Document:

Document

Exhibit 10.1

Separation Agreement and Release

This Separation Agreement and Release (this “Release”) is made by Daniel J. Kaufman (the “Employee”) and GameStop Corp. (“GameStop”) on this 1st day of June, 2020.

WHEREAS, the Employee’s employment with GameStop, including his service as an officer of GameStop and as an officer or director of any of GameStop’s affiliates, terminated on June 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement by and between GameStop and the Employee dated October 1, 2012, as amended (the “Employment Agreement”), the Employee is entitled to receive the payments, rights and benefits described in Sections 5(c),6(a) and 6(b) of the Employment Agreement (the “Separation Benefits”), subject to his timely execution of this Release.  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined in the Employment Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and intending to be legally bound hereby:

1. The Employee acknowledges that the Separation Benefits constitute full settlement of all his rights under the Employment Agreement.  The Employee further acknowledges that, in the absence of his execution of this Release, the Separation Benefits would not otherwise be due to him.

2. The Employee, for himself and his heirs, legal representatives, and assigns, releases and forever discharges GameStop and its related entities, parent companies, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and each of their respective current and former officers, directors, stockholders, agents, representatives, insurers, plan administrators, employees, predecessors, successors, and assigns, in their individual, corporate, or official capacities, (collectively, the “Released Parties”) of and from all claims, demands, actions, obligations, and causes of action of any kind or nature at law or in equity, known or unknown, that arose, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the execution of this Release by Employee.

3. Employee understands and accepts that the general release contained herein specifically covers, without limitation, any and all claims, causes of action, or demands that Employee has or may have against the Released Parties relating in any way to the terms, conditions, and circumstances of his employment or the termination of his employment with any of the Released Parties, whether based on contract, tort, or statute, including without limitation claims arising under any federal, state, or local statute and/or ordinance, or common or civil law claims, including without limitation:

(a) any and all claims relating to discrimination, equal pay, retaliation, or other claims such as claims or causes of action under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 1871, and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Equal Pay Act, the False Claims Act, 

the Fair Credit Reporting Act, all as amended, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act or any other applicable state or local statute or regulation pursuant to which he may have rights in connection with employment and/or separation of employment from GameStop; 

(b)        any and all claims or causes of action arising under or relating to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”);

(c)        any and all claims arising under the common or civil law, including without limitation those claims for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, promissory estoppel, fraud, misrepresentation, breach of any implied covenants, assault, battery, negligence, defamation, invasion of privacy, slander, or infliction of emotional distress; and 

(d)       any and all claims for attorney’s fees, costs, or expenses.

4. Employee agrees that he has suffered no workplace injury for which he has failed to report.  Employee further acknowledges, represents and warrants that he has not filed and/or caused to be filed, and is not aware of, any pending lawsuit, claim or complaint brought on his behalf or asserting claims involving Employee or in which he has an interest against GameStop, or any affiliated company, subsidiary or business unit in any state or federal court, or with any administrative agency or tribunal.

5. Employee acknowledges and agrees that (a) Employee has no entitlement under any other severance or similar arrangement maintained by GameStop, and (b) except as otherwise provided specifically herein, the Released Parties do not and will not have any other liability or obligation to Employee.

6. Employee understands that the general release of claims set forth herein covers claims that Employee knows about and those that he may not know about.

7. This general release does not prevent Employee from filing an administrative charge or complaint, or otherwise communicating with or participating in an investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, any agency Inspector General, or any other federal, state, or local agency governing employee rights.  Nothing in this Release shall be construed to limit any disclosure to any such governmental officials or agencies or making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation.  However, by signing this Release, Employee waives his right to recover any damages or other relief in any claim or suit brought by him, or by or through the EEOC, or other federal, state, or local agency on his behalf, against any of the Released Parties under any federal, state, or local law, except where prohibited by law.  This Release does not limit Employee’s right to receive an award for information provided to any government agency. Employee agrees to release and discharge the Released Parties not only from any and all claims that Employee could make on his own behalf, but Employee also specifically waives any right to become, and Employee promises not to become, a member of any class in any proceeding or case in which a claim or claims against the Released Parties may arise, in whole or in part, from any event that occurred prior to the date of this Release.  If Employee is not permitted to opt-out of a future class, then Employee agrees to waive any 

recovery for which Employee would be eligible as a member of such class.  Nothing in this Release is intended to limit or interfere with Employee’s rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.

8. This general release also does not apply to any claim: (a) for payment of any amount earned and vested but not yet paid under that certain Retention Agreement between Employee and GameStop dated May 31, 2018; (b) arising out of conduct occurring after the date this Release is signed; (c) to enforce the terms of this Release; (d) to challenge the validity of this Release and the knowing and voluntary nature of Employee’s release under the ADEA and/or the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, (d) for payment of fees, indemnification and reimbursement of expenses as provided in Section 14 of the Release, or (e) for indemnification under the By-Laws of GameStop for Employee’s acts or omissions as an officer of GameStop, or for the benefit of any applicable directors and officers insurance policies.

9. The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 provides immunity in certain circumstances to GameStop employees, contractors, and consultants for limited disclosures of GameStop trade secrets.  Specifically, GameStop employees, contractors, and consultants may disclose trade secrets:  (a) in confidence, either directly or indirectly, to a Federal, State, or local government official, or to an attorney, “solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law,” or (b) “in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.”  Additionally, GameStop employees, contractors, and consultants who file retaliation lawsuits for reporting a suspected violation of law may also use and disclose related Trade Secrets in the following manner:  (1) the individual may disclose the trade secret to his/her attorney, and (2) the individual may use the information in related court proceeding, as long as the individual files documents containing the trade secret under seal, and does not otherwise disclose the trade secret “except pursuant to court order.” 

10. Employee understands and agrees that this general release will be legally binding upon Employee, as well as his estate, heirs, personal representatives, and/or assigns.

11. Employee acknowledges that restrictive covenants contained in Section 8, 9 and 10 of the Employment Agreement, and in the Non-Disclosure and Non-Competition Agreements he previously executed will survive the termination of his employment.  The Employee affirms that those restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of GameStop, that he received adequate consideration in exchange for agreeing to those restrictions and that he will abide by those restrictions.

12. Employee agrees not to disparage any Released Person nor otherwise take any action which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the personal or professional reputation of any Released Person.

13. Employee further agrees that, subject to reimbursement of his reasonable expenses, he will cooperate in a reasonable manner with GameStop and its counsel with respect to any matter (including litigation, investigations, or governmental proceedings) in which the Employee was in any way involved during his employment with GameStop.  The Employee agrees to render such cooperation in a timely manner on reasonable notice from GameStop, provided GameStop exercises reasonable efforts to limit and schedule the need for Employee’s cooperation so as not to materially interfere with his other professional obligations.

14. In addition to and without limiting Section 13 above, GameStop and Employee agree that Employee will serve as a consultant to GameStop, at a rate of $20,000 per month (or, if agreed between the parties, at a pro-rated rate for any partial month), for such period reasonably requested by GameStop, to assist in the completion and/or transition of certain on-going GameStop projects.  Services under this paragraph will not include the delivery of legal advice and, unless expressly directed by an officer of GameStop, Employee will not be authorized to create obligations or otherwise bind GameStop.  Employee’s services under this paragraph will be rendered solely as an independent contractor, not as an employee, and therefore, in respect of such services and the related fees: (a) Employee will not be entitled to any employee benefits, (b) no taxes will be withheld and no employment taxes will be paid by GameStop, and (c) Employee will be solely responsible for all taxes, social security and other contributions, including the remittance of such amounts.  Employee shall be reimbursed for travel and other expenses actually incurred in the performance of the services, provided that any such expenses will be accompanied by supporting data and incurred pursuant to GameStop’s Travel and Expense Guidelines. Either GameStop or Employee may terminate the engagement described in this paragraph at any time, for any reason, upon notice to the other, with no obligation arising from such termination other than payment of fees earned through the date of such termination.  For avoidance of doubt, the obligations of confidentiality, return of property, assignment of intellectual property and similar obligations contained in the agreements referenced above in Section 11 will continue to apply to Employee in his capacity as a consultant under this paragraph.  Employee may assign his rights and obligations under this paragraph to a personal services corporation or limited liability company solely owned by him.  With respect to all services performed under this paragraph, Employee will be entitled to indemnification and advancement of expenses to the full extent provided in the bylaws and certificate of incorporation of GameStop, as if he had performed those services as an officer of GameStop.

15. Employee expressly acknowledges and recites that (a) he has read and understands the terms of this Release in its entirety, (b) he has entered into this Release knowingly and voluntarily, without any duress or coercion; (c) he has been advised orally and is hereby advised in writing to consult with an attorney with respect to this Release before signing it; (d) he was provided 21 calendar days after receipt of the Release to consider its terms before signing it; and (e) he is provided seven calendar days from the date of signing to terminate and revoke this Release, in which case this Release shall be unenforceable, null and void. Employee may revoke this Release during those seven days by providing written notice of revocation to GameStop at the following address:

GameStop – Human Resources
ATTN: Stacey Watkins
625 Westport Parkway
Grapevine, TX 76051

If the Employee revokes this Release, he will forfeit the Separation Benefits and will not be entitled to any other severance benefits.

16. This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof.  Any disputes or claims arising out of or relating to this Release shall be resolved exclusively pursuant to the 

GameStop CARES Rules of Dispute Resolution Including Arbitration (the “CARES Rules”).  As provided in the CARES Rules, either party may seek temporary or immediate injunctive relief in aid of arbitration, to maintain the status quo pending arbitration, or to prevent violation of the commitments referenced in this Release concerning non-competition, non-solicitation, or the use or disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information.  Employee hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Texas State or United States Federal Court sitting in Tarrant County, Texas with respect to such proceedings in aid of arbitration or to enforce any award, judgment, or order of the arbitrator with respect to any controversy arising out of this Release.  Employee hereby waives any right to a trial by jury in any legal proceeding related in any way to this Release.  The breach of any promise in this Release by any party shall not invalidate this Release and shall not be a defense to the enforcement of this Release against any party.

