Document:

exv10w89

 

			
	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
	 	CONFIDENTIAL
	 

EXHIBIT 10.89

PEERLESS/CONSULTANT CONSULTING AGREEMENT

     This CONSULTING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), made and entered into this June 4, 2004
(“Effective Date”), by and between Peerless Systems Corporation, a Delaware corporation, having a
principal place of business at 2381 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245 (hereinafter
“Peerless”), and Denis W. Retoske, Sr., Attorney-at-Law, A Professional Law Corporation (EIN
72-1572825) 1850 Capri Circle, Costa Mesa, CA 92626(hereinafter “CONSULTANT”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, CONSULTANT represents that it has expertise in the area of the law and is ready, willing,
and able to provide consulting assistance to Peerless on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
and

WHEREAS, Peerless, in reliance on CONSULTANT’s representations, is willing to engage CONSULTANT as
an independent contractor, and not as an employee, on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the obligations herein made and undertaken, the parties,
intending to be legally bound, covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1 - SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.1 CONSULTANT shall provide consulting services in the area of legal services as to certain
corporate matters as directed by the CEO, the CFO or members of the Board. Denis W. Retoske will be
assigned by CONSULTANT to work with Peerless as to certain business matters. CONSULTANT shall
render such services and deliver the required reports and other deliverables (“Deliverables”) in
accordance with the timetable and milestones set forth in Exhibit A. In the event CONSULTANT
anticipates at any time that it will not reach one or more milestones or complete one or more
assignments within the prescribed timetable, CONSULTANT shall immediately so inform Peerless by
written notice, submit proposed revisions to the timetable and milestones that reflect CONSULTANT’s
best estimates of what can realistically be achieved, and continue to work under the original
timetable and milestones until otherwise directed by Peerless. CONSULTANT shall also prepare and
submit such further reports of its performance and its progress as Peerless may reasonably request
from time

to time.

1.2 CONSULTANT shall provide and make available to Peerless such resources as shall be necessary to
perform the services called for by this Agreement and the Exhibits and Addenda thereto.

1.3 Peerless shall, within fifteen (15) business days of receipts of each Deliverable submitted to
Peerless, advise CONSULTANT of Peerless’ acceptance or rejection of such Deliverable. Any rejection
shall specify the nature and scope of the deficiencies in such Deliverable. CONSULTANT shall, upon
receipt of such rejection, act diligently to correct such deficiencies. The failure of Peerless to
provide such a notice of rejection within such period shall constitute acceptance by Peerless of
said Deliverable.

1.4 CONSULTANT, at its own cost, agrees to provide working space and facilities, and any other
services and materials CONSULTANT or its personnel may reasonably request in order to perform the
work assigned to them. All work shall be performed at CONSULTANT’s facilities unless otherwise
mutually agreed and shall be performed in a workmanlike and professional manner by employees of
CONSULTANT having a level of skill in the area commensurate with the requirements of the scope of
work to be performed. CONSULTANT shall make sure its employees at all times observe security and
safety policies of Peerless.

1.5 Peerless will advise CONSULTANT of the individuals to whom CONSULTANT’s personnel will report
for purposes of day-to-day work assignments. Peerless and CONSULTANT shall develop appropriate
administrative procedures to apply to such personnel. Peerless shall periodically prepare an
evaluation of the performance of CONSULTANT’s personnel in the performance of the duties set out
herein.

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
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1.6 The parties agree that the services of Denis W. Retoske, Sr. are essential to the satisfactory
performance by CONSULTANT of the scope of work called for in this Agreement. The parties further
agree that if either of such individuals leaves the employ of CONSULTANT during the term of this
Agreement for any reason or is unavailable to continue full-time the work called for herein, and if
substitute individuals acceptable to Peerless are not available to continue the work within five
(5) days, Peerless shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof.

