Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

*CERTAIN INFORMATION WITHIN THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND THE NON-PUBLIC
INFORMATION HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

                   LIMITED EXCLUSIVE PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT

                                       FOR

                                A MICROFABRICATED
                      SLEEVE TYPE CHEMICAL REACTION CHAMBER

                                     BETWEEN

                   THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

                                       AND

                                     CEPHEID

                            LLNL CASE NO. TL-1355-96

                     LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY
                            UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
                    P.O. BOX 808, L-795, LIVERMORE, CA 94551
                  INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMERCIALIZATION

                                   MARCH 1997

<PAGE>   2

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                             <C>
1.  BACKGROUND..............................................................................      1
2.  DEFINITIONS.............................................................................      2
3.  LICENSE GRANT...........................................................................      5
4.  LICENSE FEES, ROYALTIES, AND PAYMENTS...................................................      6
5.  DUE DILIGENCE...........................................................................      7
6.  PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS............................................................      8
7.  BOOKS AND RECORDS.......................................................................     12
8.  LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT...................................................................     12
9.  TERMINATION.............................................................................     12
10. PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE......................................................     14
11. PATENT INFRINGEMENT.....................................................................     15
12. USE OF NAMES AND TRADEMARKS.............................................................     17
13. LIMITED WARRANTY........................................................................     17
14. INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE...........................................................     18
15. WAIVER..................................................................................     20
16. ASSIGNABILITY...........................................................................     20
17. LATE PAYMENTS...........................................................................     20
18. NOTICES.................................................................................     21
19. DISPUTES AND GOVERNING LAWS.............................................................     22
20. PATENT MARKING..........................................................................     22
21. GOVERNMENT APPROVAL OR REGISTRATION.....................................................     22
22. EXPORT CONTROL LAWS.....................................................................     23
23. FORCE MAJEURE...........................................................................     23
24. UNITED STATES PREFERENCE................................................................     23
25. CONFIDENTIALITY.........................................................................     23
26. MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................     24
EXHIBIT A - LICENSED PATENTS................................................................     26
EXHIBIT B - LICENSE GRANT...................................................................     27
EXHIBIT C - ISSUE FEE AND ROYALTIES.........................................................     29
EXHIBIT D - MUTUAL NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT..................................................     32
</TABLE>

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                   LIMITED EXCLUSIVE PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT
                                       FOR
                                A MICROFABRICATED
                      SLEEVE TYPE CHEMICAL REACTION CHAMBER

This Agreement effective as of the Effective Date is between The Regents of the
University of California ("THE REGENTS"), under its U.S. Department of Energy
Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48 to manage and operate Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory ("LLNL"), and Cepheid ("LICENSEE"), a California corporation having
its principal place of business at 3410 Garrett Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
THE REGENTS is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State
of California, with its principal office at 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA
94612-3550. THE REGENTS and LICENSEE are referred to jointly as "Parties".

1.      BACKGROUND

1.1     Certain Inventions are described in U.S. Patent Number 5,589,136, its
        Continuation in Part (IL-9707B), and PCT/US96/10453 (herein referred to
        as "Invention") relating to a sleeve-type chemical reaction chamber that
        may be utilized in any chemical reaction system for synthesis or
        processing of organic, inorganic, or biochemical reactions, such as the
        polymerase chain reaction and/or other DNA reactions which are examples
        of a synthetic, thermal-cycling-based reaction. The reaction chamber may
        also be used in synthesis instruments, particularly those for DNA
        amplification and synthesis. The Invention was made in the course of
        research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and is covered by THE
        REGENTS' Patent Rights as defined in Article 2 (DEFINITIONS).

1.2     The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) was a sponsor of the invention
        development. Thus, this Agreement is subject to overriding obligations
        to the Federal Government under the provisions of the applicable grant
        or regulations.

1.3     LICENSEE is a start-up company in San Jose, California, that will sell
        Licensed Products and become a supplier of Licensed Products to a
        variety of companies for worldwide markets. LICENSEE intends to
        specialize in the development and

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        manufacture of three types of products: heating cooling optics
        micro-modules (HCOM), small thermal cycler instruments containing HCOMs,
        and hand-held instruments containing HCOMs. THE REGENTS is willing to
        grant rights to the Invention so that it may be developed and used by
        LICENSEE to the fullest extent for the benefit of the U.S. economy and
        the general public.

1.4     The Parties hope to combine THE REGENTS' Invention with the LICENSEE's
        technical and commercial capabilities and inventions for application of
        the Invention to the area of nucleic acid amplification and ligand
        binding assays.

The Parties agree as follows:

2.      DEFINITIONS

2.1     "Affiliate" means any business entity that LICENSEE directly or
        indirectly controls, or is under common control with, or is controlled
        by at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding stock or other voting
        rights entitled to elect directors. In any country where local law does
        not permit foreign equity participation of at least fifty percent (50%),
        then an Affiliate includes any company in which the controlling entity
        owns or controls, directly or indirectly, the maximum percentage of that
        outstanding stock or voting rights permitted by local law. In this
        definition, "control" includes ownership.

2.2     "Joint Venture" means any separate entity established pursuant to an
        agreement between a third party and LICENSEE to constitute a vehicle for
        conducting business, in which the separate entity manufactures, uses,
        purchases, sells, or acquires Licensed Products from LICENSEE.

2.3     "THE REGENTS' Patent Rights" are THE REGENTS' rights in Licensed Patents
        under applicable patent laws.

2.4     "Licensed Patents" are:

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        2.4.1 the patent and patent applications specified in Exhibit A and
              resulting patent;

        2.4.2 reissues and continuations of 2.4.1 above; and

        2.4.3 foreign patent applications and resulting patents per Article 10
              (PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE) of this Agreement.

2.5     "Licensed Products" are products that incorporate or are produced by the
        practice of subject matter claimed in Licensed Patents or whose
        manufacture, use, sale, export, or offer for sale would constitute an
        infringement of any claim in THE REGENTS' Patent Rights but for the
        license granted under this Agreement. Licensed Products are considered
        sold when invoiced or, if not invoiced, when delivered to a third party.

2.6     "LICENSEE" means Cepheid, and its Affiliates and Joint Ventures.

2.7     "Net Selling Price(s)" as used in this Agreement to compute royalties,
        means the gross invoice selling prices of Licensed Products from Sale of
        Licensed Products by LICENSEE or a sublicensee to independent third
        parties for cash or other form of consideration in accordance with
        generally accepted accounting principles limited to the following
        deductions (if not already deducted from the gross invoice price and at
        rates customary within the industry):

        2.7.1 Allowances (actually paid and limited to rejections, returns, and
              prompt payment and volume discounts granted to customers of
              Licensed Products, whether in cash or Licensed Products in lieu of
              cash); and

        2.7.2 freight, transport packing, insurance charges associated with
              transportation; and

        2.7.3 taxes, tariff, or import/export duties based on sales when
              included in gross sales, but not value-added taxes or taxes
              assessed on income derived from such sales.

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        No deductions will be made from Net Selling Price for commissions paid
        to individuals whether they be with independent sales agencies or
        regularly employed by LICENSEE and on its payroll, or for cost of
        collections.

        No deductions will be made from Net Selling Price for a service
        contract.

        Where LICENSEE distributes Licensed Products for end use to itself, an
        Affiliate, a Joint Venture, or a sublicensee, then such distribution
        will be considered a sale at list price normally charged to independent
        third parties, and THE REGENTS will be entitled to collect a royalty on
        such sale in accordance with Article 4 (LICENSE FEES, ROYALTIES, AND
        PAYMENTS). Where LICENSEE distributes Licensed Products for resale to an
        Affiliate, a Joint Venture, or a sublicensee, THE REGENTS will be
        entitled to collect a royalty based on the resale Net Selling Price.

        The Net Selling Price of Licensed Products that are not sold, but are
        otherwise disposed of for value, is the selling price at which LICENSEE
        is currently offering for sale products of similar kind and quality,
        sold in similar quantities. If LICENSEE is not currently offering
        comparable products for sale, then the Net Selling Price will be the
        average selling price at which products of similar kind and quality,
        sold in similar quantities, are currently offered for sale by other
        manufacturers. If comparable products are not currently sold or offered
        for sale by others, then the Net Selling Price will be LICENSEE's cost
        of manufacture determined by LICENSEE's customary accounting procedures,
        plus LICENSEE's standard markup.

2.8     "Net Sales" as used in this Agreement to compute royalties, means the
        total Net Selling Prices of Licensed Products sold by LICENSEE or a
        sublicensee.

2.9     "Exclusive Field-of-Use" is the exclusive application or use defined in
        Exhibit B.

2.10    "Effective Date" means the date of execution by the last signing party.