17. Employee represents and warrants that Employee has returned to GameStop any and all property and equipment of GameStop, including (a) all keys, files, lists, books, records and other materials (and copies thereof), devices (including, but not limited to, computer hardware, software and cellphones), access or credit cards, Company identification, and all other property belonging to GameStop in Employee’s possession or control, and (b) all documents and copies (including electronic copies) in Employee’s possession or control that contain any of GameStop’s confidential information.  Employee shall not make or retain any copy or extract of any of the foregoing.  The foregoing representation excludes property and equipment that Employee has been expressly authorized by GameStop to retain, to enable his performance of services under Section 14; provided that upon the completion of that consulting engagement, Employee will promptly return all remaining property or equipment to GameStop.

18. Both parties have participated in the negotiation of this Release and it is therefore agreed that the general rule that ambiguities are to be construed against the drafter shall not apply to this Release.

19. The parties agree that this Release (including the CARES Rules and covenants referenced above in Section 11) constitutes the entire agreement between Employee and GameStop and supersedes any other prior agreements or understandings, written or oral, pertaining to the subject matter of this Release. For avoidance of doubt, the Retention Agreement is not superseded by this Release.  In executing this Release, Employee did not rely on any document, representation, or statement, whether written or oral, other than those specifically set forth in this Release.  This Release may not be amended except by a writing executed by Employee and a duly authorized officer of GameStop.

[signature page follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, GameStop and Employee have each executed this Release on the date indicated below, respectively.

GAMESTOP CORP.

By:       /s/ Dan Reed                                       

Title:     General Counsel                                

Date:    June 1, 2020                                       

DANIEL J. KAUFMAN

 /s/ Daniel J. Kaufman                                    

Date:    June 1, 2020Exhibit 10.1

 

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated June 4, 2020, is entered into by and between Acacia Research Group
LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the “Company”), and Richard Rosenstein (“Executive”),
on the following terms and conditions.

 

BACKGROUND

 

WHEREAS,
the Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions as set forth below.

 

NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants set forth herein, the Company and Executive, intending
to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.             
Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

		a.	“ARC” shall mean Acacia Research Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

 

		b.	“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of ARC.

 

c.            
“Cause” shall mean Executive’s (i) refusal to substantially perform his duties hereunder; (ii) breach
any of his material obligations under this Agreement; (iii) willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of his duties;
(iv) conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendre to any felony; or (v) embezzlement or theft of any of the Company’s
funds or assets or commission of any act of fraud with respect to any aspect of the Company’s business.

 

		d.	A “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(i)            
The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock
of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then- outstanding voting
securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”);
provided, however, that, for purposes of clause (i) of the definition, the following acquisitions shall not constitute
a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, (B) any acquisition by the Company,

(C) any acquisition by
any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its affiliates or (D) any acquisition
by any corporation pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of clause (iii) of this definition;

 

(ii)           
Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to
constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent
to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at
least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member
of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result
of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;

 

 

 

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(iii)          
Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving
the Company or any of its affiliates, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or
the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”),
in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were
the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to
such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock
and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,
as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that,
as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or
through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination
of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding
any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such
corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively,
the then- outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting
power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to
the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from
such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action
of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

 

(iv)          
Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

e.            “Good
Reason shall mean (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary (as defined below) other than a reduction prior
to a Change in Control that is part of a reduction applicable to other senior executives of the Company generally and is
proportionate to the reductions applicable to such other senior executives of the Company; (ii) a material reduction in
Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authorities; or (iii) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of
business from within 20 miles of Manhattan, NY; provided that Executive’s termination of employment will not be for
Good Reason unless (1) Executive notifies the Company in writing of the existence of the condition that Executive believes
constitutes Good Reason within 60 days of the initial existence of such condition (which notice specifically identifies such
condition), (2) the Company fails to remedy such condition within 30 days after the date on which it receives such notice
(the “Remedial Period”), and (3) so long as the Company acknowledges in writing the existence of Good Reason by
the end of the Remedial Period, Executive actually terminates employment within 30 days following the expiration of the
Remedial Period and before the Company remedies such condition. If the Company does not acknowledge the existence of Good
Reason by the end of the Remedial Period, Executive shall only be required to resign for Good Reason within two years after
the end of the Remedial Period.

 

2.             
Position and Responsibilities. Executive shall be employed and serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company commencing
May 29, 2020. Executive agrees that, at all times during his employment hereunder, Executive shall be subject to and comply with
the Company’s personnel rules, policies and procedures, including but not limited to ARC’s and the Company’s
Insider Trading Policy (attached hereto as Exhibit A), Sexual Harassment Policy (attached hereto as Exhibit B),
Executive Handbook (which has been provided to Executive) and Executive Officer Stock Ownership Guidelines (attached hereto as
Exhibit C), in each case, as may be modified from time to time. Executive shall devote his full working time and efforts
to the Company’s business to the exclusion of all other employment or active participation in other business interests,
unless otherwise consented to in writing by the Company. This shall not preclude Executive from (a) devoting time to personal
and family endeavors or investments, (b) serving on community and civic boards, (c) participating in industry or trade associations,
or (d) serving on a board of a public or private company that does not directly compete with the Company; provided, that
(x) such activities do not materially interfere with Executive’s duties to the Company or create a conflict of interest,
and (y) the Board shall approve Executive’s service on any board of directors.

 

3.             
Employment. Executive’s employment with the Company may be terminated by the Company or Executive upon thirty
(30) days’ written notice to the other party, for any reason. This arrangement may not be changed during Executive’s
employment, unless agreed to in writing by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”).

 

 

 

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4.            
Compensation. For all services rendered by Executive pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive,
subject to his adherence to all of the terms of this Agreement, and Executive shall accept as full compensation hereunder, the
following:

 

a.             
Salary. The Company shall pay Executive an annual salary (the “Base Salary”) of $425,000. The
Base Salary shall be subject to all appropriate federal and state withholding taxes and shall be payable bi-weekly, in accordance
with the normal payroll procedures of the Company. The Base Salary shall be subject to an annual review by the Compensation Committee.
In the event of an adjustment to the Base Salary, the term “Base Salary” shall refer to the adjusted amount.

 

b.             
Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for annual cash incentive compensation (the “Annual Bonus”)
ranging from 25-100% of Base Salary as shall be determined by the Board in accordance with annual performance objectives established
by the Board on an annual basis with a target of 50% of Base Salary. The Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid to Executive in the
same manner and at the same time that other senior-level executives of the Company receive their annual bonus awards, as determined
by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In order to be eligible for an Annual Bonus, Executive must be in good standing with
the Company. The Annual Bonus shall be subject to all appropriate federal and state withholding taxes.

 

c.              Restricted
Stock Units. As of the date hereof, the Executive will be granted 86,500 restricted stock units of the Company (Nasdaq:
ACTG) on the terms and conditions (including the vesting terms) set forth on Exhibit RS (the “Initial Equity
Grant”).

 

d.            
Benefits and Perquisites. The Company shall make benefits available to Executive, including, but not limited to,
vacation and holidays, sick leave, health insurance, and the like, to the extent and on the terms made available to other similarly
situated employees of the Company. This provision does not alter the Company’s right to modify or eliminate any employee
benefit and does not guarantee the continuation of any kind or level of benefits. All such benefits shall cease upon the termination
of Executive’s employment under this Agreement except as required by applicable law.

 

e.             
Expenses; Travel. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket business and travel expenses
incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties or professional activities on behalf of the Company in
accordance with the Company’s reimbursement policies

 

5.    
Termination of Employment. In the event of a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without
Cause (and other than by reason of the Executive’s disability) or a resignation by the Executive for Good Reason, subject
to the Executive’s (a) execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims in a form acceptable to the Company within
55 days following the Executive’s date of termination and (b) compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Executive
shall be entitled to continued payment of the Base Salary for a period of 12 months following the date of termination in accordance
with the normal payroll schedule applicable to other similarly situated senior executives of the Company.

 

		6.	Confidentiality.

 

a.             
Confidential Information. The Company and Executive recognize that Executive will acquire certain confidential and
proprietary information relating to the Company’s business and the business of the Company’s affiliates. Such confidential
and proprietary information is information that derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally
known to the public or to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and is the subject of efforts
that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy (“Confidential Information”). Confidential
Information may include, without limitation, the following: business plans, projections, planning and strategies, marketing plans,
materials, pricing, programs and related data, product information, services, budgets, acquisition plans, the names or addresses
of any employees, independent contractors or customers, licensing strategy, statistical data, financial information or arrangements,
manuals, forms, techniques, know-how, trade secrets, software, any method or procedure of the Company’s business, whether
developed by the Company or developed, or contributed to, by Executive during the course of Executive’s employment, or made
available to Executive by the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates in the course of Executive’s employment,
or any market development, research or expansion projects, business systems and procedures and other confidential business and
proprietary information. Confidential Information may be contained in written materials, verbal communications, the unwritten
knowledge of employees, or any other tangible medium, such as tape, computer, or other means of electronic storage of information.

 

 

 

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b.            
Obligation of Confidentiality. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all of the Confidential Information constitutes
special, unique and valuable assets of the Company and trade secrets, the disclosure of which would cause irreparable harm and
substantial loss to the Company and its affiliates. In view of the foregoing, Executive agrees that at no time will Executive,
directly or indirectly, and whether during or after his or her employment with the Company, use, reveal, disclose or make known
any Confidential Information without specific written authorization from or written direction by the Company. Executive further
agrees that, immediately upon termination or expiration of his or her employment for any reason whatsoever, or at any time upon
request by the Company, Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
restriction on Executive’s use, disclosure, or conveyance of Confidential Information shall not apply to (i) any Confidential
Information that enters the public domain through no fault of Executive’s or any person affiliated with Executive; (ii)
any Confidential Information that Executive is required to disclose pursuant to applicable law or legal process, an order of a
court of competent jurisdiction or a government agency having appropriate authority, solely to the extent necessary to comply
with such order; and (iii) any use or disclosure, during the course of Executive’s service with the Company of Confidential
Information made necessary by the proper conduct of the business of the Company and consistent with the instructions of the Company.
Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from providing information in connection with: (a) any disclosure of information required
by law or legal process; (b) reporting possible violations of federal or state law or regulation to any governmental agency, commission
or entity or self-regulatory organization (collectively “Government Agencies”) (c) filing a charge or complaint with
Government Agencies; (d) making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation
(collectively the “Whistleblower Statutes”); or (e) from responding to any inquiry from, or assisting in any inquiry,
investigation or proceeding brought by Government Agencies in connection with (a) through (e).