1.7 Peerless may interview the personnel CONSULTANT assigns to Peerless’ work. Peerless shall have
the right, at any time, to request the removal of any employee(s) of CONSULTANT whom Peerless deems
to be unsatisfactory. Upon such request, CONSULTANT shall use all reasonable efforts to promptly
replace such employee(s) with substitute employee(s) having appropriate skills and training.

1.8 Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the parties hereby acknowledge and agree that
Peerless shall have no right to control the manner, means, or method by which CONSULTANT performs
the services called for by this Agreement. Rather, Peerless shall be entitled only to direct
CONSULTANT with respect to the elements of services to be performed by CONSULTANT and the results
to be derived by Peerless, to inform CONSULTANT as to where and when such services shall be
performed, and to review and assess the performance of such services by CONSULTANT for the limited
purposes of assuring that such services have been performed and confirming that such results were
satisfactory.

Section 2 - TERM OF AGREEMENT

2.1 This Agreement shall commence on the date and year first above written (“Effective Date”), and
unless modified by mutual agreement of the parties or terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement, shall continue until December 31, 2005 or until sooner terminated by Peerless.

2.2 This Agreement may be terminated by Peerless upon fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice, with
or without cause. This Agreement may be terminated immediately by a party if the other party
breaches any term hereof and the breaching party fails to cure such breach within fifteen (15) days
of written notice of

such breach.

2.3 Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, CONSULTANT shall promptly return to Peerless
all copies of any Peerless data, records, or materials of whatever nature or kind, including all
materials incorporating the proprietary information of Peerless. CONSULTANT shall also furnish to
Peerless all work in progress or portions thereof, including all incomplete work.

2.4 Within five (5) days of termination of this Agreement for any reason. CONSULTANT shall submit
to Peerless an itemized invoice for any fees or expenses theretofore accrued under this Agreement.
Peerless, upon payment of accrued amounts so invoiced, shall have no further liability or
obligation to CONSULTANT whatsoever for any further fees, expenses, or other payment.

Section 3 - FEES, EXPENSES, AND PAYMENT

3.1 In consideration of the services to be performed by CONSULTANT, Peerless shall, within twenty
(20) days of acceptance of each of the Deliverables, pay CONSULTANT the fees set forth in Exhibit A
attached hereto unless otherwise mutually agreed, no further fees for continued performance of
CONSULTANT shall be owing.

3.2 In addition to the foregoing, Peerless shall pay CONSULTANT its actual out-of-pocket expenses
that, at Peerless’ sole discretion, are reasonable and necessary for CONSULTANT to incur in
furtherance of its performance hereunder. CONSULTANT agrees to provide Peerless with access to such
original receipts, ledgers, and other records as may be reasonably appropriate for Peerless or its
accountants to verify the amount and nature of any such expenses.

3.3 In the event CONSULTANT terminates this Agreement because of the breach of Peerless, CONSULTANT
shall be entitled to a pro rata payment for work in progress based on the percentage of work then
completed. No such pro rata payment shall be made if Peerless terminates this Agreement because of
the breach of CONSULTANT.

3.4 CONSULTANT agrees that the fees and charges for any follow-on or additional work not covered in
the scope of work described in Exhibit A shall be performed at the lesser of (1) CONSULTANT’s then-

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
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current rates for such work or (2) the rates applicable to the scope of work fixed by this
Agreement.

3.5 Peerless shall pay all fees and expenses owing to CONSULTANT hereunder within thirty (30) days
after CONSULTANT has submitted to Peerless an itemized invoice therefor.

