for awards of restricted stock to the Company's Employees, Consultants
and Directors; and 

        WHEREAS,
Participant is currently serving as an Employee or Director of, or a Consultant to, the Company; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Company desires to issue to Participant, and Participant desires to acquire from the Company, shares of Common Stock, $            par value, of the Company (the "Common
Stock"), pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. 

        NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows: 

1.    Definitions.    

        Capitalized
terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same meanings ascribed to them in the Plan. 

2.    Grant of Award.    

        The
Company hereby grants to Participant, pursuant to the terms of the Restricted Stock Grant Notice (the "Grant Notice") and this Agreement (collectively, the "Award"), the right to
acquire the number of shares of Common Stock indicated in the Grant Notice (the "Shares"). 

3.    Agreement to Purchase.    

        Participant
hereby agrees to purchase from the Company, and the Company hereby agrees to sell to Participant, the aggregate number of Shares of Common Stock specified in the Grant Notice
at the specified Purchase Price per Share. Participant may not purchase less than the aggregate number of Shares specified in the Grant Notice. 

4.    Payment.    

        Payment
of the Total Purchase Price shall be made as follows: 

	Cash or check	 	$	            
	 	 	 	

5.    Delivery of Total Purchase Price and Documents.    

        The
purchase and sale of the Shares shall be consummated as follows: 

        5.1     Participant
may purchase the Shares by delivering the cash for the Total Purchase Price referenced in the Grant Notice to the Secretary of the Company, or
to such other person as the Company may
designate, during regular business hours, on the date Participant executes the Grant Notice (or at such other time and place as Participant and the Company may mutually agree upon in writing), along
with such additional documents as the Company may then require. 

        5.2     Participant
agrees to execute three (3) copies of the Assignment Separate from Certificate (with date and number of shares blank) substantially in
the form attached to the Grant 

 

Notice
as Attachment III and to execute Joint Escrow Instructions substantially in the form attached to the Grant Notice as Attachment IV and to deliver the same in accordance with Section 10
below. Participant shall also deliver to the Company a signed spousal consent substantially in the form attached hereto as Attachment VI if he or she is married on the Date of Grant set forth in the
Grant Notice. 

6.    Vesting.    

        Subject
to the limitations contained herein, the Shares purchased by Participant shall vest as provided in the Grant Notice, provided, however, that vesting shall cease upon the
Termination of Participant's service as an Employee, Director or Consultant. 

7.    Securities Law Compliance.    

        Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, Participant may not purchase any Shares under the Award unless the Shares are then registered under the Securities Act or, if
such Shares are not then so registered, the Company has determined that such purchase and issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The purchase of Shares also
must comply with other applicable laws and regulations governing such Award, and Participant may purchase such Shares if the Company determines that such purchase would not be in material compliance
with such laws and regulations. 

8.    Right of Reacquisition.    

        In
the event of the Termination of Participant's service as an Employee or Director of, or a Consultant to, the Company, the Company shall have a right to reacquire (the "Reacquisition
Rights") the Shares received pursuant to an Award that have not yet vested in accordance with the Vesting Schedule in the Grant Notice (the "Unvested Shares"). The Company shall, simultaneously with
Participant's Termination of service, as an Employee, Director or Consultant, automatically reacquire all of the Unvested Shares for the original purchase price thereof paid by the Participant unless
the Company agrees to waive its Reacquisition Rights to any or all of the Unvested Shares. Any such waiver shall be exercised by the Company by written notice to Participant or his or her
representative (with a copy to the Escrow Agent) within 30 days after Participant's Termination. If the Company does not waive its Reacquisition Rights to any or all of the Unvested Shares, the
Escrow Agent shall be notified accordingly and instructed to return the Unvested Shares to the Company for cancellation. 

9.    Corporate Transactions.    

        In
the event of a Fundamental Transaction or Change in Control pursuant to Section 10.3 or Section 10.4 of the Plan, the Reacquisition Rights may be assigned by the Company
to the successor of the Company (or such successor's parent company), if any, in connection with such corporate transaction. To the extent the Reacquisition Rights remains in effect following such
corporate transaction, it shall apply to the new capital stock or other property received in exchange for the Common Stock in consummation of the corporate transaction, but only to the extent the
Common Stock was at the time covered by such right. 