 

7.            
Intellectual Property. Executive agrees that any and all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, writings, plans,
articles, devices, products, designs, treatments, structures, processes, methods, formulae, techniques and drawings, and improvements
or modifications related to the foregoing that are in any way related to the Company’s patent portfolios or any other intellectual
property owned by the Company or its affiliates, whether patentable, copyrightable or not, which are made, developed, created,
contributed to, reduced to practice, or conceived by Executive, whether solely or jointly with others, in connection with Executive’s
employment with the Company (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”) shall be and remain the exclusive property
of the Company, and, to the extent applicable, a “work made for hire,” and the Company shall own all rights, title
and interests thereto, including, without limitation, all rights under copyright, patent, trademark, statutory, common law and/or
otherwise. By Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive hereby irrevocably and unconditionally assigns to the Company
all right, title and interest in any such Intellectual Property. Executive further agrees to take all such steps and all further
action as the Company may reasonably request to effectuate the foregoing, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery
of such documents and applications as the Company may reasonably request to secure the rights to Intellectual Property worldwide
by patent, copyright or otherwise to the Company or its successors and assigns. Executive further agrees promptly and fully to
disclose any Intellectual Property to the officers of the Company and to deliver to such officers all papers, drawings, models,
data and other material (collectively, the “Material”) relating to any Intellectual Property made, reduced
to practice, developed, created or contributed to by Executive and, upon termination, or expiration of his or her employment with
the Company, to turn over to the Company all such Material. Any intellectual property which was developed by Executive prior to
Executive’s first date of employment with the Company, or which is developed by Executive during or after the termination
of this Agreement and is not in any way related to any of the Company’s or any of its affiliates’ intellectual property,
shall be owned by Executive.

 

 

 

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		8.	Covenants.

 

a.                  
Exclusive Service; Non-Solicitation. During the term of Executive’s employment, Executive agrees not to perform
services for any other entity, group or individual if such service would be in conflict with or interfere in any way with the
Company’s business interests (as reasonably determined by the Company). During the term of Executive’s employment
and for a period of eighteen (18) months after termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall not
(a) solicit for employment and then employ any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates or any person who is an independent
contractor involved with the Company or any of its affiliates (or any person who was during the prior six months an employee or
independent contractor of the Company or any of its affiliates), (b) pursue or otherwise solicit any Customer or Investment Opportunity
of the Company or any of its affiliates, or (c) induce, attempt to induce or knowingly encourage any Customer or Investment Opportunity
of the Company or any of its affiliates to divert any business or income from the Company or any of its affiliates or to stop
or alter the manner in which they are then doing business with the Company or any of its affiliates. In addition, in the event
of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive, for a period of two years following Executive’s
termination of employment for any reason, will not serve as a director, officer, employee or consultant to any public company
engaged in the business of acting as a patent assertion entity (“PAE”); provided that (i) Executive may be employed
by or provide services to an affiliated group that has a business unit that acts as a PAE, which business unit comprises no more
than fifteen percent (15%) of such affiliated group’s overall business as measured by revenue, provided that Executive does
not provide any direct services to the business unit (for the avoidance of doubt, it shall not be a violation of this Agreement
for Executive to render services to a different business unit or to serve the parent of such business unit), and comply with Executive’s
obligations with respect to the Company’s Confidential Information and (ii) Executive may become employed by or provide
services to any private equity fund, hedge fund, or other similar investment vehicle that invests in or holds a position in a
public entity that acts as a PAE, provided that Executive’s services to such investment vehicle or its managers or advisors
do not involve investment or management decisions with respect to any of such investment vehicle’s public portfolio companies
engaged as PAEs and Executive does not use any of the Company’s Confidential Information. The term “Customer”
shall mean any individual or business firm that was or is a customer or client of, or one that was or is a party in an investor
agreement with, or whose business was actively solicited by, the Company or any of its affiliates at any time, regardless of whether
such customer was generated, in whole or in part, by Executive’s efforts. The term “Investment Opportunity”
means any opportunity in which the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries at any time sought to invest, regardless of
whether such opportunity was generated, in whole or in part, by Executive’s efforts.

 

b.           
 Return of the Company’s Property. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment in any manner, Executive
shall immediately surrender to the Company all lists, books and records of, or in connection with, the Company’s business,
and all other property belonging to the Company.

 

c.             
Cooperation. During the term of this Agreement and thereafter, Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company and
its affiliates, agents, accountants and attorneys concerning any matter with which Executive was involved during Executive’s
employment. Such cooperation shall include, but not be limited to, providing information to, meeting with and reviewing documents
provided by the Company and its affiliates, agents, accountants and attorneys during normal business hours or other mutually agreeable
hours upon reasonable notice and being available for depositions and hearings, if necessary and upon reasonable notice. If Executive’s
cooperation is required after the termination of Executive’s employment, the Company shall reimburse Executive for any reasonable
out of pocket expenses incurred in performing Executive’s obligations hereunder.

 

d.            
Non-Disparagement. During the term of this Agreement and thereafter, Executive shall not make any statements (whether
written, electronic or oral) that disparage, denigrate, malign or criticize the Company or any of its affiliates, businesses, products,
directors, officers or employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the provisions of this Section 8(d) prohibit
Executive from making truthful statements to the extent required by law or legal process.

 

 

 

    	 	5	 

     

    

 

		9.	General Provisions.

 

a.             
Successors and Assigns. The rights of the Company under this Agreement may, without the consent of Executive, be
assigned by the Company, in its sole and unfettered discretion, to any person, firm, corporation or other business entity that
at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly, acquires all or substantially all of the assets
or business of the Company. The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger or otherwise)
to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and to agree to perform this Agreement
in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place;
provided, however, that no such assumption shall relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder. As used in this
Agreement, the “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or
assets as aforesaid that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise. Executive shall not be
entitled to assign any of Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees,
devisees and legatees. If Executive should die while any amount is at such time payable to Executive hereunder, all such amounts,
unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s devisee, legatee,
or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to Executive’s estate.

 

b.             
Remedies. Each of the parties to this Agreement will be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically,
to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its
favor. The parties agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this
Agreement and that any party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for injunctive
relief without the need for an undertaking in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

c.             
Severability and Reformation. The parties intend all provisions of this Agreement to be enforced to the fullest extent
permitted by law. If, however, any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under present or
future law, such provision shall be fully severable, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid,
or unenforceable provision were never a part hereof and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Moreover,
any provision so affected shall be limited only to the extent necessary to bring the Agreement within the applicable requirements
of law.

 

d.            
Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement is to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed wholly within such State, and without regard to the conflicts of laws
principles thereof. Any suit brought and any and all legal proceedings to enforce this Agreement whether in contract, tort, equity
or otherwise, shall be brought in the state or federal courts sitting in Manhattan, New York, the parties hereto hereby waiving
any claim or defense that such forum is not convenient.

 

		e.	Arbitration of Disputes.

 

(a)    
Agreement to Arbitrate. The parties hereby agree that any and all disputes, claims or controversies arising out of
or relating to this Agreement, the employment relationship between the parties, or the termination of the employment relationship,
that are not resolved by their mutual agreement shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration by a neutral arbitrator. This
agreement to arbitrate includes any claims that the Company may have against Executive, or that Executive may have against the
Company and any of its affiliates or its or their officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives.

 

 

 

    	 	6	 

     

    

 

(b)   
Covered Claims. The claims covered by this agreement to arbitrate include, but are not limited to, claims for: wrongful
termination; breach of any contract or covenant, express or implied; breach of any duty owed to Executive by the Company or to
the Company by Executive; personal, physical or emotional injury; fraud, misrepresentation, defamation, and any other tort claims;
wages or other compensation due; penalties; benefits; reimbursement of expenses; discrimination or harassment, including but not
limited to discrimination or harassment based on race, sex, color, pregnancy, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital
status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, or sexual orientation; retaliation; violation of any local,
state, or federal constitution, statute, ordinance or regulation (as originally enacted and as amended), including but not limited
to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans With Disabilities Act, Fair
Labor Standards Act, Executive Retirement Income Security Act, Immigration Reform and Control Act, Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Family Rights Act, California
Labor Code, California Civil Code, and the California Wage Orders or similar laws of other states. This Agreement shall not apply
to any dispute if an agreement to arbitrate such dispute is prohibited by law.

 

(c)    
Arbitration Process. The Parties further agree that any arbitration shall be conducted before one neutral arbitrator
selected by the parties and shall be conducted under the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA
Rules”) then in effect. Executive may obtain a copy of the AAA Rules by accessing the AAA website at www.adr.org., or
by requesting a copy from the President of the Board. By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she has had
an opportunity to review the AAA Rules before signing this Agreement. The arbitration shall take place in Manhattan, New York.
The arbitrator shall have the authority to order such discovery by way of deposition, interrogatory, document production, or otherwise,
as the arbitrator considers necessary to a full and fair exploration of the issues in dispute, consistent with the expedited nature
of arbitration. The arbitrator is authorized to award any remedy or relief available under applicable law that the arbitrator deems
just and equitable, including any remedy or relief that would have been available to the parties had the matter been heard in a
court. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or limit the parties from seeking provisional remedies under California Code of
Civil Procedure section 1281.8 or similar state and local laws, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief from a court of
competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator shall have the authority to provide for the award of attorney’s fees and costs if
such award is separately authorized by applicable law. Executive shall not be required to pay any cost or expense of the arbitration
that he would not be required to pay if the matter had been heard in a court. The decision of the arbitrator shall be in writing
and shall provide the reasons for the award unless the parties agree otherwise. The arbitrator shall not have the power to commit
errors of law or legal reasoning and the award may be vacated or corrected on appeal to a court of competent jurisdiction for any
such error.