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2.11    "Ligand-binding Assays" are reactions between antibodies and antigens or
        between receptors and their ligands which may be detected by means
        including, but not limited to, agglutination, fluorescence quenching,
        chemiluminescence, or luminescence quenching.

3.      LICENSE GRANT

3.1     Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, THE REGENTS
        grants to the LICENSEE a nontransferable, royalty-bearing license to
        make, have made, import, use, and sell Licensed Products covered by the
        Licensed Patents in the Exclusive Field-of-Use as specified in Exhibit B
        where patent rights exist.

3.2     The U.S. Government has a paid-up, royalty-free, non-transferable,
        worldwide, irrevocable license for government use to practice or have
        practiced by or on behalf of the U.S., Licensed Patents. The U.S.
        Government has certain other rights under 35 U.S.C. Sections 200-212 and
        applicable regulations.

3.3     THE REGENTS reserves the right to use THE REGENTS' Patent Rights and
        associated technology for noncommercial, educational, and research
        purposes.

3.4     THE REGENTS also grants to LICENSEE the right to issue royalty-bearing
        sublicenses to third parties to make, have made, import, use, and sell
        Licensed Products in the Exclusive Field-of-Use, provided LICENSEE has
        current exclusive rights under this Agreement at the time of such
        sublicenses. LICENSEE must sublicense in the Exclusive Field-of-Use if
        LICENSEE cannot adequately supply market requirements.

3.5     Any sublicenses granted by LICENSEE will include all of the rights and
        obligations due THE REGENTS that are contained in this Agreement.

3.6     LICENSEE will provide THE REGENTS with a copy of each sublicense issued
        hereunder within thirty (30) days after issuance; collect payment of all
        royalties due THE REGENTS from the sale of Licensed Product by any
        sublicensees; pay THE REGENTS

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        the amounts due and collected from sublicensees according to the
        schedule set forth in Article 6 (PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS) of this
        Agreement; and summarize and deliver all reports due THE REGENTS from
        sublicensees according to the schedule set forth in Article 6 (PROGRESS
        AND ROYALTY REPORTS) of this Agreement.

3.7     The sublicenses granted hereunder will be subject to all the applicable
        provisions of the license granted back to the United States Government
        (see Section 3.2 above).

4.      LICENSE FEES, ROYALTIES, AND PAYMENTS

4.1     LICENSEE will pay the University a nonrefundable license issue fee as
        set forth in Exhibit C.

4.2     As further consideration for rights granted to LICENSEE hereunder,
        LICENSEE will pay to THE REGENTS an earned royalty on Net Sales of
        Licensed Products sold by LICENSEE in or outside the United States,
        including a minimum annual royalty as defined in Exhibit C. The minimum
        annual royalty is due by February 28 of each year and is credited
        against earned royalties until consumed for that year.

4.3     LICENSEE will pay THE REGENTS an earned royalty, as defined in Exhibit
        C, on all Licensed Products sold by any sublicensee.

4.4     If this Agreement terminates, then all shipments made on or before the
        day of termination that have not been billed are considered sold and
        subject to royalty. Royalties paid on Licensed Products which are not
        accepted by the customer are credited to LICENSEE.

4.5     LICENSEE will pay earned royalties to THE REGENTS no later than February
        28, May 31, August 31, and November 30 of each calendar year. Each
        payment will be for all royalties accrued within the most recently
        completed quarter.

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4.6     LICENSEE will pay in U.S. dollars collectible at par in San Francisco,
        California. When Licensed Products are sold for currencies other than
        U.S. dollars, earned royalties will first be determined in the foreign
        currency of the country in which the Licensed Products were sold and
        then converted into equivalent U.S. dollars. The exchange rate is that
        rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal on the last business day of the
        reporting period and is quoted as local currency per U.S. dollar.

4.7     Royalties for sales occurring in any country outside the U.S. are not
        reduced by any value-added taxes, fees, or other charges assessed on
        income derived from such sales imposed by the government of such
        country. LICENSEE is responsible for all bank transfer charges.

4.8     Not withstanding the provisions of Article 23 (FORCE MAJEURE), if legal
        restrictions prevent the LICENSEE from prompt payment of part or all
        royalties on sales of a Licensed Product in any country outside the
        U.S., LICENSEE will convert the amount owed to THE REGENTS into U.S.
        funds and pay THE REGENTS directly from its U.S. source of funds.

4.9     THE REGENTS will not collect royalties on Licensed Products distributed
        to or used by the U.S. Government. LICENSEE will reduce the amount
        charged for Licensed Products distributed to or used by the U.S.
        Government by an amount equal to the royalty otherwise due THE REGENTS.

5.      DUE DILIGENCE

5.1     LICENSEE will use reasonable commercial efforts to develop, manufacture
        and sell Licensed Products. LICENSEE will use reasonable commercial
        efforts to market those products within a reasonable time after this
        Agreement is executed and in sufficient quantities to meet market
        demands and to comply with the minimum royalties specified in paragraph
        C of Exhibit C. LICENSEE must demonstrate a continuing effort to market

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        Licensed Products to meet market demands following LICENSEE's first
        offer of Licensed Products for sale.

5.2     If LICENSEE is unable to perform the schedule and conditions set forth
        in Exhibit B, THE REGENTS will notify LICENSEE of such inability and if
        such inability is not cured within sixty (60) days after such notice,
        THE REGENTS may terminate this Agreement or change the license grant to
        a nonexclusive license.

5.3     LICENSEE will be entitled to exercise prudent and reasonable business
        judgment in meeting its due diligence obligations in accordance with
        this Agreement. LICENSEE will conduct normal, continuous business
        operations. However, if LICENSEE must seek protection under any United
        States bankruptcy proceedings, LICENSEE will notify THE REGENTS after
        LICENSEE files for bankruptcy, and THE REGENTS will receive that
        notification no later than seventy-two (72) hours after the bankruptcy
        filing. Bankruptcy will be grounds for termination of this Agreement.

6.      PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS 6.1 Upon execution of this Agreement,
        LICENSEE will submit to THE REGENTS a semi-annual progress report
        covering LICENSEE activities in meeting the commercialization conditions
        set forth in Article 5 (DUE DILIGENCE) and Exhibit B of this Agreement.
        The report will include at a minimum the following information:

               License Number
               Name of Licensee
               Date of Report
               Reporting period
               Summary of work completed
               Key scientific discoveries
               Summary of work in progress
               Current schedule of anticipated events or milestones
               Description of Licensed Products
               Expected market introduction date of Licensed Products

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        A summary of resources (dollar value) spent in the reporting period
        Name(s), addresses, and activities of sublicensees, if any

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The report will be due to THE REGENTS according to the following schedule:

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>
-----------------------------------------------------------
DUE DATE                      FOR PERIOD
-----------------------------------------------------------
February 28                   July 1 -December 31
-----------------------------------------------------------
August 31                     January 1 - June 30
-----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

6.2     LICENSEE will report to THE REGENTS the first commercial sale of each
        type of Licensed Product in the U.S. and in each country outside the
        U.S. by LICENSEE or its sublicensees. Such report will include at a
        minimum, the following information:

           License Number
           Name of Licensee or Sublicensee
           Date of Report
           Company's fiscal year
           Date of First Commercial Sale
           Place of First Commercial Sale
           Description of Licensed Product(s) sold

6.3     After the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product anywhere in the
        world by LICENSEE or sublicensees, LICENSEE will submit quarterly
        written royalty reports to THE REGENTS on February 28, May 31, August
        31, and November 30 of each calendar quarter for sales by LICENSEE or
        sublicensees during the most recently completed calendar quarter. If
        neither LICENSEE nor sublicensees has sold or used any Licensed Products
        during the reporting period, LICENSEE will so state in the royalty
        report filed for such period. The royalty report will include at a
        minimum the following information:

           License Number
           Name of Licensee or Sublicensee
           Date of Report
           What is company's fiscal year?
           What is the calendar quarter for this report?
           Did earned royalties exceed minimum royalties?

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           Report of revenue from commercial contracts and technology access
           fees
           Report of sales of Licensed Products
           Domestic sales:
           Products
           Domestic sales:
               Description of Licensed Product(s)
               Unit price (sale and/or use)
               Units sold in US
               Gross sales in US
               Net Sales in US
               Royalties due THE REGENTS in $US
           Foreign sales:
               Country of sales
               Description of Licensed Product(s)
               Unit price (sale and/or use)
               Units sold in each country
               Units leased in each country
               Gross sales in each country
               Net Sales in each country
               Monetary exchange rate
               Royalties due THE REGENTS in $US
           US Government Sales:
               Description of Licensed Product(s)
               Unit price (sale and/or use)
               Units sold
               Gross sales
               Net Sales in each country

6.4     LICENSEE will provide THE REGENTS with an annual statement of LICENSEE
        royalty accounts certified by LICENSEE's Chief Financial Officer, for
        each calendar year during the term of this Agreement. LICENSEE will also
        provide to THE REGENTS an annual statement of royalty accounts from any
        sublicensees certified by sublicensee's Chief Financial Officer for each
        calendar year during the term of this Agreement. All such statements
        will be due to THE REGENTS on February 28 of the calendar year next
        after the year to which such statements relates. Such statements will be
        deemed business sensitive information of LICENSEE.