10.    Escrow of Unvested Common Stock.    

        As
security for Participant's faithful performance of the terms of this Agreement and to insure the availability for delivery of Participant's Common Stock upon execution of the
Reacquisition Rights herein provided for, Participant agrees, concurrently herewith, to deliver to and deposit with the Secretary of the Company or the Secretary's designee (the "Escrow Agent"), as
Escrow Agent in this transaction, the certificate or certificates evidencing the Shares and three (3) executed blank forms of Assignment Separate from Certificate in the form attached to the
Grant Notice as Attachment III. Such documents will be held by the Escrow Agent and delivered by the Escrow Agent pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions delivered to the Escrow Agent concurrently
herewith. 

2

 

11.    Rights as Stockholder.    

        Subject
to the provisions of this Agreement, Participant shall exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Shares deposited in escrow.
Participant shall be
deemed to be the holder of the Shares for purposes of receiving any dividends that may be paid with respect to such Shares and for purposes of exercising any voting rights relating to such Shares,
even if some or all of the Shares have not yet vested and been released from the Company's Reacquisition Rights. 

12.    Limitations on Transfer.    

        In
addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, Participant agrees not to sell, assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any
interest in the Shares, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, while the Shares are subject to the Reacquisition Rights. 

13.    Restrictive Legends.    

        The
stock certificates evidencing the Shares issued under the Award shall bear appropriate legends determined by the Company. 

14.    Award not a Service Contract.    

        The
Award is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in the Award shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on the Company or an Affiliate to continue
Participant's employment or service. In addition, nothing in the Award shall obligate the Company or an Affiliate, their respective stockholders, Boards of Directors, officers or Employees to continue
any relationship that Participant may have as an Employee or Director of, or a Consultant to, the Company or an Affiliate. 

15.    Withholding Obligations.    

        15.1   At
the time the Award is granted, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, Participant authorizes withholding from payroll and any other
amounts payable to Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company or an
Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with the Award. 

        15.2   Unless
the tax withholding obligations of the Company or any Affiliate are satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to issue a certificate for any
of the Shares or release the Shares from any escrow provided for herein. 

16.    Section 83(b) Election.    

        While
it is perhaps unlikely that Participate will make an 83(b) election, Participant hereby acknowledges that he or she has been informed that, with respect to the grant of the Shares,
an election may be filed by Participant with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days of the Date of Grant, electing pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed currently on
the fair market value of the unvested Shares on the Date of Grant. A form of such election is attached hereto as Attachment V. 

PARTICIPANT
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS THE PURCHASER'S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY'S TO TIMELY FILE THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) OF THE CODE, EVEN IF PARTICIPANT REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR
ITS REPRESENTATIVE TO MAKE THIS FILING ON PARTICIPANT'S BEHALF. 

3

 

17.    Representations.    

        Participant
has reviewed with his or her own tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents. Participant understands that he or she (and not the Company) shall be
responsible for any tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. 

18.    Notices.    

        Any
notices provided for in the Award or the Plan shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt or, in the case of notices delivered by mail by the Company
to Participant, five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to Participant at the last address provided by Participant to the Company. 

19.    Survival of Terms.    

        This
Agreement shall apply to and bind Participant and the Company and their respective permitted assignees and transferees, heirs, legatees, executors, administrators and legal
successors. 

20.    Failure to Enforce not a Waiver.    

        The
failure of the Company to enforce at any time any provision of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof. 

21.    Amendments.    

        This
Agreement may be amended or modified at any time only by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto. 

22.    Authority of the Committee.    

        The
Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of this Agreement. The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construction
shall be final, binding and conclusive. 

23.    Miscellaneous.    

        23.1   The
rights and obligations of the Company under Participant's Award shall be transferable to any one or more persons or entities, and all covenants and
agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company's successors and assigns. 

        23.2   Participant
agrees upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable in the sole determination of the Company to carry
out the purposes or intent of the Award. 

        23.3   Participant
acknowledges and agrees that he or she has reviewed the Award in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to
executing and accepting the Award and fully understands all provisions of the Award. 

        23.4   This
Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. 

24.    Governing Plan Document.    

        The
Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of Participant's Award, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments,
rules and regulations which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Award and those of the Plan, the
provisions of the 

4

 

Plan
shall control. Participant represents that he or she has read this Agreement, the Grant Notice and the Plan, and is familiar with their terms and provisions. Participant hereby agrees to accept
as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions arising under this Agreement. 