 

(d)    
Federal Arbitration Act. This agreement to arbitrate shall be enforceable under and subject to the Federal Arbitration
Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1, et. Seq. to the extent applicable.

 

f.             
Entire Agreement, Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement between the
parties, and supersedes any other agreement between the Company and Executive, whether oral or in writing, with respect to the
subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be altered or amended, nor may any of its provisions be waived, except by a writing
signed by both parties hereto or, in the case of an asserted waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced.
Waiver of any provision of this Agreement, or any breach thereof, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision or
any subsequent alleged breach of this Agreement.

 

g.            
Clawback, Stock Ownership and Holding Period Requirements. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement
to the contrary, Executive shall be subject to the written policies of the Company’s Board of Directors applicable to Company
executives, relating to recoupment or “clawback” of incentive compensation.

 

h.           
Survival and Counterparts. The provisions of Section 1 (Definitions), Section 5 (Termination of Employment), Section
6 (Confidentiality), Section 7 (Intellectual Property), Section 8 (Covenants) and Section 9 (General Provisions) of this Agreement
shall survive the termination of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, with the same effect as if both
parties had signed the same document. All such counterparts shall be deemed an original, shall be construed together and shall
constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall supersede any prior or other agreement governing the subject matter
hereof.

 

 

 

    	 	7	 

     

    

 

i.             
Section 409A. To the extent (A) any payments to which the Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement, or any
agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company and its
affiliates, constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section
409A”) and (B) the Executive is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified” employee
under Section 409A, then such payment or payments shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (1) the expiration of the
6-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is at the time
defined in regulations under Section 409A) with the Company and its affiliates and (2) the date of the Executive’s death
following such separation from service. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have otherwise
been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this paragraph shall be paid to the
Executive or his beneficiary in one lump sum (without interest). To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous
as to its exemption or compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner so that (i) all payments hereunder
are exempt from Section 409A to the maximum permissible extent and, (ii) for any payments where such construction is not tenable,
so that those payments comply with Section 409A to the maximum permissible extent. Payments pursuant to this Agreement (or referenced
in this Agreement), and each installment thereof, are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)
of the regulations under Section 409A. All references to termination of employment or similar terms shall be deemed to mean separation
from service within the meaning of Section 409A to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary herein, except to the extent any expense, reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided pursuant to this Agreement does
not constitute a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A: (x) the amount of expenses eligible
for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to the Executive during any calendar year will not affect the amount of expenses
eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to the Executive in any other calendar year, (y) the Company or its affiliates
will reimburse the Executive for expenses for which the Executive is entitled to be reimbursed on or before the last day of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable expense is incurred or, if earlier, within 30 days after the
Executive has substantiated the expense, and (z) the right to payment or reimbursement or in-kind benefits hereunder may not be
liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit..

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally
Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	8	 

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties
have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

	 	
        Company:

         

        ACACIA RESEARCH GROUP LLC

         

         

        By:                                        

        Name:

        Title:

	 	
         

        Executive:

         

         

         

                                                      

        Richard Rosenstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	9	 

     

    

 

EXHIBIT
A

 

INSIDER TRADING POLICY

 

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	10	 

     

    

 

 

 

INSIDER TRADING POLICY

 

Statement
of Policies and Procedures

Governing Material Nonpublic Information and

The Prevention of Insider Trading

 

Updated: June 13, 2019

 

		I.	Purpose of this Policy

 

The purchase or sale of securities
while possessing material nonpublic (“inside”) information or the disclosure of inside information (“tipping”)
to others who may trade in such securities is sometimes referred to as “insider trading” and is prohibited by federal
and state securities laws. As an essential part of your work, you may have access to material nonpublic information about Acacia
Research Corporation and/or its subsidiaries (including information about other companies with which Acacia does, or may do, business).
When we refer in this Policy to “Acacia” or the “Company,” we are referring to Acacia Research Corporation
and all its subsidiaries and divisions worldwide.

 

This Insider Trading Policy
(the “Policy”) was adopted by Acacia Research Corporation’s Board of Directors on February 1, 2019 to prevent
illegal insider trading and to avoid even the appearance of improper conduct on the part of any Company director, officer, employee
or contractor. This Policy is designed to protect and further the reputation of Acacia for integrity and ethical conduct. Remember,
however, the ultimate responsibility for complying with the securities laws, adhering to this Policy and avoiding improper transactions
rests with you. It is imperative that you use your best judgment.

 

		II.	Penalties for Insider Trading

 

The penalties for violating
the insider trading laws include imprisonment, disgorgement of profits gained or losses avoided, civil fines of up to three times
the profit gained or loss avoided, and criminal fines of up to $5.0 million for individuals and $25.0 million for entities. Individuals
and entities considered to be “control persons”1 who knew or recklessly disregarded
the fact that a “controlled person” was likely to engage in insider trading may be civilly liable for the greater of
(i) $1 million or (ii) three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided. Under some circumstances, individuals who trade
on inside information may also be subjected to private civil lawsuits. Moreover, as the material nonpublic information of Acacia
is the property of the Company, trading on or tipping Acacia’s confidential information could result in serious employment
sanctions, including dismissal.

 

 

1 A “control person” is an entity
or person who directly or indirectly controls another person, and could include the Company, its directors and officers.

 

 

 

    	 	11	 

     

    

 

You
should be aware that stock market surveillance techniques are becoming more sophisticated all the time, and the chance that federal
authorities will detect and prosecute even a small insider trading violation is a significant one.

 

Employees who violate this
Policy may be subject to disciplinary action by the Company, including dismissal for cause. Any exceptions to the Policy, if permitted,
may only be granted by the Compliance Officer and must be provided before any activity contrary to the above requirements takes
place.

 

		III.	Scope and Applicability

 

A.            
Covered Persons. This Policy applies to Acacia’s Board of Directors and to all employees
and contractors within all of Acacia’s operations worldwide. All persons covered by this Policy are referred to as “Covered
Persons.” This Policy also applies to family members and domestic partners who share a Covered Person’s household,
and any other individual whom the Compliance Officer may designate as a Covered Person because he or she has access to material
nonpublic information concerning the Company.

 

B.            
Covered Securities and Transactions. This Policy applies to all transactions in the Company’s equity
securities, including common stock and any other type of securities that the Company may issue, such as preferred stock, notes,
bonds, convertible debentures and warrants, and exchange- traded options (including puts and calls) and other derivative securities.
This Policy applies to sales, purchases, gifts, exchanges, pledges, options, hedges, puts, calls and short sales.

 

This Policy applies to all
investment decisions you make regarding Company securities. For example, if you have the power to direct the purchase or sale of
Company securities by virtue of your position as a director or officer of a corporation or non-profit organization, or as a trustee
of a trust or executor of an estate, then all transactions in Company securities on behalf of the corporation, organization, trust
or estate are covered by this Policy.

 

This Policy also applies
to trading in securities of another company if you learn material nonpublic information about that company in the course of your
employment or association with Acacia.

 

C.            
Delivery of the Policy; Certifications. This policy will be delivered to all Covered Persons upon its
adoption by the Company, and to all new directors, employees and where appropriate, contractors, at the commencement of their employment
or service with the Company. Thereafter, the Policy shall be distributed annually. All Covered Persons must certify their understanding
of, and intent to comply with, this Policy and send the original to the Company’s Legal Department. A copy of the certification
that all Covered Persons must sign is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

		IV.	Definitions

 

A.                
Insider Trading. In general, “insider trading” occurs when a person purchases or sells a security
while in possession of inside information in breach of a duty of trust or confidence owed directly or indirectly to the issuer
of the security, the issuer’s stockholders or the source of the information. “Inside information” is information
which is considered both “material” and “nonpublic.” Insider trading is a crime, and it is strictly prohibited
by this Policy.

 

 

 

    	 	12	 

     

    

 

B.                
Materiality. A fact is considered “material” if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable
investor would consider it important in making a decision to buy, hold or sell securities or if disclosure of the information would
be expected to significantly alter the total mix of the information in

the marketplace about the issuer of the security.
Material information can be either good or bad and is not limited to financial information. While it is impossible to list all
types of information that might be deemed “material” under particular circumstances, information dealing with the following
subjects affecting the Company is generally considered to be material:

 

		·	projections of future earnings, losses or financial liquidity problems;

 

		·	anticipated or actual financial results of the Company for the quarter and/or year;

 

		·	news of a pending or proposed joint venture, merger, acquisition, tender offer, divestiture,
recapitalization, strategic alliance, licensing arrangement or purchase or sales of substantial assets;

 

		·	news of a significant sale or disposition or write-downs of assets;

 

		·	new major contracts, strategic partners, suppliers, customers or loss thereof;

 

		·	change in debt ratings;

 

		·	changes in dividend policies or amounts, or the declaration of a stock split;

 

		·	offerings of additional securities or financing developments;

 

		·	changes in senior management;

 

		·	major changes in accounting methods or policies;

 

		·	cybersecurity risks and incidents, including vulnerabilities and breaches;

 

		·	major personnel changes, labor disputes or negotiations; and

 

		·	significant litigation or government investigations or the resolution thereof.

 

 

 

    	 	13	 

     

    

 

C.            
Nonpublic Information. Information is “nonpublic” if it has not been widely disclosed to the
general public through major newswire services, national news services and financial news services, or through filings with the
Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For purposes of this Policy, information will be considered public, i.e.,
no longer “nonpublic,” after the close of trading on the second full trading day following the Company’s widespread
release of the information.

 

Nonpublic information may include:

 

		·	information available to a select group of analysts or brokers or institutional investors;

 

		·	undisclosed facts that are the subject of rumors, even if the rumors are widely circulated;
and

 

		·	information that has been entrusted to the Company on a confidential basis until a public announcement
of the information has been made and enough time has elapsed for the market to respond to a public announcement of the information
(normally two trading days).