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7.      BOOKS AND RECORDS

7.1     LICENSEE will keep books and records accurately showing all Licensed
        Products manufactured, used, or sold under this Agreement. LICENSEE will
        preserve those books and records for at least five (5) years from the
        date of the royalty payment to which they apply. The books and records
        will be open for inspection by representatives or agents of THE REGENTS
        at all reasonable times, with reasonable notice given by THE REGENTS to
        the LICENSEE.

7.2     THE REGENTS will pay the costs incurred by its representatives or agents
        to examine the LICENSEE's books and records. If there is an underpayment
        to THE REGENTS in the royalty accounting of more than five percent (5%)
        of the total royalties due for any such year, then LICENSEE will pay the
        reasonable costs incurred for THE REGENTS' examination. All information
        obtained in such inspection will be protected as Business Sensitive
        Information, and not disseminated to other parties.

7.3     LICENSEE will provide THE REGENTS with an annual audited or certified
        financial statement of LICENSEE's balance sheet and operating statement
        or annual report. Such statements or annual reports will be due to THE
        REGENTS within one hundred twenty (120) days following the close of
        LICENSEE's fiscal year to which such statement relates. Such statements
        will be deemed business sensitive information of LICENSEE.

8.      LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT

        Unless terminated by operation of law or by acts of the Parties under
        this Agreement, this Agreement is in effect from the Effective Date
        until the expiration of the Licensed Patents (on a country-by-country
        basis) under this Agreement.

9.      TERMINATION

9.1     The right to terminate this Agreement, if exercised by THE REGENTS,
        supersedes the rights granted in Article 3 (LICENSE GRANT). If the
        LICENSEE should fail to

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        perform any material term or covenant of this Agreement, THE REGENTS may
        give written notice that if the LICENSEE should fail to remedy with
        satisfaction and provide tangible evidence to THE REGENTS that the
        deficiency has been cured within sixty (60) days of the effective date
        of receipt of the notice, this Agreement will terminate. The LICENSEE's
        failure to pay any royalty or other fee within ten (10) business days
        after the date(s) required under Exhibit C will be considered to be a
        material breach subject to termination of the license.

9.2     Should LICENSEE terminate this Agreement before LICENSEE has paid the
        entire Issue Fee due under this Agreement as specified in Exhibit C, the
        full remainder of the Issue Fee will be due immediately, unless LICENSEE
        terminates as a result of a reduction or narrowing of the claims of the
        pending patent application in Licensed Patents such that Licensed
        Patents do not cover Licensed Products, in which case the remainder of
        the Issue Fee will be forgiven.

9.3     Termination of this Agreement will not relieve the LICENSEE of any other
        obligation or liability accrued hereunder prior to such termination, or
        rescind any payments due or paid to THE REGENTS hereunder prior to the
        time such termination becomes effective. Such termination will not
        affect, in any manner, any rights of THE REGENTS arising under this
        Agreement prior to such termination.

9.4     LICENSEE may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to THE
        REGENTS and payment of all amounts due THE REGENTS. Notice of
        termination is subject to Article 18 (NOTICES), and termination is
        effective thirty (30) days from the effective date of that notice.

9.5     Termination will not affect the rights, liabilities, and obligations
        accrued under this Agreement as set forth in the following Articles:

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>
        Article 4     License Fees, Royalties, and Payments
        Article 7     Books and Records
</TABLE>

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<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>
        Article 9     Termination
        Article 10    Patent Prosecution and Maintenance
        Article 12    Use of Names and Trademarks
        Article 14    Indemnification and Insurance
        Article 17    Late Payments
        Article 22    Export Control Laws
        Article 25    Confidentiality
        Exhibit D     Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement
</TABLE>

9.6     If LICENSEE and sublicensees cease to produce the Licensed Product(s),
        this Agreement will terminate upon notice by THE REGENTS.

9.7     Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason during LICENSEE's term
        of exclusivity, THE REGENTS, at its sole discretion, will determine
        whether any or all sublicenses will be canceled or assigned to THE
        REGENTS. Any sublicensee not in default may request a license from THE
        REGENTS with terms no greater than provided herein.

9.8     LICENSEE will provide THE REGENTS with a written inventory of all
        Licensed Products in process of manufacture or in stock within thirty
        (30) days of the effective date of termination by either party. LICENSEE
        will dispose of those Licensed Products within one hundred and twenty
        (120) days of the effective date of termination. All sales of Licensed
        Products are subject to the terms of this Agreement.

10.     PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE

10.1    THE REGENTS will diligently prosecute and maintain the U.S. Licensed
        Patents using counsel of its choice. The Licensed Patents are held in
        the name of THE REGENTS.

10.2    THE REGENTS will pay costs of preparing, filing, prosecuting, and
        maintaining the U.S. Licensed Patents.

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10.3    LICENSEE will have the right to request that THE REGENTS obtain patent
        protection on Licensed Patents in foreign countries if available.
        LICENSEE must notify THE REGENTS within seven (7) months of the filing
        of the corresponding United States application of its decision to obtain
        foreign patents. This notice concerning foreign filing will be in
        writing and must identify the countries desired. The absence of such a
        notice to THE REGENTS will be considered an election not to secure
        foreign rights.

10.4    After execution of this Agreement, the expense for preparation, filing
        and prosecuting of all foreign patent applications filed at LICENSEE's
        request, as well as the maintenance of all resulting patents, will be
        shared equally among the LICENSEES that request license rights under
        such foreign patents. Such patents will be held in the name of THE
        REGENTS and will be obtained using counsel of THE REGENTS' choice.

10.5    LICENSEE's obligation to underwrite and to pay foreign patent
        prosecution costs will continue for so long as this Agreement remains in
        effect, provided, however, that LICENSEE may terminate its obligations
        with respect to any given patent application or patent in any country
        upon thirty (30) days' written notice to THE REGENTS. THE REGENTS will
        use its best efforts to curtail patent costs when such a notice is
        received from LICENSEE. THE REGENTS may continue prosecution and/or
        maintenance of such application(s) or patent(s) at its sole discretion
        and expense; provided, however, that LICENSEE will have no further right
        or licenses thereunder.

10.6    THE REGENTS will have the right to file patent applications at its own
        expense in any country in which LICENSEE has not elected to secure
        patent rights, and such applications and resultant patents will not be
        subject to this Agreement.

11.     PATENT INFRINGEMENT

11.1    In the event that LICENSEE learns of the infringement of the Licensed
        Patents, LICENSEE will call THE REGENTS' attention thereto in writing
        and will provide THE REGENTS with reasonable evidence of such
        infringement. LICENSEE agrees that

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        during the period and in a jurisdiction where LICENSEE has exclusive
        rights under this Agreement, LICENSEE will not notify a third party of
        the infringement of any Licensed Patents without first obtaining consent
        of THE REGENTS. Both parties will use reasonable commercial efforts in
        cooperation with each other to terminate such infringement without
        litigation.

11.2    LICENSEE may request that THE REGENTS take legal action against the
        infringement of THE REGENTS' Patent Rights. Such request will be made in
        writing and will include reasonable evidence of such infringement and
        damages to LICENSEE. If the infringing activity has not been abated
        within ninety (90) days following the effective date of such request,
        THE REGENTS will have the right to:

        11.2.1 Commence suit on their own account; or

        11.2.2 Refuse to participate in such suit, and THE REGENTS will give
              notice of their election in writing to LICENSEE by the end of the
              one-hundredth (100th) day after receiving notice of such request
              from LICENSEE. LICENSEE may thereafter bring suit for patent
              infringement, if and only if, THE REGENTS elect not to commence
              suit and if the infringement occurred during the period and in a
              jurisdiction where LICENSEE has exclusive rights under this
              Agreement. However, in the event LICENSEE elects to bring suit in
              accordance with this Article 11, THE REGENTS may thereafter join
              such suit at its own expense.

11.3    Such legal action as is decided upon will be at the expense of the party
        on account of whom suit is brought and all recoveries thereby will
        belong to such party, provided, however, that legal action brought
        jointly by THE REGENTS and LICENSEE and fully participated in by both
        will be at the joint expense of the parties and all recoveries will be
        shared jointly by them in proportion to the share of expense paid by
        each party.