Section 4 - TREATMENT OF CONSULTANT PERSONNEL

4.1 Compensation of CONSULTANT’s Personnel. CONSULTANT shall bear sole responsibility for payment
of compensation to its personnel. CONSULTANT shall pay and report, for all personnel assigned to
Peerless’ work, federal and state income tax withholding, social security taxes, and unemployment
insurance applicable to such personnel as employees of CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT shall bear sole
responsibility for any health or disability insurance, retirement benefits or other welfare or
pension benefits (if any) to which such personnel may be entitled. CONSULTANT agrees to defend,
indemnify, and hold harmless Peerless, Peerless’ officers, directors, employees, and agents, and
the administrators of Peerless’ benefit plans from and against any claims, liabilities, or expenses
relating to such compensation, tax, insurance, or benefit matters; provided that Peerless shall
promptly notify CONSULTANT of each such claim when and as it comes to Peerless’ attention,
cooperate with CONSULTANT in the defense and resolution of such claim, and not settle or otherwise
dispose of such claim without CONSULTANT’s prior written consent, such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld.

4.2 Workers’ Compensation. Notwithstanding any other workers’ compensation or insurance policies
maintained by Peerless, CONSULTANT shall procure and maintain workers’ compensation coverage
sufficient to meet the applicable statutory requirements of any state or other jurisdiction where
CONSULTANT’s personnel assigned to Peerless’ work are located.

4.3 CONSULTANT’s Agreements With Personnel. CONSULTANT shall obtain and maintain in effect written
agreements with each of its personnel who participate in any of the Peerless’ work hereunder. Such
agreements shall contain terms sufficient for CONSULTANT to comply with all provisions of this
Agreement, including but not limited to Confidential

Disclosure Agreements regarding the handling,
securing and use of Peerless Confidential Information.

4.4 State and Federal Taxes. As neither CONSULTANT nor its personnel are Peerless’ employees,
Peerless shall not take any action or provide CONSULTANT’s personnel with any benefits or
commitments inconsistent with any of such undertakings by CONSULTANT. In particular:

1. Peerless will not withhold FICA (Social Security) from CONSULTANT’s payments.

2. Peerless will not make state or federal unemployment insurance contributions on behalf of
CONSULTANT or its personnel.

3. Peerless will not withhold state and federal income tax from payment to CONSULTANT.

4. Peerless will not make disability insurance contributions on behalf of CONSULTANT.

5. Peerless will not obtain workers’ compensation insurance on behalf of CONSULTANT or its
personnel.

4.5 Waiver of Benefits - CONSULTANT herein and for its employees, for the consideration paid to it
by Peerless, specifically waives all claims to or interest in any employee benefit provided to
Peerless to its employees. Accordingly, CONSULTANT hereby specifically waives any right to
participate in, and any claim or interest in benefits under, any employee benefit plan maintained,
sponsored or offered by Peerless for the benefit of its employees even if CONSULTANT and/or any of
its employees are subsequently determined (by judicial action or otherwise) to be common law
employees of Peerless and otherwise eligible to participate in such employee benefit plans and
receive benefits thereunder. Furthermore, I understand and agree that I am not entitled to any and
all benefits under Peerless’ 401(k) plan. As such, if for any reason whatsoever, I am found to be
entitled to such benefits by a court or governmental agency, I expressly elect not to contribute to
said 401(k) plan.

4.6 Licenses - CONSULTANT represents that he or she is the holder of the following Licenses or
certificates:

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
	 	CONFIDENTIAL
	 

	 	1.  	CA Prof Corp License # 15095
	 
	 	2.  	CA 103351
	 
	 	3.  	DC 415269

Section 5 - CLIENT DISCLOSURE

5.1 CONSULTANT represents that the following is a complete and accurate list of CONSULTANT’s
clients as of the Effective Date of this Agreement (“Client List”):

1. None

5.2 CONSULTANT agrees to furnish Peerless with an updated Client List during the term of this
Agreement if and when there are any additions to this Client List.

Section 6 - RIGHTS IN DATA

6.1 As between Peerless and CONSULTANT and for the consideration set out herein and for other
consideration which the parties acknowledge having been tendered and received, except as set forth
below in this Section 6, all right, title, and interest in and to the programs, systems, data, or
materials used or produced by CONSULTANT in the performance of the services called for in this
Agreement shall remain or become the property of Peerless.