 

D.            
Tipping. “Tipping” is the disclosure of material nonpublic information concerning the Company
or its securities to an outside person. Providing insider information to anyone who thereafter trades on the basis of that information
may subject both you (the “tipper”) and the other person (the “tippee”) to insider trading liability.

 

		V.	Prohibited Activities

 

A.            
Prohibitions. Except for limited exceptions described below, the following activities are prohibited under this Policy:

 

		1.	No Covered Person may purchase, sell, transfer or effectuate any other transaction in Company
securities while in possession of material nonpublic information concerning the Company or its securities. This prohibition includes
sales of shares received upon exercise of stock options or upon vesting of Restricted Stock Units and Awards, and shares held in
the Company’s 401(k) plan.

 

		2.	No Covered Person may “tip” or disclose material nonpublic information concerning
the Company or its securities to any outside person (including family members, affiliates, analysts, investors, members of the
investment community and news media). Should a Covered Person inadvertently disclose such information to an outsider, the Covered
Person must promptly inform the Compliance Officer regarding this disclosure. The Company will take steps necessary to preserve
the confidentiality of the information, including requiring the outsider to agree in writing to comply with the terms of this Policy
and/or sign a confidentiality agreement.

 

		3.	No Covered Person may purchase Company securities on margin, hold Company
securities in a margin account, or otherwise pledge Company securities as collateral for a loan because, in the event of a margin
call or default on the loan, the broker or lender could sell the shares at a time when the Covered Person is in possession of material
nonpublic information, resulting in liability for insider trading. In addition, pledging of securities by Covered Persons, including
margin arrangements, can be perceived to undermine the alignment of their interests and incentives with the long-term interests
of other stockholders.

 

		4.	Short-term and speculative trading in Company securities, as well as hedging and other derivative
transactions involving Company securities, can create the appearance of impropriety and may become the subject of an SEC investigation,
particularly if the trading occurs before a major Company announcement or is followed by unusual activity or price changes in the
Company’s stock. These types of transactions can also result in inadvertent violations of insider trading laws and/or liability
for short-swing profits under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.2 Therefore,
it is the Company’s policy to prohibit the following activities, even if you are not in possession of material nonpublic
information:

 

 

 

2 Under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, directors and executive officers of the Company are subject to liability for any “short-swing” profits
realized from a purchase and sale, or sale and purchase of equity securities of the Company within any period of less than six
months.

 

 

    	 	14	 

     

    

 

		(a)	No Covered Person may trade in any interest or position relating to the
future price of Company securities, such as put or call options or other derivatives, or short sale of Company securities.

 

		(b)	No Covered Person may hedge Company securities. A “hedge” is a transaction designed
to offset or reduce the risk of a decline in the market value of an equity security, and can include, but is not limited to, prepaid
variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds.

 

		(c)	Covered Persons may not trade in securities of the Company on an active basis, including short
term speculation.2

 

		5.	No Covered Person may trade in securities of another company if the Covered Person is in possession
of material nonpublic information about that other company which the Covered Person learned in the course of their work for Acacia.

 

B.                
Exceptions to Prohibited Activities. Prohibitions in trading securities under this Policy do not include:

 

		1.	The investment of 401(k) plan contributions in a Company stock fund in accordance
with the terms of the Company's 401(k) plan. However, any changes in your investment election regarding the Company’s stock
are subject to trading restrictions under this Policy.

 

		2.	The purchase of Company stock through periodic, automatic payroll contributions
to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), if and when such ESPP is adopted. However, electing to enroll
in the ESPP, making any changes in your elections under the ESPP and selling any Company stock acquired under the ESPP are subject
to trading restrictions under this Policy.

 

		3.	The exercise of vested employee stock options, either on a “cash for stock” or “stock
for stock” basis, where no Company stock is sold to fund the option exercise3.

 

		4.	The receipt of Company stock upon vesting of Restricted Stock Units and
Awards, as well as the withholding of Company stock by the Company in payment of tax obligations.

 

		5.	Company securities purchased or sold under a Company authorized Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan (see
Section X below).

 

		6.	Transfers of Company stock by a Covered Person into a trust for which the Covered Person is a
trustee, or from the trust back into the name of the Covered Person.

 

 

 

 

 

3 While vested employee stock options may be exercised
at any time under this Policy, the sale of any stock acquired through such exercise is subject to this Policy.

 

 

 

    	 	15	 

     

    

 

		VI.	Company Compliance Officer

 

The Compliance Officer may
designate one or more individuals to perform the Compliance Officer’s duties. The determinations of the Compliance Officer
under this Policy are final.

 

The duties of the Compliance Officer include, but are
not limited to, the following:

 

		1.	assisting with implementation and enforcement of this Policy;

 

		2.	circulating this Policy to all employees and ensuring that this Policy is amended as necessary
to remain up-to-date with insider trading laws;

 

		3.	pre-clearing all trading in securities of the Company by Covered Persons in accordance with
the procedures set forth in Section VIII below; and

 

		4.	providing approval of any Rule 10b5-1 plans under Section X below and any prohibited transactions
under Section V above.

 

		5.	providing a reporting system with an effective whistleblower protection mechanism.

 

		VII.	Confidentiality of Information Relating to the Company

 

A.                
Access to Information. Risk of insider trading violations by individuals affiliated with the Company can
be substantially limited by restricting the pool of individuals with access to material nonpublic information to the greatest extent
possible. Access to material nonpublic information about the Company, including Acacia’s business, earnings and prospects,
should be limited to officers, directors and employees of the Company on a need-to-know basis. In addition, such information should
not be communicated to anyone outside of the Company, unless such person has signed an appropriate confidentiality agreement. When
communication of material nonpublic information about the Company to employees becomes necessary, all directors, officers and employees
must take care to emphasize the need for confidential treatment of such information and adherence to the Company’s policies
with regard to confidential information.

 

B.                
Disclosure of Information. Material nonpublic Company information is the property of Acacia and the confidentiality
of this information must be strictly maintained within the Company. Only the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer
are authorized to disclose material nonpublic information about the Company to the public, members of the investment community
(including analysts) or to stockholders, unless one of these officers has expressly authorized disclosure by another employee in
advance. All inquiries regarding the Company should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer or to the Chief Financial Officer
and no other comment should be provided.

 

 

 

    	 	16	 

     

    

 

		VIII.	Pre-Clearance Required for Trading by Covered Persons

 

All Covered Persons must pre-clear planned transactions
in Company securities as provided below:

 

		1.	The Covered Person proposing to effectuate a trade or other transaction in Company securities
must notify the Compliance Officer in writing of the amount and nature of the proposed transaction no earlier than two business
days prior to the proposed transaction date.

		2.	The Covered Person proposing to effectuate such trade or other transaction
must certify to the Compliance Officer in writing that he or she is not in possession of material nonpublic information concerning
the Company or its securities.

 

		3.	The Compliance Officer must approve the proposed trade or other transaction
in writing.

 

		4.	Note: If the transaction order is not placed within ten (10) business days after receiving
clearance, clearance for the transaction must be re-requested since circumstances may have changed over that time period.

 

		5.	The Compliance Officer’s decision on clearance, whether approved or denied, shall be kept
confidential.

 

Pre-clearance requests should be submitted by completing
one of the forms attached hereto as Exhibit B and Exhibit C and by following all associated instructions.

 

		IX.	Blackout Periods Applicable to Covered Persons

 

A.            
No Trading During Blackout Periods. No Covered Person may trade or effectuate any other transactions in
Company securities during regular blackout periods or during any special blackout periods designated by the Compliance Officer
(except for the limited exceptions described in Section V.B above). Remember that even during an open trading window, you may not
trade in Company securities if you are in possession of material nonpublic information concerning the Company or its securities.

 

B.            
Regular Blackout Periods Defined. Subject to obtaining trading pre-approval from the Compliance Officer
in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section VIII above, Covered Persons may not trade in Company securities during the
period that ends ten business days prior to the end of the fiscal quarter and continues until the close of trading on the first
full business day after the Company’s public release of quarterly or annual financial results. To provide clarity, the Compliance
Officer will notify Covered Persons, in advance of each quarter end, of the date on which the blackout period begins and ends.
Trades made pursuant to an approved 10b5-1 Trading Plan (see Section X below) are exempted from this restriction.

 

C.            
Special Blackout Periods.From time to time, the Compliance Officer may determine that trading in Company
securities is inappropriate during an otherwise open trading window due to the existence of material nonpublic information. Accordingly,
the Compliance Officer may prohibit trading at any time by announcing a special blackout period. The Compliance Officer will provide
notice of any modification of the trading blackout policy or any additional prohibition on trading during the period when trading
is otherwise permitted under this Policy. The existence of a special blackout period should be considered confidential information
and Covered Persons are prohibited from communicating the existence of a special blackout period to anyone who is not a Covered
Person.

 

 

 

    	 	17	 

     

    

 

D.            
Blackout Periods Required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In order to comply with certain provisions
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, no director or executive officer of the Company may, directly or indirectly, purchase, sell
or otherwise acquire or transfer any equity security of the Company during any period of time that participants in the Company’s
401(k) plan are prohibited from trading interests in the Company’s equity securities under such plan. The “blackout
period” is defined for purposes of this rule as any period of more than three consecutive business days during which the
ability of 50 percent or more of the participants or beneficiaries located in the United States under all individual account plans
of the Company to purchase or sell any equity securities of the Company under any such plan is suspended by action of the Company
or a fiduciary of the plan. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires the Company to timely notify affected directors and executive officers
and the SEC of any such blackout period. If you are a director or executive officer of the Company, the Compliance Officer will
disapprove any requested transaction involving equity securities of the Company that would occur during a blackout period for
participants in the Company’s 401(k) plan.

 

E.             
Hardship Trading Exceptions. The Compliance Officer may, on a case-by-case basis, authorize trading in
Company securities during a trading blackout period due to financial or other hardship. Any person wanting to rely on this exception
must first notify the Compliance Officer in writing of the circumstance of the hardship and the amount and nature of the
proposed trade. Such person will also be required to certify to the Compliance Officer in writing no earlier than two business
days prior to the proposed trade that he or she is not in possession of material nonpublic information concerning the Company or
its securities. Upon authorization from the Compliance Officer, the person may trade, although such person will be responsible
for ensuring that any such trade complies in all other respects with this Policy.