11.4    Each party agrees to cooperate with the other in litigation proceedings
        instituted hereunder but at the expense of the party on account of whom
        suit is brought. Such

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        litigation will be controlled by the party bringing the suit, except
        that THE REGENTS may be represented by counsel of its choice in any suit
        brought by LICENSEE.

12.     USE OF NAMES AND TRADEMARKS

        Neither Party has any right to use any name, trade name, trademark, or
        other designation of the other party (including any contraction,
        abbreviation, or simulation) in advertising, publicity, or other
        commercial promotional activities. The use of the name "LLNL," or "The
        Regents of the University of California," or the name of any University
        of California campus in advertising, publicity or other commercial
        promotional activities is expressly prohibited.

13.     LIMITED WARRANTY

13.1    THE REGENTS has the right to grant this license.

13.2    THIS LICENSE AND THE ASSOCIATED LICENSED PATENTS ARE PROVIDED WITHOUT
        WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY
        OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE REGENTS AND DOE MAKE NO
        REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT LICENSED PRODUCTS WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY
        PATENT, COPYRIGHT, OR OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHT.

13.3    IN NO EVENT WILL THE REGENTS OR DOE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
        SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM EXERCISE OF THIS
        LICENSE OR THE USE OF THE LICENSED PATENTS OR LICENSED PRODUCTS.

13.4    Nothing in this Agreement will be interpreted as:

        13.4.1 A warranty or representation by THE REGENTS as to the validity or
               scope of any of THE REGENTS' rights in Licensed Patents; or

                                       17
<PAGE>   20

        13.4.2 A warranty or representation that anything made, used, sold, or
               otherwise disposed of under any license granted in this Agreement
               is or will be free from infringement of patents or copyrights of
               third parties; or

        13.4.3 Any obligation to bring suit against a third party for patent
               infringement; or

        13.4.4 Conferring by implication, estoppel, or otherwise any license or
               rights under any patents of THE REGENTS other than Licensed
               Patents as defined in this Agreement, regardless of whether such
               patents are dominant or subordinate to Licensed Patents; or

        13.4.5 An obligation to furnish any know-how or improvements not
               specifically provided in this Agreement.

14.     INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

14.1    LICENSEE and its sublicensees must indemnify, hold harmless, and defend
        THE REGENTS, its officers, employees, and agents; the sponsors of the
        research that led to the invention; and the inventors against any
        claims, suits, losses, damages, costs, fees, and expenses resulting from
        or arising out of exercise of any license granted under this Agreement.
        LICENSEE will pay all costs incurred by the University to enforce this
        indemnification, including reasonable attorney fees.

14.2    LICENSEE will insure its activities relating to this Agreement at its
        own cost with an insurance company acceptable to THE REGENTS. LICENSEE
        will obtain, keep in force, and maintain Comprehensive or Commercial
        Form General Liability Insurance, including contractual liability and
        products liability and maintain coverage as follows:

        14.2.1 Prior to first commercial sale:

             14.2.1.1 Each occurrence coverage of not less than one million
                      dollars (USD $1,000,000); and

             14.2.1.2 Product Liability Insurance: Completed operations
                      aggregate coverage of not less than one million dollars
                      (USD $1,000,000); and

                                       18
<PAGE>   21

             14.2.1.3 Personal and Advertising Injury: Coverage of not less than
                      one million dollars (USD $1,000,000); and

             14.2.1.4 General Aggregate (Commercial Form Only): Coverage of not
                      less than two million dollars (USD $2,000,000).

        14.2.2 Upon the first commercial sale:

             14.2.2.1 Each occurrence coverage of not less than one million
                      dollars (USD $1,000,000); and

             14.2.2.2 Product Liability Insurance: Completed operations
                      aggregate coverage of not less than five million dollars
                      (USD $5,000,000); and

             14.2.2.3 Personal and Advertising Injury: Coverage of not less than
                      one million dollars (USD $1,000,000); and

             14.2.2.4 General Aggregate (Commercial Form Only): Coverage of not
                      less than five million dollars (USD $5,000,000).

        These coverages will not limit the liability of LICENSEE in any way.
        LICENSEE will provide THE REGENTS, upon request, with certificates of
        insurance, including renewals, that show compliance with these
        requirements. LICENSEE's failure to maintain this insurance will be
        considered a material breach of this Agreement.

14.3    If the insurance is written on a claims-made form, coverage must provide
        a retroactive date of placement before or coinciding with the Effective
        Date of this Agreement.

14.4    LICENSEE will maintain the general liability insurance specified in this
        Article during:

        14.4.1 the period that the Licensed Products are being commercially
               distributed or sold by LICENSEE, and

        14.4.2 a reasonable period thereafter, but in no event less than five
               (5) years.

14.5    Insurance coverage required under this Article must:

                                       19
<PAGE>   22

        14.5.1 Provide for thirty (30) days advance written notice to THE
               REGENTS of cancellation or any modification by LICENSEE; and

        14.5.2 Indicate that DOE, The Regents of the University of California,
               and their officers, employees, students, and agents, are endorsed
               on the policy as additional named insureds; and

        14.5.3 Include a provision that the coverage is primary and does not
               participate with or is in excess of any valid and collectible
               insurance, program, or self-insurance carried or maintained by
               THE REGENTS.

15.     WAIVER

15.1    No provision of this Agreement is deemed waived and no breach excused
        unless such waiver or consent is made in writing and signed by the party
        to have waived or consented.

15.2    Failure on the part of either Party to exercise or enforce any right of
        such Party under this Agreement will not be a waiver by such Party of
        any right, or operate to bar the enforcement or exercise of the right at
        any time thereafter.

16.     ASSIGNABILITY This Agreement is binding on and inures to the benefit of
        THE REGENTS, its successors and assigns, but is personal to LICENSEE.
        This Agreement is not assignable by the LICENSEE without prior written
        consent of THE REGENTS which will not be unreasonably withheld.

17.     LATE PAYMENTS

        If THE REGENTS does not receive payments or fees when due, LICENSEE will
        pay interest charges at the annual rate of ten percent (10%) from the
        date on which the payment was originally due.

                                       20
<PAGE>   23

18.     NOTICES

        Any report, payment, notice, or other communication that either party
        receives must be in writing and will be properly given and effective on
        the date of delivery if delivered in person, or the fifth (5th) day
        after mailing if mailed by first-class certified mail, postage paid, to
        the addresses given below (or to an address designated by written notice
        to the other party):

        In the case of LICENSEE:            CEPHEID
                                            3410 Garrett Drive
                                            Santa Clara, CA  95054
                                            Phone:  (408) 274-3834
                                            Fax:  (408) 274-8818
                                            Attention:  President

        with a copy to:             Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe
                                            525 University Avenue
                                            11th Floor
                                            Palo Alto, California  94301
                                            Attn: Neil Flanzraich

        In the case of THE REGENTS
        All correspondence and
        reports:                            LAWRENCE LIVERMORE
                                            NATIONAL LABORATORY
                                            Industrial Partnerships &
                                            Commercialization
                                            7000 East Ave.
                                            P.O. Box 808, L-795
                                            Livermore, CA 94550
                                            Attention:  Director, IPAC

        Payments and corresponding
        copies of royalty reports:          LAWRENCE LIVERMORE
                                            NATIONAL LABORATORY
                                            P.O. Box 5517
                                            Livermore, CA 94550

                                       21
<PAGE>   24

19.     DISPUTES AND GOVERNING LAWS

        The Parties will attempt to jointly resolve any disputes arising from
        this Agreement. Such joint resolution may include binding or non-binding
        arbitration. If the Parties are unable to resolve a dispute within a
        reasonable time, then either party may commence proceedings in a court
        of competent jurisdiction. United States federal law will govern this
        Agreement to the extent that there is such law. To the extent there is
        no applicable federal law, this Agreement and performance hereunder will
        be governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard
        to the State's conflict of laws provisions. If THE REGENTS institutes
        arbitration, the proceedings will take place in Santa Clara County,
        California. If LICENSEE institutes arbitration, the proceedings will
        take place in Alameda County, California.

20.     PATENT MARKING

        LICENSEE will mark all Licensed Products and their containers that are
        made, used, sold, or otherwise disposed of under this Agreement in
        accordance with applicable patent marking laws.

21.     GOVERNMENT APPROVAL OR REGISTRATION

        If this Agreement or any associated transaction is required by the law
        of any nation to either be approved, permitted, or registered with any
        governmental agency, LICENSEE assumes all legal obligations to do so.
        LICENSEE will notify THE REGENTS if LICENSEE becomes aware that this
        Agreement is subject to a United States or foreign government reporting,
        permitting, or approval requirement. LICENSEE will make all necessary
        findings and pay all costs including fees, penalties, and all other
        out-of-pocket costs associated with such reporting, permitting, or
        approval process.