6.2 All right, title, and interest in and to all Deliverables, including all rights in copyrights
or other intellectual property rights pertaining thereto, shall be held by Peerless. CONSULTANT
shall mark all Deliverables with Peerless’ copyright or other proprietary notice as directed by
Peerless and shall take all actions deemed necessary by Peerless to perfect Peerless’ rights
therein. In the event that CONSULTANT can by law or otherwise retain any rights to any
Deliverables, CONSULTANT agrees to assign, and upon creation thereof automatically assigns, all
right, title, and interest in and to such Deliverables to Peerless, without further consideration.
CONSULTANT agrees to execute any documents of assignment or registration of copyright or other
intellectual property rights requested by Peerless respecting any and all Deliverables. CONSULTANT
retains no rights or license to utilize such Deliverables except in furtherance of the purposes of
this Agreement or unless specifically authorized in writing by Peerless.

6.3 All copyrights, patents, trade secrets, design rights,

or other intellectual property rights
associated with any ideas, designs, concepts, techniques, inventions, processes, or works of
authorship developed or created by CONSULTANT or its personnel during the course of performing
Peerless’ work (collectively, the “Work Product”) shall belong exclusively to Peerless. CONSULTANT
automatically assigns, and shall cause its personnel automatically to assign, at the time of
creation of the Work Product, without any requirement of further consideration, any right, title,
or interest it or they may have in such Work Product, including any and all copyrights, moral
rights, community property rights or other intellectual property rights pertaining thereto, and
CONSULTANT agrees, and causes its personnel to agree, not to exercise any moral rights with respect
to the Work Products. Upon request of Peerless, CONSULTANT shall take such further actions, and
shall cause its personnel to take such further actions, including execution and delivery of
instruments of conveyance, as may be appropriate to give full and proper effect to such assignment.

6.4 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, CONSULTANT and its personnel shall be free to
use and employ its and their general skills, know-how, and expertise, and to use, disclose, and
employ any generalized ideas, designs, concepts, know-how, methods, techniques, or skills gained or
learned during the course of any assignment, so long as it or they acquire and apply such
information without disclosure of any confidential or proprietary information of Peerless and
without any unauthorized use or disclosure of Work Product.

6.5 All right, title, and interest in and to any programs, systems, data, designs, and materials
furnished to CONSULTANT by Peerless are and shall remain the property of Peerless.

6.6 All right, title, and interest in and to any programs, systems, data, designs, and materials
furnished by CONSULTANT (“CONSULTANT IP”), are and shall remain the property of CONSULTANT.
CONSULTANT grants to Peerless a perpetual, worldwide, and non-exclusive license to use, sell,
modify and otherwise distribute “CONSULTANT IP” or copies thereof.

Section 7 - PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

7.1 Confidentiality. CONSULTANT shall maintain in strict confidence, and shall use and disclose
only as

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
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authorized by Peerless, all information of a competitively sensitive or proprietary nature
that it receives in connection with the work performed for Peerless
pursuant to each Work Order.

CONSULTANT shall require its personnel to agree to do likewise. Peerless shall take reasonable
steps to identify for the benefit of CONSULTANT and its personnel any information of a
competitively sensitive or proprietary nature, including by using confidentiality notices in
written material where appropriate. These restrictions shall not be construed to apply to (1)
information generally available to the public; (2) information released by Peerless generally
without restriction; (3) information independently developed or acquired by CONSULTANT or its
personnel without reliance in any way on other protected information of Peerless; or (4)
information approved for the use and disclosure of CONSULTANT or its personnel without restriction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions, CONSULTANT and its personnel may use and disclose any
information (1) to the extent required by an order of any court or other governmental authority or
(2) as necessary for it or them to protect their interest in this Agreement, but in each case only
after Peerless has been so notified and has had the opportunity, if possible, to obtain reasonable
protection for such information in connection with such disclosure.