 

		X.	10b5-1 Trading Plans

 

The Compliance Officer must
pre-clear any Rule 10b5-1 trading plan4. A Rule 10b5-1 trading plan is a contract to purchase
or sell securities according to a written instruction or plan established prior to making any transactions. The Rule 10b5-1 trading
plan must be adopted in good faith and without knowledge of material nonpublic information. Covered Persons who wish to enter into
a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan must obtain the prior written approval of the Compliance Officer. Prior written approval is likewise
required before a Covered Person may modify, in any way, an approved Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Transactions effected under an approved
Rule 10b5-1 trading plan will not require further pre- clearance at the time of the trade and will not be subject to the trading
blackout periods under this Policy.

 

In order to receive pre-clearance, a trading plan must
meet the following parameters:

 

		(1)	No trading plan may be adopted, terminated, amended, revised or otherwise
modified except during a Window Period when that individual is not then in possession of any material nonpublic information.

 

		(2)	No plan participant may engage in extra-plan, corresponding hedging positions with respect to
Company stock.

 

		(3)	The effective date of the trading plan must be not less than thirty (30)
days following adoption of the trading plan.

 

		(4)	The trading plan may not be modified more than once every six (6) months following the plan’s
adoption or any modification of the plan and such modifications shall not take effect until at least ninety (90) days after adoption
of such modification.

 

		(5)	A trading plan may be terminated upon prior written notice. If a trading plan is
                                                                terminated prior to its stated term and a new plan adopted in its place, the new trading plan shall not take effect until
                                                                ninety (90) days following its adoption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a new trading plan adopted for the sole purpose of
                                                                selling stock to satisfy the tax obligations upon vesting of a restricted
stock grant may take effect in less than ninety (90) days following its adoption.

 

____________________________

4 A trading plan adopted pursuant to Rule 10b5-1
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, if properly structured, provides an affirmative defense to a claim that the insider
traded on the basis of material nonpublic information.

 

 

 

    	 	18	 

     

    

 

Purchases and sales made
pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan must still comply with all other applicable reporting requirements under federal and state
securities laws, including Form 4 filings pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

		XI.	Instructions for Pre-clearance for the Purchase or Sale of Acacia Stock or Exercising of
Acacia Stock Options

 

Pre-clearance for Covered
Persons is mandatory. Please request pre-clearance for a transaction by giving a copy of the Advanced Notice for Personal Trading
Form for RSAs and RSUs, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and the Pre-Clearance to Exercise Options Form for stock options,
attached hereto as Exhibit C, to Jennifer Graff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	19	 

     

    

 

EXHIBIT A

 

CERTIFICATION

 

 

I hereby certify that:

 

		·	I have read and understand the Company’s Insider Trading Policy Statement of Polices and
Procedures Governing Material Nonpublic Information and the Prevention of Insider Trading. I understand that the Company’s
Compliance Officer is available to answer any questions I have regarding this Insider Trading Policy.

 

		·	Since the effective date of the Insider Trading Policy, or such shorter period of time that I
have been a director, officer, employee or contractor of the Company, I have complied with the Insider Trading Policy.

 

		·	I will continue to comply with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy for as long as I am
a director, officer, employee or contractor of the Company.

 

		·	I understand that failure to comply with the Insider Trading Policy could subject me to disciplinary
action or termination of the business or employment relationship with Acacia.

 

 

 

 

	 	 	 	 
	Signature	 	Date	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Printed Name (Please print legibly)	 	 	 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	20	 

     

    

 

EXHIBIT B

 

ADVANCE NOTICE FOR PERSONAL
TRADING FORM

 

 

 

	TO:	Acacia Research Corporation
	 	 
	FROM:	____________________________
	 	 
	DATE:	____________________________
	 	 
	RE:	Advance Notice for Personal Trading

 

I, the undersigned,
hereby give advance notice to Acacia Research Corporation that I intend to £
purchase £ sell up to              
shares of Acacia Research Corporation common stock.

 

		£	These shares are held in my 401(k) plan.

 

		£	of these shares were obtained from options that I exercised on

 

, 20        :

 

		o	At $

 

		o	Granted on

 

per share (the exercise price)

 

, 20        

 

 

 

    	 	21	 

     

    

 

I hereby certify as of the date above that:

 

		•	I have previously received and am familiar with the Company’s insider trading policy;

 

		•	I have complied with all procedures established by the Company’s insider trading policy
in connection with the transaction described above; and

 

		•	to my knowledge, I am not in possession of any material nonpublic information about the Company
and/or its affiliated companies.

 

I acknowledge that I have ten (10) business days
from the date of approval, or until the window closes, whichever is shorter, in which to complete the trade I have requested.

 

 

	 	 	 
	 	Signature:	 
	 	 	 
	 	MANAGEMENT APPROVAL:	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	Date: ______________________________________________	 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	22	 

     

    

 

EXHIBIT C

 

PRE-CLEARANCE TO EXERCISE OPTIONS

 

I, )_____________, hereby notify Acacia Research
Corporation (the “Corporation”) that I elect to purchase____________ shares (the “Exercised Shares”)
of the Corporation’s Common Stock (“Common Stock”) at the option exercise price ofper share (the
“Exercise Price”) pursuant to that certain option granted to me under the Acacia Research Corporation 20__Stock
Incentive Plan on ____________, 20__(the “Option”).

 

Type of Option 

 

	 ___________ Incentive Option (ISO)	__________ Non-Statutory Option (Non-Qual)

 

 

Type of Transaction

 

	____	Cash Exercise (Purchase of the option shares with the intent to hold the shares for sale at a future date). NOTE: If you
choose to do a cash exercise, you may not sell the acquired share without subsequent approval during a period when the trading
window is open. Please refer to the Acacia Insider Trading Policy.

 

	____	Cashless Exercise (Same-day purchase of the option shares and immediate sale of all the shares on the open market.)

 

	____	Sell-to-Cover Exercise (Purchase of the option shares and immediate sale of less than all the shares). NOTE: If you choose
to do a Sell-to-Cover exercise, you may not sell the remaining shares without subsequent approval during a period when the trading
window is open. Please refer to the Acacia Insider Trading policy.

 

Concurrently with the delivery of this Notice of Exercise to
the Corporation, I shall pay, or cause to be paid to the Corporation the Exercise Price for the Exercised Shares in accordance
with the provisions of my agreement with the Corporation (or other documents) evidencing the Option and shall deliver whatever
additional documents may be required by such agreement as a condition for exercise.

 

I hereby certify as of the date above that:

 

		·	I have previously received and am familiar with the Corporation’s Insider Trading Policy;

 

		·	I have complied with all procedures established by the Corporation’s Insider Trading Policy in connection with the transaction
described above; and

 

		·	To my knowledge, I am not in possession of any material nonpublic information about the Corporation and/or its affiliated companies.

 

I acknowledge that I have ten (10) business days from the date
of approval, or until the window closes, whichever is shorter, in which to complete the trade I have requested. I also acknowledge
that I will notify Jennifer Graff by email as soon as I have given my broker any exercise instructions.

 

	 	 
	 	Signature:
	 	 
	MANAGEMENT APPROVAL	
	 	 
	 	 
	 	 
	 	 
	Date: ______________	 
	 	 

 

 

Exhibit C

 

 

 

    	 	 	 

     

    

 

EXHIBIT B

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	23	 

     

    

 

Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy, New York Employees

 

Acacia Research Corporation (the “Company”)
is committed to maintaining a workplace free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of workplace discrimination.
All employees are required to work in a manner that prevents sexual harassment in the workplace. This Policy is one component
of the Company’s commitment to a discrimination-free work environment.

 

Sexual harassment is against the law1
and all employees have a legal right to a workplace free from sexual harassment and employees are urged to report sexual
harassment by filing a complaint internally with the Company. Employees can also file a complaint with a government agency or
in court under federal, state or local antidiscrimination laws.

 

Policy:

 

		1.	This
                                         policy applies to all employees in New York, applicants for employment in New York, interns
                                         in New York, whether paid or unpaid, contractors in New York and persons conducting business,
                                         regardless of immigration status, with the Company in New York. In the remainder of this
                                         document, the term “employees” refers to this collective group. The Company
                                         also maintains a separate general harassment policy, entitled “Harassment,
                                         Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Policy,” prohibiting
                                         all forms of harassment and discrimination based on any characteristic protected by applicable
                                         federal, state or local law, and which applies to all employees of the Company. This
                                         Policy is designed to supplement the Company’s Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation
                                         Prevention Policy as to the Company’s prohibition on sexual harassment for those
                                         individuals subject to this policy only. To the extent there is any conflict between
                                         this policy and the Company’s Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention
                                         Policy, this policy will control over the Company’s Harassment, Discrimination
                                         and Retaliation Prevention Policy as to those individuals subject to this policy.

 

		2.	Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Any employee
                                         or individual covered by this policy who engages in sexual harassment or retaliation
                                         will be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action (e.g., counseling, suspension,
                                         termination).

 

		3.	Retaliation Prohibition:
                                         No person covered by this Policy shall be subject to
                                         adverse action because they report an incident of sexual harassment, provides information,
                                         or otherwise assists in any investigation of a sexual harassment complaint. The Company
                                         will not tolerate such retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports or provides
                                         information about suspected sexual harassment. Any employee of the Company who retaliates
                                         against anyone involved in a sexual harassment investigation will be subjected to disciplinary

 

__________

1 While this policy
specifically addresses sexual harassment, harassment because of and discrimination against persons of all protected classes is
prohibited. In New York State, such classes include age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status,
sex, disability, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity and criminal history. See the Company’s
Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Policy or contact the Human Resources for more information.action, up to
and including termination. All employees, paid or unpaid interns, or non-employees2 working in the workplace who believe
they have been subject to such retaliation should inform a supervisor, manager, or the Company’s Director of Human Resources.
All employees, paid or unpaid interns or non-employees who believe they have been a target of such retaliation may also seek relief
in other available forums, as explained below in the section on Legal Protections.