                                       22
<PAGE>   25

22.     EXPORT CONTROL LAWS

        LICENSEE will observe all applicable United States and foreign laws and
        regulations concerning the transfer of Licensed Products and related
        technical data, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations
        (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations.

23.     FORCE MAJEURE

        This Agreement is not breached and no liability is created when THE
        REGENTS or LICENSEE fails to perform an obligation under this Agreement
        if the failure or omission arises from a cause beyond the control of THE
        REGENTS or LICENSEE. These causes include, but are not limited to, the
        following: Acts of God; acts or omissions of any government or
        governmental agency; compliance with requirements, rules, regulations,
        or order of any governmental authority or any office, department,
        agency, or instrumentality thereof; fire, storm, flood, earthquake;
        accident; acts of the public enemy, war, rebellion, insurrection, riot,
        sabotage, invasion; quarantine, restriction; transportation embargoes;
        or failures or delays in transportation.

24.     UNITED STATES PREFERENCE

        The parties acknowledge that the market for Licensed Produces is
        worldwide. Any Licensed Products for use or sale in the United States
        under a United States Patent will be practiced or manufactured
        substantially in the United States.

25.     CONFIDENTIALITY

25.1    LICENSEE and THE REGENTS respectively will treat and maintain the
        proprietary business, patent prosecution, software, engineering
        drawings, process and technical information and other business sensitive
        information ("Proprietary Information") of the other party in confidence
        using at least the same degree of care as that party uses to protect its
        own proprietary information of a like nature for a period from the date
        of disclosure until five (5) years after date of termination of this
        Agreement. This

                                       23
<PAGE>   26

        confidentiality obligation will also apply to the information defined as
        "Proprietary Information" under the Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement
        provided in Exhibit D.

25.2    All Proprietary Information will be labeled or marked proprietary or as
        otherwise similarly appropriate by the disclosing party, or if the
        Proprietary Information is orally disclosed, it will be identified as
        Proprietary Information at the time of disclosure and the disclosing
        Party shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, confirm in writing the
        oral disclosure, referencing the date and type of Proprietary
        Information disclosed.

25.3    It is understood that THE REGENTS will be free to release to the
        inventors and senior administrative officials employed by THE REGENTS
        the terms of this Agreement upon their request. If such release is made,
        THE REGENTS will request that such terms will be kept in confidence in
        accordance with the provisions of Article 25 and not be disclosed to
        others. It is further understood that should a third party inquire
        whether a license to THE REGENTS' Patent Rights is available THE REGENTS
        may disclose the existence of this Agreement and the extent of the grant
        in Article 3 (LICENSE GRANT) and Exhibit B to such third party, but will
        not disclose the name of LICENSEE, except where THE REGENTS is required
        to release such information under either the California Public Records
        Act or other applicable law.

26.     MISCELLANEOUS

26.1    The headings of the articles are for reference only and do not affect
        the interpretation of this Agreement.

26.2    Any amendment or modification of this Agreement must be in writing and
        signed on behalf of each party.

26.3    This Agreement and the attached Exhibits A-D embody the entire
        understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this
        Agreement, and supersedes all earlier

                                       24
<PAGE>   27

        communication, representation, or understandings, either oral or
        written, between the Parties with respect to such subject matter.

26.4    If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or
        unenforceable in any respect, that invalidity, illegality, or
        unenforceability will not affect any other provisions of the Agreement.
        This Agreement will be construed as if the invalid, illegal, or
        unenforceable provision were never in this Agreement.

26.5    Neither Party is an agent of the other and neither will have any power
        to contract for the other Party for any purpose.

26.6    THE REGENTS will release information concerning this Agreement if
        required by law.

26.7    The exchange of information between the Parties is governed by an
        existing Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement which is attached as Exhibit D.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, both THE REGENTS and the LICENSEE have executed this
Agreement, in duplicate originals, by their respective officers hereunto duly
authorized, on the day and year hereinafter written.

CEPHEID                               THE REGENTS OF THE
                                      UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

By:                                   By:
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------
               (Signature)                          (Signature)
Name:                                 Name:
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------

Title:                                Title:
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------

Date:                                 Date:
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------

                                       25
<PAGE>   28

                          EXHIBIT A - LICENSED PATENTS

"Licensed Patents" means the patent, patent application and the resulting patent
listed below and any foreign patent applications filed and the resulting
patents.

                        United States Patent Application

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>                                <C>          <C>
U.S. Patent       Silicon-Based Sleeve Devices for   Issue Date:  M. Allen Northrup, Raymond
5,589,136         Chemical Reactions                  12/31/96    P. Mariella, Anthony V.
IL-9707                                                           Carrano,
                                                                  Joseph W. Balch

Continuation in   Microfabricated Sleeve Devices                  M. Allen Northrup
Part              for Chemical Reactions             Date Filed:
08/763,465                                             12/12/96
IL-9707B

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           Foreign Patent Application

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PCT/US96/10453         Silicon-Based Sleeve Devices for  Date Filed:  Europe
                       Chemical Reactions                6/17/96      Canada
                                                                      Japan
                                                                      Republic of Korea
                                                                      Singapore
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       26
<PAGE>   29

                            EXHIBIT B - LICENSE GRANT

                                     NOTICE

THIS EXHIBIT B CONTAINS FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL INFORMATION DEEMED BUSINESS
SENSITIVE. THE PARTIES AGREE NOT TO USE OR TO DISCLOSE THE TERMS OF THIS EXHIBIT
TO ANY THIRD PARTY WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE OTHER PARTY,
EXCEPT AS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE PARTIES TO PERFORM UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR AS
MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE REGENTS' CONTRACT WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
UNDER THE SAME RESTRICTIONS.

A.      EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS GRANTED

        Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, THE REGENTS
        grants to the LICENSEE a limited exclusive, nontransferable,
        royalty-bearing license to make, have made, import, use, and sell
        Licensed Products covered by the Licensed Patents in the Exclusive
        Field-of-Use where patent rights exist. If LICENSEE or its sublicensees
        lease Licensed Products, LICENSEE must obtain prior written amendment to
        this Agreement from THE REGENTS.

        "Exclusive Field-of-Use" as used in this Agreement means nucleic acid
        amplification methods, including but not limited to PCR, and
        Ligand-binding Assays, carried out in 1) a sleeve reaction chamber
        without or with integral means of detecting reaction substrates or
        products, and which reaction chamber is not coupled to electrophoresis,
        and 2) a sleeve reaction chamber with integral means of detecting
        reaction substrates or products and which reaction chamber is coupled to
        electrophoresis.

B.      SUBLICENSING RIGHTS GRANTED

        THE REGENTS grants to LICENSEE the right to issue royalty-bearing
        sublicenses to third parties to make, have made, import, use, and sell
        Licensed Products in the Exclusive Field-of-Use provided LICENSEE has
        current exclusive rights under this Agreement at the time of such
        sublicenses. LICENSEE must grant sublicenses in the Exclusive
        Field-of-Use if LICENSEE cannot meet market demand for the Licensed
        Product(s).

C.      RIGHTS EXCLUDED

                                       27
<PAGE>   30

        "Excluded Field-of-Use" as used in this Agreement means 1) nucleic acid
        amplification methods, including but not limited to PCR, and
        Ligand-binding Assays, carried out in a sleeve reaction chamber without
        integral means of detecting reaction substrates or products, and which
        reaction chamber is coupled to electrophoresis, and 2) all other uses
        not expressly granted in the Exclusive Field-of-Use.

        The right to lease Licensed Products is expressly excluded from this
        Agreement.

D.      CONDITIONS AND SCHEDULE [MILESTONES]

        Within one (1) Year from Effective Date, LICENSEE will have completed
        the following: (1) A prototype of a Licensed Product in the Exclusive
        Field-of-Use (2) A detailed business plan for marketing and selling such
        Licensed Products. By the end of calendar year 1998, LICENSEE will have
        Licensed Products available for sale in the Exclusive Field-of-Use.

        LICENSEE will achieve gross sales according to the following schedule:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             --------------------------------- ------------------------------
                        GROSS SALES              YEARS FROM EFFECTIVE DATE
             --------------------------------- ------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
             Greater than $3 million                         3
             --------------------------------- ------------------------------
             Greater than $7 million                         4
             --------------------------------- ------------------------------
             Greater than $10 million                        5
             --------------------------------- ------------------------------
</TABLE>

        LICENSEE agrees to use reasonable commercial efforts to market Licensed
        Product(s) and provide THE REGENTS proof thereof by providing THE
        REGENTS with an annual progress report in the format specified in
        Article 6 (PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS).