7.2 CONSULTANT acknowledges that in order to perform the services called for in this Agreement, it
shall be necessary for Peerless to disclose to CONSULTANT certain Trade Secrets, as defined in
Section 7.3 hereof, that have been developed by Peerless at great expense and that have required
considerable effort of skilled professionals. CONSULTANT further acknowledges that the Deliverables
will of necessity incorporate such Trade Secrets. CONSULTANT agrees that it shall not disclose,
transfer, use, copy, or allow access to any such Trade Secrets to any employees or to any third
parties, except for those who have a need to know such Trade Secrets in order to accomplish the
requirements of this Agreement and who are bound by contractual obligations of confidentiality and
limitation of use sufficient to give effect to this Section 7. In no event shall CONSULTANT
disclose any such Trade Secrets to any competitors of Peerless.

7.3 As used herein, the term “Trade Secrets” shall mean any scientific or technical or operational
data,

information, design, process, procedure, formula, or improvement that is commercially
valuable to Peerless, is maintained in confidence by Peerless and is not generally known in the
industry. The obligations set forth in Section 7.2 as they pertain to Trade Secrets shall survive
termination of this Agreement and continue for so long as the relevant information remains a Trade
Secret.

Section 8 - COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION

8.1 CONSULTANT understands that CONSULTANT may receive access to Peerless’ computers and electronic
communications systems (“systems”), including but not limited to voicemail, email, customer
databases, and internet and intranet systems. Such systems are intended for legitimate business use
related to Peerless’ business. CONSULTANT acknowledges that CONSULTANT does not have any
expectation of privacy as between CONSULTANT and Peerless in the use of or access to Peerless’
systems and that all communications made with such systems or equipment by or on behalf of
CONSULTANT are subject to Peerless’ scrutiny, use and disclosure, in Peerless’ discretion, but
subject to a Confidential Disclosure Agreement executed between CONSULTANT and Peerless. Peerless
reserves the right, for business purposes, to monitor, review, audit, intercept, access, archive
and/or disclose materials sent over, received by or from, or stored in any of its electronic
systems. This includes, without limitation, email communications sent by users across the internet
and intranet from and to the www.peerless.com domain or any other domain. This also includes,
without limitation, any electronic communication system that has been used to access any of
Peerless’ systems.

CONSULTANT further agrees that CONSULTANT will use all appropriate security, such as, for example,
encryption and passwords, to protect Peerless’ confidential information from unauthorized
disclosure (internally or externally) and that use of such security does not give rise to any
privacy rights in the communication as between CONSULTANT and Peerless. Peerless reserves the right
to override any security passwords to obtain access to voicemail, email, computer (and software or
other applications) and/or computer disks. CONSULTANT also acknowledges that Peerless reserves the
right, for legitimate business purposes, to search all work areas

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
	 	CONFIDENTIAL
	 

(for example, offices, cubicles,
desks, drawers, cabinets, computers, computer disks and files) and all personal items brought onto
Peerless property or used to access Peerless information or systems.

Section 9 - CONFIDENTIALITY OF AGREEMENT; PUBLICITY; USE OF MARKS

9.1 For a period of five (5) years from the date of termination of this Agreement, CONSULTANT shall
not disclose the nature of the effort undertaken for Peerless that is confidential or proprietary
in nature or the terms of this Agreement to any other person or entity, except as may be necessary
to fulfill CONSULTANT’s obligations hereunder.

9.2 CONSULTANT shall not at any time use Peerless’ name or any Peerless trademark(s), service
mark(s) or trade name(s) in any advertising or publicity without the prior written consent of
Peerless.

Section 10 - WARRANTIES

10.1 Peerless warrants that it owns all right, title, and interest in and to any programs, systems,
data, designs, or materials furnished to CONSULTANT hereunder.