 

 

    	 	24	 

     

    

 

		4.	Sexual harassment is offensive, is a violation of our policies, is unlawful, and may subject the Company to liability for harm
to targets of sexual harassment. Harassers may also be individually subject to liability. Employees of every level who engage in
sexual harassment, including managers and supervisors who engage in sexual harassment or who allow such behavior to continue, will
be penalized for such misconduct.

 

		5.	The Company will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation that ensures due process for all parties, whenever management
receives a complaint about sexual harassment, or otherwise knows of possible sexual harassment occurring. The Company will keep
the investigation confidential to the extent possible. Effective corrective action will be taken whenever sexual harassment is
found to have occurred. All employees, including managers and supervisors, are required to cooperate with any internal investigation
of sexual harassment.

 

		6.	All employees are encouraged to report any harassment or behaviors that violate this policy. The Company will provide all employees
a complaint form for employees to report harassment and file complaints.

 

		7.	Managers and supervisors are required to report any complaint
                                         that they receive, or any harassment that they observe or become aware of, to the Director
                                         of Human Resources.

 

		8.	This policy applies to all employees, paid or unpaid interns, and non-employees in New York and all must follow and uphold
this policy. This policy must be provided to all New York employees and should be posted prominently in all work locations to the
extent practicable (for example, in a main office, not an offsite work location) and be provided to New York employees upon hiring.

 

What Is “Sexual Harassment”?

 

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination
and is unlawful under federal, state, and (where applicable) local law. Sexual harassment includes harassment on the basis of sex,
sexual orientation, self-identified or perceived sex, gender expression, gender identity and the status of being transgender.

 

__________

2 A non-employee is
someone who is (or is employed by) a contractor, subcontractor, vendor, consultant, or anyone providing services in the workplace.
Protected non-employees include persons commonly referred to as independent contractors, “gig” workers and temporary
workers. Also included are persons providing equipment repair, cleaning services or any other services provided pursuant to a
contract with the employer.

 

 

    	 	25	 

     

    

 

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome conduct
which is either of a sexual nature, or which is directed at an individual because of that individual’s sex when:

 

		·	Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering
with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, even if the reporting
individual is not the intended target of the sexual harassment;

 

		·	Such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition
of employment; or

 

		·	Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for
employment decisions affecting an individual’s employment.

 

A sexually harassing hostile work environment
includes, but is not limited to, words, signs, jokes, pranks, intimidation or physical violence which are of a sexual nature, or
which are directed at an individual because of that individual’s sex. Sexual harassment also consists of any unwanted verbal
or physical advances, sexually explicit derogatory statements or sexually discriminatory remarks made by someone which are offensive
or objectionable to the

 

recipient, which cause the recipient discomfort or humiliation,
which interfere with the recipient’s job performance.

 

Sexual harassment also occurs when a person
in authority tries to trade job benefits for sexual favors. This can include hiring, promotion, continued employment or any other
terms, conditions or privileges of employment. This is also called “quid pro quo” harassment.

 

Any employee who feels harassed should complain
so that any violation of this policy can be corrected promptly. Any harassing conduct, even a single incident, can be addressed
under this policy.

 

Examples of sexual harassment

 

The following describes some of the types
of acts that may be unlawful sexual harassment and that are strictly prohibited:

 

		·	Physical acts of a sexual nature, such as:

 

		o	Touching, pinching, patting, kissing, hugging, grabbing, brushing against another employee’s body or poking another employee’s
body;

 

		o	Rape, sexual battery, molestation or attempts to commit these assaults.

 

		·	Unwanted sexual advances or propositions, such as:

 

		o	Requests for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning the target’s job performance evaluation,
a promotion or other job benefits or detriments;

 

		o	Subtle or obvious pressure for unwelcome sexual activities.

 

		·	Sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks or jokes, or comments
about a person’s

 

sexuality or sexual experience, which create a hostile work
environment.

 

		·	Sex stereotyping occurs when conduct or personality traits are considered
inappropriate simply because they may not conform to other people's ideas or perceptions about how individuals of a particular
sex should act or look.

 

		·	Sexual or discriminatory displays or publications anywhere in the
workplace, such as:

 

 

 

    	 	26	 

     

    

 

		o	Displaying pictures, posters, calendars, graffiti, objects, promotional material, reading materials or other materials that
are sexually demeaning or

 

pornographic. This includes such sexual displays on workplace
computers or cell phones and sharing such displays while in the workplace.

 

		·	Hostile actions taken against an individual because of that individual’s
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and the status of being transgender, such as:

 

		o	Interfering with, destroying or damaging a person’s workstation, tools or equipment, or otherwise interfering with the
individual’s ability to perform the job;

 

		o	Sabotaging an individual’s work;

 

		o	Bullying, yelling, name-calling.

 

Who can be a target of sexual harassment? 

 

Sexual harassment can occur between any
individuals, regardless of their sex or gender. New York Law protects employees, paid or unpaid interns, and non-employees, including
independent contractors, and those employed by companies contracting to provide services in the workplace.

 

Harassers can be a superior, a subordinate,
a coworker or anyone in the workplace including an independent contractor, contract worker, vendor, client, customer or visitor.

 

Where can sexual harassment occur?

 

Unlawful sexual harassment is not limited
to the physical workplace itself. It can occur while employees are traveling for business or at employer sponsored events or parties.
Calls, texts, emails, and social media usage by employees can constitute unlawful workplace harassment, even if they occur away
from the workplace premises, on personal devices or during non-work hours.

 

Retaliation

 

Unlawful retaliation can be any action that
could discourage a worker from coming forward to make or support a sexual harassment claim. Adverse action need not be job-related
or occur in the workplace to constitute unlawful retaliation (e.g., threats of physical violence outside of work hours).

 

Such retaliation is unlawful under federal,
state, and (where applicable) local law. The New York State Human Rights Law protects any individual who has engaged in “protected
activity.” Protected activity occurs when a person has:

 

		·	made a complaint of sexual harassment, either internally or with any
anti-discrimination agency;

 

		·	testified or assisted in a proceeding
involving sexual harassment under the Human Rights Law or other anti-discrimination law;

 

		·	opposed sexual harassment by making a
verbal or informal complaint to management, or by simply informing a supervisor or manager of harassment;

 

		·	reported that another employee has been
sexually harassed; or

 

 

 

    	 	27	 

     

    

 

		·	encouraged a fellow employee to report
harassment.

 

Even if the alleged harassment does not
turn out to rise to the level of a violation of law, the individual is protected from retaliation if the person had a good faith
belief that the practices were unlawful. However, the retaliation provision is not intended to protect persons making intentionally
false charges of harassment.

 

Reporting Sexual Harassment

 

Preventing sexual harassment is everyone’s
responsibility. The Company cannot prevent or remedy sexual harassment unless it knows about it. Any employee, paid or unpaid
intern or non-employee who has been subjected to behavior that may constitute sexual harassment is encouraged to report such behavior
to a supervisor, manager or the Director of Human Resources. Anyone who witnesses or becomes aware of potential instances of sexual
harassment should report such behavior to a supervisor, manager or the Director of Human Resources.

 

Reports of sexual harassment
may be made verbally or in writing. A form for submission of a written complaint is attached to this Policy, and all employees
are encouraged to use this complaint form. Employees who are reporting sexual harassment on behalf of other employees should use
the complaint form and note that it is on another employee’s behalf.

 

Employees, paid or
unpaid interns or non-employees who believe they have been a target of sexual harassment may also seek assistance in other available
forums, as explained below in the section on Legal Protections.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

 

All supervisors and managers who receive
a complaint or information about suspected sexual harassment, observe what may be sexually harassing behavior or for any reason
suspect that

 

sexual harassment is occurring, are required to report such
suspected sexual harassment to the Director of Human Resources.

 

In addition to being subject to discipline
if they engaged in sexually harassing conduct themselves, supervisors and managers will be subject to discipline for failing to
report suspected sexual harassment or otherwise knowingly allowing sexual harassment to continue.

 

Supervisors and managers will also be subject to discipline
for engaging in any retaliation.

 

Complaint and Investigation of Sexual
Harassment

 

All complaints or information about
sexual harassment will be investigated, whether that information was reported in verbal or written form. Investigations will be
conducted in a timely manner, and will be confidential to the extent possible.

 

An investigation of any complaint, information
or knowledge of suspected sexual harassment will be prompt and thorough, commenced immediately and completed as soon as possible.
The investigation will be kept confidential to the extent possible. All persons involved, including complainants, witnesses and
alleged harassers will be accorded due process, as outlined below, to protect their rights to a fair and impartial investigation.

 

Any employee may be required to cooperate
as needed in an investigation of suspected sexual harassment. The Company will not tolerate retaliation against employees who file
complaints, support another’s complaint or participate in an investigation regarding a violation of this policy.

 

 

 

    	 	28	 

     

    

 

While the process may vary from case to
case, investigations should be done in accordance with the following steps:

 

		·	Upon receipt of a complaint, the Director of Human Resources or their
designee will conduct an immediate review of the allegations, and take any interim actions (e.g., instructing the respondent to
refrain from communications with the complainant), as appropriate. If the complaint is verbal, the Director of Human Resources
will encourage the individual to complete the “Complaint Form” in writing. If he or she refuses, the Director of Human
Resources will prepare a Complaint Form based on the verbal reporting.

 

		·	If documents, emails or phone records are relevant to the investigation,
take steps to obtain and preserve them.

 

		·	Request and review all relevant documents, including all electronic
communications.

 

		·	Interview all parties involved, including any relevant witnesses.

 

		·	Create a written documentation of the investigation (such as a letter,
memo or email), which contains the following:

 

		o	A list of all documents reviewed, along with a detailed summary of relevant documents;

 

		o	A list of names of those interviewed, along with a detailed summary of their statements;

 

		o	A timeline of events;

 

		o	A summary of prior relevant incidents, reported or unreported; and

 

		o	The basis for the decision and final resolution of the complaint, together with any corrective action(s).