        LICENSEE will also provide annually copies of annual reports,
        advertisements, catalogs, and information on trade show demonstrations
        in which the Licensed Product(s) were featured during the previous year.

                                       28
<PAGE>   31

                       EXHIBIT C - ISSUE FEE AND ROYALTIES

                                     NOTICE

THIS EXHIBIT C CONTAINS FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL INFORMATION DEEMED BUSINESS
SENSITIVE. THE PARTIES AGREE NOT TO USE OR TO DISCLOSE THE TERMS OF THIS EXHIBIT
TO ANY THIRD PARTY WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE OTHER PARTY,
EXCEPT AS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE PARTIES TO PERFORM UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR AS
MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE REGENTS' CONTRACT WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
UNDER THE SAME RESTRICTIONS.

A.      ISSUE FEE

        LICENSEE will pay THE REGENTS a nonrefundable License Issue Fee of [**]
        Dollars ($[**]) to be paid in accordance with Article 4 (LICENSE FEES,
        ROYALTIES, AND PAYMENTS) and Article 6 (PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS)
        and the following schedule:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
              INSTALLMENT AMOUNT                           DUE DATE
        ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>
                   [**]               Within ten (10) days after Effective Date
        ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
                   [**]               Within sixty (60) days after Effective Date
        ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
                   [**]               Within one (1) year after Effective Date
        ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
                   [**]               Within eighteen (18) months after Effective Date
                                      or within thirty (30) days after first commercial
                                      sale, whichever is earlier
        ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
                   [**]               Within ninety (90) days after first commercial sale
        ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

        The License Issue Fee is not creditable toward any other fees owed by
        LICENSEE to THE REGENTS under this Agreement.

        LICENSEE has the option of paying a reduced License Issue Fee of [**]
        DOLLARS ($[**]) if LICENSEE pays such Issue Fee in full by the end of
        one (1) year after the Effective Date.

B.      EARNED ROYALTIES

                                       29
<PAGE>   32

        As consideration for this license, LICENSEE and each sublicensee will
        pay to THE REGENTS an earned annual royalty as shown below on all
        Licensed Products and in accordance with Article 4 (LICENSE FEES,
        ROYALTIES, AND PAYMENTS) and Article 6 (PROGRESS AND ROYALTY REPORTS).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------- --------------------------------- -------------------------
TYPE OF SALES                   ANNUAL SALES BY LICENSEE          ROYALTIES DUE THE
                                                                  REGENTS ON NET SALES BY
                                                                  LICENSEE
------------------------------- --------------------------------- -------------------------
<S>                             <C>                               <C>
OEM and Direct Sales            0- [**]                           [**]
including commercial
contracts* or technology
access fees

------------------------------- --------------------------------- -------------------------
OEM and Direct Sales            $[**]- [**]                       [**]
including commercial
contracts* or technology
access fees

------------------------------- --------------------------------- -------------------------
OEM and Direct Sales            $[**] and beyond                  [**]
including commercial
contracts* or technology
access fees

------------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
TYPE OF SALES                                               ROYALTIES DUE
----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>
Sublicense Fees except for earned or minimum royalties.     [**] or [**] of equivalent cash
                                                            value

----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Sublicensing royalty rate due to THE REGENTS on Net Sales   [**]
by sublicensees

----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Sales to federal agency                                     [**]

----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
</TABLE>

        *A commercial contract does not include a contract for a prototype or
        preproduction models used to set customer specifications prior to first
        commercial sale.

        **This royalty will be a [**] percent ([**]) pass through from a
        sublicensee to LICENSEE to THE REGENTS. Any royalties over [**] percent
        ([**]) remain with LICENSEE. Sublicensee sales are not totaled with
        LICENSEE sales and have no impact on the calculation of LICENSEE's
        royalty rate.

                                       30
<PAGE>   33

        If LICENSEE is required to pay a royalty to another party or parties
        that in total exceeds [**] percent ([**]) of Net Sales on the
        manufacture, use or sale of Licensed Products, LICENSEE may request that
        THE REGENTS adjust the royalty rates presented above. THE REGENTS will
        consider each such request on a case by case basis.

C.      MINIMUM ANNUAL ROYALTIES

        Independent of the License Issue Fee required by Paragraph A, LICENSEE
        will pay to THE REGENTS a minimum annual royalty for the life of this
        Agreement according to the schedule below. This minimum annual royalty
        will be paid even if earned royalties required by Paragraph B are less
        than the minimum required. The minimum annual royalty is due by February
        28 of each year and is credited against earned royalties until consumed
        for that year.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              CALENDAR YEAR                     MINIMUM ANNUAL ROYALTY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>
                   1997                                  [**]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   1998                                  [**]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   1999                                  [**]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   2000                                  [**]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   2001                                  [**]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      All subsequent calendar years                      [**]
      for the life of this Agreement      plus 4% inflation factor each year
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       31
<PAGE>   34

                   EXHIBIT D - MUTUAL NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

                                       32<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.10

*CERTAIN INFORMATION WITHIN THIS EXHIBIT HAS BEEN OMITTED AND THE NON-PUBLIC
INFORMATION HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SEC. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS
BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO THE OMITTED PORTIONS.

                                                Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C.
                                                            2000 Park Lane Drive
                                                      Pittsburgh, PA  15275-1126

                                                               Tel: 412-490-8300
                                                               Fax: 412-490-8990

[FISHER SCIENTIFIC LOGO]

January 10, 2000

CEPHEID CORPORATION
1190 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302
Attn: Thomas L. Gutshall, Chairman & CEO

Dear Mr. Gutshall:

This letter is to confirm discussions between representatives of both firms
concerning the Smart Cycler(TM) System, accessories, and reaction tubes
developed by and made by or for Cepheid ("SUPPLIER") and the terms of our
agreement for Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C. ("FISHER") to distribute those
products.

1.    Product Line. The "Products" shall include the Smart Cycler(TM) System
described in Exhibit A, the accessories listed in Exhibit A, and the reaction
tubes described in Exhibit A. The "Products" shall further include additional,
upgraded and improved Smart Cycler(TM) Systems, accessories and reaction tubes
introduced by Supplier as a replacement for existing Products and intended for
sale in the life science research market (the "Field"). Additional thermal
cyclers, accessories, and reaction tubes offered by Supplier shall become
"Products" only upon agreement of the parties. All Products shall conform to
SUPPLIER's specifications as have been disclosed to FISHER. All outer shipping
cartons shall conform to applicable Department of Transportation specifications.

2.    Distribution Rights. SUPPLIER grants to FISHER the right to distribute the
Products in the United States (including Puerto Rico) into the life science
research market (the "Field"). Such right shall be exclusive, except for: (a)
SUPPLIER's reserved right to sell directly to the end user customers listed in
Exhibit B and (b) SUPPLIER's right to make OEM sales of thermal cyclers,
accessories and/or reaction tubes similar to Products which SUPPLIER may sell
and ship to a firm for resale under that firm's label. In addition, SUPPLIER
grants to FISHER rights to distribute the PRODUCTS in the countries outside of
the United States (including Puerto Rico) listed in Addendum 1, according to the
terms outlined in Addendum 1.

2a.   Definition of Field. Rights are granted by the SUPPLIER to FISHER for
distribution into the Field of life science research. Specifically excluded from
the Field are human and veterinary diagnostics (including applications subject
to regulatory labeling including "For Investigational Use Only" or "For Research

<PAGE>   2

Use Only"), environmental testing, quality assurance and control testing,
identity and forensic testing, and testing for biothreat agents.

2b.   Exclusive Supplier. While the exclusive distribution rights under
Paragraph 2 remain in force, SUPPLIER will be the exclusive supplier to FISHER
of systems capable of performing thermal cycling with real-time optical
detection.

2c.   Sales Targets; Loss of Exclusivity. The parties have set minimum worldwide
sales targets for FISHER, in terms of units of Smart Cycler(TM) Systems (units
defined as the total number of 16-site Smart Cycler(TM) processing blocks,
either as part of a Starter System or as Add-On Blocks). Such sales targets
shall not represent commitments to purchase; but if FISHER fails to achieve a
sales target, SUPPLIER may, by written notice to FISHER terminate the
exclusivity of FISHER's distribution rights under Paragraph 2. Such written
notice shall be given within 90 days after the end of the sales target period
and shall become effective 30 days after FISHER's receipt of the notice. Such
termination of exclusivity shall be SUPPLIER's sole remedy for FISHER's failure
to achieve sales targets. The sales targets are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Year 1                       Year 2
               ------                       ------
               <S>                          <C>
               [**] units                   [**] units
</TABLE>

FISHER shall provide SUPPLIER within 30 days after the first of each March,
June, September, and December a true and accurate accounting report of Products
(including units sold and selling price) sold on a country-by-country basis
during the preceding 3 months. In addition, FISHER shall provide to SUPPLIER on
a monthly basis an updated customer and contact list.