10.2 CONSULTANT warrants that:

a. CONSULTANT’s performance of the services called for by this Agreement do not and shall not
violate any applicable law, rule, or regulation; any contracts with third parties; or any
third-party rights in any patent, trademark, copyright, design right, trade secret, or similar
right; and

b. CONSULTANT is the lawful owner or licensee of any software programs or other materials used by
CONSULTANT in the performance of the services called for in this Agreement, and

c. CONSULTANT has all rights, including, but not limited to community property rights, necessary to
convey to Peerless the unencumbered ownership of Deliverables.

Section 11 - HIRING OF CONSULTANT’S PERSONNEL

11.1 Additional Value From Hiring. Peerless acknowledges that CONSULTANT provides a

valuable service by identifying and assigning personnel for Peerless’ work. Peerless further acknowledges
that Peerless would receive substantial additional value, and CONSULTANT would be deprived of the
benefits of its work force, if Peerless were to directly hire CONSULTANT’s personnel after
CONSULTANT has introduced them to Peerless.

11.2 No Hiring Without Prior Consent. Without the prior written consent of CONSULTANT, Peerless
shall not recruit or hire any personnel of CONSULTANT who are or have been assigned to perform work
until one (1) year after termination of this Agreement.

11.3 Hiring Fee. In the event that Peerless hires any personnel of CONSULTANT who are or have been
assigned to perform work for Peerless, Peerless shall pay CONSULTANT, within one (1) year of the
date of such hiring, an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total first year
compensation Peerless pays such personnel as a fee for the additional benefit obtained by Peerless.

Section 12 - INDEMNIFICATION

12.1 CONSULTANT hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Peerless from and against any and
all claims, demands, and actions, and any liabilities, damages, or expenses resulting therefrom,
including court costs and reasonable attorney fees, arising out of or relating to the services
performed by CONSULTANT hereunder or any breach of the warranties made by CONSULTANT pursuant to
Section 10.2 hereof. CONSULTANT’s obligations under this Section 12.1 shall survive the termination
of this Agreement for any reason. Peerless agrees to give CONSULTANT prompt notice of any such
claim, demand, or action and shall, to the extent Peerless is not adversely affected, cooperate
fully with CONSULTANT in defense and settlement of said claim, demand, or action.

Section 13 - LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

13.1 Disclaimer. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, PEERLESS DOES NOT MAKE ANY
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE DURATION OF THE SERVICES TO BE RENDERED.

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
	 	CONFIDENTIAL
	 

THIS IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.

13.2 Total Liability. Peerless agrees that CONSULTANT’s liability hereunder for damages,
regardless of the form of action, shall not exceed the greater of $50,000.00 or the total amount
paid for services under the applicable estimate or in the authorization for the particular service if no
estimate is provided.

13.3 Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable to the other party for any failure or delay
caused by events beyond the parties’ control, including, without limitation, the parties’ failure
to furnish necessary information; sabotage; failure or delays in transportation or communication;
failures or substitutions of equipment; labor disputes; accidents; shortages of labor, fuel, raw
materials or equipment; or technical failures.

Section 14 - MISCELLANEOUS

14.1 CONSULTANT shall not assign, transfer, or subcontract this Agreement or any of its obligations
hereunder without the prior written consent of Peerless; provided, however, that CONSULTANT may
assign its right to receive payments hereunder to such third parties as CONSULTANT may designate by
written notice to Peerless.

14.2 This Agreement shall be governed and construed in all respects in accordance with the laws of
the State of California as they apply to a contract executed, delivered, and performed solely in
such State. [~Jurisdiction clause added for CONSULTANTS outside of CA].

14.3 The parties are and shall be independent contractors to one another, and nothing herein shall
be deemed to cause this Agreement to create an agency, partnership, or joint venture between the
parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing
the relationship of employer and employee between Peerless and either CONSULTANT or any employee or
agent of CONSULTANT.

14.4 CONSULTANT shall, at its sole expense, obtain and carry in full force and effect, during the
term of this Agreement, appropriate liability insurance

coverage. Upon the request of Peerless,
CONSULTANT shall provide Peerless with evidence satisfactory to Peerless of such insurance.