5

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first above written. 

	NuVasive, Inc.	 	[Participant's Name]
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 	 	
 Signature	 	 	 	
 Signature
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Name:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	 

 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT]

ATTACHMENT II

2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN  

        Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to this Registration Statement 

ATTACHMENT III

ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE  

        For Value Received and pursuant to that certain Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement (the "Award"),
                        hereby sells, assigns
and transfers unto NuVasive, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Assignee")                        
(                        ) shares of the Common Stock of the Assignee, standing in the undersigned's name on the
books of said corporation represented by Certificate No.            herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Company's Secretary as attorney-in-fact
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Company with full power of substitution in the premises. This Assignment may be used only in accordance with and subject to the terms and
conditions of the Award, in connection with the reacquisition of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation issued to the undersigned pursuant to the Award, and only to the extent that such shares
remain subject to the Corporation's Reacquisition Rights under the Award. 

	Dated:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 
	Signature:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	, Recipient
	 	 	
	 	 

        Instruction:
Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this Assignment is to enable execution of the Company's Reacquisition Rights set forth in the
Award without requiring additional signatures on your part. 

ATTACHMENT IV

JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS  

	Date:	 	 
	 	 	

Secretary

NuVasive, Inc. 

Dear
Sir/Madam: 

        As
Escrow Agent for both NuVasive, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the undersigned recipient of stock of the Company ("Recipient"), you are hereby authorized and
directed to hold the certificate or certificates evidencing the shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Shares"), granted under an Award issued pursuant to the Company's 32004 Equity Incentive Plan
(the "Plan") and the documents delivered to you pursuant to that certain Restricted Stock Grant Notice
(the "Grant Notice"), dated                        , 20    and Restricted Stock Agreement (the "Agreement") of
the same date, in accordance with the following instructions: 

           1.  In
the event Recipient's service as an employee or director of, or a consultant to, the Company is terminated, under circumstances set forth in Section 8 of the
Agreement, the Company or its assignee will deliver to Recipient and you a written notice specifying that the certificate or certificates evidencing the Shares shall be transferred to the Company for
cancellation or further transfer pursuant to any waiver of Reacquisition Rights pursuant to Section 8 of the Agreement. Recipient and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you to
complete such transfer in accordance with the terms of such notice. 

           2.  In
order to complete the share transfer, you are specifically directed (a) to date any forms of Assignments Separate from Certificate in your possession necessary
for the transfer, (b) to insert the number of Shares being transferred in such forms, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate or certificates evidencing the Shares to the
Company. 

           3.  Recipient
irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any certificates registered in his/her name evidencing the Shares and any additions to and substitutions
for the Shares as specified in the Grant Notice. Recipient hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints you as Recipient's attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow
to execute with respect to such securities and other property all documents of assignment and/or transfer and all stock certificates necessary or appropriate to make all securities negotiable and
complete any transaction herein contemplated. 

           4.  This
escrow shall terminate upon vesting of the Shares or upon the earlier return of the Shares to the Company. 

           5.  If
at the time of termination of this escrow you have in your possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Recipient, you shall deliver all of
same to Recipient or his or her permitted assigns or representatives and shall be discharged of all further obligations hereunder. 

           6.  Your
duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto. 

           7.  You
shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or refraining from
acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties or their assignees. You shall not be personally liable for any act
you may do or omit to do hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Recipient while acting in good faith and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of
your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith. 

 

           8.  You
are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation, excepting only orders or
process of courts of law, and are hereby expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree of
any court, you shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order, judgment or decree being
subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction. 

           9.  You
shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity, authority or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver the
Grant Notice or any documents or papers deposited or called for hereunder. 

         10.  You
shall not be liable for the loss of any rights under any statute of limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any documents deposited with you. 

         11.  You
shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel, including but not limited to the Company's counsel, and other experts as you may deem necessary to advise you in
connection with your obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay such counsel reasonable compensation therefor. 

         12.  Your
responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you shall cease to be an employee of the Company or if you shall resign by written notice to each
party. In the event of any such termination, the Company may appoint any officer or assistant officer of the Company as successor Escrow Agent and Recipient hereby confirms the appointment of such
successor or successors as his attorney-in-fact and agent to the full extent of your appointment. 