FISHER shall also provide SUPPLIER with one year (comprised of four quarters)
worldwide forecasts that will be updated on a quarterly basis and will include
projections for each of the upcoming three months. While the forecast will not
be binding in total, the projections provided for the upcoming quarter will
represent a purchase commitment.

3.    Product Price. The Product list prices and transfer prices to Fisher shall
be as listed in Exhibit A. These prices shall be firm through December 31, 2000.
Thereafter, prices may be increased once annually to be effective January 1 of
the upcoming calendar year by negotiation between the parties, with SUPPLIER
giving FISHER no less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior written notice of
proposed new prices. In no event shall the annual price increase for a Product
exceed the percentage price increase in the Producer Price Increase (excluding
food and energy) published by the U.S. Department of Commerce; however, any
price increases directly resulting from an increase in the price of the computer
as purchased by the SUPPLIER, will not be subject to this price increase limit.

<PAGE>   3

Each shipment shall be billed at the price in effect at the time of order
placement. Notice of price changes shall be sent to:

                      MARKETING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
                      Fisher Scientific
                      2000 Park Lane
                      Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15275

        With a copy to:      Central Purchasing

3a.   Payment Terms. Payment terms shall be 1% ten, net forty-five days from
receipt of valid invoice.

4.    Warranty. SUPPLIER shall warrant all Smart Cycler(TM) System Products for
12 months from delivery to FISHER's customer and all accessories (except the
computer) for 12 months from delivery to FISHER's customer. The warranty
provided for the computer by the computer manufacturer will be transferred to
FISHER's customer. SUPPLIER shall provide or reimburse FISHER's Fisher Service
Division for parts used in making repairs during the warranty period and shall
make parts available after the warranty period to such Fisher Service Division
at a discount of [**] from Supplier's list price for such parts. SUPPLIER shall
reimburse FISHER for travel and labor reasonably incurred for repairs during the
warranty period at terms negotiated from time to time between SUPPLIER and such
Fisher Service Division, though the hourly labor rate for support received from
the US Fisher Service Division through December 31, 2000 will be $[**].

SUPPLIER also warrants that the Smart Cycler(TM) System to be distributed by
FISHER in the Field shall be an "authorized thermal cycler" under the terms of
the Thermal Cycling Authorization Program administered by PE Biosystems, a
division of PE Corporation.

5.    Shipping. At the time of initial launch and for three months following
launch, SUPPLIER shall ship all initial customer orders of Smart Cycler(TM)
System Products (systems, accessories, and reaction tubes) directly to FISHER's
customers, FOB Sunnyvale, CA, freight charged to FISHER, within 30 days of order
receipt. Also, at the time of initial launch and for three months following
initial launch, SUPPLIER shall ship accessories and reaction tube Products FOB
Sunnyvale, CA to FISHER's distribution centers (freight collect) within 14 days
of order receipt, in order to fulfill customer re-orders received during this
time period. Beginning three months from initial launch, SUPPLIER will ship all
Smart Cycler(TM) System Products (systems, accessories and reaction tubes) FOB
Sunnyvale, CA to FISHER's distribution center in Santa Clara, CA (freight
collect), in order to fulfill all customer orders and re-orders. SUPPLIER shall
follow FISHER routing guide in the shipment of Products.

<PAGE>   4

6.    Stocking Levels. SUPPLIER shall maintain sufficient inventory of Products
to assure its ability to fill emergency direct shipment orders for FISHER's
customers, including, but not limited to, accessories and reaction tube
Products.

7.    Marketing support. SUPPLIER and FISHER shall each provide Marketing
Support, as described in Exhibit C (for U.S. distribution) and Addendum 1 (for
ex-U.S. distribution). There will be single worldwide contact point within
FISHER for the coordination of transmission of forecasts to SUPPLIER and for
marketing support activities between SUPPLIER and FISHER.

8.    Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from the date of mutual
execution of this Letter Agreement and extending for three years from the date
of initial product launch. Thereafter, the Agreement shall remain in force for
successive six month periods, unless either party gives written notice of
non-renewal to the other at least sixty (60) days prior to the current
expiration date.

9.    Termination. In the event of breach, the non-breaching party shall give
the breaching party (30) days written notice of breach. If the breach is not
cured within the thirty (30) day notice period, the non-breaching party may, at
its sole discretion, terminate the agreement.

10.   Continuing Guaranty. SUPPLIER shall execute and abide by the terms of
DISTRIBUTOR's Continuing Guaranty, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit
D and incorporated herein by reference. The terms and provisions of the
Continuing Guaranty shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

11.   Amendments. Any terms or conditions of SUPPLIER's standard forms or
otherwise introduced by SUPPLIER shall not be binding unless agreed to in
writing by FISHER. Any amendment to this Agreement shall not be effective unless
in writing and signed by an authorized representative of SUPPLIER and of FISHER.

12.   Public Announcements. SUPPLIER shall not issue or cause to be issued any
press release or public announcement or otherwise disclose the existence of

<PAGE>   5

this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby except as and to the
extent that FISHER and its parent jointly agree, in writing.

Please signify your acceptance of this Agreement by signing below and returning
one original to Jim Mortimer.

                                                   Yours truly,

                                                   ------------------------
                                                   J. Bradley Mahood
                                                   Vice President
                                                   Strategic Sourcing

Agreed And Accepted:

CEPHEID CORPORATION

By:  /s/ THOMAS L. GUTSHALL
   ---------------------------------

Name: Thomas L. Gutshall

Title: Chairman & CEO

   1-10-00
------------------------------------
Date

Exhibits       A - Products and Prices
               B - End User Customers Excluded From Exclusivity Provision
               C - Marketing Support
               D - Continuing Guarantee
Addendum       1  - List of Fisher International Affiliates

<PAGE>   6
                                    EXHIBIT A

SMART CYCLER(TM) SYSTEM
  (see attached flyer for description and specifications)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Part #         Description                                 List Price**     Fisher Price
------         -----------                                 ------------     ------------
<S>            <C>                                          <C>            <C>
SC1000N1-1     Smart Cycler(TM) Starter System              [**]           [**] of List
               (includes one 16-site processing
                block, accessory pack*, and
                desk-top computer)

SC1000N3-1     Smart Cycler(TM) Processing Block            [**]           [**] of List
               (one 16-site processing block and
                USB interface cable)
</TABLE>

* Accessory pack includes 1 mini-centrifuge, four reaction tube racks, one
  cooling block, software, users manual.

ACCESSORIES:
-----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Part #         Description                        List Price**        Fisher Price
------         -----------                        ------------        ------------
<S>            <C>                                <C>                 <C>
SCCENT         Mini-Centrifuge                     [**]               [**] of List

SCRACKS        Tube Racks (pack of 4)              [**]               [**] of List

SCBLOCK        Cooling Block                       [**]               [**] of List
</TABLE>

REACTION TUBES:
--------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Part #         Description                                    List Price**         Fisher Price
------         -----------                                    ------------         ------------
<S>            <C>                                             <C>                 <C>

900-0003       1 Bag of  25 (greek mu)L Smart Cycler(TM)           [**]             [**] of List
               Reaction Tubes (50 tubes/bag)

900-0004       1 Bag of 100 (greek mu)L Smart Cycler(TM)           [**]             [**] of List
               Reaction Tubes (50 tubes/bag)

SCT25          1 Carton of 25 (greek mu)L Smart Cycler(TM)         [**]             [**] of List Reaction
               Tubes (20 bags of 50 tubes ea)

SCT100         1 Carton of 100 (greek mu)L Smart Cycler(TM)        [**]             [**] of List Reaction
               Tubes (20 bags of 50 tubes ea)
</TABLE>

** List prices subject to change by no more than +/- 10% by the time of launch
***List prices subject to change by no more than +/- 15% by the time of launch

<PAGE>   7
                                    EXHIBIT B

U.S. End User Customers Excluded From The Exclusivity Provisions Of Paragraph 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME:                                                                      ADDRESS:
----                                                                       -------
<S>                                                                        <C>
United States Department of Defense                                        Various
       Including but not limited to USAMRIID, JPOCMO,
       U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, NRL, SBCCOM,
       Naval Research & Development Command, Armed Forces
       Institute of Pathology, U.S. Army Nuclear & Chemical
       Agency, Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Group,
       Dugway Proving Ground, USAMMDA

United States Department of Justice                                        Various
       Including but not limited to FBI Hazardous Material
       Response Unit, Defense Threat Reduction Agency,
       FBI Technical Support Working Group, National Domestic
       Preparedness Office.