14.5 All remedies available to either party for one or more breaches by the other party are and
shall be deemed cumulative and may be exercised separately or concurrently without waiver of any
other remedies. The failure of either party to act in the event of a breach of this Agreement by
the other shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach or a waiver of future breaches, unless such
waiver shall be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

14.6 All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing addressed to the respective
parties as set forth herein, unless another address shall have been designated, and shall be
delivered by hand or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid.

CONSULTANT

Denis W. Retoske, Sr., Attorney-at-Law,

A Professional Law Corporation

Attn.: Denis W. Retoske, Esquire

1850 Capri Circle

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Tel; (714) 966-1866

FAX: (714) 966-1822

Peerless Systems Corporation

Attn.: Counsel

2381 Rosecrans Avenue

El Segundo, CA 90245

Tel: (310) 536-0908

FAX: (310) 536-0058

14.7 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes all prior
representations, proposals, discussions, and communications, whether oral or in writing. This
Agreement may be modified only in writing and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms
when signed by the party sought to be bound.

14.8 This Agreement is enforceable only by CONSULTANT and Peerless. The terms of this Agreement are
not a contract or assurance regarding compensation, continued employment, or benefit of any kind to
any CONSULTANT’s personnel who are assigned to Peerless’ work, or any beneficiary of any such
personnel, and no such personnel, or any

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
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beneficiary thereof, shall be a third-party beneficiary
under or pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

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

Accepted and Agreed to by the parties as of the Effective Date.

DENIS W. RETOSKE, SR., ATTORNEY-AT-LAW, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION.

By:

/S/ DENIS W. RETOSKE

(Authorized Signature)

Name: Denis W. Retoske

Title: President

Date: June ___, 2004

PEERLESS SYSTEMS CORPORATION

By:

/S/ HOWARD J. NELLOR

(Authorized Signature)

Name: Howard J. Nellor

Title: President and CEO

Date: June ___, 2004

///End

					
	 
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	PEERLESS/CONSULTANT Consulting Agreement
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EXHIBIT A

	1.  	Description of Work: Legal Services as to certain corporate matters as directed by the
CEO, CFO and Directors of the Company
	 
	2.  	Schedule: Determined and agreed between the parties as to each particular assignment.
	 
	3.  	Cost: $225.00 per hour
	 
	4.  	Deliverables: As required by the elements of the particular project assigned by the Company and
accepted by CONSULTANT.
	 
	5.  	Measurement Criteria: On-going.

					
	 
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EXHIBIT 10.90

Direct Dial: (310) 297-3287

Direct Fax: (310) 297-3142

March 28, 2005

Via Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested

Denis Retoske

A Professional Law Corporation

1850 Capri Circle

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

		
	Re:       	Notice of Termination of Consulting Relationship

Dear Denis:

     Peerless Systems Corporation (the “Company”) has decided to terminate the Peerless/Consultant
Consulting Agreement by and between you and the Company, dated as of June 4, 2004, and any addenda
thereto (the “Agreement”). I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your
service to the Company. It has been a pleasure working with you. Pursuant to Section 2.2 of the
Agreement, the Company is required to provide fifteen (15) days prior written notice. Accordingly,
the termination will become effective fifteen (15) days following your receipt of this letter.

     I understand that you have previously spoken with Howard regarding the termination of your
options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. This letter will also serve to confirm
our mutual understanding that, in accordance with the terms of the Confidential Separation
Agreement and Mutual Release by and between you and the Company, dated as of June 4, 2004, all of
the outstanding options previously granted to you to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock
will terminate on June 4, 2005. Please note that because your options may only be exercised on a
business day, your options must be exercised, if at all, no later than 5:00 p.m. PST on June 3,
2005.

     Naturally, if you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact
me. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

/S/ ELLIOT M. SHIRWO

Elliot M. Shirwo

Assistant General Counsel

		
	cc:       	Howard J. Nellor

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