 

		·	Keep the written documentation and associated documents in a secure
and confidential location.

 

		·	Promptly notify the individual who reported and the individual(s)
about whom the complaint was made of the final determination and implement any corrective actions identified in the written document.

 

		·	Inform the individual who reported of the right to file a complaint
or charge externally as outlined in the next section.

 

Legal Protections And External Remedies

 

Sexual harassment is not only prohibited
by the Company, but is also prohibited by state, federal, and, where applicable, local law.

 

Aside from the internal process at the Company,
employees may also choose to pursue legal remedies with the following governmental entities. While a private attorney is not required
to file a complaint with a governmental agency, you may seek the legal advice of an attorney.

 

In addition to those outlined below, employees
in certain industries may have additional legal protections.

 

New York State Human Rights Law (HRL)

 

The Human Rights Law (HRL), codified as
N.Y. Executive Law, art. 15, § 290 et seq., applies to all employers in New York State with regard to sexual harassment, and
protects employees, paid or unpaid interns and non-employees, regardless of immigration status. A complaint alleging violation
of the Human Rights Law may be filed either with the Division of Human Rights (DHR) or in New York State Supreme Court.

 

Complaints with DHR may be filed any time
within one year of the harassment. If an individual did not file at DHR, they can sue directly in state court under the
HRL, within three years of the alleged sexual harassment. An individual may not file with DHR if they have already filed
a HRL complaint in state court.

 

 

 

    	 	29	 

     

    

 

Complaining internally to the Company, including
the Director of Human Resources, does not extend your time to file with DHR or in court. The one year or three years is counted
from date of the most recent incident of harassment.

 

You do not need an attorney to file a complaint
with DHR, and there is no cost to file with DHR.

 

DHR will investigate your complaint and
determine whether there is probable cause to believe that sexual harassment has occurred. Probable cause cases are forwarded to
a public hearing before an administrative law judge. If sexual harassment is found after a hearing, DHR has the power to award
relief, which varies but may include requiring your employer to take action to stop the harassment, or redress the damage caused,
including paying of monetary damages, attorney’s fees and civil fines.

 

DHR’s main office contact information
is: NYS Division of Human Rights, One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor, Bronx, New York 10458. You may call (718) 741-8400 or visit:
www.dhr.ny.gov,

 

Contact DHR at (888) 392-3644 or visit dhr.ny.gov/complaint
for more information about filing a complaint. The website has a complaint form that can be downloaded, filled out, notarized and
mailed to DHR. The website also contains contact information for DHR’s regional offices across New York State.

 

Civil Rights Act of 1964

 

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) enforces federal antidiscrimination laws, including Title VII of the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act (codified
as 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.). An individual can file a complaint with the EEOC anytime within 300 days from the harassment.
There is no cost to file a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate the complaint, and determine whether there is reasonable
cause to believe that discrimination has occurred, at which point the EEOC will issue a Right to Sue letter permitting the individual
to file a complaint in federal court.

 

The EEOC does not hold hearings or award
relief, but may take other action including pursuing cases in federal court on behalf of complaining parties. Federal courts may
award remedies if discrimination is found to have occurred. In general, private employers must have at least 15 employees to come
within the jurisdiction of the EEOC.

 

An employee alleging discrimination at work
can file a “Charge of Discrimination.” The EEOC has district, area, and field offices where complaints can be filed.
Contact the EEOC by calling 1-800-669- 4000 (TTY: 1-800-669-6820), visiting their website at www.eeoc.gov or via email at info@eeoc.gov,

 

If an individual filed an administrative
complaint with DHR, DHR will file the complaint with the EEOC to preserve the right to proceed in federal court.

 

Local Protections

 

Many localities, including New York City,
enforce laws protecting individuals from sexual harassment and discrimination. An individual should contact the county, city or
town in which they live to find out if such a law exists. For example, employees who work in New York City may file complaints
of sexual harassment with the New York City Commission on Human Rights. Contact their main office at Law Enforcement Bureau of
the NYC Commission on Human Rights, 40 Rector Street, 10th Floor, New York, New York; call 311 or (212) 306-7450; or visit www.nyc.gov/html/cchr/html/home/home.shtml.

 

Contact the Local Police Department

 

If the harassment involves unwanted physical
touching, coerced physical confinement or coerced sex acts, the conduct may constitute a crime. Contact the local police department.

 

 

 

    	 	30	 

     

    

 

HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION PREVENTION POLICY

 

Acacia Research Corporation (the “Company”)
is committed to providing a workplace free of sexual harassment and discrimination (which includes harassment or discrimination
based on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions) as well as unlawful harassment and discrimination
based on such factors as race, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, family status,
national origin (including language use restrictions), ancestry, age for individuals over forty years of age, physical disability
(including HIV/AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer), genetic information, genetic condition, genetic
characteristics, actual or perceived marital status, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity,
gender expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, consumer credit history, caregiver status,
unemployment status, arrest records and conviction status under certain circumstances to the extent required by applicable law,
sexual and reproductive health decisions, military and veteran status, denial or use of family and medical care leave, and any
other factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local law. Discrimination and harassment are also prohibited on the basis of a
perception that a person has any of the above characteristics, or that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived
to have, any of the above characteristics. The Company strongly disapproves of and will not tolerate any form or unlawful harassment
or discrimination, including against employees or applicants by managers, supervisors, or co-workers, as well as by third parties
in the workplace or with whom the employee comes into contact in connection with their employment.

 

This policy applies to all Company employees,
paid or unpaid interns, volunteers, and any other persons providing services to the Company pursuant to a contract. The Company
also maintains a separate policy prohibiting sexual harassment, entitled “Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy, New York
Employees,” that supplements this policy and that applies only to all employees, paid or unpaid interns, volunteers,
contractors and any other persons providing services to or conducting business with the Company in New York. To the extent there
is any conflict between this policy and the Company’s Sexual Harassment Policy, New York Employees, the Sexual Harassment
Policy, New York Employees will control over this policy as to those individuals subject to that policy.

 

Harassment includes verbal, physical, and
visual conduct, as well as communication through electronic media of any type, that creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile
working environment or interferes with work performance. Such conduct constitutes harassment when (1) submission to the conduct
is made either an explicit or implicit condition of employment; (2) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis
for an employment decision; or (3) the harassment interferes with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating,
hostile or offensive work environment. Harassing conduct can take many forms and includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes,
statements, gestures, pictures, or cartoons regarding an employee’s sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, physical
disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, or other
protected status.

 

Sexually harassing conduct in particular
includes all of these prohibited actions as well as other unwelcome conduct such as requests for sexual favors, unwelcome sexual
advances, verbal conduct of a sexual nature (like name calling, suggestive comments, or lewd talk) or physical

 

conduct (including assault, unwanted touching, intentionally
blocking normal movement or interfering with work because of sex or any other protected basis). An employee who unlawfully harasses
a co-worker may be personally liable for the harassment.

 

If you believe you or a co-worker has been
subjected to any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, you should immediately contact your
supervisor or report the issue directly to the Director of Human Resources, either orally or in writing. A manager or supervisor
who learns of any misconduct which may be in violation of this policy or learns of an employee’s complaint or concern about
a possible violation of this policy must immediately report the issue to the Company’s Director of Human Resources.

 

Upon receipt of any complaint, the Company
will immediately undertake a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation conducted by qualified personnel, preserving confidentiality
to the extent possible. All complaints under this policy will receive a timely response, documentation and tracking of progress,
and timely closure. The investigation will provide all parties appropriate due process and reach reasonable conclusions based on
the evidence collected, as well as determine appropriate options for remedial action to resolve the situation. If at the end of
the investigation misconduct is found, the Company will take appropriate remedial measures. If you have a complaint being investigated
under this policy, you can find out about the progress of the investigation by contacting the Director of Human Resources.

 

 

 

    	 	31	 

     

    

 

Retaliation against Company employees or
any other person for the good faith reporting of possible acts or incidents of discrimination or harassment, as well as for participating
in any workplace investigation, will not be tolerated. If you believe you or a co-worker has been subjected to any form of unlawful
retaliation, you should immediately contact your supervisor or the Director of Human Resources, either orally or in writing. Upon
receipt of a retaliation complaint, the Company will undertake an investigation consistent with the provisions of this policy.
Company employees shown to have engaged in such retaliation will be disciplined, up to and including discharge.

 

Sexual harassment and retaliation for opposing
sexual harassment or participating in investigations of sexual harassment are illegal. In addition to notifying the Company about
discrimination, harassment or retaliation complaints, affected employees may also direct their complaints to the federal, state
and/or local agencies with responsibility for enforcing laws related to harassment, discrimination or retaliation, such as the
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), New York State Division of Human Rights, or any of the local offices
of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

 

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, New York State Division of Human Rights and other agencies are authorized
to accept and investigate complaints of employment discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation, and to mediate settlements. Certain
agencies, such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission (FEHC), have authority to issue accusations against employers,
conduct formal hearings, and award reinstatement, back pay, damages, and other affirmative relief. State and federal law also prohibit
retaliation against employees because they have filed a complaint with the EEOC, New York State Division of Human Rights, DFEH
or other state agencies, participated in an

 

investigation, proceeding, or hearing with such agencies, or
opposed any practice made unlawful by applicable state or federal law.

 

The deadline for filing complaints with
the DFEH or New York State Division of Human Rights is one (1) year from the date of the alleged unlawful conduct. You can contact
the nearest DFEH office or the FEHC at the locations listed in the Company’s DFEH poster or by checking the state government
listings online or in the local telephone directory. The New York State Division of Human Rights main office contact information
is: NYS Division of Human Rights, One Fordman Plaza, Fourth Floor, Bronx, New York 10458, (718) 741-8400, www.dhr.ny.gov,

 

Additional information regarding governmental
agencies responsible for accepting complaints and addressing issues related to harassment, discrimination or retaliation for Company
employees in New York is included in the Company’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy, New York Employees,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	32	 

     

    

 

EXHIBIT C

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICER STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

 

See attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	33

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