         13.  If
you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the necessary parties hereto
shall join in furnishing such instruments. 

         14.  It
is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the Shares, you may (but are not
obligated to) retain in your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of such securities until such dispute shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the parties
concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever
to institute or defend any such proceedings. 

         15.  Any
notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in any United States
Post Box, by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties hereunto entitled at 

2

 

the
following addresses, or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten (10) days' written notice to each of the other parties hereto: 

	Company:	 	NuVasive, Inc.
	

 	
 	

	 	 	

	 	 	Attn: President & Chief Executive Officer
	

Recipient:	
 	

[Insert Recipient's Name]

Insert Address

Insert Address
	

Escrow Agent:	
 	

NuVasive, Inc.
	

 	
 	

	 	 	

         16.  By
signing these Joint Escrow Instructions you become a party hereto only for the purpose of the Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a party to the Grant
Notice. 

         17.  All
of your costs and expenses, including without limitation attorneys fees and disbursements and the fees and expenses of other advisors, incurred in performing your
duties as Escrow Agent hereunder should be promptly paid by the Company upon submission of appropriate documentation. 

         18.  This
instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns. It is understood and agreed
that references to "you" or "your" herein refer to the original Escrow Agent and to any and all successor Escrow Agents. It is understood and agreed that the Company may at any time or from time to
time assign its rights under the Grant Notice and these Joint Escrow Instructions in whole or in part. 

Very
truly yours, 

	NuVasive, Inc.	 	 	 	Recipient	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	

	By:	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	

	Print Name:	 	 	 	Print Name:	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	

	Title:	 	 	 	Title:	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	

	
Escrow Agent:	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	 
	By:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	 
	Print Name:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	 
	Title:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	 

3

 
ATTACHMENT V  

 ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)

OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986  

        The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in taxpayer's gross income
for the current taxable year the amount of any compensation taxable to taxpayer in connection with taxpayer's receipt of the property described below: 

        1.     The
name address, taxpayer identification number and taxable year of the undersigned are as follows: 

	NAME OF TAXPAYER:	 	 
	 	 	

	

NAME OF SPOUSE:	
 	

 
	 	 	

	

ADDRESS:	
 	

 
	 	 	

	

IDENTIFICATION NO. OF TAXPAYER:	
 	

 
	 	 	

	

IDENTIFICATION NO. OF SPOUSE:	
 	

 
	 	 	

	

TAXABLE YEAR:	
 	

 
	 	 	

        2.     The
property with respect to which the election is made is described as follows:            shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of NuVasive, Inc. (the
"Company"). 

        3.     The
date on which the property was transferred is:                        ,
200            . 

        4.     The
property is subject to the following restrictions: 

        The Shares may not be transferred and are subject to forfeiture under the terms of an agreement between the taxpayer and the Company. These
restrictions lapse upon the satisfaction of certain conditions in such agreement. 

        5.     The
fair market value at the time of transfer, determined without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will never lapse, of such property
is:
$                                         
 . 

        6.     The
amount paid for such property is:
$                                         
 . 

        The
undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom the services were performed in connection with the undersigned's receipt of the above-described property.
The transferee of such property is the person performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property. 

THE
UNDERSIGNED UNDERSTANDS THAT THE FOREGOING ELECTION MAY NOT BE REVOKED EXCEPT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER. 

	Dated:	 	 	 	, 200	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	
 Taxpayer

The undersigned spouse of taxpayer joins in this election. 

	Dated:	 	 	 	, 200	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	
 Spouse of Taxpayer

4

ATTACHMENT VI

SPOUSAL CONSENT  

 CONSENT OF SPOUSE  

        I,                        , spouse
of                        , have read and hereby approve the NuVasive, Inc. (the "Company") Restricted Stock Grant Notice,
dated
                        , and all attachments thereto (the "Agreement"). In consideration of the granting of securities to my
spouse as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my
attorney-in-fact with respect to the exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in
said Agreement, or any securities issued thereunder, under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in our state of residence as of the date of execution of
the Agreement. 

	Dated:	 	 	 	Signature:	 	 
	 	 	
	 	 	 	

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 10.18

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