National Guard                                                             Various
       Including but not limited to: RAID Teams, Consequence
       Management Program, Integration Office, Bureau Readiness
       Center, Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Central Intelligence Agency                                                Washington, DC

Centers for Disease Control, BioTerrorism Response                         Atlanta, GA

MKI Systems                                                                Dumfries, VA

Maxwell Technologies                                                       San Diego, CA

Litton Systems, Inc.                                                       Woodland Hills, CA

Battelle Institute/National Security Division                              Columbus, OH

DynCorp                                                                    Various
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   8
                                    EXHIBIT C

Sales & Marketing Support- Respective Roles and Responsibilities of FISHER and
SUPPLIER (U.S. Distribution)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the term of this Agreement, FISHER shall use its reasonable best efforts
to actively promote the Products of this Agreement in the United States and
Puerto Rico through its sales force and through its life science specialists.
FISHER shall support such sales at its own expense via the following activities:

      o     Launch package/training material sent to entire sales and customer
            service organization

      o     Training of Life Science Specialists at Life Science meetings or
            designated and agreed upon training sessions

      o     Full page advertisement in issues of BioTrack publication, according
            to the following schedule: [**]

      o     Product information put on "What's New" section of Fisher web-site

      o     Include Cepheid on supplier lists for Fisher web-site, Life Science
            brochures and publications

      o     Display Products at trade shows where appropriate

      o     Include Products in Fisher sponsored catalogues, brochures, and
            literature

      o     Provide targeted sales incentive and commission program to support
            Product sales

During the term of this agreement, the following activities will also be
undertaken by both parties, as described below:

      o     Fisher and Cepheid will participate in a business review meeting on
            a quarterly basis, or on another agreed upon timeframe

      o     Cepheid will have primary responsibility for providing technical
            support for its products, although the Fisher Life Science
            Specialists will be trained by Cepheid to provide basic response,
            should they be contacted directly by Fisher customers

      o     Cepheid will provide Fisher with product and application literature
            at its own costs, although Fisher will offer printing services at
            cost

      o     Cepheid shall provide Fisher with [**] demo units at no cost to
            Fisher. Additional units will be provided at terms to be negotiated
            between the parties

      o     Fisher will provide a single, designated point of contact in the
            United States to provide worldwide forecasts and sales reports, and
            to help manage any issues arising from the worldwide distribution
            agreement (from the US sales and service organization, non-US
            affiliates, and worldwide customers)

<PAGE>   9

                              EXHIBIT C (CONTINUED)

In addition, Cepheid may choose, at its own discretion and cost, to participate
in the following promotional activities:

      o     Participate in the Fisher New Lab Start-Up Program

      o     Attend and have a booth at Fisher's National Sales Meeting

      o     Participate in account specific vendor shows

      o     Participate is scheduled work days with Fisher sales representatives
            and Life Science Specialists

      o     Advertise and exhibit in other life science research focused
            publications and meetings, making reference to Fisher as the
            distribution source.

<PAGE>   10
                                   ADDENDUM 1

      1.    Canada, upon execution of an addendum between Cepheid and Fisher
            Scientific Limited

      2.    United Kingdom, upon execution of an addendum between Cepheid and
            Fisher Scientific UK Limited

      3.    France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands, upon execution of an
            addendum between Cepheid and Fisher Bioblock

<PAGE>   11
[FISHER SCIENTIFIC LOGO]

                                   EXHIBIT D

                              CONTINUING GUARANTY

A.   CEPHEID CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as "SUPPLIER"), having its
     principal office and place of business at 1190 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale,
     CA 94089-1302 hereby guarantees that all Products (including their
     packaging, labeling and shipping) comprising each shipment or other
     delivery hereinafter made by SUPPLIER (hereinafter referred to as
     "Products") to or on the order of Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., a
     Delaware limited liability company, having its principal place of business
     at 2000 Park Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15275 or to any of its branches,
     divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, or any of their customers (hereinafter
     collectively referred to as "Fisher"), are, as of the date of such shipment
     or delivery, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws,
     and any regulations, rules, declarations, interpretations and orders issued
     thereunder, including, without limitation, the Federal Food, Drug and
     Cosmetic Act, as amended, and conform to representations and warranties
     made by SUPPLIER in its advertising, product labeling and literature.

B.   Further, with respect to any Product that is privately labeled for Fisher.
     SUPPLIER agrees to make no change in such Products or the Fischer artwork
     on the labeling or packaging relating thereto without first obtaining the
     written consent of Fisher. SUPPLIER recognizes that Fisher is the owner of
     the trademarks and trade names connoting Fisher which it may elect to use
     in the promotion and sale of such private label Products and that SUPPLIER
     has no right or interest in such trademarks or trade names. SUPPLIER shall
     periodically analyze and review packaging and labeling for any Products
     which are private labeled for Fischer to ensure conformity with the
     provisions of paragraph A hereof and the adequacy of Product warnings and
     instructions.

C.   SUPPLIER hereby agrees that it will reimburse Fisher for all reasonable
     out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with any product
     corrective action or recall relating to the Products which is requested by
     SUPPLIER or required by any government entity.

D.   SUPPLIER agrees to procure and maintain on an occurrence form basis product
     liability issuance with respect to the Products and contractual liability
     coverage relating to this Guaranty, with insurer(s) having Best's rating(s)
     of A-or better, naming Fisher as an additional insured (Broad Form Vendors
     Endorsement), with minimum limits in each case of $1,000,000. SUPPLIER
     shall promptly furnish to Fisher a certificate of insurance and renewal
     certificate of insurance evidencing the foregoing coverages and limits. The
     insurance shall not be canceled, reduced or otherwise changed without
     providing Fisher with at least ten (10) days prior written notice. Fisher
     agrees to maintain corresponding levels of insurance and to provide
     certificates of such issuance to SUPPLIER and further agrees that Fisher's
     insurance coverage shall be primary to the extent that a claim is based
     upon the negligent acts and omissions or willful misconduct of Fisher.

E.   SUPPLIER agrees to and shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless
     Fisher (and with respect to Subparagraph E. (i) below, Fisher's customers)
     from any and all claims, actions, costs, expenses and damages, including
     attorney's fees and expenses arising out of: (i) any actual or alleged
     patent, trademark or copyright infringement in the design, composition, use
     by itself or in accordance with SUPPLIER's instructions, sale, advertising
     or packaging of the Products, (ii) any breach of the representations or
     warranties set forth in this Guaranty; (iii) the sale or use of the
     Products where such liability results from the act or omission of SUPPLIER
     (whether for breach of warranty, strict liability in tort, negligence or
     otherwise), except to the extent that such liability is caused by the
     negligent acts or omissions or willful misconduct of Fisher. Fisher agrees
     to and shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless SUPPLIER to the
     extent that any such liability is caused by the negligent acts or omissions
     or willful misconduct of Fisher.

F.   SUPPLIER agrees to and shall provide to Fisher Material Safety Data Sheets
     and other information concerning any Product as required by then applicable
     federal, state or local law.

G.   If the Products to be furnished by SUPPLIER are to be used in the
     performance of a U.S. government contract or subcontract, those clauses of
     the applicable U.S. Government procurement regulation which are mandatorily
     required by Federal Statute to be included in U.S. Government subcontracts
     shall be incorporated herein by reference including, without limitation,
     the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended.

H.   The representations and obligations set forth herein shall be continuing
     and shall be binding upon the SUPPLIER and his or its heirs, executors,
     administrators, successors and/or assigns, whichever the case may be, and
     shall inure to the benefit of Fisher, its successors and assigns and to the
     benefit of its officers, directors, agents and employees and their heirs,
     executors, administrators and assigns.

I.   The agreements and obligations of SUPPLIER set forth in this Guaranty are
     in consideration of purchases made by Fisher from SUPPLIER and said
     obligations are in addition to (and supersede to the extent of any
     conflict) any obligations of SUPPLIER to Fisher or Fisher to SUPPLIER. This
     Guaranty shall be effective upon the first sale to Fisher of any Product by
     SUPPLIER, and the obligations of SUPPLIER under this Guaranty shall survive
     and be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

     SUPPLIER

     CEPHEID CORPORATION

     /s/ THOMAS L. GUTSHALL
     --------------------------------------
     Signature of Authorized Representative

     CEO & CHAIRMAN 1-10-00
     ---------------------------------------
     TITLE

     FISHER SCIENTIFIC COMPANY LLC.

     /s/ [SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE]
     ----------------------------------------
     Signature of Authorized Representative

     VP Strategic Merchandising 1/13/00
     ----------------------------------------
     Title

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